Page 36 of A Song in the Dark

One of his eyebrows lifted. “In time, it might become a problem, and you know that. Otherwise you wouldn’t have built those rooms. But before I introduce them to you, you need to prepare yourself.

” He picked at his thumbnail for a moment before meeting her gaze.

“They have been mistreated. I’m not sure by whom, but they are malnourished and haven’t had a decent meal in who knows how long.

The father has been out of work for months, and no one in Germany would hire him.

It took me weeks to get visas for all of them. ”

She patted his arm. Grafton had done an amazing job convincing government officials he’d connected with in five different countries to help with visas.

But at the rate people were fleeing, legitimate visas were becoming increasingly difficult to procure.

And even with legitimate ones, sometimes the Nazis still chose not to allow people to cross borders and instead shipped people off to the work camps.

“We will thank the Lord for His provision and do whatever we can to help.” She moved toward the door.

“Please, introduce me to our new friends and I’ll get them settled. ”

But he stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Celestia. There are more coming. Are you prepared for that?”

She stiffened. “Of course. Are you insinuating I cannot handle what is coming, Grafton?”

He appeared to weigh his words before speaking.

“I don’t think you fully understand what is happening in Germany.

It’s much worse than we ever thought. Far beyond what happened in the Great War, and it will only get worse from here.

” He reached out and covered her hand with his, his tone softening.

“I know you have the heart for this and the room ... but eventually, the people coming and going won’t go unnoticed. ”

In the back of her mind, she’d known that. Which was why she’d felt prompted to prepare the hidden rooms. “I know. But let’s take one day at a time. Are you still able to find transport for people? Especially the children?”

“Yes. For now. Our best options are still England, the United States, and South Africa. But the latter two cost a great deal more money. Word is spreading, but many are too scared to leave. Especially those who still have family here. Chaisley alerted me to the students Rick drove here and started sending word to blind schools across Europe about what is being done in Germany to those who are disabled. I don’t know what it will take to get people to rise and help before it’s too late. ”

He rubbed his jaw and stood, staring out the window that overlooked the back gardens. “I made a vow to help people. To heal the sick. To save lives.” He turned back to her, his eyes so very sad. “And now we are fighting a monster who wants to snuff out life with a snap of his fingers.”

Celestia lifted her shoulders and clamped her jaw against the anger swelling inside her. “That’s just it. We’re fighting. We’re doing everything we can and we’re trying to let other people know.”

“I feel like I should be doing more.” His face fell, and he looked at the floor and shook his head. “But maybe that’s just the Lord preparing my heart for what He has in store.” He took a long breath and straightened his shoulders. “Let’s go meet this family.”

Her heart broke at the expression on his face. Determination and a soft smile had attempted to cover the defeat she’d glimpsed. “You need some rest.”

“This is also true.” He opened the door, and they journeyed down the stairs together.

In the large parlor, a family of six huddled together in front of the fireplace. It wasn’t chilly today, but they shivered. Little wonder.

They were skin and bones.

“Welcome to my home.” Celestia sent them a warm smile and stepped closer as she spoke to them in German.

“Thank you.” The father had his hat in his hands.

“Let’s get you settled in a couple of rooms”—she stopped abruptly and changed her mind—“Actually, why don’t we get something to eat.”

The children’s eyes lit up. Yes. That was what they needed first. She motioned them to follow her to the dining room, and she left Grafton with them to chat at the table as she headed into the kitchen to speak with her cook.

“Mrs. Werner?” she called to the woman.

The plump lady came around the corner with a large pot in hand. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Do you still have the vegetable soup simmering?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She looked puzzled.

“I know it’s early, but we have some guests that need food. Could we perhaps get bowls of soup along with some bread? Let’s start with small pieces and a small bowl since I don’t know when they last ate. I’m sure we will still be down for luncheon if their stomachs can tolerate that.”

“Of course. I’ll bring it out straightaway.”

“Thank you.” Celestia left the kitchen and headed back to the dining room where the father was speaking to Grafton about the work camps.

Not a pleasant subject. She walked up to the mother.

“Some soup will be here in just a moment. Then we can get you settled and we can come back down for luncheon.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” The woman’s gaunt face beamed a smile at her. “That sounds lovely.”

Celestia took her seat and caught the doctor’s gaze.

But it was the father who spoke, his voice cracking. “You need to know this. Hear me well. The work camps are death camps.”

His mouth twisted into a hard line for a moment before he spoke again.

“The more power Hitler gains, the faster he will implement his plan and come after us all. It won’t take the Führer long to kill every single Jew left on the earth.

That is his plan. Don’t fool yourself into thinking anything different.

It doesn’t matter how far we run. He will hunt us down. There is no hope for us.”

Such weariness, such pain in his eyes. Celestia fought back the urge to weep as the man shook his head.

“No hope for anyone”—he caught and held Celestia’s gaze—“who defies this devil.”