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‘Yes, I love Granny and Grandpa, but I miss my room at home.’
‘I do understand darling, but I promise it will all be over soon.’
‘Will it really?’ Sofia asked doubtfully, her eyes filling with tears. ‘I’m just so frightened, Mutti. What if he doesn’t get out on Monday? Papa is old…he won’t like prison.’
Leila lay down on the mattress next to Sofia, and hugged her tight. ‘Papa might be older than me, but he’s also fit and strong. You mustn’t worry so. We’ll get him out. The lawyer is a clever man and the police have no reason to keep Papa in prison. You’ll see – it will be all right.’
Sofia appeared satisfied, and went off to join her brother, but Leila realised that if there was no good news on Monday, she would struggle to keep the children’s spirits up – and her own.
Finally, Monday morning came. Leila woke at dawn, and lay in her childhood bed watching the sun strengthen through the window. The children, thankfully, were sleeping peacefully. She tried to imagine how the day might unfold. Her fantasy ending involved Viktor running towards her, free at last. She thought of how they would celebrate that night – drinking champagne, eating well and making love. She smiled and looked down at her children. Perhaps not making love, then. But her optimism soon faded and hard reality set in. Leila knew Viktor’s chances of release were not good. And she had heard nothing from Minki since their phone call. If Goebbels couldn’t or wouldn’t help, all her hopes would have to be pinned on Adler getting Viktor out of prison.
She climbed silently out of bed, circumnavigating the sleeping children, and went into the sitting room. Through the large window that overlooked the street, she could see the rising sun glinting on the River Isar below. It was a beautiful sight, and so familiar: the swirl of the water, the handsome buildings on the opposite bank, the little boats and tugs chugging up and down the river. She loved it, and the city it carved in two. But as the sunlight grew stronger, she realised with total clarity that, if she were lucky enough to get Viktor out of prison, they must leave Germany immediately. There really was no other option. However much they loved Munich and their homeland, they would never be able to live their lives in safety while Hitler was in power. And if the last few days had clarified anything, it was that nothing mattered more than the safety of her husband and family.
In the kitchen, the family gathered for breakfast, but the children were sullen and silent.
‘I’ve made you hot chocolate, and cinnamon toast,’ said Leila cheerfully, laying the food on the table.
‘I’m not hungry,’ said Sofia, pushing the plate away.
‘I’ll have yours,’ said Axel.
Hannah, who was busy packing up the children’s school bags, glanced anxiously at Leila. ‘You must eat something, Sofia…you’ll be hungry later.’
The girl shook her head.
‘Well, if you’re not going to eat, you’d better get your coats on,’ said Hannah. ‘We have to leave for school in five minutes.’
Axel crammed the last piece of toast into his mouth, pulled his heavy school bag onto his back and went out into the hall, but Sofia lingered in the kitchen. She kissed her mother’s cheek. ‘He will get out today, won’t he, Mutti?’
‘Of course, darling. Now go to school and work hard.’
Once Hannah and the children had gone, Leila’s father got up from the breakfast table. ‘I really ought to open up the shop, but I hate to leave you. Will you be all right on your own?’
‘Yes of course. I’ll get on with some work.’
‘All right, if you’re sure.’ He put on his overcoat, and kissed his daughter on the forehead. ‘And try not to worry…things have a way of working out in the end.’
Leila washed the dishes and tidied their bedroom. Her instinct was to write, but with the paper shut she felt purposeless. Her thoughts turned to Minki. Why had she not rung? It suddenly occurred to her she may have sent a letter instead. She hurried down to the communal hall to check the postbox. To her delight there was a letter with a Berlin postmark, which had just been delivered. ‘At last,’ she thought. Eagerly she ripped it open, praying it contained good news.
Darling Leila,
I have been thinking of you constantly.
As promised, I spoke to Goebbels, but I’m afraid he simply refused to get involved. He insists it’s a police matter and he cannot interfere. In all honesty, I don’t know what more I can do.
It must seem inexplicable to you that I cannot make this problem go away, but things are not straightforward. Being close to the seat of power is not always an easy place to be.
I want to assure you thatI care for you both so much, but you must understand my position. Max is sure that Viktor will soon be released. It’s a ‘show of strength’, he told me, designed to intimidate, not destroy. He sends you both his best.
So stay strong my dear friend. I feel sure Viktor will be home soon.
Know that I am thinking of you and wish you well.
Your loving friend,
Minki
Leila threw the letter down on the floor in a fit of rage and despair. How could her friend have abandoned her? Gathering up the sheet of paper, she staggered back upstairs to the apartment. Inside she went straight to the kitchen, opened the waste bin, and tore Minki’s letter into tiny pieces, throwing them onto a pile of potato peelings. Her only hope now lay with Adler.
