Page 98 of Neighbors at War

‘What the—?’ Tony turned at the same time as Daphne, both registering Helen standing there, while the man ran to the back door desperate to escape. Tony took off after him.

‘I’m so sorry,’ she whispered, hating to have frightened the stranger. ‘I didn’t mean to.’

‘It’s fine, dear,’ Daphne soothed. ‘I doubt he’ll get far. He’s barely eaten for months, poor soul. Tony will bring him back. At least I hope he does before anyone spots them both.’

They waited patiently and were relieved when they returned. The man seemed less frightened and Helen gave what she hoped was a friendly smile.

‘I’m sorry I surprised you.’ She made sure to keep her tone gentle in case he didn’t understand her.

He stared at her silently.

‘Please,’ Daphne said, indicating the food he had left when he ran. ‘Eat.’

He tore his eyes from Helen and looked at Tony, who nodded.

Once he was seated, Tony sat opposite him. She and Daphne did the same.

‘We didn’t mean to shock you, Helen,’ Tony explained, his tone gentle. ‘This is Tomás.’ Hearing his name, the man looked up and gave her a brief nod before going on eating.

‘It doesn’t sound like a Russian name.’

‘Not all the forced workers are from there,’ Daphne explained. ‘Some, like Tomás, are political prisoners from the Spanish Civil War.’

‘That’s right,’ Tony said. ‘Some are Dutch, or Belgian, and from various other places.’

Helen looked at his ragged clothes. ‘We need to find something else for him to wear.’

‘I was saying as much when you joined us,’ Daphne said. ‘I still have some of my husband’s clothes in a trunk in the loft. I was wondering if you might seek them out for me before you go, Tony?’

‘I’d be happy to.’

Helen saw the relief in his face and realised he must have been concerned about Tomás’s clothes.

It dawned on her what her aunt had said. ‘You’re taking him tonight?’

Tony shook his head. ‘No, I⁠—’

‘Mummy?’

Concerned that Bobby had walked in and seen their visitor, Helen went to him. ‘What are you doing up? You’re supposed to be asleep,’ she said, trying to lead him away, but he tugged at her hand determined to stay. ‘I’m Bobby.’

The man put down what he was eating, and his mouth drew back into a gentle smile, showing rotting teeth interspersed with gaps. His face lit up, making him appear very different. He pointed at his chest. ‘Tomás.’

Bobby smiled at him. ‘Goodnight, Tomás.’

Helen led him away, her mind racing. What if Bobby mentioned seeing him in the kitchen? Then it occurred to her that he never saw anyone other than them and occasionally Peggy and Babs. Helen knew how secretive people needed to be. Maybe that was why Tony hadn’t confided in either of them about this.

She returned to the kitchen and listened as Tony explained why he had needed to bring the escapee to Daphne’s home. ‘I was supposed to take him to another safe house.’

‘Another?’ She turned to Daphne. ‘You mean, you’ve done this before?’

Daphne smiled. ‘Quite a few times, yes. And I hope you know that this isn’t something you should share with anyone, not even Ida and Babs Hamel, lovely as they are.’

‘Of course.’ Anxious about what would happen to Daphne, her and Bobby should they be caught with the man in the house, Helen struggled to push her fear to one side. These men had nowhere else to go and of course they must look after him. Helen gave Tony an apologetic look. ‘Please carry on.’

‘I’m aware how dangerous this is,’ Tony said. ‘And if I had anywhere else to take him I would.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Between you and me it was you tipping Peggy off in ’41 after you overheard those Jerries discussing an enforced worker that enabled me to put in place the first safe house to take Pawel to.’

‘Pawel?’