Voices lowered—
Wait. What did she just say? He eased off the gas pedal so the engine sound would soften for a moment.
Something about... contacts...
His stomach dropped as a previous question barreled to the forefront of his mind.
Whowerethese women?
chapter
Five
Germany
If his mother could see him now. In his Nazi uniform. Polished boots. Rising through the ranks to work directly under theFührer.
Wouldn’t she be proud? Perhaps she wouldn’t have divorced his father and left had she known what was coming. He could have grown up with parents who loved each other and doted on him.
No matter. He gazed into the mirror to check that everything was perfect. Spotless. Herr Hitler had summoned him this morning, saying he was the perfect Aryan specimen. The perfect officer. The perfect example of a man loyal to the cause.
Maybe another promotion was coming.
After all, he had single-handedly rounded up those Polish Jews trying to start an uprising.
He smiled into the mirror, showing his white and straight teeth.
He deserved another promotion.
He would be loyal to the end. Because he believed.
Hitler would change the world, and he would be right by his side.
Belgium
“If there is any change in elevation whatsoever, even as tiny as half an inch, make sure you tell her. Give her specific directions left, right, forward, backward. If you can do it accurately, give her the turn in degrees if it’s not exactly ninety degrees. And give her an approximate distance from the next door or turn as in so many feet.” Melanie was pointing a finger at him, and he did his best to hold back his laughter. She reminded him of a teacher he had when he was a child.
“Meters okay? I know you British like feet, but I’m more familiar with meters.” Rick scribbled notes as fast as he could on a notepad while they sat in the car and ate their lunch. He glanced back at them. Was his cover holding?
Melanie nudged Chaisley just as she was about to speak.
Chaisley’s mouth snapped closed and then she nodded. “Yes, meters are fine. Just be clear which you’re using.”
Interesting. What was that about? “What else?” Rick shoved a bite of sandwich into his mouth and held his pencil at the ready.
“When we arrive at places, get as close to the curb as you can if there is one. It’s easier to navigate stepping directly onto the curb. It eliminates a stumbling hazard if you’re too close or too far away. When you open the door, whisper any directions she’ll need immediately. Then wait for her to place both feet on the ground before moving. She needs her balance.” Melanie took a slice of apple and bit into it. “Are you overwhelmed with all the information?”
Yes. But he would not let on for a moment. “Not a bit. I admit that I enjoy numbers and the preciseness of this little project.”
Chaisley laughed. And not just a little laugh, this was full-on laughter.
“What did I say?” He stared at Melanie in the mirror, but she had begun to laugh with her friend.
“I simply find it funny that you think of me as a project.”
Oh boy. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it in any way to be an insult.”
“Not at all.” Chaisley’s smile brightened the entire interior of the vehicle. “My Mum and Dad always had to give meprojectsto do when I was young, to keep me occupied. Especially while my father was having the music wing built. I pestered him over and over about that.”
