When Jacob came into view, the villagers eyed him suspiciously and edged away. The young woman, at first, looked past him with a peculiar air. He'd seen that look before, hopeless eyes staring out of a wounded soul. Though he'd never seen her, she appeared strangely familiar. Then it hit him. She reminded him of Geli. No wonder he found her appealing. The two women were about the same age or about the age Geli had been when she died. Unfortunately, this lovely girl looked right through him, and Jacob was no longer the young, love-struck boy who believed love conquered all. War had taught him differently, and he wasn't about to let his focus get tripped up by some appealing collaborator in a Parisian day dress. He continued to survey the villagers, searching for the Prefect.
As the townspeople repeatedly avoided him, Jacob could see his entire scheme to speak to the Prefect ending right there. The Nazi soldier left the castle door and drew closer. Jacob glanced around wildly for inspiration.
In one moment, the situation crystallized for Chloe. The odd looks from the villagers, the stranger's repeated attempts to catch their attention…he must be from the Resistance. No one else would be crazy enough to walk into a town under German occupation. Maybe a collaborator, but she was ready to take that chance. Chloe pasted a huge smile on her face and held out her hands in welcome.
"If you are Resistance, I'm your only hope," she muttered quickly.
A pair of lively brown eyes practically burned through her as the man stared back. She kissed him on the cheek, greeting him as if he were family.
He whispered his name. "Jacques Conran."
Chloe leaned forward to kiss his other cheek. "Cousin Jacques," she exclaimed loudly. "I'm so happy to see you!"
Remy walked up to join the group, and Chloe pointed. "Papan, look who's come for a visit. It's our cousin Jacques."
Remy caught on immediately and clapped Jacob on the back. "How are you, young man, and how is the family?"
When the soldier on duty came forward to get their names, they seemed completely at ease with one another. Thankfully, he couldn't hear the tumultuous beating of Jacob's heart.
The soldier checked off the names on his list, and the townspeople strolled into the castle or out toward the vineyards. When he reached Jacob, obviously, there was a problem.
"It's all right," began Chloe. "He's just here for a visit. This is my cousin, Jacques Conran. He can work in the vineyards with Papan, can't he, Papan?"
"Certainly. There is plenty of work for him."
They were trying to put the soldier at ease, so he wouldn't question their decision, but he wouldn't be put off so easily.
"Papers, please." He held out his hand in front of Jacob and waited.
Chloe's terrified eyes told Jacob what she'd risked to help him. He smiled at her as he reached into his vest pocket. He pulled out a neat packet of documents that identified him and gave him legal permission to travel. "Here you are."
The soldier offered them a desultory glance then added Jacob's name to the list of villagers working in the vineyards.
Chloe nodded. "I'll see you later, Papan…Jacques." She turned around and entered the castle.
Jacques instantly felt the loss of her presence but followed Remy into the fields. A soldier accompanied them, probably because the Colonel feared members of the Resistance creeping too close to town.
Remy went to the far end of the vineyard and began work on the vines. Very quietly, he told Jacques what to do so that it would appear he was familiar with the vineyard.
"Well, young man, it seems you've stepped into our troubles. Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"I believe you sent for me. Are you the Prefect?" Jacob asked as he trimmed back vines for their winter sleep.
"Yes. If I sent for you, where did you come from?"
"The Resistance in Lyon. I know it's been weeks, but we're dependent on supplies from England, and they couldn't get a plane to us before now. Have you suffered much?"
Remy almost choked at that question, but he was a man with pride and he knew that Frenchmen were dying everywhere. "No more than any other town under the occupation."
"That young woman is your daughter?"
Remy barely nodded. He wouldn't discuss the indignities his precious Chloe had endured.
"Why does she live in the chateau?"
"Because she's responsible for governing the needs of the soldiers. She's their nursemaid."
His lack of expression and the pain on Chloe's face gave Jacob an idea. "Is she a hostage?"
This time Remy paused to look up. "Yes."
"That will make my task more difficult."
"She won't get in your way."
"She will when I blow up the castle."
Both men stopped work to stare at one another. "Why on earth would you blow up the chateau?"
"I'm sorry, but it's fallen into the hands of the Nazis. The only way to secure the canal locks is to make sure the Nazis have no fortress to hide in. We've received word that the Nazis are about to take over the entire Unoccupied Zone. We have to do everything we can to make things difficult for them."
"Tell me, young man, is there any hope? Why should we keep fighting when the Germans keep pushing us back?"
"Monsieur, there's every reason to fight. We will win. We have the Americans on our side now." Jacob spoke passionately, eyes fixed on the worn face of the older man. "Don't lose hope."
Jacob watched the struggle across the man's face. Maybe he just needed someone from the outside who still believed in the fight for freedom.
Remy took a deep breath then nodded. "All right. Tell me what you need. My daughter will do anything she can to help you. She has good reason to hate the Germans."
Although Jacob had heard the words a hundred times, it felt like a knife going through his heart. He was a German, though a Jew. Would the young woman hate him as well?
"What's your daughter's name?"
"Chloe Fabius. What's yours?"
Jacob gazed into the sincere, open face of the man opposite him. He saw strength and resolve.
