Page 49 of Under a Sunburnt Sky

“Give me a moment to breathe and I will tell you everything.”Mama leaned back in her chair, her cheeks pink in the glow of the fire from the hearth.“She says her boyfriend, the SS officer, will help us.He wants a diamond ring, a mink coat and two hundred American dollars.”

Jan’s stomach tightened.How would they get so much?“What did you say?”

“I agreed.”

“But?”

“We will do it, Jan, because we have no other choice.Leave it to me, my son.I will go to the market first thing tomorrow and I will get what we need.This is one time where I don’t need your help.”Her eyes glowed with love as she stroked his cheek.“You’re such a good boy.Always doing everything you can to help others.And I will need your help again—there is no doubt of that.But not for this.Do not let your heart be troubled.There is one thing she mentioned, though.”

“What is it?”Jan’s brow furrowed.

“He told her that if Jadzia has already been processed, he can’t help us.”

“How will we know if that’s happened?”

Mama sighed.“He said she will be wearing a striped tunic.If she’s still in her own clothes, he can get her out.If she’s not, it’s too late and there’s nothing he can do.”