When the limousine stopped in front of her and Peter jumped out to hold the door open for her, her heart leaped. He looked so incredibly handsome in his black uniform suit. A roving glance accessed her body, and an appraising smile lit up his striking blue eyes. Everywhere his eyes touched, Anna burned with a smoldering heat.
“You look swell today,” he said as he helped her into the backseat. Her stomach somersaulted as she slid in next to the professor.
“Fräulein Klausen, I’m so glad you found the time to be my companion. If you impress the Minister as much as you impressed me with your intelligence and your charm, there won’t be a limit to what you can achieve,” Professor Scherer said.
“Of course, Professor.” Anna nodded her agreement. She had learned that making a career in science involved as much social mingling and impressing the right kind of people as it involved actual work in the laboratory.
“Be careful what kind of information you divulge, Fräulein Klausen. We don’t want to put all our cards on the table at once and we definitely don’t want Professor Lugauer from Munich listening in and duplicating our research work,” the professor briefed her.
Anna listened carefully and nodded as Peter drove them past the destroyed center of Berlin.
“Where are we going?” she asked as Peter drove along the shore of Berlin’s biggest lake, the Wannsee. This far outside of the city proper, the picture of destruction faded away and Anna almost forgot about the ugly war raging.
“Schwanenwerder Island,” the professor said.
“Really?” Anna gasped. Schwanenwerder Island was the most prestigious location in Berlin. Nazi bluebloods like Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s personal physician Theo Morell, and the Minister of Armaments and War Production Albert Speer made their homes there. Ordinary mortals weren’t granted access to the island.
Peter drove the Mercedes across the bridge that connected the island with the mainland and stopped in front of the gate.
Two uniformed SS men pointed their guns at them, while a third one approached the car to check for their identification papers.
“Professor Scherer, welcome to Schwanenwerder Island,” he said after the obligatory Heil Hitler and checking their invitation.
Anna’s mouth went dry at the prospect of entering the home of the Minister of Science, but at the same time she was curious about his lifestyle. She’d already witnessed how the Nazi elite celebrated major accomplishments. It stunned her that while all of Berlin scrounged and skimped and stole to survive on the meager ration cards, the inner circle of power apparently didn’t lack for anything.
“Professor, if I could ask a favor?” Anna murmured, her palms sweaty.
“Of course, Fräulein Klausen. What is it?”
“A friend of mine, her name is Alexandra Wagner and she wants to volunteer as radio operator to help the war effort.”
“A noble cause, to be sure. We need more active young women like her,” the professor commented.
“Alexandra is orphaned without close relatives and she asked me for a character reference,” Anna said, hemming and hawing; “it’s…she’s a hard worker and I’m sure she would be an excellent addition to the war effort, but…well, I was wondering if you would be able to write one for her? A reference, that is. I mean your word holds so much more weight than mine.”
“Our Führer needs every single person to do his share. I will gladly recommend her to help the total war. During this time where everyone has to chip in, how could I deny my support to a deserving young lady eager to volunteer?”
“Thank you so much.” A sense of relief overcame her, and Anna sank back into the soft leather seat. She wasn’t convinced she liked Lotte’s plan to become a spy, but bullheaded as her sister was she’d find a way, and with Professor Scherer’s recommendation she might be deployed to a less dangerous place. At least Anna hoped this would be the case.
“We’re here,” Peter announced as he pulled into the driveway of a huge mansion.
“Everyone is anxious to meet you, my newest scientific discovery,” the professor said as they walked towards the entry door, Peter a few steps behind.
Throughout the evening Anna found herself being propelled around the room and introduced to so many people, there was no way she could remember all of their names. As always Peter kept a few steps behind the professor. Anna doubted there was a real danger to the professor’s life in the Minister’s house, but she enjoyed feeling Peter’s presence. It grounded her amidst all the important men in gala uniform with beautiful women hanging from their arms.
Waiters in livery flitted about, handing a glass of champagne to the professor and another one to Anna. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed how the waiter stopped in front of Peter, unsure whether to offer him one, too. But Peter shook his head.
“To your career,” the professor said as they clinked glasses.
Anna smiled, sipping the sparkling drink and looking around at the opulence and luxury of the house. “This place is…so nice.”
“The Minister does have great taste,” someone commented. Another person pointed at one of the paintings saying, “This Rembrandt is a gift from Holland.”
The smile on Anna’s face froze over. Anyone knew how voluntary those gifts were. Usually the Nazis seized all valuables of their Jewish prisoners before handing them over to whatever fate they had planned for them. But also the churches, monasteries, museums, and art collections in the occupied zones had been persuaded to send treasured items on loan to the Reich.
As the evening wore on, the conversations turned to the one topic every single person in Europe was concerned about: the war.
“We cannot let this heinous attack on our livelihood remain unanswered,” a general said. His uniform contained too many decorations to count.
“You can bet that’s so. Hermann has his aces in readiness for a counterstrike,” someone else answered. “The Allies will soon be wishing they’d never sent a single plane to Berlin.”
