"No, you’re not a heterosexual."
"Right. So these people tried to change you? How did they do that?"
"They used electric shocks on me to change the way my brain worked. They wanted to stop how I felt about women. They did horrible things to me," Eva replied hoarsely and watched as Zoe’s face went from confusion to rage in seconds.
Eva could see Zoe’s hands were shaking and wondered if she could tell her the truth. The look on Zoe’s face was one of horror but Eva saw compassion in her eyes. If this doesn’t terrify you to leave me, then nothing will, Eva thought. All the while her gaze never left Zoe.
"I was injected with so many drugs, I didn’t know my own name half the time, and the other half of the time, I didn’t care what my name was."
"Are you still taking those drugs?"
Eva shook her head. "Yes, I think so. They don’t tell me whether it’s pain medication or those drugs."
"Is that why you have been ill for the last few months? In the morning you were fine but as the day wore on, you became so angry and ill?" Zoe asked. She reached out and then remembered, so she pulled back and sat on her hands.
"It’s called aversion therapy for a reason."
"It obviously doesn’t work very well."
"It does." Eva nodded. "It works the way they intended it to work. Their treatments were to try to get me not to feel sexually aroused by women."
"They can do that?"
"Yes, they can. When I kissed you earlier…"
Zoe’s puzzled expression instantly changed to horror. "You are physically ill when you touch me?"
"Yes. It physically hurts me to touch you."
"That’s why you were throwing up earlier?"
"Yes."
"It’s why you’ve been sick for the last few months. You were thinking about me?" Zoe asked incredulously.
Eva nodded. "I had this dream one day that we were making love and I held you in my arms. It felt so real."
Zoe’s face creased into a smile. "You were dreaming about me? About us making love?"
Eva nodded. "Yes."
"What happened when you woke?"
"I was violently ill."
"You were burning in your own version of hell."
"Yes."
Zoe sighed. "Do you want us to forget what happened tonight? I will go away and ask Father H to assign someone else; I don’t want to hurt you."
"No, Zoe, I don’t want you to go away."
"But I’m hurting you."
"I chose to kiss you. It’s going to take me some time to overcome this but I will. If you leave, it would hurt more and they will win. I won’t be able to bear that pain. What I’m feeling now, it will go away."
"Are you sure it will go away?"
"Yes, in time."
"When the war is over, we will find someone to help you. We will wait until you are stronger. This Uncle Dieter is another sadistic bastard. Is that why you are so afraid of him? When I mentioned his name as being on the guest list a few months ago, your face was so pale you were almost ready to pass out. You looked terrified of him."
"I am afraid of him because if he finds out that his cure never worked, he will take me back. I’m afraid if that happens I won’t come out of Aiden alive."
"It never worked? I thought you said it did work and that’s why you are ill."
"I can’t change who I am, Zoe. I can’t change how I feel no matter how much they torture me. What they have done is make me sick if I’m aroused by a woman, thinking about you," Eva shook her head.
"Does your father believe you?"
Eva grimaced and shook her head. "He doesn’t believe I’m cured. Nurse Gestapo tried to convince him and then Dr. Uta came over and..well…"
"Horrible women. I hope they’re enjoying the fires of hell." Zoe sneered. "Gestapo was the one that laughed as my mama was dying."
"She did?"
"Yes," Zoe responded as Eva’s eyes closed. "I hope they enjoyed the ride down Athena’s Bluff."
Eva’s eyes popped open and she stared at Zoe. "What?"
Zoe stared back. "I promised to kill the woman who laughed at my mama’s death. I was sorry I had to kill that Doctor but now I’m not sorry because of what they did to you."
Eva smiled. She was overcome with the feelings she was experiencing for Zoe. "It’s been a long time since anyone cared about me."
"Well, I’m going to change that," Zoe resolutely announced.
"Are you sure you want to get involved with me?" Eva whispered, hoping for all she was worth she wasn’t going to hear the words that she dreaded.
