Page 39 of The Last Safe Place
Selma stared at him anxiously. She rubbed her finger against her nose and seemed to be thinking hard. “What about the doctor, Frau Kronberg?”
Eberhard grimaced. “She was ordered to wear the star before her husband was even in his grave. I am, or rather was, the single person in our group allowed to carry out administrative procedures.” Sudden rage gripped him and hit the table with his fist. “Bloody hell! Who do the Nazis think they are?”
“Lords of life and death for every Jew in the Reich,” Selma replied drily, but Eberhard was not listening. His pent-up anger boiled over as he vented his fury. “They demand one document after another, forms, proofs, authorizations, permits and special permits, clearance certificates, family trees, birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, inventory lists, certificates of good conduct and heaven knows what else. Every single piece of paper must be signed and stamped dozens of times and carried from one authority to the next. And then…”he gasped laboriously for air like a fish on dry land, “and then, with another stroke of the pen, they decree that the very people from whom all these certificates are required will not be admitted to the authorities’ premises. It’s insanity!”
Selma pursed her lips. “Are you still expecting any of their actions to make sense?”
Eberhard felt the remnants of his anger dissolve. Like a gelatinous slime, they oozed out of him until nothing but emptiness remained. He glanced affectionately at Selma. “I guess you’re right. How can I expect sense where there is none? Will you help me into my coat, please?”
“Where are you going?” Selma asked, handing him his hat and briefcase.
“To the Bendlerblock. I need to inform R of this latest development and ask whether he can get my obligation to wear the star rescinded.” He kissed his wife. “Otherwise our emigration doesn’t have any chance of success.”
“Good luck, dear. I’ll cook dinner while you’re gone. Johanna is visiting this evening.”
“That’s right, I completely forgot.” Here was another reason he needed to clear this situation up. “I’ll be back on time.”
Fortunately, the order to wear the yellow star would come into force starting the following week. Until then, he’d be able to use public transport, so he’d be back in no time. The ban on Jews using buses and trains was reason enough why he urgently needed exemption from the obligation to wear the star. How else could he get to the many administrative offices to obtain papers for the Sevens, as they had started calling their group of purported agents?
Eberhard hurried out of the house and boarded the next bus, which took him close to the Bendlerblock. Once there, he peered anxiously at his watch. Hopefully, Lieutenant Ruben would still be in his office.
“Good evening, Herr Marbach,” Eberhard greeted the security guard and showed his permanent pass. “May I speak to Lieutenant Ruben?”
“I’m sorry, he’s not in the office today,” said Marbach after checking his list. “May I help you with anything else?”
Eberhard didn’t take long to think. His situation didn’t brook any delay. “Please would you kindly ask if Lieutenant Hesse is available?”
After a short phone call, Herr Marbach said, “Lieutenant Hesse will meet you at the entrance to the building.”
“Thank you very much.”
Eberhard was just stepping into the hallway as Lieutenant Hesse strode toward him. “I’m so glad you’re here, Herr Lange, I have wonderful news.”
Some encouragement was exactly what Eberhard needed right now, so he decided to listen to Lieutenant Hesse’s news before bringing up his own concern. “I can’t wait to hear it, Lieutenant.”
Once they were in his office, Hesse announced, “We’ve finally been promised by the Gestapo that all the Sevens will be issued an exit permit as soon as the necessary documents are gathered.”
“That is indeed excellent news. I have obtained most of the papers in recent weeks. There are just a few administrative procedures left to complete.” After so many months of anxiety, during which the entire operation had been terminally threatened more than once, he was filled with gratitude that something was finally moving forward.
“You can’t imagine how relieved I am that we’ve finally received confirmation,” Lieutenant Hesse seemed emotional. “It’s a very personal concern of mine to ensure the success of Operation Seven.”
Something in Hesse’s voice made Eberhard pay close attention. “Do you have Jewish acquaintances yourself?”
Hesse’s eyes flickered, before he replied cautiously, “I do, as a matter of fact.” With a cursory glance to check the door was closed, he continued, “My sister is married to a Jew.” He seemed about to say more, but then fell silent.
The revelation hit Eberhard like a punch in the stomach. He was tempted to express his condolences, but thought better of it, since it might be easily misunderstood. After careful consideration, he asked, “Please excuse my curiosity, but why didn’t you include them both in Operation Seven?”
Lieutenant Hesse’s face took on a tortured look. “Believe me, I have toyed with the idea a thousand times. But that would have endangered the mission. The sister of an Abwehr officer, being an agent? How credible would that have been?”
Eberhard smiled inwardly. Even the idiots at the Gestapo would have smelled a rat at the idea that an Abwehr officer’s sister wouldn’t arouse suspicion with the foreign authorities.
“Besides,” the lieutenant continued, “my sister is Aryan and her husband is protected by his marriage to her.”
“Naturally.” Eberhard wanted to say so much more. Wanted to point out that this fragile protection might end at any time with a stroke of the pen… but instead, he tried to encourage the young man. “You did the right thing.”
Lieutenant Hesse nodded, the torment clear on his face.
Eberhard used the ensuing silence to voice his concern. “Lieutenant Hesse, I came here today for a different reason.”