Chaisley kept her head bowed and waited for the steps to stop. Then she lifted her chin, every inch the famous pianist. She was the best. Adolf Hitler always wanted the best.
The reminders kept resonating in her brain.
Rumbles of applause still echoed across the room, and the steps halted to her left with a click—his heels snapping together?
“Fräulein.”
She bowed again. “Führer Hitler.”
“Your mastery was brilliant. Thank you for coming to Austria, the land of my birth, and blessing us with your talent.”
“Thank you.” She raised her chin and nodded. Tried to portray the proud artist he wished to see. “It has been my pleasure.”
“I greatly appreciate your chosen piece for the finale in acknowledgment of me.”
“You are most welcome.” It was impossible to breathe with him so close.
He cleared his throat and sniffed. “We want to show the world the superior quality we aim for here in Deutschland. I want thefinest, Fräulein. And you are that. How grateful you must be for your German blood.”
Dipping her head once, Chaisley gritted her teeth. Would he keep her here on display all night? When she was playing, the thought of thousands of eyes on her didn’t matter. But without the security of her instrument, Chaisley felt exposed. The urge to shrink back was overwhelming.
Give me strength, Jesus. I need Your courage.Straightening her shoulders, she offered a smile and lifted her chin. “I thank you for the honor of your compliment.” The words tasted like chalk on her tongue.
Another haughty sniff preceded his words. “I hope you will play for me again.”
Chaisley could imagine the man before her from the descriptions Melanie had given. But she replaced it with the picture she’d created in her mind to help her be confident in his presence.
A short, middle-aged man sprouted in her imagination. He was slightly balding, with thick jowls and a paunch belly. The urge to laugh was inappropriate. The situation was dangerous.Hewas dangerous. But she would not fear him. “Perhaps that could be arranged.”
“You have spirit.” It sounded like his lips were in a smile, but his tone had changed. “I have many visitors coming here as well who will appreciate a fine concert.”
“My schedule is quite full, but I’m sure we can discuss the details at a later date.”
“Indeed.”
She lowered her chin again and dropped into a slight curtsy. His commanding footsteps sounded close to her and then moved away, back toward the stairs.
“Deutschland’s own virtuoso. The finest in the world!” The Führer’s voice shouted to the crowd.
Thunderous applause sounded, and Chaisley bowed again, letting her smile brighten.
Adolf Hitler had just played into her hand.
“What did you just do?” Rick’s whispered words behind her sounded as though he spoke through clenched teeth.
Melanie gave her a tap on the elbow on her right side. “I was wondering the same thing.”
Chaisley bowed once more as the crowd continued to clap and cheer. She kept a smile pasted on her face as she turned around and walked with her two companions offstage. “I’ve left a door open in case we might need it.”
“I wish you would have discussed that with me first.” Was that hurt in Mel’s voice?
“What is it you two aren’t telling me?” Rick pulled on her left arm.
“Not here.” Chaisley kept her hand on Melanie. “Let’s discuss it in the car.”
Melanie led her to the dressing room, and she sat, taking in the quiet. Chaisley nodded toward her friend. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure I would make it.” Her hands shook almost as much as her voice.
“This is only the beginning, but I’ll be here every step of the way.”
