She was stirring her tea when he asked, and she then slammed the spoon on the table. “You want me to become one of them? They killed my husband and took our brother.”
“I hope you remember there are two other brothers who care for you. Edmund is doing well, and he is unharmed. You said so yourself. I fail to comprehend why you object so vehemently to the Nazi Party. If I were here, I would be a member myself. There is talk of forming a Nazi Party in America, and I would be proud to join.”
Hedwig became enraged, “How blind are you? They marched into my home, beat me and my husband, then killed my Fritz. They walked out with a child, putting God knows what thoughts in his mind. And you would be proud to be one of them?”
Jacob stood, “I am going upstairs to take a short nap. I scheduled a meeting this afternoon with regard to the sale of the business. I will also be meeting with someone to make arrangements for a trust to be set up. I do not want you concerned with money, and this way your bills will be paid. It will also give you access to spending money for food and other such personal expenses.”
Hedwig refused to listen because he aligned himself with the men that destroyed her life. She no longer cared what he had to say.
“I wish you would reconsider. Joining the party will alleviate any suspicions people may place upon you. After all, you married a traitor—an enemy executed by the state.”
“Go take your nap, Jacob. The matter is closed.”
Jacob said nothing more and climbed the stairs to rest. An hour later, he awoke to an empty house. Preparing for his meeting, he quickly freshened himself up.
It was a short walk to the address he had been given by his contacts. When he approached, he saw a sign in the window that read Office of Civilian Affairs above a well placed Nazi flag.
Inside the office, he found an attractive woman with a bright smile greeting him. “Hello, sir. How may I help you?”
“My appointment is for three o'clock regarding the sale of a business.”
“And your name, sir?”
“My name is Jacob Geiger.”
“Thank you, Herr Geiger. Please take a seat, and someone will be with you in a moment.” She got up from her chair and walked down a hallway to an office. A few minutes later she returned.
“Please, sir. Come this way.” Jacob followed her to an office. It was decorated with thick wooden furniture and much more ornate than the rest of the building.
A man in uniform with his swastika armband stood and greeted him. “Nice to meet you, Herr Geiger. I am Colonel Reinhard, head of Civilian Affairs. I understand you are selling a business for your sister, and you already secured a buyer. How delightful.”
The colonel pointed to a chair, offering Jacob a seat.
“Yes, indeed. I was informed that the buyer is well known for his support of the party. Hugo Boss is the name. Have you heard of him?”
The colonel smiled, “Indeed, I know him. He donates to several organizations and has recently needed our services for his expanding business. Good man. Good Nazi.”
Jacob took a seat. “I wish to settle this matter expeditiously. My sister lost her husband recently which is what prompted this sale. I was informed you could direct me to the proper people to set up a trust for her with the proceeds of the sale. As you can imagine, I wish for my sister to want for nothing. She has been through much difficulties as of late, and I want things to be made easy for her.”
The colonel nodded, “Agreed. I understand your feelings. I reviewed the files extensively and foresee no problem with a quick sale. I can direct you to a gentleman down the hall who is in charge of banking and accounting. He can set up the trusts and answer any questions.”
“What a relief. I harbored great concern over this situation and felt helpless due to living so far away.”
The colonel opened the file. “There are several questions we will need Frau Schultz to answer. When will I be able to speak with her?”
“Well, I am not sure, sir. My sister has been quite ill as of late. Her husband's death has taken quite a toll on her. With the added pressures of the business, she has become quite reclusive.”
“Was it a death or an execution? My files state Herr Schultz disobeyed a direct order then attacked an SS officer. The officer defended himself with appropriate measures. Attacking an SS officer is equivalent to attacking the Fuehrer himself. It's treason.”
Jacob squirmed in his chair. “Sir, I was not there. My sister is but a child who was influenced by a much older man into marriage. His ideals were his alone, I assure you.”
“I see. And one of your brothers resides here in Germany while another resides in the United States?”
Jacob smiled, “Yes, my brother, Edmund, has been inducted into the Hitler Youth. I am quite proud to admit it. My other brother, Alois, and I live together in Philadelphia.”
“Here are some forms I need Frau Schultz to sign. One is for the sale transaction, and the other is for her admittance into the Nazi Party.”
Jacob grimaced. After seeing Hedwig's reaction, he had hoped to avoid this scenario. Now he realized it was a requirement not a suggestion.
“Sir, how long will it take for the sale to finalize?”
The colonel stood and answered, “By the end of the week. This office will receive a check in the name of Frau Schultz. In the meantime, if you visit the second door on your right, you can set up the trust and bank accounts needed. Once the check arrives, the accounts will be activated, and Frau Schultz will be well provided for.”
At the door of the office, they shook hands, “Thank you, Colonel. I appreciate your time.”
The colonel handed Jacob the papers, “Remember, it is imperative that your sister sign these documents and return them immediately. Under normal circumstances it would be required for her to be here. But I am a compassionate man and understand the grief she is suffering.”
Jacob nodded then ventured down the hall. He concluded his business with the man regarding the bank accounts and trust and left the building.
