Page 63 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

‘Please, my love, there is no need to apologise. I just want you to know that you are all right, and I am here.’ She ranher fingers through my hair, which always had a soothing effect.

After a few moments, I stood up from the bed. ‘Time for action. I will begin to formulate plans for our exit.’ I pulled my suitcase from the wardrobe in the corner of the room. ‘You must make a trip to the Deutsche Bank tomorrow and withdraw all the funds you can. Then we will simply take the latest train out of the city.’

‘Where do you propose we run to, Bo? Back to France? Back to a gendarmerie who are still, in all probability, wanting to arrest you? We wouldn’t be able to talk to Evelyn or the Landowskis. Word would get around Boulogne-Billancourt that you had returned after your mysterious disappearance, and the police would find you.’

‘You’re right. We won’t travel to France, it poses too great a risk. We will go to Switzerland. It’s time. I have to find out what happened to my father.’

Elle sighed. ‘How many years have you talked of reaching Switzerland, Bo? Is there any part of you that believes he is alive?’

I was taken aback. ‘No, of course there isn’t. But what do you propose? Shall we stay here in Germany? Do I just accept that Kreeg may murder me? Or that Hitler might do the same to you?’ I kicked my suitcase in frustration and immediately felt guilty. Elle was trying to help, but I was consumed by a whirlwind of panic.

‘Listen to me,’ she implored. ‘There is nothing we can do about Hitler. But perhaps there is something we can do about Kreeg.’

I put my hands on my hips. ‘And what is that, Elle?’

‘I have thought about this across the years. Why don’t you simply return the diamond?’ she asked.

I couldn’t help but emit a laugh. ‘Oh Elle. You know I triedto hand it to him in Siberia. But he would not listen. He simply attacked me.’

Elle nodded. ‘I know, but much has changed since then. You were children. And given the situation you have described to me, I do not know what else Kreeg was supposed to think.’ She paused, clearly contemplating whether her next words were wise. ‘You were stood over his mother’s body, after all.’

I shuddered at the memory. I had tried, for many years, to erase it from my mind. ‘Why must you remind me?’

‘Because, my love, you have to remember that you are not a murderer. I worry that sometimes you forget. You are innocent, and have nothing to fear from your maker.’

‘My maker, no. My brother... Kreeg... that’s a different story.’

‘Kreeg believes that you killed his mother to take possession of the diamond. We both know that is simply not the case. He needs to accept the truth of the situation.’

‘And how do you propose I do that, Elle? Shall I walk up to him in the street, tap him on the shoulder and embrace him? Would you have me throw him the diamond and say, “No hard feelings, brother”?’

‘I understand how you must be feeling, Bo, but there is no need to be aggressive towards me.’ She looked crestfallen.

‘I am sorry, my love, but I worry you forget why we are here in the first place. Kreeg swore to hunt me down and avenge his mother, or die in the process. I know him, Elle. Perhaps better than anyone on our planet. He will keep his word.’

‘I know. But there are several things we must remember. Number one, he does not know your alias. You are Bo D’Aplièse here. Number two, you have aged. I know that you recognised Kreeg immediately, but it will not necessarily be so easy for him. Thirdly, what instrument is it that Kreeg knows you to play?’

‘The violin.’ The realisation dawned on me. ‘Ah...’

‘Exactly. He certainly won’t be making enquiries about a student named Bo D’Aplièse who plays the cello. If he’s been sniffing around, perhaps he’s beginning to lose hope that you are here in the first place.’

‘I suppose it is possible, yes,’ I conceded.

‘Well then, perhaps the stars have given you an opportunity. Kreeg does not have the element of surprise which you fear. If we can formulate a plan to return the diamond to him, perhaps with a letter explaining the full and true circumstances surrounding his mother’s death, then perhaps he will give up his pursuit.’

I shook my head sadly. ‘It will never be enough, Elle, despite the truth. He wants my life.’

She put her cupped hand to my cheek. ‘Is it not worth a try, my love? You and I could live in true peace.’

‘I am scared, Elle. I am scared of him.’

‘I know. But you have your Elle here with you.’ She stood and began to pace around the room, thinking out loud as she did so. ‘Firstly, it is imperative that you stay inside for the time being, so that I might work out where Kreeg is stationed, and what his daily routine is. Does that sound like a reasonable start?’

I let out a sigh. ‘Yes,’ I agreed.

‘Good! Then we will commence.’

‘Elle...’