‘Kate, we’ve been trying all day to catch you.’
‘I’ve only just returned to the hotel, Dad.’ She was so pleased to hear her father’s voice. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m fine but worried about you being there at this time.’
‘You needn’t be,’ she laughed. ‘I have two protectors in Jon and his German friend, Gerhard. They’re making sure I keep out of trouble.’
‘That’s all right, then.’ By the tone of his voice he obviously approved. ‘When are you coming home?’
‘Not for a week at least,’ she told him. ‘I want to see what happens. It’s terrible. The people of East Berlin are now prisoners, without any way of contacting their families.’
‘That’s barbaric,’ her father said. ‘We’ve read all about it. Your pictures are stunning, Kate.’
‘Thanks. I’ve managed to get even better ones today. Dad, will you see Pete and explain why I’m staying longer than planned?’
‘I’ll do that first thing in the morning. You take care of yourself, my darling. Your mother wants a word now.’
She waited until she heard her mother speak. ‘Hello, Mum. Dad’s going to see Pete for me, but would you go to the home and explain to the boys that I’ll come and see them as soon as I get back?’
‘I was going there tomorrow anyway, so I’ll bring Eddie home for a couple of hours.’
‘Oh, thanks. He’ll love that.’
‘Is it very bad out there?’ her mother asked.
‘It’s heartbreaking,’ she told her, and explained about the anguish and desperation of the people.
Her mother uttered a well-chosen expletive, then said, ‘You’re doing a good job. Goodnight, Kate, we’ll try to phone you again. I’m proud of you.’
As she put the phone down, those words, ‘I’m proud of you’, echoed through her mind. That meant more to her than bags of gold.
‘Miss Freeman.’ Bernhard appeared beside her. ‘It is not too late for a meal if you are hungry.’
‘I am, thank you.’ She followed him to a table and sat down. The dining room was nearly empty now. There were only two local couples and they were silent, lost in thought about what was happening to their city. She smiled at Bernhard. ‘Please thank your brother for going to London for me.’
‘He was pleased to be able to help bring the news of our trouble to the world.’ He handed her the menu. ‘He said we are fortunate to have such a fine photographer here at this time.’
She acknowledged the compliment with a slight nod of her head and a smile, then studied the menu. After choosing a simple meal of soup and fish, she watched Bernhard walk to the kitchen. There was a vase of flowers on her table and she leant forward to smell a beautiful rose in full bloom. The delicate yellow and subtle perfume was a sign of beauty and peace in the bewildered city. She would be the best damned photographer she could be while she was here.
On the Wednesday an enormous mass protest took place at City Hall. The mood was one of anger. The people were looking for countermeasures, but nothing was happening and their frustration was showing.
‘What do the placards say?’ Kate asked Gerhard.
‘They are asking where the Americans are and why the West is doing nothing.’
Protected by Jon and Gerhard, Kate was able to take photos without being jostled too much. The atmosphere was threatening, and it was with reluctance she realized that Jon was a help and not a hindrance.
On Friday, Gerhard disappeared on some mission of his own. Jon stuck by her. It was a good working relationship; both were dedicated professionals with respect for each other and the story they were reporting. She felt sure this was the only reason he tolerated her. His attitude made it clear that having a woman around was a damned nuisance.
Things got worse as people tried anything to get to West Berlin. There were houses in the Eastern sector right on the border, forming part of the solid wall now rapidly being built. People were leaping down into the waiting hands of eager rescuers.
‘Oh, look at that!’ Kate cried in horror. A woman was hanging from an upper window, being pulled from the top by East German guards who were trying to drag her back. A vivid picture of her own captivity flashed into her mind and she gasped in pain at the memory. She could feel the desperation of these poor people, feel their panic and fear.
Kate started to run forward, but Jon caught hold of her. ‘It’s all right. She’s down.’
‘Oh, dear God!’ Kate was so upset she was shaking. She gripped Jon’s arm, looking up at him wide-eyed with anguish, and moaned, ‘This is too awful.’