Jacob stopped off at a small shop and bought some fruit to take back to the house. He wondered how he could get his sister to sign those papers. During the walk back to the house, he realized she never would. His only choice was to forge her signature.
When he arrived at the house, he called out her name. No answer. He quickly found a pen and endorsed her name on all the papers.
“Hedwig is too young to understand how important this is. One day she will thank me.” He muttered to himself over and over, as if trying to justify his actions. He read the documents and noticed a line that discussed membership dues to be paid to the Nazi Party. He made a mental note to insist the dues be paid by the trust. She never need know.
Hedwig came through the front door carrying grocery bags. “How did everything go, brother?”
“Fine. Everything went well.” He folded the papers and grabbed a bag from her hands. “They said the sale should be finalized by the end of the week. They are allowing me to sign some papers in your stead.”
“Good. I want nothing to do with any of them. Thank you.”
Hedwig unpacked the groceries while Jacob headed up the stairs with the forged documents.
Chapter 12
Heidi and Gustav walked through the park along the serene lake surrounded by beautiful flowers. “How would you feel about going out with another couple? A colleague of mine is very interested in your friend, Frau Schultz.”
Heidi squealed before realizing Hedwig was not ready for socializing with the opposite sex. “I'm sorry. I tried to get her out of the house myself, but she won't go. She is not ready to become romantically involved with anyone.”
“I understand. I cannot imagine the pain she must be suffering. After only three dates this week, I already recognize how greatly I would ache if I lost you.”
Heidi blushed. “Let me talk to her. If your friend is anything like you, perhaps he can make her smile again.”
“If your friend's smile is a
nything like yours, my friend has no chance. His heart will no longer be his.”
Heidi inquired, “If she says yes, where do you want to go?”
“Well, there is a dance hall nearby. I thought we could go relax with some music and dancing.”
“That is perfect.” Heidi smiled so widely her eyes squinted, which accentuated her dimples. They chatted as he walked her back to Hedwig's home.
“Thank you for a lovely time,” Heidi said.
Gustav stroked her hair from her face, “You never need to thank me. You are truly a beautiful young lady.”
Again, Heidi blushed, dropping her head and twisting her body with coy excitement. He leaned into her and in a soft voice an inch from her lips asked her, “May I kiss you? Please?”
She whispered, “Please do.”
He leaned further and kissed her on the cheek.
Heidi let out a sigh of frustration.
“I do hope to see you again soon. I will count the moments until I do,” Gustav said.
The officer's blond hair shimmered gold in the sun's rays, and his blue eyes sparkled like diamonds. Heidi had never seen an American picture show, but her friends often discussed the glamour of the actors. In this light, she could not imagine any American actor looking better than her new beau.
They said their good-byes, and he walked down the path away from the house. Heidi turned the knob and raced inside.
“Hedwig. Hedwig.” she shouted.
Jacob came down the stairs. “Heidi? Is that you? You are all grown up.”
Heidi rushed to him on the stairs and wrapped her arms around him. “Welcome back, Jacob.” She planted a kiss on his cheek.
“How is your family, dear? Are they well?”
“My family is fine, thank you. Where is Hedwig? I need to discuss some things with her.”
Coming from the kitchen, Hedwig hollered, “I am here. What is it? What made you so excited?”
“It's Gustav, my gentleman friend. He is perfect for me in every way. We have seen each other several times this week, but this time he wants to take me to the dance hall for the evening.”
“Dancing? That sounds like a special occasion, and I hope you enjoy yourselves.”
“Do you want to come? Please? I would be more comfortable around all those people if you came with me.”
“How would it look? My husband is dead only six months, and you want me to go out dancing?”
Heidi insisted, “What if he brought a friend along for you, and we made it a double date?”
“Oh, I see where this is going. You already set this up didn't you?”
Jacob interrupted the women, “Hedwig, it might be a good thing for you to get out of this house.”
“I don't know. Which guy is this? This Gustav of yours,” she asked Heidi.
“Gustav. You remember, the one you met last week. The tall, good looking blond one.”
Hedwig grabbed her chest and blinked hard. “You mean the SS officer? Do you realize he was with Fritz's murderer? I will never forget either of them.”
Hedwig slumped into the nearest chair.
Heidi went to her side, “Schatzi, you must get past this. You cannot involve every SS officer with Fritz's death. Every time you see one of the black uniforms, you tense up. I promise you, Gustav is not like that. He would never hurt anyone. He is a good and gentle man.”
“Yeah, well, that good and gentle man stood and watched me get beaten, then took Edmund from me.”
Frustrated, Heidi looked at Jacob, “Every man in a uniform makes her this way. There is no way my Gustav was here when Fritz died. I do not believe it.”
Jacob turned to his sister, “Hedwig, perhaps she is right. Perhaps you do need to go out and even associate with this man. If you see him as a human, not as an officer, you may be able to get over this fear you possess.”
Hedwig looked straight into her brother's eyes, “Jacob, it isn't fear it is hate. I hate them all.”