Anna felt Peter moving closer to her, and when she casually looked around to catch his glance, she found him fixated on the conversation. Why are men so interested in the details of how best to fight and kill? She eventually tuned out the war talk and instead examined her surroundings and the people present. Everything seemed so normal and well put together. In this mansion it was as if the razed city didn’t exist. Despair, hunger, and battered humanity – all this was far away from the opulence of the gathering.
“…she has been promoted to the position of research team leader.”
Peter nudged her and he whispered over her shoulder, “The professor is announcing your promotion. Pay attention.”
Professor Scherer made a long pause and pushed Anna to the center of the room, before he clinked a spoon to his glass. The room grew silent and everyone turned their heads towards them. Anna felt her cheeks flush.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Minister: this young lady, Anna Klausen, has been doing exceptional work in my bacteriology research team. After the unfortunate demise of three of our staff members, she was promoted to research team leader. And now…” he glanced at her with excitement, “…in agreement with the Minister of Science, I have approved her enrollment to the studies of Genetics and Medicine at the Charité in addition to her work duty.”
The crowd clapped their hands and Anna’s head swirled. All she could do was hold herself upright and smile. Her dream was coming true right before her eyes.
“I know, this double duty hasn’t been attempted before. And everyone in here knows the work involved, but, in truth, I’m not willing to let my best research assistant leave.” He grinned, continuing, “I’m sure Fräulein Klausen will rise to the challenge.”
“Thank you so much. I will not disappoint you,” was all Anna could say.
An old man holding a monocle in front of his face approached them. “Professor Scherer, you place a lot of confidence in a mere woman. Where will this country end up if we need women to do men’s work?”
> Anna sent him a scowl. For the last four and a half years women had been doing the men’s work to keep this country and its citizens alive. They worked in mills, on farms, in hospitals, in schools, in military factories, everywhere. They cleaned debris after air raids, rebuilt houses, paved roads, repaired Panzers. They did everything, because the men had left to kill other men.
“Great talents like Fräulein Klausen need to be promoted. During hard times and with our best men at the front, we must grab hold of greatness and nurture it, wherever it is to be found. Even in a woman.”
The old man bowed his head and retreated. Then a long file of guests hurried to rub shoulders with her, if not to congratulate then at least to snatch up morsels of the esteem pouring over Anna. With every compliment Anna became a bit surer of herself, proud of her achievements and eager to continue on the path of her dream career.
Whatever stress came with her position, she’d handle it. Look at what she’d already handled in her young life! Sacrifice came in many forms, but for the greater good, she would do what was necessary.
Chapter 21
At the end of the long evening, Peter dropped off the professor at his residence in Oranienburg. Anna slipped into the front passenger seat, and then they made the long drive back to the Charité.
“Did you have a nice evening?” Peter asked, his eyes glued to the dark road.
“Yes. But it was also surreal.”
“Surreal?
“All the luxuries, the beautiful dresses, the jewelry of the women, the food, the champagne, while the rest of Berlin starves.”
Silence hung between them until Peter raised his voice again. “I know. It feels so wrong – that I have such a good life, while my family struggles.”
Anna turned her head, since it was the first time he’d mentioned his family. “You said you were raised on a farm? Shouldn’t they be better off in the country? I know my Aunt Lydia is. They have much more food than we do, since they can grow some themselves.”
“It’s complicated.” Peter sighed. “One day after the war, I hope I can show you my home.”
“That would be nice.” Anna’s heart fluttered, and she wished she could be more affectionate with him. She yearned to be in his arms, to kiss him, to feel his touch on her skin. But whenever they were alone together, and he tried to be more intimate, she froze up, unable to leave the memories of Doctor Tretter’s abuse behind.
She gave a loud sigh, wishing things could be different. Peter didn’t deserve her ice-cold responses when she wanted to thaw for him more than anything.
“What’s wrong, my sweet Anna?” Peter asked and put a hand on her thigh. Anticipation coursed through her veins, and she made the decision that she would not let the lingering shadows of T the devil ruin her love for Peter. She wouldn’t allow the past to control her future. Not any more.
“Nothing is wrong, but I thought it would be nice if you could stay at my place tonight,” Anna said. There…she’d done it and said the words before she could take them back.
“Wow! That’s unexpected,” he said in a husky voice and she could hear his breathing speed up. “You sure about this?”
“Yes.” Her voice reflected more confidence than she felt. Deep inside her stomach a knot of fear formed, ready to burst apart and flood her system with panic. But she needed to do this, if she ever wanted to be free.
He stopped the car for a moment and gazed at her. “Just know that I love you either way.”
Anna nodded and raised her lips to receive his kiss. The knot in her stomach still lingered, but being in Peter’s arms felt too good, too safe to let the fear overtake her. When he released her mouth, she rubbed his scratchy beard and said, “I love you too, Herr Wolf.”
“I have to stop at my place first,” he said as he started the engine again. “It won’t take long. Should I take you home and come by later?”
“No, I can wait for you in the automobile.” Anna twisted her fingers.