Jon guided her away from the distressing scene. ‘People won’t be able to do that much longer. The soldiers are already boarding up those windows.’
She was speechless at the sheer inhumanity of this act.
On Saturday she saw her first death, as a man jumped from a house while trying to escape.
‘Why did he take that chance?’ Kate was horrified.
‘People are desperate,’ Jon told her, ‘and there will be more deaths. If you don’t think you can take it …’
She glared at him. ‘I’m staying. If you don’t like it, then you can slope off and do your own thing. I can look after myself.’
But he didn’t go, and, although she hated to admit it, she was relieved. He knew what he was doing and always seemed to steer her towards the action. He appeared to have a built-in instinct for trouble; it was almost as if he could smell it. She wondered if his harsh upbringing had given him that talent.
They were walking along the Teltow Canal on the following Thursday when they heard gunfire. Jon grabbed her arm and started running towards the sound. Suddenly he halted.
‘What’s happened?’ she gasped, out of breath after trying to keep up with his long strides.
‘They’ve just shot someone trying to escape by swimming the canal.’
‘Are they all right?’ She couldn’t see a thing, as he was blocking her view.
‘I think he’s dead.’ Jon spun her away as she began to shake with a combination of sadness for the unnecessary loss of a life, and fury at the outrage.
‘Go home,’ he told her firmly. ‘You’ve done a damned good job but there’s nothing else you can do.’
He was right. She was sickened by everything that had happened since she’d arrived in Berlin. She longed to see her family and friends again. That was more than the people here could do. She didn’t think she could stand another moment of this. ‘I’ll make travel arrangements right away.’
‘Good.’ He glanced at the scene over her shoulder, stay here,’ she told him, ‘and find out what you can.’
‘Oh, I will! You let me know when you’re going.’
As she went to turn away, he caught hold of her arm and pulled her towards him, holding her in a silent embrace. She looked up at him in surprise. ‘What did you do that for?’
‘I just felt like it.’
With another puzzled glance, she turned and walked away. He was a very complex man. Tough, outspoken and uncompromising, yet, as that embrace had shown, he was capable of tenderness as well. He’d known just how shattered she was now. It was just as well she was going home because if she spent much more time in his company, her growing respect might turn to liking.
Jon watched her move through the crowds. She was a good photographer; she cared and it showed in every picture. It was as if there were a little of her in each shot. Her emotions made her the artist she was with a camera, but it also made her vulnerable, and he was relieved she had agreed to leave Berlin.
When he had gathered all the information he could, he returned to the flat and set to work on the story.
He’d been back about an hour when the door opened and Gerhard came in, looking weary and dejected. Jon set about making him a strong cup of coffee. His friend sat down and bowed his head in defeat. ‘No luck, then?’
‘No, it’s bloody useless. The border’s too well guarded, and when someone does find a way through, they pl
ug that route as well. Once they finish building the permanent wall that will be the end of any escapes, though I fear that many will die trying.’
‘I’m so sorry.’ Jon liked this man who was fast becoming a firm friend, and he knew that he’d been trying to find a way to pluck his parents out of the East.
‘There are some crazy schemes being plotted by relatives over here, but I can’t risk my parents’ lives.’
‘I don’t blame you. It’s too risky,’ Jon told him.
Gerhard slammed down his mug. ‘The bastards are shooting at anyone who tries to escape. Dear God, Jon, we’ve spent our time in war-torn countries, but I never dreamt I would be doing the job in my own city!’
Jon refilled Gerhard’s mug and placed it in his hands. ‘Would you like me to see if I can do anything about your family?’
Gerhard smiled for the first time. ‘I know you are expert at slipping behind enemy lines, but I wouldn’t want you to risk your life. Even if I can’t talk to my parents, I do know they are alive and I must be content with that. I’ll keep my eye on things, and if there’s any chance of getting them out in the future I’ll do it.’