“Please, please Hedwig. Do this for me. Meet him at least before you make a decision. You are my best friend, and it is really important to me that you like him.”
Hedwig began to laugh. “Okay, perhaps you are right. Perhaps I am prejudice and need to get to know him.”
“You agree to go with us on a double date?”
Reluctantly, Hedwig agreed. “Yes, but must we call it a date? Can it not be an outing? The situation will be awkward enough without thinking of it as a romantic date.”
“Call it anything you want. I cannot wait to tell Gustav.”
Hedwig rolled her eyes. “Who is this mystery escort of mine? Did you meet him yet?”
“No, I haven't met him yet. But you did. Gustav said you met earlier this week when you were ill. He called the doctor for you.”
Electricity shot through Hedwig's whole body. She could not determine if it was panic or rage. Whether it was hate or fear. She fell silent for some time.
Jacob waved a hand in front of Hedwig's face. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I am fine. Thank you.” She turned to Heidi and said, “Tell your friend to pick us up here. I will be drop dead gorgeous and plan to make it a killer of a night.”
The tone in her voice worried Jacob, but Heidi seemed not to notice. Heidi shrieked with joy before leaving the house.
Chapter 13
Jacob met with Colonel Reinhard again. He handed over the papers regarding the sale of the business, as well as Hedwig's party declaration papers.
“Now then, everything seems to be in order. How is Frau Schultz? Better I hope?” The colonel asked with genuine concern in his voice.
“Yes, she is indeed feeling better this week. I convinced her to meet a nice SS officer, so hopefully things will be looking up for her.” Jacob hoped that would demonstrate Hedwig's commitment to the party.
The colonel was pleased. “Quite right. These younger ones are the future builders of Germany. We need to ensure the desirable ones meet others of equal racial purity. That is the only way to continue the beauty and strength of the German people.”
Jacob highly doubted his sister would be contributing to the Nazi Party by way of giving birth. She would refuse to contribute to the Nazi Party in any way, let alone by marrying and bedding an SS officer.
“It will take time for her to recoup. But she is a strong woman. She will endure, as must we all.”
The colonel looked over the papers once more. “Welcome your sister to the Nazi Party for me. And be sure to stop down the hall again. The check has indeed arrived from Herr Boss. As soon as I file these papers, the transaction will be complete. I acquired permission for you to be able to endorse the check on your sister's behalf. We men need to trouble our women as little as possible.”
Jacob rose from his seat, “Thank you again, sir. I do appreciate all of your work on this matter.” He reached for the doorknob when the colonel interrupted him.
“Herr Geiger, wait. Please. I wish to discuss a rather delicate matter with you.”
Jacob walked back to the chair and sat.
The colonel began, “You are a naturalized America citizen, are you not?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Would you be interested in being granted dual citizenship? The Fatherland is trying to regain some of those we lost through emigration.”
Jacob thought for a moment. “I did not know that was possible. What would be the point?”
The colonel displayed a huge smile, “Well, the best privilege would be the option to join the Nazi Party here in Germany. As a party member, certain benefits would be extended to you and your family. Privileges that can augment the quality of your lives.”
Jacob tilted his head, listening intently.
“For example, in America we work closely with a bank in New York City which supports the Nazi Party. The bank's president, Prescott Bush, provides financing to party members for businesses, investment and home mortgages. The process is no more difficult than your sister's transactions were.”
&nb
sp; “That is tempting, sir. But in this economy, I would be apprehensive about starting such a venture. Until the economy rebounds, I would not be interested.”
“What about money? You need money, do you not?”
Jacob squinted, “Of course, everyone has need of money.”
“Do you realize how valuable you are to the Nazi Party and to the Fatherland? You are bilingual and strategically placed in one of the industrial and economic centers of the United States. And you are a naturalized citizen, which makes you extremely valuable.”
Jacob twisted uncomfortably in his seat. He was not sure where this was leading. “Sir, I am an orderly in a hospital. My wages are low, and I cannot access any information that would be of value to you.”
The colonel started laughing, “Oh my friend, you are indeed valuable. Join the party, sign the dual citizenship papers, and you will not be a hospital orderly for long. I guarantee you that.”
Jacob sat in silence as he thought.
The colonel pulled out some papers from his desk drawer. “Did you fill with pride when you discovered your brother was chosen for the Hitler Youth?”
“Well, yes of course I was proud of him.”
“You were proud because you are a good German. You left the country after the Allies of the Great War humiliated and decimated Germany. Many did. That is understandable, as well as forgivable.”
The colonel handed the papers to Jacob. “Now, it is time to make Germany great once again. With the help of good Germans like you, the Fuehrer is determined to raise the country above all others. Sign the papers and join us. Join in shaping the future of Germany.”
Jacob took the papers quickly and dipped the pen into the ink well. Then he stopped and thought of some of the things Hedwig told him. “What will I be asked to do in exchange for these privileges? What will be expected of me?”
The colonel laughed, “You analyze every situation logically in the Germanic way.”
Newborn Nazi Page 6
