Page 24 of The Last Safe Place

“I haven’t had the opportunity to propose the plan to Dohnanyi. We both had so much to do that we only ever met in passing. I didn’t want to broach the subject where anyone could hear.”

“Hmm. Supposing he says yes, do you believe someone like Herr Lange would agree to work for us? I know for certain my sister Edith wouldn’t.”

“It would only be for appearances’ sake. As soon as he’s crossed the border, he can drop the disguise.”

“In any case, we need approval from our seniors first. Tomorrow is our department meeting, and I happen to know that the only party-faithful man is on a business trip.” Knut felt the excitement pulsing in his veins.

“Well, if that isn’t a good omen! I shall simply present the proposal.” Bernd twirled his moustache.

“And I’ll pretend I’m hearing about it for the first time.” Knut gave Bernd a kiss. “After a short reflection, I shall then support your idea. It’ll work, I’m sure of it.”

“Let’s hope so.” Bernd looked at the clock. “I must leave. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight.” Knut wished they could live together like other lovers. The constant secrecy was shredding his nerves.

13

MARCH 1942

Leonore woke before the alarm clock sounded due to the chirping of birds. Despite the third war winter, nothing seemed to have changed and the people, like the birds, were going about their daily lives more or less unrestricted – with the exception of Jews.

She sprawled, laying down for a few more minutes to enjoy the silence in the office before a hectic new day began. Then she got up, dressed, and swept any evidence of her overnight stay into the broom cupboard. Herr Balsen may have given her permission to sleep on the sofa in his office, but none of his many visitors should be the wiser.

Once she had finished her usual morning tasks and made coffee, she waited for Herr Balsen. He was later than usual. Finally, he breezed in the door. “Is there anything important in the diary today?”

“The sales representative from the printing house intends to visit this afternoon, and an agent from the Ministry of Propaganda about the summer catalogue.”

“Not them again,” groaned Herr Balsen. “Did the ministry say what they wanted?”

“There seems to be a problem with one of the authors being classified as undesirable.”

“Goddamn bastards. They’ve reviewed and approved our entire publication program. And now they want to make more last-minute changes? Do those fossilized bureaucrats have the faintest idea how much money it costs me to have an entire print run pulped? And with the current paper shortage? Where am I supposed to find a replacement at such short notice?” Herr Balsen paused briefly to reach for his coffee cup. He was trembling with such violent anger, Leonore feared he’d spill it all.

After emptying the entire contents in one gulp, he asked in a calmer voice, “Did they say which author it was?”

“Sadly not. His secretary merely announced that Herr Schulze from the Reich Ministry of Education would like to speak to you personally.”

Herr Balsen grunted something incomprehensible. “When’s he coming?”

“At eleven o’clock.” Leonore knew her boss liked to schedule appointments that were liable to be important or challenging before lunch.

“I don’t want to be disturbed until then.”

“Very well.” Leonore waited until he had closed the door behind him, before she returned to the reception area. She had barely had time to sit down at the desk when the telephone rang.

“Tell your boss that—” the connection broke off.

This was not an unusual occurrence – it had been happening ever more frequently in recent times – so she busied herself typing letters while she waited for the caller to try again. But nothing happened.

On the stroke of eleven, the door opened, and Herr Schulze strode in, with two men in suits in tow. Leonore’s skin crawled.Regardless of their civilian clothing, she could almost smell they were both Gestapo.

Ignoring her fear, she put on a friendly face. “Good morning, gentlemen, Herr Balsen is expecting Herr Schulze already. Can I offer you a coffee?”

“That won’t be necessary,” growled one of the companions. He clearly didn’t think it important to introduce himself.

Leonore pulled herself together and stood up. “One moment please, I’ll let Herr Balsen know you’re here.”

But the other companion stood in her way. “Stay seated, Fräulein. We’ll find the way.”