“How is he?” Bruno asked.
“Well,” Haber said. “With government contracts, Wahler Farbwerke is becoming a large company. Your family will be quite wealthy after the war.”
Bruno nodded, attempting to recall the last letter he’d received from either of his parents or his half-brother, Julius. He took a drink of wine, attempting to wash away his disappointment from their lack of communication. “How is your wife, Clara?” he asked, eager to change the topic of conversation.
“Dead,” Haber said.
Bruno straightened his back. “I’m sorry. When did it happen?”
“Last year,” Haber said.
Otto lowered his eyes.
“My condolences, sir,” Bruno said. “If I had known I would have—”
“She wasn’t well,” Haber said abruptly.
Bruno nodded. The room turned silent, and Otto changed the subject to the production of phosgene shells. For the next twenty minutes, they avoided topics of personal matters and only discussed plans for the German Empire to win the escalating chemical warfare race.
Haber finished his wine and stood. “I have a train to catch, but Otto will remain in Lille for a few days to help you get started on your assignment.”
Bruno stood and shook Haber’s hand.
“Good luck to you.” Haber put his cap on his head and left the room. Seconds later, the front door opened and closed.
Otto poured wine into his glass.
“Did I do something to offend him?” Bruno asked.
“Nein, he was scheduled to leave. But in the future, I recommend not to inquire about his wife.” Otto took a sip of wine. “Clara committed suicide.”
Bruno’s eyes widened.
“Haber doesn’t like to talk about it. There are rumors that she was depressed from Haber’s work with chemical warfare. When she learned of the gas attack in Ypres, which killed many thousands, she committed suicide.”
“Oh, God,” Bruno said.
“She shot herself in the heart with Haber’s service revolver. Their twelve-year-old son found her.”
Bruno’s breath stalled in his lungs.
“Let’s not speak of this again.” Otto drained his drink and placed the glass on the table. “Celeste will show you to your room. I think you’ll find the accommodations of this officers’ boardinghouse to be far nicer than the old factory barracks. Once you are settled in, I’ll show you the supply depot, and then we’ll go to the officers’ casino.”
Bruno nodded.
Otto patted Bruno on the shoulder and left for his room.
Bruno slumped in his chair and lowered his head into his hands.What will Anna do when she learns of what I’ve done? What will she think of my family’s role in the war?His heart ached with regret, and he wished there was something he could do to change the past.
Celeste entered the parlor. “May I show you to your room?”
Bruno raised his head and nodded. He stood and reached, his hand trembling, for his leather case.
“Are you all right,monsieur?”
“Ja,” Bruno lied.
Celeste gently took the case from his hand. “You’ll feel better after some rest.”