Zoe didn’t say anything for a few moments. "I’m sure, but I’m not the one throwing up every time you see a little flesh," Zoe gently teased making Eva smile.
"If Muller—"
"I’ll kick him in the crotch and enjoy the experience." Zoe giggled.
Eva couldn’t help herself and she laughed. It felt good to laugh after experiencing the familiar nightmare that seemed to haunt her.
"I told you, Evy…" Zoe said and surprised Eva by using the diminutive form of her name. She looked up to see Eva’s huge smile. "You may not have noticed this, but we are in a war. Every day is dangerous." Zoe shrugged. "What’s one more danger?"
"This one is different."
"I know," Zoe said. "Sometimes you have to go with your heart and let it lead you."
"You’re one of a kind, Zoe," Eva replied a little hoarsely.
"The world is a safer place with only one of me," Zoe replied playfully as she fussed with Eva’s blanket. "Now, go to sleep. You can worry about this tomorrow when you’re feeling stronger."
Eva’s furrowed brow deepened as the migraine settled behind her eyes. She watched as Zoe left the room. With a sigh she realized she was going to be spending the night alone. Moments later Zoe came back into the room with her blanket, the thick rug, and a pillow.
"What are you doing?"
"Sleeping on the floor—if I can’t hold you, I’m going to be as close as I can be. I’ll show these bastards that they won't win."
"God help them," Eva murmured. The last thing she saw was Zoe gazing up at her from the floor before her eyes closed.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Muller sat at his desk and stared up at the ceiling. He couldn’t believe what he had heard from Rhimes. If it were anyone else who had told him about the Fatherland’s losses...well, he wouldn’t have believed them. The Americans had crossed into the Fatherland. The very thought made his stomach hurt.
"My God," Muller muttered. "My God, what a shambles." He sighed. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, which he answered with a curt, "Come." Reinhardt entered and saluted. Muller motioned for him to sit. "Has the train arrived?" He asked.
"Yes, sir. It has three cars."
"Good. You’re probably wondering why there are soldiers on that train? No?"
Reinhardt nodded.
"We have a problem," Muller said. "We’re pulling out of Greece."
Reinhardt’s right eyebrow twitched but he showed no outward emotion. If the situation weren’t so serious, Muller would have laughed at his second in command’s face.
"This is surprising to you?"
"I am surprised but—"
"Doesn’t matter!" Muller snapped. "The train that came in this morning is going to Thessaloniki. Men from here will join the soldiers from General Kiefer’s command. The rest will be sent via truck convoy. There will be Resistance activity to blow up the train. Bring Father Haralambos here to me. He will be on that train."
"Yes, sir. May I make a suggestion?" Muller nodded. "Why not get a hundred villagers and put them on the train? One man won’t matter much to the Resistance, even if he is the priest. They will think twice about blowing up that many of their countrymen."
Muller stared at his second in command for a long moment.
"Alright. Round up a hundred villagers to go on the train," Muller said as he picked up a pen and began to sign papers. "Bring the
priest here now."
"Sir, it’s Sunday—"
Muller glared at Reinhardt. "So what? You don’t bring priests in to me on a Sunday? Is there a problem?"
"No, sir."
"Well, go and do it then," Muller yelled.
***
"And so when you do a kind deed, don’t let everyone know of it—just let God know." Father Haralambos finished his sermon on letting good deeds go unnoticed. His congregation was sparse today and he sighed. Only the old women and a scattering of old men were present. The young didn’t have time for God with the war raging.
Even Eva was missing today, and that worried Father Haralambos. She was always there unless she was ill. He was sure that she had been well when he had seen her here last night. He was mildly startled when the doors to the church were opened and Reinhardt and six soldiers entered. He had expected to be taken from his home, not from the church.
"You’re a bit late for the sermon, Captain," Father Haralambos quipped, knowing full well why the captain had come to the church.
Reinhardt grimaced. "I’m not here for that. You are to come with me."
