Five minutes later, he made it back to the car. He slid in, tossed his rucksack on the passenger seat, turned on the car, and headed back to the main highway to Berlin. When no lights flashed in his mirror and no German military vehicles came speeding up behind him, Rick released a long breath, and a smile turned up the corner of his lips.
Mission accomplished.
For tonight, anyway.
But it wouldn’t stop the Nazis for long.
So someone wasrescuingdisabled children and sending them away. The irony.
It was almost laughable. The Führerwantedto rid Germany of the infestation of the Jews and the inferiority of those who were a drain on society. This so-called rescue helped their cause. Let them take the little rats away.
Twice, he’d been informed of the border crossings. Twice, it had been after one of the pianist’s concerts in Berlin. And twice, it had been her driver with the disgusting little refugees.
It wasn’t that hard to put two and two together.
At this point, he didn’t care about those fleeing. Let them leave. It would make his job easier later.
But if Miss Chaisley Frappier—who’d played at the Führer’s request and been his guest—was involved... he would humiliate her, strip away her fame, and use her as an example for the future.
Soon the time would come to bring her to her knees. When all the world was watching.
The Führer would applaud him taking the initiative.
Once Hitler took over in Europe, they’d dispose of those unworthy of life properly. Preparations were already being made.
For now he had a different job to do.
But he’d be watching the pianist.
chapter
Fifteen
Paris, France—Monday, August 29, 1938
What used to be one of her favorite cities was now another reminder that Hitler was on the prowl. Chaisley had hoped for an escape, but no matter how much they tried for normal, reality followed them.
She sat in the auto listening to the sounds of the evening as she and Melanie waited for Dr. Grafton. Since they’d been here, they’d helped care and transport for more than fifty blind and deaf children. Some, their parents had abandoned. Some, their parents had been taken away. And some had been trying to live on their own for months.
Since she and Melanie were relatively safe in France, Rick had asked for a couple days off to take care of some of his SIS work. He’d said he didn’t want to put them in danger—which only meant that what he set out to do for the SISwasdangerous. It wasn’t her favorite idea, but they could manage. Melanie could drive. And Dr. G was bringing the children to them so they’d have his help as well.
Still, it didn’t feel right without Rick here.
What that said about her feelings for him was something she’dhave to examine at another time. The crunch of wheels on gravel reached her ears.
A car door shut, then footsteps. “It’s good to see you, Chais.” Dr. G’s rich voice through the open window calmed her insides.
She got out of the car and gave him a big hug. “It’s good to be seen.”
He released her but held her shoulders. “You look weary, my dear.”
“I fear this has taken a toll on me, but we must soldier on and do what we can.”
“Are you certain you are all right?” He was good at prodding.
“I’ll be fine. The work we are doing is more important.”
“Mmhm”—he cleared his throat—“when I see you again in a few days, we’re going to talk about it. Whether you like it or not.”
