Page 14 of The Last Safe Place
“I want to do more. If you…” Eberhard perked up his ears, though careful not to interrupt the other man, who struggled to find the proper words. “I mean, if you hear about others inthe same predicament… or even…” Lieutenant Ruben fidgeted with his hands. “I’m trying to offer my help, should you hear of anyone in need. Perhaps in a less official way than with the Seiferts.”
Eberhard schooled his features to conceal the shock. Lieutenant Ruben was sticking his neck out issuing the unexpected, and criminal, offer. “That is very generous of you.”
“I consider it my duty to our country, and to humanity. Will you please consider my offer?”
Fighting hard to suppress a smile, Eberhard answered. “I certainly will. Thank you so much for all you’re doing. You’re an honorable man.”
Escorting Eberhard to the door, he added, “I don’t need to tell you that everything we discussed is strictly confidential.”
“Of course, Lieutenant. You can count on me.” It was the least he could do for the man who was risking a great deal to save Anton and Gerda from deportation, and had just offered to do even more.
Back at home, Selma was waiting anxiously for her husband. “There you are at last. I’ve called your office a dozen times, but no one answered.” Since long before the beginning of the war, Selma tended to become anxious whenever he returned home later than expected.
“I’m sorry, I had to go to the Bendlerblock.”
“Something urgent?” She knew him well enough to sense the hint of nervousness surrounding him despite Ruben’s assurances that he would take care of the matter.
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Selma took his briefcase and helped him out of his coat, then she placed a stew on the neatly-laid table.
During the meal, he told her about Anton’s visit and concluded his recount with the words, “Our friends in the Abwehr are taking care of it.”
“We can thank our stars for that contact,” Selma said as she spooned the final mouthful from her plate. As usual, the stew consisted mainly of water with a few potatoes, and was just enough to satisfy the worst hunger pangs, without approaching the feeling of sated contentment a hearty meal provided.
“It was excellent as usual,” he assured her.
Selma sighed. “How I would have loved to surprise you with some meat, but when I went shopping, there was nothing to be had, not even with ration cards.”
He put his hand on hers. “One day, things will become better. I’m certain of it.”
A beautiful smile, full of hope, lit up his wife’s face, and he loved her all the more for it. After more than thirty years of marriage, he sometimes took her for granted. He vowed inwardly to spend more time with her.
“Don’t you want to call Anton and let him know?”
With a glance of regret at his empty plate, Eberhard leaned back. He pinched his left earlobe with his hand to think more clearly. “I’d rather wait until tomorrow morning and call him from my practice. Maybe I’ll have some news by then. And I don’t want to say anything incriminating over the telephone.”
“Gerda will be beside herself. You should at least give them a brief call to let them know the Abwehr is taking care of it.”
“You’re probably right.” Eberhard moved to get up and go to the telephone, but Selma interrupted.
“I have a better idea. In the morning, I’ll pay them a visit. That way, I’ll be able to see Gerda again. What should I tell her?”
Eberhard frowned. “My contact emphasized under no circumstances should they comply with either the inventory or a summons to present themselves at an assembly point.”
Selma gasped. “Has it come to that already?”
“No. That’s purely a precautionary measure in case the Gestapo mills grind too slowly and the process can’t be stopped in time.”
“Are you sure nothing will happen to them if they defy an official order?”
“Oh, Selma,” he patted her hand. “I rather think what awaits them at the assembly point is a great deal worse.”
His wife’s face twisted into a horrified grimace. “Then it’s decided: I’ll leave with you tomorrow morning and go straight to Gerda’s. The chores will have to wait until later.”
“Thank you.” He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her toward him for a kiss. “What would I do without you?”
“We were so happy.” Selma’s deep sigh almost tore his heart in two.