Hilde slapped his shoulder. “Don’t you dare!”
He grinned some more, assisted her in getting dressed, then helped her downstairs to the breakfast room.
They spent several lazy days talking with other travelers and getting a feel for the small village’s amenities, soaking in the wild and rugged yet peaceful atmosphere of the Alps. Nothing here resembled the frightful life in Berlin and Hilde couldn’t remember a time in her life she’d enjoyed more, even hampered as she was by her injury.
The threats in Breuil-Cervinia didn’t come from humans, but from nature. Like the frequent snow slides crashing down the scarps on the other side of the valley, their thunderous noise often tore up the silence in the village, echoing manifold back and forth between the mountain walls.
But in contrast to the hidden yet omnipresent danger in their hometown, it was much easier to avoid the threats of nature.
A week later, they attempted to ski again, with much more success this time. They stuck to the blue beginner’s slopes, and after a day or two, neither of them were even falling all that much.
Their honeymoon in Italy was turning out to be perfect. No problems. No worries. No watching what one said and to whom they were talking. Freedom. Something neither of them – especially Q – had experienced in so many years.
Chapter 6
As June arrived, so did their time to leave the Alps. They boarded the train, bound for Sicily, and Q was more in love now than ever before.
They finally arrived in Naples just as the sun was rising above the horizon, and even though they’d only gotten a few hours of sleep, they were more than ready to play tourist once again.
Hilde had disappeared behind the retractable changing screen to put on one of the summer dresses she’d bought for the trip. When she didn’t come out again, Q asked anxiously, “Are you ready to explore the city?”
“Almost,” she answered, and Q continued to gather their things. The train had already slowed to a crawl as it moved through the outskirts of the city, passing historic ruins of times gone by.
But as Hilde stepped out from behind the screen, he all but dropped the things in his hands, whistling low and long as he stared at her. She looked stunning in her lightweight dress in an A-line cut with flared skirts, puffed sleeves, and a gathered bodice that rested just below her bustline. The bright colors flattered her and brought out the glimmer in her blue eyes.
He ran his fingers down the patterned fabric of the dress that was perfect for a warm summer day. “Hilde, you are gorgeous. By far the most beautiful woman in all of Italy. No, in all of Europe.”
Hilde blushed and giggled. “Thank you.”
“I shall have to beat the men off with a stick,” Q murmured as they exited the train. They’d stay in the port city a few days until they’d secured a ferry to Palermo on the island of Sicily.
Naples was a mixture of history, some of it dating back over several thousand years. Castles, churches, and testaments to the great Roman Empire, and in the distance, the imposing silhouette of Mount Vesuvius towered like a silent guardian.
“Can you see it?” Hilde asked him as they explored the center of the city.
“See what?” he asked, letting his gaze wander around.
“What it must have been like to live during the time of the Romans? I can almost hear the chariots coming down the street.” She inhaled deeply.
Q grinned and imitated her, smelling the scent of oranges and jasmine strong in the air. “And I can smell rotten fish, human waste, and the remains of victims of the plague.”
“You’re so…so…unromantic,” she sputtered.
“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he answered and gathered her in his arms.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to actually experience how life was back then?” Hilde asked.
Q thought for a moment and frowned. “I should invent a time machine so you can go back and become a Roman lady.” He laughed at the hopeful gleam in her eyes. Tweaking her nose, he chuckled, “I’m not sure that’s even possible, so allow your fertile imagination to run wild.”
Hilde giggled. “My imagination will work just fine. Besides, I’m not at all sure you’d look good in a tunic.”
He raised a brow at her and then shook his head. “I’m sure I would not enjoy being dressed like that. My knees are knobby.”
She giggled some more, happy and carefree. As they wandered farther into the city, Hilde was shocked by the conditions she and Q encountered. The amount of poverty displayed was appalling. Kids and adults alike dressed in nothing but tattered and dirty rags. Shanty houses with only one room served as living, cooking, and sleeping quarters for the entire family. Most of the homes had no doors, merely rags or sheets partially covering the doorframes.
“Q, how can these people live like this?” she asked in a whispered voice that no one but he could hear.
He shook his head. “I truly don’t know. Things are bad in Germany, but not this bad. I didn’t believe I would ever say this, but the living conditions in Germany are much better than here.”
And they were, but then he noticed something else. Even though the people of Naples were poverty stricken, most of them had friendly smiles on their faces. He commented on this to Hilde. “Look at their faces.”
Hilde did and scrunched her nose in thought. “They’re happy. Much happier than the people in Berlin.”
***
A few days later, they took the ferry to Palermo, which was as noisy, dirty, and poor as Naples. They quickly embarked on the next train along the coast until they got off in a lovely seaside village to find a place to stay.
It was already early evening when they found the perfect small hotel with hot spas supplied with boiling water from a nearby inactive volcano. They were both tired and hungry. Q tipped the man at the reception desk to help cart their luggage to their room, then he arranged for a light meal to be brought to them by the host of the small restaurant next to the hotel, who was more than happy to earn a few extra bills for his effort.