When he pulled the Mercedes to a stop, he opened the door and then looked at her, tension rolling off of him, saying, “You sure you can wait here? I won’t be long.”
Anna nodded. It was rather unusual that he didn’t invite her in to wait. He probably didn’t want to make her walk up the three floors wearing her high heels. And she didn’t mind a few moments to herself to bolster her courage for what she had planned.
The minutes rolled by and after fifteen minutes of sitting in the cold car, she began to wonder what was taking Peter so long. He must have forgotten the time working on something for the professor.
After five more minutes, she decided to check up on him. She knocked on the door, and when no answer came, worry attacked her. She turned the knob and the door sprang open, but the sitting room was empty and the bathroom door stood half open. That was more than a little worrisome, and her neck hair stood on end.
She should probably leave. But then she heard the sound of rhythmic tapping coming from behind his closed bedroom door.
“Peter?” she said, hesitantly. “Is that you?”
But no answer came. Her heart thumping furiously in her throat, she approached the bedroom door. The rhythmic tapping stopped for a moment and she closed her eyes. But then it started again.
Anna opened the door, and gasped when she saw Peter bent over a suitcase holding something that looked like a sophisticated radio, his forefingers feverishly hitting a switch. Peter jumped up, slamming the suitcase shut and drawing his Mauser. His eyes opened wide when he recognized her, and the hand with the pistol dropped to his side.
“What…what are you doing here?” he stammered.
“I got cold and tired of waiting. But I should ask what you are doing!” Anna barely kept herself from yelling at him.
“We need to talk,” Peter said, and locked the suitcase before he pushed it behind the closet.
She nodded, her face ashen, and her previous plan of sleeping with him tonight flew from her mind as she considered the implications of what she’d just seen. “So this is what you’ve been hiding from me. Who the hell are you?”
“Anna, let’s go into the other room and talk. I’ll explain everything,” he begged her.
Like a puppet on strings she returned to the front room, seating herself on the edge of the chair. “Explain!”
“My sweet Anna.” He tried to take her hand into his, but she moved away. As her mind raced, his deception became bigger, turning into a raging giant. Had she not seen his betrayal with her own eyes, she’d never have believed it could be true.
“I was transmitting a message to London, warning them about the planned bombing that was discussed at the event.” He sighed, his eyes pleading with her to trust him. But how could she trust a man who’d deceived her about his true person? Who worked for the enemy?
“Why?” Anna whispered. She’d known he was not a fervent Nazi like so many others, but this? Her head ached with the revelation and the implications.
“I’m Polish. I escaped to Britain right after Hitler invaded and defeated our army. It was my duty to continue the fight to free my country.” He bit down on his lower lip.
“You’re a Pole – that explains it,” Anna said, remembering the muttered words in his sleep. “And an English spy. Oh, I was so stupid.” She hid her face between her hands. The man she had trusted, the man she had loved – a liar.
“Anna, I’m sorry you had to find out this way. I wanted to tell you, but I wasn’t sure if…”
“If you could trust me?” she spat out the words. “The question is how I could ever think of trusting you? You’re betraying my fatherland…” Sobs bubbled up in her chest and it took all her self-control to swallow them down.
“Will you call the Gestapo on me?” he asked, and she believed she saw him shiver with fear.
“No.” She sighed, her confusing emotions making it hard to form a clear thought. “It’s not so much what you did – still do – that bothers me, but that you never told me.”
“Can you fo
rgive me?” he asked, his eyes full of sadness.
“I don’t know.” She shrugged and stood. “I will go home now.”
“I’ll walk you–”
“No.” Her voice was sharper than intended, but she needed to be alone. Away from the effect he had on her body.
“You’re sure?” Peter searched her face and then sighed before nodding.
“Next time, lock the door,” she said, and left his apartment without looking back.
The five-minute walk to her building wasn’t nearly long enough to clear her thoughts, and she flopped down on the small couch, staring at the ceiling. Everything had become a whole lot more complicated.
She shouldn’t be surprised. She’d always know that Peter was hiding a dark secret. But she’d also known that he was a good man, a man of integrity. He had no choice but to fight for his country. Fight against the Nazi evil.
Anna started bawling. It seemed everyone around her was involved in fighting the Nazis. Devout, obedient Ursula smuggled Jews out of the country, Lotte wanted to become a spy for the Allies, and Peter…he was a Polish soldier, and a spy.
And her?
She had the career she’s always dreamed of, but her excitement over that epic achievement had dissolved like mist in the wind within the last hour. In the bigger picture, where things truly mattered, she was a complete and utter failure.
Not only didn’t she oppose the regime that had brought terror and destruction to all of Europe, but she’d also become a spoke in their wheel. A puppet using her mind and gifts to their benefit.
How could I have let it come to this?
Chapter 22
The next morning Anna went to visit her family. She’d been so caught up in her new promotion and her career, it had been a while since she’d seen them. Despite still owning a key to the apartment, she preferred to ring the bell.
“Anna. Come in. What a nice surprise,” Ursula greeted her as she opened the door.
War Girl Anna (War Girls Book 3) Page 10
