“Zugabe!”
The cry pierced the air. The crowd’s rowdy stomps and applause became a tidal wave of sound rushing over her.
She stood, held the edge of the piano, and bowed. She took two steps to the right, bowed again, and turned around. Melaniewas at her elbow immediately and offered her a glass of water as they walked offstage.
The roar of the crowd’s applause, their cries for an encore, continued for two minutes and then shifted into a roar of conversation, footsteps, and rustling of clothing.
“Whatever spurred you on this evening, my friend, keep at it,” Melanie gushed. “I mean ... wow. You had everyone entranced.”
But Chaisley shook her head. The applause was wonderful, but she couldn’t escape her thoughts about the Nazis’ goals. “I played for all of those who are helpless against what is coming. I’m still not sure how God is calling me to help, but—”
Melanie’s insistent poking in the side stopped her short.
“I’m sure Almighty God will use your talent for His purpose.”
Rick. How much had he overheard?
“The fact that you are a willing vessel is huge, Miss Frappier.”
In the overflow of her adrenaline as she’d walked offstage, she hadn’t paid attention to the sounds of anyone other than Mel. A costly mistake. While Rick’s words sounded sincere, she hadn’t been tuned in to listen. Her guard had been down. Had he overheard everything she said? Was he now saying only what he thought she wanted to hear?
With her faculties now tuned in to his presence, she swallowed and took several sips of water. Might as well push to see where the man really stood. These were not times of easy trust and she couldn’t bear the thought that she would put anyone in danger. “How do you see this playing out for the Lord’s will, Mr. Zimmerman?”
He didn’t answer right away, and the sounds in the auditorium and from backstage kept her from hearing his breathing or any other slight movement.
Melanie squeezed her elbow. Her friend seemed strong and unafraid. Had she and Rick spoken?
“I am in awe of your talent, Miss Frappier. I’ve never heard a pianist with such skill, such passion.”
There was no guile, no dishonesty, no empty flattery. She took another sip and raised her eyebrows in his direction. “While you didn’t answer the question, I’m going to pose a new one. Are you a believer, Rick?” She hesitated using his given name, but perhaps God had placed him in her path for a reason. If so, she wanted to know thatnow.
“I am.” His response was short and to the point. No hesitation in his voice. Either he was telling the truth or he was a masterful liar, honing his skills since he now knew her listening skills were sharper than most.
Melanie patted her arm and moved closer. “We would love to hear more about that this evening, Mr. Zimmerman. That is, if you are willing?”
“I am.” Again, nothing but warmth and honesty.
“Good. Because I really should get Miss Frappier a few moments alone so she can mentally prepare for the rest of the concert.” Melanie tugged at her arm.
“Of course. I’ll wait right here. Let me know if there is anything I can do to be of assistance.”
“Thank you.” Chaisley followed Melanie’s guiding arm to the dressing room she’d warmed up in earlier that evening. Once the door was clicked shut behind her, she let out a long breath. “Thank goodness he’s a man of faith. At least he claims to be.”
“What did you hear in his voice?” Melanie eased her down into a chair and pulled another close and sat so that their knees were touching. “Can we trust him? Iwantto trust him from what I see, but you are a much better judge of character.” The huff she released held exasperation. “How sad that we live in a time where we don’t know who we can trust! What has this world come to?”
Chaisley reached forward and patted her friend’s knee. “I was just thinking the same thing. But you are right to keep your guard up. What I hear from him is trustworthy. Right now, at least. The more time we spend with him, the more we can ascertain.” Shetook several more sips of cool water and a long, deep breath. “Grandmother had someone watching him at her house. He was very helpful and easygoing with everyone there. But he did leave several times, and he sent a telegram.”
“Does she know where it went?”
“London. But I think it’s wise to reserve judgment.” Chaisley pursed her lips and pinched the bridge of her nose. “The fact that he jumped into a conversation about God is encouraging.”
Melanie bumped knees with her. “We certainly know that Hitler doesn’t believe in an Almighty God or His will. Nor would the man’s followers.”
“I’ve already confronted Rick about aligning with the Nazis. He told me he did not.”
“You believe him?”
Chaisley chewed on that for a moment. “I do. But until we know forcertainthat he can be trusted, we should continue to speak in French when we need to speak privately.”
