Page 26 of The Last Safe Place

Every wall of the huge room was fitted from floor to ceiling with shelves full of books. To her left were valuable vintage original editions, bound in leather or linen. On her right, she recognized many classics of German, French and English literature, and on the wall facing the window stood the collected works of contemporary literature from Herr Balsen’s publishing house.

“What brings you to me?” enquired Frau Balsen.

“I’m so very sorry.” Leonore’s voice trembled. “Your husband was arrested this morning. I rushed here as fast as I could.”

Frau Balsen closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Then, in a remarkably composed voice, she said, “We’vefeared for a while that this might happen. Can you tell me where he was taken?”

Leonore was very proud that she’d had the presence of mind to ask where he would be. “To the prison on Alexanderplatz.”

“Good, that’s a start.” Frau Balsen paused. “Thank you for bringing me the news so quickly. Perhaps it’s not too late and I may be able to pull some strings to get my husband released.”

“It was the least I could do.”

“My husband has spoken very highly of you. Is there some way I can help you?”

Despite sensing the offer was sincere, she hesitated to ask for what she needed most. “I’ll get by all right.”

“I know you slept in his office. You cannot return there on any account. The Gestapo will probably carry out a search and you had best not be found there.” Frau Balsen seemed to be wrestling inwardly. “Unfortunately, I can’t offer you a bed here either. It’s too dangerous. I’m certain they will come to search the house as well. You must never contact me again, if you don’t want to be dragged into this matter.”

“I’ll keep well away from both your house and your husband’s office.” Leonore moved to take her leave, when Frau Balsen spoke again.

“Wait. Perhaps… No, it’s impossible. It would put us both in unnecessary danger.” She walked to the inlaid wooden bureau at the window, rummaged in a drawer, and took something out. “Here, take this.”

Leonore stared speechlessly at the bundle of banknotes in Frau Balsen’s hand. “I can’t possibly accept that.”

“Of course, you can. You’re going to need it.”

“Thank you.” Leonore tucked the money away in her purse, because she wasn’t proud enough to protest for more than the sake of politeness. After all, she had just lost her job.

“I’ll see what else I can do for you.” Frau Balsen handed her a business card. “Contact this man next week. He may be able to help you.”

Lieutenant Bernd Ruben. Amt Ausland / Abwehr,Leonore read. “A Wehrmacht officer?”

“Don’t worry. Even the Wehrmacht has its sympathizers. But please, don’t mention his name to anyone.”

“I shall be as silent as the grave. Thank you so, so much, again, Frau Balsen.” Leonore wished she could offer the woman something in return, or at least speak some words of comfort. “I hope your husband will be released soon.”

“I hope so too. Now go, and under no circumstances must you ever come back here.” Then Frau Balsen rang for the maid, who appeared almost immediately with a curtsey. “Yes, madam?”

“Please escort Fräulein Vogel out.”

Leonore said goodbye and followed the maid to the front door. Back on the street, she felt inside her purse for the banknotes, to make sure she hadn’t dreamed the events of the last half hour.

The money was still there, along with the calling card of the mysterious Abwehr Lieutenant.

A shiver trickled down her back as she realized she would have to enter the lion’s den.

14

Eberhard’s wife greeted him at the door to their home. “You look tired, Eberhard.”

“I am. But I have news I’d like to discuss with you.”

“Good or bad?” she asked as she helped him out of his coat and hung it on the rack.

He chuckled and gave her a kiss before answering the question. “Both.”

“Now I’m curious. But come to the table first. An old friend has brought over a cut of meat.”