Page 47 of The Last Safe Place

Then, at last, a male voice came on the line. “Lieutenant Ruben, what can I do for you, Fräulein Vogel?”

“Thank God.” Leonore was ready to cry with relief. “The SS came to my apartment to take me away. Can you please explain to them that I mustn’t be deported?”

“Stay calm. I’ll sort this out. Please put one of the SS officers on the line.”

“Certainly.” Relieved, Leonore held the receiver out to her guard. “Lieutenant Ruben wants to speak with you.”

Then she sank trembling against the wall. She was so preoccupied with regaining her composure, she didn’t listen to what was said. When the SS officer called her name, she startled. “Yes?”

“The lieutenant wants to talk to you again.”

Her hand was trembling so much as she reached out that the receiver almost fell to the floor. Finally, she held it to her ear. “It’s me again.”

“Fräulein Vogel. The matter has been resolved. You may leave,” said Lieutenant Ruben’s deep, reassuring voice. “As aprecaution, do not return to your apartment. Meet me in half an hour.” He gave an address nearby, made sure she knew how to get there, and hung up.

Breathing deeply, Leonore tightened her shoulders and hung the phone on the hook. As she looked around, the SS officer had already disappeared. She was just in time to catch a glimpse of him hurrying after his colleagues who were herding a group of Jews into the van. Then the vehicle sped off.

Suddenly, her knees were trembling so violently, she had to sit on the curb. That had been damn close. Too close.

She didn’t want to think what would have happened if nobody had answered the telephone, or if Lieutenant Ruben hadn’t intervened, or… Undoubtedly she’d be sitting in the van with the others, driving toward an unknown fate.

Slowly the trembling subsided, and she got to her feet. Legs still shaking, she walked to the rendezvous point with Lieutenant Ruben. She was a little early, so she took a turn around the block, since she wasn’t allowed to enter a café or sit on a bench with the star on her jacket. She briefly considered removing the star, but decided against it, because she didn’t want to give Lieutenant Ruben a reason to scold her.

When she passed the agreed spot a second time, there stood a slender, tall man in Wehrmacht uniform with dark blond hair and a bushy moustache.

She approached him hesitantly.

He beamed at her from warm brown eyes and said, “You must be Fräulein Vogel.”

“Yes.”

“I’m Lieutenant Ruben. It looks like they have given you an almighty scare.”

“They certainly did.” In Ruben’s protective presence, relief coursed through her body. “I’m so glad you answered the call. Thank you for coming right away.”

“It’s my pleasure.” He scrutinized her face. “You’re not about to faint on me, are you? You look very pale.”

“No, definitely not. I’m fine now.” Leonore sighed. “I was terrified.”

“I can imagine. I don’t think the SS will be lying in wait for you, but just for safety’s sake, I will accompany you to your apartment.”

“Thank you.” She had to quicken her pace to keep up with his long strides. Just before they reached her street, a thought occurred to her. “What if the Gestapo have sealed the apartment?”

“Let that be my concern.” His friendly expression helped her regain enough chutzpah to engage him in conversation.

“How long do you think it will be before we… well, you know.”

“It sounds like you can’t wait,” he laughed.

“Honestly, I’d rather get going today than wait until tomorrow.”

“That’s all too understandable. Especially after your experience just now.”

“I live over there.” Leonore pointed to the dilapidated building.

“Should I take a look by myself first, or would you rather come with me?” Lieutenant Ruben’s deep voice had a wonderfully calming effect on Leonore. His entire appearance radiated authority, making her feel safe in his presence. If only he could be with her all the time, she’d never have to be afraid of the Gestapo or the SS again.

“I’d rather go with you.” Under no circumstances did she want to wait alone on the street or in the hallway.