"May I ask where to?" Father Haralambos asked, hoping to postpone the inevitable.
"Major Muller wants to speak to you," Reinhardt answered and then turned to the corporal on his left. "Gather everyone here and take them down to the train."
He led the priest out of the church as the soldiers rounded up the congregation. Father Haralambos looked back and frowned. "I said I was coming with you. What have these people done to deserve this treatment?" He tried to plead with Reinhardt, but he could see he was not going to appeal to the man’s kindness.
"Don’t ask so many questions. You may not like the answers," Reinhardt answered as he walked quickly back to Muller’s residence.
Father Haralambos shuffled along, quite unconcerned at the hurried pace of Reinhardt. In fact, he deliberately slowed down.
"Come on, Father. Move!"
"Captain, I am old enough to be your father. Would you talk to him in that manner? And please, slow down."
Reinhardt stopped. An incredulous look crossed his face and then he laughed. "Come on, Father, Major Muller is waiting."
Reinhardt ushered Father Haralambos into Muller’s office, where the major sat watching them.
***
"Ah, Father Haralambos."
"Good day to you, Major." Father Haralambos sat down, uninvited.
Muller frowned. "You’re going on a trip," he stated, and signed some forms without looking up.
"I am? How lovely. To where?" Father Haralambos smiled.
"That doesn’t concern you at the moment."
"I’m going on a trip and you won’t tell me where? Ah, must be a German thing," Father Haralambos said as he folded his hands and rested them on his lap.
"Your lack of concern interests me. Why is that?" Muller tapped the pen on the desk and looked at the priest quizzically.
"Why am I not scared, or why am I looking forward to a trip when I don’t know where I’m going to?"
"You are not amusing, Father."
"I’m not trying to be. I’ve lived a long life and I’ve seen a lot." Father Haralambos smiled.
Muller turned to Reinhardt. "Leave us," he said. Father Haralambos met Reinhardt’s gaze for a moment before the younger man left the room.
The door closed behind the captain and Muller leaned back on his chair and looked at Father Haralambos. "What secrets do you hold?"
"I am the keeper of many secrets, most of them spiritual. I’m a simple priest."
"You’re not the simple priest you want me to believe you are."
"You mean I’m not a priest? The Archbishop will be most surprised." Father Haralambos’ eyes were still smiling, but Muller could sense a steely resolve. "It’s a lovely dance we are dancing, Major, but I’m getting older, so why don’t we say what we want to say?"
"Tell me, why does my daughter come to church so much?"
"Why do people come to church? Eva is a spiritual child."
"She is a perverted child," Muller mumbled. "I know what she has been doing."
"She has been cleansing her soul. The death of her mother caused her so much grief. I’m sure, as her father, you are aware of that. She has been in pain and she needs the solace of the Lord."
Muller watched Father Haralambos for a few moments. "What has my daughter told you about her mother’s death?"
"A child is scarred from such an experience."
Muller was startled. Father Haralambos’ eyes had turned cold and he could see hatred in them for a moment. Gone was the man of God and in his place he could see the hatred for him. The priest’s blue eyes stared at him, and that unnerved him, more than he thought it would.
"Any child who loses a parent is devastated. Eva is no different. As I said, she has found solace in the Lord."
Muller decided to let the issue drop. He was rather unsettled by what had transpired. He fussed with some papers on his desk. "You will report to Captain Reinhardt for your train trip," he ordered, not looking at Father Haralambos.
"Ah yes, my little trip. Will I have time to let the good Sisters know I will be gone for a time?"
Muller nodded. "Tomorrow you will board the train," he said, refusing to meet the priest’s eyes. "Leave," he directed, turning his chair around.
"Have a good day, Major."
Muller didn’t answer as the door closed quietly. He felt that Father Haralambos had challenged him and somehow he had lost. He shook his head.
***
Father Haralambos was deep in thought as he made his way through the forest, the autumn chill creeping into his bones. He reached the end of the trail and settled down to gaze out across the northern horizon.
