Maybe even fatal.
----------------------------
Four hours later, she’d performed and then endured Hitler’s long-winded speech about the best of the best and the pride of Germany.He even went so far as to explain to the entire audience that she was born perfect and was ofsuperiorGerman lineage. Her injuries were the cause of an accident and were the proof that people of thesuperiorrace were better than everyone else. Look what she had overcome, and look at how her talent was incomparable.
It sickened her. But as the roar of the crowd grew with everysuperior, she kept a smile pasted in place and resolved that she would not let this man win. No matter what she had to do.
When Melanie and Rick finally escorted her offstage to the dressing room, Chaisley vomited. Ten showers wouldn’t wash away how disgusting it was to be in Adolf Hitler’s presence.
The man emanated pure evil.
Melanie lifted the wet towel from her neck. “We need to get back to the hotel as soon as possible. I can’t stand to be here.”
“Me neither.”
“I’ll go get the car.” Rick didn’t sound too happy either. And why would he be? The entire evening had kept them all on edge. “Will you be okay here by yourselves? We could always walk out together.”
“It’ll be fine. I can help Chaisley change, and we’ll be out in a jiffy.” Mel wiped down Chaisley’s face again. “I’m so sorry about all this. I wish I could fix it.”
As the door opened and closed, Chaisley slumped in her chair. “That first time I played with him in the audience, I’d been so arrogant to think that I could do something big to stop him. Now that—”
Slam!
Was that the door busted open?
“Give me your bag. It must be searched before you leave here.”
Who on earth? That forceful, arrogant voice had to belong to a Nazi.
Melanie stomped over toward the voice. “Excuse me, but you havenoright to be in here.”
“I am a Nazi officer with orders. You will do as I say!”
Shuffling. Then more footsteps.
“Howdareyou? Get your hands off me!” No fear in Melanie’s tone, only rage.
Smack!
Had Mel slapped him?
“Get out of my way, woman.” The man hissed the command. Hadhehit Melanie?
It sounded like he was turning over furniture as he stormed toward Chaisley. “Is this all you have with you?”
“She’s a concert pianist. It’s hermusic,you fool.”
Chaisley restrained a full-on laugh. Melanie had become a roaring lion!
Papers rustled as he apparently dug in Chaisley’s bag.
Her breath hitched, but she willed herself to stay cal—
Oh no!She’d left a partially composed letter to Grandmother in that bag! It gave details about the last group of children they’d rescued. It was in braille code, but ... what if ...? Bounding to her feet, she placed her hands on her hips. “I demand that you return my music to me at once. I will speak to Herr Hitler about this intrusion! Your behavior is atrocious.”
Her bag was shoved into her hands. “You don’t fool me, pianist. We know you’re up to something. My superior works for the Führer, and he doesn’t trust you. So neither do I!” Quick stomps and then the door slammed.
“We’ve got to get out of here,now!” Melanie grabbed her hand and dragged her out the door.
