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‘We have time.’
‘Well, I left Germany in ’34 after my husband died.’
‘Viktor… is dead?’
‘You remember him, then.’
‘Of course I remember him. He was a delightful man – so wise and intelligent. I’m so sorry, Leila, that must have been terrible. What happened?’
Slowly Leila explained how Viktor had been imprisoned, died in captivity, and how she had got to England with her children. Peter took her hand. ‘I always admired you, Leila, but what you’ve been through…you’re incredible. I’m so glad you made it.’
‘I’ve been lucky, I suppose…apart from losing Viktor, of course. But I’ve got two marvellous children – and both my parents survived, which was a sort of miracle.’
‘And what are your plans now war is over?’ Peter asked. ‘Back to writing books?’
‘Sadly, no, but I will remain in journalism. In fact, I’ll be joining the army too. The Americans have asked me to go back to Germany.’
‘Doing what?’
‘De-Nazification. In other words, changing hearts and minds – soft propaganda, they call it. I’m heading up a new magazine aimed at Germans. I need to go over there to find out what the last few years have been like for women – the poverty, the rationing, how the propaganda affected them. It will involve a lot of travelling in the first instance. I must confess, it’s all a bit overwhelming.’
He smiled at her. ‘Well, if anyone can do it, you can. Oh, Leila, there’s so much to talk about. I hardly know where to start.’
‘How about what you’re up to, Peter – if that’s not top secret?’
‘Well, it’s not for public consumption, you understand, but as we seem to be working for the same outfit, I’ll tell you. I’m going back to Germany too – working with a group of interpreters and journalists who are investigating war crimes.’
‘That sounds interesting, if distressing.’
‘Yes, in fact, we’re already getting reports of the most awful things our troops have uncovered.’
‘In the concentration camps, you mean?’
‘Yes, that of course…but also in hospitals and other institutions, where mass murder appears to have been a routine event.’
Leila’s heart missed a beat. ‘What sort of institutions?’
‘Well, I shouldn’t really discuss it, but it seems there’s been an organised process of eugenics involving children’s homes, hospitals and mental institutions. When the American army arrived in Hesse back in February, they found evidence of the most appalling crimes…that’s all I can say right now. It’s one of the first projects I’ll be involved with – gathering information on the ground, and preparing a case for the lawyers.’
Leila paused, wondering if she should mention Minki. ‘In Hesse, you say. Do you recall the name of the hospital?’
‘I’m not sure, but I can find out – why?’
‘It’s a long story. You remember Minki, I suppose?’
At the mention of her name, Peter blushed. ‘Minki…how could I forget her? I adored her. Is she…alive?’
‘Yes, thank God. But she’s had a terrible time.’
‘Tell me.’
Over the next half hour, Leila related Minki’s story, ending with Clara’s death.
‘Clara died at this hospital in Hadamar. Hadamar is in Hesse. Now, it might just be a coincidence, but if you’re investigating crimes in that area, perhaps you could look into it? After what you’ve told me, she may not have died of fit, but actually been murdered. If there’s any evidence, perhaps you could find it.’
Peter shook his head in disbelief. ‘That’s awful. You know – we approach these things in such an intellectual fashion, but when it might have affected someone you know, suddenly it becomes…so tangible.’
‘Minki has shown such strength, Peter. Her husband Max committed suicide and she spent the rest of the war in Augsburg with her father.’ Leila leaned forward conspiratorially. ‘Between you and me, she also worked for the resistance. She was the person who got my parents out of Germany, in fact. I owe her so much.’