The forest that surrounded the area appeared to be succumbing to the weather — leaves were falling, leaving shriveled, bare branches to face the coming winter. He found a secluded area overlooking the northern mountains, and watched the clouds skimming across the mountain peaks, the mountains themselves looking gray and depleted. The river, a vital resource for the war-ravaged community, was a center of activity for the many local farmers, its crystal clear water and powerful currents bringing a sense of intensity and vigor to the atmosphere. The rich, opulent fields of wheat flourishing as the time for harvest neared gave an almost golden hue to the skyline. There was an eerie silence that forced his thoughts to focus on his imminent future.
He sat on the boulder and contemplated his life. He was fortunate, he thought, that he could take a moment to reflect on his life before he died. Others were not so lucky, as their lives were cut short by the violence of the war. He could find some time to organize his affairs and say goodbye to those he loved. Maybe that’s a curse and not a blessing.
He had found his only child and now to see her being taken away from him again hurt him a great deal. Eva was a spirited and deeply religious woman. He was proud of her. He didn’t think he could ask for more in a child. He smiled. When he looked at her, he could see the love of his life, Daphne, reflected in her features.
He heard a rustling sound and he turned to see Zoe coming towards him. He smiled and she promptly sat beside him.
***
"I thought I would find you here," Zoe said, looking out over the valley. She had seen Father Haralambos leave Muller’s residence. She had hoped to stop him before he left, but Despina held her back with some chores that needed doing, which took her some time.
"It’s quiet here," Father Haralambos said, fingering the well-read Bible in his hands. They sat in silence, Zoe playing with a stick as she watched the clouds slowly pass.
"I’m going to miss you," she said quietly.
"I’m going to miss you too."
"Don’t give God a hard time, okay? I know you want to organize everything." Zoe grinned.
Father Haralambos laughed. "I promise not to give God a hard time. I’ll tell Him you told me to behave."
"I’ve already told Him," Zoe said shyl
y and looked away.
"Are you speaking to Him again?"
Zoe nodded and prodded some dead leaves with the stick. "I asked Him to take care of you and told Him that you are a bossy boots." She smiled at Father Haralambos, who was laughing. She hadn’t seen him laugh so much in years. His whole face changed and it made him look younger.
"Can I ask you to do something for me?" Father Haralambos asked.
"Anything."
"I want you to be safe," Father Haralambos requested, as he hugged Zoe. He looked down to see tears running down her face. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back with his hand.
***
They sat like that for some time, each with their own thoughts, gazing out to the mountains. A memory surfaced as Father Haralambos smiled at the image of a very young Zoe putting her hand up eagerly to answer the question he had put to the class.
"Alright, children, what is the highest mountain in Larissa? Who can tell me?" Father Haralambos asked as he looked out at the sea of faces before him. The young children scrunched up their faces trying to think. He smiled as he watched them. A little hand shot up. Zoe’s honey colored pigtails bobbed up and down as she tried to get his attention.
"Yes, Zoe?"
"Father, the highest mountain in Larissa is Mount Olympus!" She said with conviction and sat back down.
Father Haralambos. The children looked at Zoe and laughed. She was crestfallen and began to pout.
"Now, now children. Zoe is nearly right. Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and you can see it from here if you look hard enough. The highest mountain in Larissa is Mount Ossa."
"What’s so funny?" Zoe asked.
"Ah, I was just remembering a very young girl and Mount Ossa," Father Haralambos said cryptically.
Zoe looked at the mountains and smiled. "Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece."
She looked shyly at Father Haralambos. "Father, I have something to tell you."
"You do?"
"Yes," Zoe replied and looked away. Father Haralambos patiently waited while Zoe took her time. It wasn’t usually this hard to get her to open up to him. "Zoe?"
"Remember when you said you wanted me and Eva to be friends?"
"Well." Father Haralambos smiled. "I did ask you first not to kill her."
In The Blood Of The Greeks (Intertwined Souls Series Book 1) Page 25