Page 129 of The German Mother

Brewster raised his hand. ‘If I may, Michael…I’m a radio man, Leila – can I call you Leila? This uniform I’m wearing is simply a means of protecting me in the unlikely event that I’m captured by the enemy. In fact, I’ve spent the last twenty years at CBS as station chief. So I know broadcasting and I know talent – and you have it in spades.’

Leila smiled modestly.

‘I’ve listened to your broadcasts – you have a great voice. I’ve gotten hold of sections of the newspaper you edited back in Germany – where you did a great job, may I say. You’re a skilled writer – and you have vision. I understand you’re writing a book about the women of Germany, is that right?’

‘Yes, it’s due to be published this summer.’ Leila hesitated. ‘MajorBrewster, I’m flattered by your generous opinions of my talents, but I am still not sure what you’re asking me to do.’

‘I’m offering you a full-time job, Leila – a permanent contract working for us, right here in London.’

Leila was taken aback. A full-time job would certainly help with the bills. ‘Well, I’m flattered, obviously, but what would this job involve?’

‘Much as you’re doing now. By next year London will be filled with people working for the OWI. Our ambition is to promulgate positive information about the United States – in radio programmes, magazines, newspapers, books, films, leaflets – in a variety of languages – German, Polish, French. If you agree to take the job, you’ll be broadcasting to the German people – just as you’re doing now for the BBC. But, unlike your current position, we also want to harness your journalistic talents. You’ll be sourcing stories, writing bulletins as well as reading them. Ultimately, your responsibility will be to bring some truth and perspective to the citizens of Germany, to show them that after the war the Americans are people they can trust. How does that sound?’

Leila had to admit that the range of Brewster’s ambition was exciting.

‘It’s a very tempting offer, Major, but there is just one issue. Some time ago now, MrSullivan here also made me a professional offer.’

‘Ah well, Mrs Labowski,’ said Sullivan quickly, ‘this new initiative from our American partners changes things somewhat. You would now be workingde factofor both governments. Then, once the war is over, we would still be keen to include you in our post-war planning in Germany. It’s all part of the same journey, if you understand me?’

‘I see. Well, if I am to do this for you, MrSullivan, I have a small favour to ask.’

‘Name it, dear lady.’

‘That you kindly arrange for my parents to be given an entry visa into England. They are both Jews, and have managed to escape to Switzerland, where they are now safe, but I need them here – especially if I am to work full time for our allies.’

She smiled at Brewster Morgan, who locked eyes with Michael Sullivan and nodded.

‘I’ll certainly see what we can do,’ said Sullivan.

Leila looked him straight in the eye. ‘No, MrSullivan, I’m afraid vague promises are not good enough. I need a cast-iron undertaking – here and now.’

Michael Sullivan rocked thoughtfully on his heels, and Leila wondered if she had gone too far. But finally, he smiled at her.

‘MrsLabowski, you have my word that I will obtain entry visas for your parents. Please let my secretary have the details, and the British government will set the wheels in motion.’

PART FOUR

1945

We are faced with either death or victory.

JOSEPH GOEBBELS, FEBRUARY 28TH 1945

40

AUGSBURG

February 1945

The sky was threatening snow as Minki arrived at the cemetery, carrying a little bunch of white heather and blue hyacinths to put on Clara’s grave. She had read somewhere that white heather symbolised purity, and hyacinths stood for sorrow and regret. That summed up her feelings about Clara perfectly. She placed the flowers in a small vase in front of the grey head stone.

CLARA VON ZELLER

Much beloved daughter and sister

Her star sparkled bright and was

extinguished too soon