"Monsieur Fabius, no one has spoken my real name to me for years. My codename is Lion. My alias is Jacques Conran." Jacob faltered a moment. Why did he have the desire to tell this man his name? There wasn't one person in France who knew it. Yet the words came out of his mouth. "I'm a Jew…from Germany. My name is Jacob Cohen."
Respect lighted the old man's eyes. "Please…call me Remy. You know, you don't look like a Jew."
Jacob gave a humorless laugh. "That doesn't seem to matter to some people."
"Your secret is safe with me. The first day they were here, they killed my son. Then the Colonel took Chloe as his mistress. As long as we do what he says, everyone lives. She buys our freedom."
The knife turned once again in Jacob's stomach.
"I'm sorry." He sighed. "You didn't have to tell me."
"Neither did you. I suppose a man's name is a precious thing. Now, how can we help you destroy our town?"
Jacob grimaced. It sounded so heartless, hearing the prefect say it.
"I have to get in the castle. Can I be put on the work force inside?"
"It wouldn't look right. Unless we could think of something new for you to do?"
They remained silent a few moments as each tried to think of some new chore for the castle.
When a rat scurried across Jacob's foot, he jumped back. "What was that?"
"Just a field rat. They're harmless."
"It looked more like a squirrel. It was huge!"
"What's wrong? Do Germans not like rats?"
"Non, we don't." Jacob had a sudden idea. "How many could we catch?"
"As many as you like. But we have food for supper, if that's what you mean."
"Can the castle workers set the rats free near the Colonel's room?"
Remy rubbed his chin. "I suppose if they took the rats inside their lunch pails. Chloe could slip the workers some food during the day. Why do you want rats in the castle?"
"I've
got to get in the Colonel's office, and rats may be the only way inside. I'll be the town exterminator."
"All right," agreed Remy. "But the Colonel is no fool and extremely suspicious. You're asking us all to take a great risk."
"I see no other choice. I have a deadline."
"Then you'd best catch that rat."
Late that afternoon Remy and Jacob walked to the Fabius house with seven rats stuffed inside Remy's lunch pail. If only they didn't kill each other before he could get them home.
Rachelle protested loudly at the addition of rats to her abode. "Please, Remy, can't you keep them outside?"
"Now, Rachelle, how secret would it be if I kept rats outside?"
"Take them to the cellar, at least."
Later, as they sat at the table to eat, a knock sounded at the door.
"Maman, it's Chloe!"
Rachelle rushed into the living area to see her. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes. I told the soldier I was coming to visit my cousin. Where is he?"
"In the kitchen. Come and eat with us."
Jacob heard Chloe's voice and felt butterflies in his stomach. Ridiculous. He was no longer a young boy. He was a seasoned soldier. Why was he attracted to this girl?
When she came in and held out her hand for an introduction, he held it to his lips and kissed it. "Enchante, Mademoiselle Chloe. Please call me Jacques."
She pulled away. "Is that your real name?"
"Non. But you probably wouldn't like my real name any better."
She looked at him, confused, then glanced at Remy, but her parents had already seated themselves and seemed busy preparing plates.
When Jacob saw she wasn't going to let his comment go by, he confessed. "I'm a German Jew."
If she was going to hate him, it was better to get it out in the open. But why in the world was he putting himself in jeopardy with this family? He'd never done such a thing before, and he wouldn't again. When he finished this assignment, he was going deep undercover.
Her eyes widened. "How have you managed to stay alive?"
He pulled out a chair for Chloe then sat beside her.
"My family was warned many years ago and left Germany for relatives in England. I asked for work with British Intelligence. Eventually, they were able to use me. So, here I am."
"I bet you don't tell that to everyone."
"No one else in France knows."
Chloe dropped her napkin at his steady regard and waited as he retrieved it for her. "I…thank you for your confidence, Monsieur. How can we help you?"
"Your father and I captured several rats that I need loosed near the Colonel's office. Can you do it?"
"It should be no problem. They rarely search my things when I return from the village. But, what are the rats for?"
"I need a way into the chateau. You are to suggest to the Colonel that your cousin would be most adept at removing the vermin. I'll also need time to search the Colonel's office. Is there a time when that would be possible?"
Chloe's face hardened. "I'll…try to think of something."
Jacob was afraid he understood too well what that might mean to her, and he felt sick. How could he tell her without embarrassing her or making her uncomfortable?
He reached for her hand. "Mademoiselle, don't put yourself in harm's way on my account. This is my mission, not yours."
"I'll think of the safest way possible, and I won't put myself in danger."
"I'd like your promise. Don't do extra favors for me. I couldn't live with myself."
Even her eyes smiled this time. "I promise only to do the favors that won't hurt me. You'll need my help a little."
"Merci, Mademoiselle Chloe."
"De Rien, Jacques. But if you keep calling me Mademoiselle, no one will believe you're my cousin." She pulled her hand out from under his.
"Of course." Jacob turned his attention to Rachelle. "Would it be possible for me to stay with you while I'm in Cachet?"
"We would be delighted," she said with a warm smile.
