“Of course, Miss Frappier.”
“Thank you, Mr. Zimmerman.” She opened her car door. “Bastiaan—my grandmother’s butler—will tell you where to park the car and show you to your quarters.”
The butler scurried toward her door, holding it open as she exited, and slammed it shut when she was gone.
Rick watched her take measured steps to the massive oak front door, which was flung open to reveal Miss Brigman and an older woman with a cane. They embraced the pianist and all entered the manor house.
A sharp rap on his window startled his gaze away. The butler stared at him, his face dark with a fierce frown. Rick rolled down his window and opened his mouth to greet the man, but he was cut off.
“Continue on the drive and turn right at the curve of the road. Garage is on the right. I will meet you up there to unload the luggage and then I will show you to your room.”
Rick nodded and turned the key, the engine roaring to life.
So... the world didn’t know that their most famous musician was blind. Did the SIS know?
If so, what else had they not told him about the pianist?
chapter
Four
Amsterdam, Netherlands—Friday, March 25, 1938
Celestia made her way up the fourth flight of stairs to the attic space she’d prepared. The girls would join her shortly. Was she ready? The question resounded time and again in her head.
Once she was in the room, she put a pillow on the floor and knelt.
Heavenly Father, direct my words, my steps, my actions. I don’t wish to scare my granddaughter, but she needs to know. Melanie too. Her fear has been so great since her mother died. Give us all courage in the coming days. Please stop the atrocities. Stop the evil behind all this.
Tears burned her eyes. No person who had a family and loved them wanted to share news that was life-altering and potentially devastating. Nor would they want their family to have to live in this kind of world. But could one person—or even a handful of people—make a difference? If they were caught ... they would surely face the horrors whispered behind hands. Being made an example as a political prisoner would be horrendous. Being forced to labor in one of the camps made her shiver.
But wasn’t that what laying down one’s life meant in this day and age?
Footsteps approached so she pulled herself up to stand and lifted her shoulders. Fear wasn’t of the Lord.
Chaisley and Melanie entered.
“Please, close the door.” Celestia kept her voice soft and calm. But she wanted to blurt out everything all at once and send her granddaughter far away where she’d be out of danger.
Melanie did as she asked. “There’s a table in front of you and a chair to your left, Chaisley.”
Her granddaughter sat down, and Celestia stood in front of them. “I asked you up here because I don’t wish anyone else to hear.”
Chaisley leaned forward, her blue eyes steady. It had been two decades since Celestia had been able to look into her granddaughter’s eyes and find recognition. But God, in His infinite wisdom, had blessed them abundantly with a wonderful tutor who gave Chaisley the tools to navigate life. And now, her granddaughter’s talent had brought her around the world. An amazing accomplishment, but one that could put her in danger.
She would be in the spotlight as she traveled.
Hitler most assuredly already knew about her. Especially since she was touted as the best. He did love being at the top and surrounding himself with others at the same level. He would want her to play for him. That was a given.
Celestia drew a breath. “This last year, we’ve heard many murmurings, and we all knew that there was something below the surface... simmering. I haven’t wanted either of you to worry, but I have been working with a group of people preparing for the worst.”
Chaisley’s chin lifted. “The worst? You mean war? Dr. G spoke of this as well. It’s been quite unsettling.”
Celestia took her seat and shook her head. With her cane in front of her, she placed her hands atop it and braced for a long,hard conversation. “This is much more than war, my dearest.” She swallowed against the lump in her throat. “It has been so lovely the past few days to have you here and to catch up that I haven’t wanted to ruin it by going into the ugliness of the world’s affairs, but I cannot wait any longer.”
Chaisley’s hand reached forward and Celestia took it. “Grandmother, our time together has been wonderful, but before we retired last night, Melanie and I spoke. A sense of urgency is upon us both. I told you about the little blind girl and her mother. I want to help.”
Such a wise woman, her granddaughter. “I was ignorant to what was happening for too long. In fact, I’m ashamed to admit that I was so glad to be in my homeland that when I first heard rumors, I convinced myself it had to be gossip. It couldn’t truly be happening. Not here. But over time, I could no longer ignore the truth. What the Nazis are doing is shameful. It’s been going on for years, and Hitler has been in power for five. That’s too long in my opinion.”
