Page 74 of The German Mother

‘I suggest you keep on the move. It’s the only way.’

‘But where can I go?’

‘I’m sorry Leila, I can’t really help with that. And it’s better I don’t know where you are. Call me on Monday evening, and I’ll let you know what happened at the hearing.’

The prospect of four long days with no news of Viktor stretched ahead. The thought of him, frightened and alone in a cell at the police station, was unbearable. And how would she explain it to the children?

That afternoon, her mother went out to collect them from school. Leila was alone in the sitting room when she heard them come back. She listened quietly as Hannah explained that Viktor was away on business. ‘Your mother thought it would be more fun if you spent the next few days with Grandpa and me. Let’s have something to eat, shall we?’

With the children settled in the kitchen, Hannah brought Leila a cup of tea in the sitting room. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Worried…frightened. Are the children all right?’

‘They’re fine – doing some colouring at the kitchen table. Don’t worry about them. Now, what are you going to do about Viktor?’

‘What can I do? The hearing isn’t till Monday. I’m powerless…’

‘Can’t your friend Minki help? She knows all the top people, doesn’t she?’

‘Minki…yes of course!’ Leila leapt to her feet and kissed her mother’s cheek. ‘You’re absolutely right, Mutti. I’ve been in such a panic, I didn’t think of Minki. Can you keep the children busy while I call her?’

Leila dialled the Berlin number from the phone in the hall. She listened to the telephone ringing at Minki’s house for what seemed an interminable time. Finally someone answered. ‘The vonZeller residence.’

‘Minki…is that you?’

‘Yes, who’s that?’

‘It’s me…Leila.’

‘Leila! How lovely…’

‘Minki, this is not a social call. Something awful has happened.’

‘Go on.’

‘Viktor’s been arrested, accused of being an enemy of the state. It’s quite ridiculous, of course. One of my editors has also been arrested – a man called Julius Zerfass. I’m in hiding with the children – at my mother’s – and I need your help.’

‘Oh, Leila, I’m so sorry…’

Minki fell silent, and all Leila could hear was her breathing.

‘Minki…you will help me, won’t you? I don’t know where else to turn.’

‘I want to help, obviously, but I’m just not sure what I can do.’

‘Speak to Goebbels, I beg you. He’s your friend, and he has the power to get Viktor and Julius out. Please do that for me.’

‘Speak to Goebbels…Yes, well, I can try.’

‘Please, Minki. I’m begging you – you must try. You’re my only hope.’

22

BERLIN

February 1933

Minki sat by the telephone for some time, thinking through the implications of Leila’s phone call. It was true that she knew Goebbels well, and her husband was now part of his inner circle. But she suspected one of the reasons they remained friends was that she had never tried to ‘use’ Goebbels’ position for her own advantage. If that changed, so might his feelings.