In a few, short minutes, Jacob related the rest of his plan. He needed to see any valuable papers in the Colonel's office before he blew up the chateau. After taking photographs of anything that could help the Resistance, he would set the bombs around the castle. He explained the delayed-action triggers and why time was a real factor for their success. The canal locks had to be under his control within two days or he risked endangering the teams who would attack the power plants, when they made their escape on the river.
The Fabius family now understood the reason for securing the canal locks. It was important to stop the flow of electricity to Germany, and if control of the River Saone would ensure the safety of the sabotage teams, they would do what they could.
Before Chloe left, Rachelle found a large basket. Remy secured the rats in a box and placed them inside. Then Rachelle filled the basket to the top with loaves of French bread she'd baked that day. If Chloe were stopped, the basket would appear innocent. She didn't even glance Jacob's way as she kissed her mother goodbye and walked out the door. But he watched with a heavy heart. Already, she was taking risks to aid him.
As the door closed behind her, Jacob turned to Remy. "Is there anyone else in town that you trust?"
"No. I've lived all my life with these folk, but I wouldn't trust your life to them. It was all too easy for them to let my son die and let Chloe be used in their places. Let's do our best to keep this in the family."
He liked the sound of that. His own family had been missing from his life for too long.
That night in bed, Jacob reflected on his good fortune in finding the right people at the right time. God had directed his paths once again.
"Father, if there's some way I can repay them for what they've done, please make it clear."
Chapter 8
On the following day, when the villagers lined up at the bridge to be counted, Jacob carried a lunch pail of his own with which he and Remy would be able to capture many more rats.
In the castle, Chloe heard no mention of the newcomer. Perhaps the Colonel had never been told. She loosed the rats inside his office, right before he went downstairs. Hopefully, they hadn't all scampered away.
Once outside, Chloe waited for the villagers to be counted and sent on their way before speaking to her father and Jacob. "Tell Maman I've finished with her basket. I'll bring it to her tonight, Papan."
"All right, Chloe. Bonjour!"
"Bonjour Papan, bonjour Jaques."
Chloe went inside the chateau to listen for the rats. Throughout the day, she heard comments about the rats from soldiers and the village workers. By late afternoon, she felt it would be safe to visit the Colonel. She rapped on his door and waited for his call to enter.
His raised brow when she walked in the room revealed his surprise at seeing her, because she rarely spoke to him during the day and he hadn't visited her bedroom in several days.
"Have you missed my attentions, my pet?"
Chloe's stony face should have indicated otherwise, but he persevered with his taunting. "Don't worry. I've been up late studying communiqués from Berlin. I must be prepared to take over the rest of your country. Otherwise, nothing would keep me from you."
She couldn't tolerate his cloying voice another second. "Rats," she said in a rush. "Your men are complaining of rats in the castle." He frowned but didn't comment. "Certainly you don't want any of those precious heirlooms damaged before you can steal them."
"I suppose in an old structure such as this, you cannot prevent vermin from finding a way in. I'll have my men take care of it."
"No need. We have our own ways of dealing with rats. Just don't be surprised by a few extra hands in the castle. I refuse to touch any more rats."
He may have suspected that Chloe referred to him, but he let it go when a wild-eyed soldier rushed at his door. He frowned at the man. "What is it?"
"It's a rat, Colonel."
Chloe smiled to herself as she backed out of the room
. She left the Colonel scowling with annoyance. He didn't like any noise or upset to his neat schedule.
"Someone will be in tomorrow to take care of the rats. Assist in whatever is necessary." His voice practically barked at the soldier as he answered. "Dismissed."
How easy it had been to work things her way. Chloe should have joined the Resistance long ago. After grabbing her mother's basket, she left the chateau. The sun was going down as she crossed the bridge, and the bright pink of the sunset seemed more beautiful to her than it had for a long time.
At the Fabius home, Jacob rushed to her side when she came through the door. She looked up, surprised, and walked around him to enter the kitchen.
"Chloe, what happened at the castle today? Were there enough rats to be a nuisance? Did the Colonel see any of them?"
She waved her hand airily. "Everything is under control. One of the soldiers complained to the Colonel, and he expects you to take care of the rats tomorrow."
"Good. We caught more to set loose in the Colonel's office…if it's safe."
She didn't stay long this evening. She wanted to be back before anyone looked for her, and she was uncomfortable with Jacob's constant scrutiny. He may be from the Resistance, but he was still a man, and the things Chloe had learned about men hadn't left her feeling tender toward any of them.
The moment she left, Jacob regretted her absence, and the sense of discontentment grew as the night wore on. He had no way of knowing what might happen to her, and he could feel his past anger against the Nazis growing again. He prayed most of the night and read the small pocket Bible that Reverend Whyte had given him. The only thing that settled in his thoughts clearly was the impossibility of leaving Chloe behind once he retreated. At dawn's light, he padded quietly downstairs to wait for Remy to get up.
Rachelle was the first to enter the kitchen. "Bon jour, Jacques, would you like some coffee?"
He glanced up from the table, where he'd been praying for God to show him what to say. "You have coffee? I didn't think anyone could get coffee rations anymore."
All Things New Page 9