Hilde made use of the washroom to rinse the dirt of the trip from her feet, and then she washed her exposed arms, neck, and face. She was just blotting the excess moisture from her skin when Q stepped into the small space, having the same idea.
“I can’t believe how crowded and dirty Palermo was,” she said.
“Yes, it was even worse than Naples, but this village is cute and clean,” he answered as he washed his hands and arms.
Q finished rinsing his face and then the receptionist arrived with the dinner he’d requested. They ate in relative silence, letting the happenings of the past days replay in their minds.
Later Hilde was gazing out the window when he sat down next to her, pulling her into the crook of his arm. “Have I told you today how much I adore you?” He placed a kiss on her hair, just above her ear.
Hilde turned and met his gaze. “No.”
“Well, I do. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life. If I had to die now, I’d die content and with a smile on my face, because I’d known you and loved you.”
She kissed him. “You’re not to talk about dying, at least not anytime soon. We don’t have to be afraid here. This is our blissful time to just enjoy being together. Without a care in the world.”
Q nodded. “That is true. For the first time in years, I’m not constantly looking over my shoulder. I’m so thankful for our time here together.”
“I too am thankful. I know Naples wasn’t what we expected, but I cannot help contrasting the differences between the citizens of Naples and those of Berlin. These people have so little, and yet they can find a reason to smile and laugh. In Germany, people are afraid to laugh.”
“Let’s not talk about home. Let’s get some sleep,” he said and undressed to go to bed.
The tiny village and the hotel turned out to be a small paradise, and they met many foreign tourists from Russia, Sweden, England, France, and several other places. Just the day before, an Engli
sh couple had joined their table at a small café and upon learning that he and Hilde hailed from Germany, a discussion concerning the Nazis had ensued. Q had been sitting on needles afraid Hilde might say too much and give away their secret. It was one thing to admit that they weren’t very fond of the Nazis, but an entirely different one to be actively involved in the resistance.
They were sitting in the lounge of the hotel drinking an afternoon coffee when Q cautioned Hilde, “Even though most people here are friendly and probably share our opinion, we can’t let them know about…you know.”
“I would never commit that mistake,” Hilde assured him, lowering her voice. “Even though Germany is many miles away from here, the Nazis have eyes and ears all over.” And they did. The Nazis had an extensive reach across Europe.
She continued to talk about something, but Q had stopped listening and groaned.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, concerned.
He gestured briefly towards the other side of the lobby. “You’ll never believe who just arrived here.”
Chapter 7
Hilde followed Q’s gaze and gasped.
The well-built man with the military cut grey hair and the piercing green eyes looked a lot younger than his almost sixty years. His impressive presence filled the lobby, and all chatter had died down to a whisper upon his arrival.
He wore the dress uniform of the Deutsche Wehrmacht, the German Army, and though neither Hilde nor Q had met him before, she instantly recognized the handsome man as Generalfeldmarschall Werner von Blomberg, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of War.
A chill rushed down her spine. She’d felt so safe in Italy and now this.
“Q?”
Q shook his head, indicating this was not the time for her questions. Despite his nonchalant behavior, she could feel the anxiety radiating off of him, and a dull suspicion crossed her mind. He’d behaved oddly all day, and he’d insisted they take their coffee in the lounge and wait…for…the Minister of War?
Hilde’s chest constricted. No, that’s not possible. Or is it?
“What haven’t you told me, Wilhelm Quedlin?” she asked him in a stern whisper.
Q squirmed under her stare. “I thought von Blomberg was a widower. So who’s the woman clinging to his arm?”
Woman? Glancing back, Hilde noticed the curvaceous brunette standing beside von Blomberg and casting loving glances at him. “That woman can’t be older than twenty-five; she must be his daughter.”
“Looking at him like a love-sick puppy? Not likely.” Q smirked.
“Are you going to answer my question?” Hilde pressed him.
Q sighed. “I’m supposed to be meeting with a Russian agent assigned to Italy.”
Hilde’s eyes opened wide. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I just did.”
She leaned closer. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
“I know. I was hoping to avoid this altogether.” A flurry of activity was now taking place in the foyer of the hotel as every available employee rushed to make the Generalfeldmarschall and his guest comfortable.
Q was sitting sideways at the table, and Hilde watched him as he continued to drink his coffee, his face shuttered and without expression. That is, until von Blomberg took notice of them and approached their table.
He greeted them with a “Heil Hitler” and Hilde watched the brief moment of disgust flash in Q’s eyes. Meeting her gaze briefly, he stood to his feet and returned the greeting, raising his hand and offering a Hitlergruss to von Blomberg.
Hilde took her cue from Q and followed suit, not wanting to draw undue attention to them.
“I can recognize a good Aryan when I see him. Where are you from?” von Blomberg explained and waved an employee over to bring two more chairs and coffee. Without asking, he and his companion sat at Q’s and Hilde’s table.
Hilde’s throat was dry as the desert at noon, and for the life of her, she couldn’t say a word. With her heart thundering in her throat, she grabbed onto Q’s hand like a lifeline.
Thankfully, Q was more composed and dutifully answered von Blomberg’s question. “My wife and I are from Berlin. It’s an honor to meet you, Herr Generalfeldmarschall.”
“None of those formalities. Luise and I are here exclusively on personal business,” he said with a doting look at the young woman.
While he and Q exchanged pleasantries, Hilde gave the younger woman a tight smile. “I’m Hilde. Pleased to meet you.”
Luise obviously came from a humble background and felt slightly uncomfortable in the limelight. Hilde’s heart warmed, and she pitied the girl – almost.
“It’s so nice meeting some other people from Germany here. I hope you don’t mind us joining you? The travel was tiring.”
Isn’t it a bit late to ask? Now that you’re already sitting at our table? But Hilde bit down her remark, and as she couldn’t think of a way to politely refuse, she nodded. “Not at all.”
Coffee arrived and with each sip of the aromatic liquid, Luise came out of her shell and chatted away. Hilde wanted to jump up and rush from the room. Instead, she patiently conversed about the weather, dresses, and all of the exciting things they’d seen and done while on their travels.
She glanced over to Q for help, but he wasn’t in any better situation than she was.
***
Q surreptitiously glanced at the clock hanging on the wall, worried his Russian contact was going to show up at any minute and run straight into the Generalfeldmarschall.
Von Blomberg updated him on the glorious Nazis progress in several areas, and Q did his best to pretend interest and joy. Apparently with success, because von Blomberg leaned back in his chair and pierced Q with his alert green eyes. “You’re a man after my liking. What’s your contribution to the Reich?”
Q swallowed hard. Do everything in my might to shorten its lifespan. “I’m a chemical engineer, working for the Biological Reich Institute.”
“A scientist.” Von Blomberg seemed delighted and asked more questions about the kind of work Q was involved in.
Q put up a brave front and answered all his questions, while anxiety corroded his insides. He turned his head to Hilde, but she was deep in conversation with Luise. From her side, he couldn’t hope for a rescue.
“We could use someone with your talents in the Wehrmacht,” von Blomberg said, and Q almost doubled over. He can’t be serious, can he?
“Sir, I’m afraid I’m much too old to be of any worth as a soldier,” he protested faintly and then paled. A man who could only be the Russian agent had arrived and was heading straight for him, oblivious to the man sitting at his table.
Q shook his head violently, not so much as an answer to the Generalfeldmarschall, but with the intent to scare the agent away.
Von Blomberg laughed heartily. “Not as a soldier. The Ministry of War has a lot to offer a good scientist. In fact, we are in need of someone with your brilliant mind to head our research department. We’re always working to find better and more efficient weapons.”
To kill more people. I would rather kill myself than work for you.
The Russian approached closer, a searching look in his eyes. He can’t recognize von Blomberg because he sees only his back. If he says one wrong word, we’re all in deep trouble. Q could only hope the agent was experienced enough not to give them away with a silly action.
“…I believe you would do a credible job in that position,” Von Blomberg continued, and Q felt as if someone tightened a rope around his neck. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and worked their way down his temples. The agent was now mere yards from them.
Q wiped the sweat from his face with a kerchief and said louder than necessary, “I’m sorry. It’s hot in here, Herr Generalfeldmarschall von Blomberg.”
The man approaching him hesitated almost imperceptibly and made a beeline for the stairs leading to the floors with the guest rooms.
“None of those formalities. Please call me Werner,” Von
Blomberg said with a jovial grin. “We have a lot to discuss.”
“Thank you, Herr…Werner. My name is Wilhelm,” Q answered shakily. “That is a very generous offer, and I will certainly take it into consideration.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a hotel employee chasing behind the Russian who’d disappeared upstairs. Afraid of the tumult that might ensue and clue in von Blomberg about who the Russian was and why he was here, Q decided it was best to keep Werner’s attention on what was happening at their table.
“Right now, I’m enjoying my honeymoon with my wife.” He reached across the table and squeezed Hilde’s thigh, causing her to blush prettily.
Werner glanced at her and laughed. “Young love. Isn’t it adorable? But I must insist. We need men of your talent. Enjoy your honeymoon, and once you return to Berlin, report to my office.”
Q started to respond, but the hotel director who’d been summoned from his office came to his rescue, greeting the Generalfeldmarschall and his companion, “Welcome to our hotel, sir, it’s an honor to have you staying with us. I’ve personally seen that our best suite is prepared for you, if you’ll follow me, please?”
Werner stood up and held a hand out to Luise before addressing Q, “I expect to converse some more with you during our stay here.” He nodded at Hilde and walked off with the hotel director leading the way.
With a deep sigh, Q ushered Hilde towards the exit and out onto the sidewalk. His pulse drummed as if he’d been running a sprint and Hilde seemed to feel the same anxiety. He could smell the fear rolling off of her in waves.
In silence, they walked hand in hand until they ended on the nearby beach. Hilde stopped to remove her shoes and stockings to dip her feet into the cool water as it flowed back and forth across the packed sand.
The sound of the waves lapping on the beach had a calming effect, and he followed suit. Taking his shoes off, he tied their laces together and slung them around his neck, taking Hilde’s hand in his own as they walked in silence.
Unyielding: Love and Resistance in WW2 Germany (World War II Trilogy) Page 4