Jon could only guess at the torment his friend was going through. He’d never had a mother or father to worry about, but if he had, then he knew he would be as frantic as Gerhard.
His friend stood up. ‘Now I must have a bath and a change of clothes.’
It took him only half an hour. He returned looking refreshed and more relaxed. He tucked into the sandwiches Jon had prepared for them.
‘I heard about the killing at the canal. Did you see it?’
‘We got there just after the shooting. Kate was badly shaken, and I’ve told her to go home. She’s done enough.’
‘And she told you to get lost,’ Gerhard said, with a hint of a laugh.
‘No, she agreed.’
‘She must have been very upset, then, because I can’t imagine her allowing you to order her about without a fight.’
‘I chose my moment well.’ Jon put the empty plates in the sink. ‘I only hope she hasn’t changed her mind, now that she’s had time to think about it.’
‘Do you think she will?’
‘I don’t know. She’s unpredictable.’ He drew in a deep breath. ‘She’s had a tough year and I’d like her to go home to her family.’
Gerhard gave him a studied look. ‘You do care about her, don’t you?’
‘Of course I do. Her mother’s a wonderful woman, and one of the boys at the home adores her. Eddie’ll be devastated if anything happens to her.’
‘And?’ Gerhard waited.
‘And what?’
‘For a man who is expert with words, you are skirting around the issue with great inefficiency.’
‘What the hell are you talking about?’ Jon frowned.
‘Why don’t you just admit that you are more than a little in love with her?’
‘Don’t be daft!’ Where on earth had Gerhard got that idea? Just because he wanted her away from any danger didn’t mean he’d fallen for her.
Gerhard’s expression was amused. ‘I think you protest too much, but just to be on the safe side I will drop my plans to pursue her.’
‘Please don’t hold off on my account. I’ve no intention of falling for anyone again.’ Jon began to laugh. ‘How did we get on to this ridiculous subject?’
Gerhard joined in. ‘I’m in an emotional state and perhaps I’m looking for something happy in this awful mess. But of course, you wouldn’t be interested in an affair of the heart. How many times did you miss your wedding date?’
‘Only once, but that was enough for Jane. I really did try to get back in time, but no one believed me.’
Gerhard produced a bottle of whisky and held it up. ‘Shall we drink to the single state?’
‘Good idea.’ Jon found two tumblers and they sat down determined to try to numb all feeling with alcohol.
They were halfway through the bottle when there was a knock on the door. Gerhard hauled himself upright and went to see who it was. He came back with Kate.
‘I promised to let you know when I’m leaving,’ she said to Jon. ‘There isn’t much more I can do here. I’m sickened by the suffering this division of Berlin is causing.’
Jon stood up politely. ‘You managed to arrange everything?’
‘Yes.’ She eyed the bottle and the two men who were still standing. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly and she sat down, allowing the men to do the same.
‘I’m leaving at six tomorrow morning. It wasn’t easy, as almost all the flights were booked, but I have managed to get one to Paris. I’ll catch a train from there and a boat at Calais.’
‘Will you stop off to see Sam and his family before you catch the boat?’ Jon asked.
‘I might.’
‘If you do, remember me to them, won’t you?’
‘I will.’ She reached out, picked up Jon’s glass and took a sip, then pulled a face. ‘I don’t know how you can drink this stuff.’
‘It’s an acquired taste,’ Gerhard told her, his eyes already taking on a glassy look.
‘Are you two drunk?’ she wanted to know.
Gerhard shook his head. ‘Not yet, but we soon shall be.’
That amused her, and she rose to her feet. Good Lord, Jon thought as he watched her elegant movements, she’s even more beautiful tonight. Or was that the drink playing tricks with his eyes?
‘I won’t disturb your valuable drinking time,’ Kate said with a smile.
Both men stood up again as she prepared to leave.
‘You take care of yourself, Kate. If I’m ever in London, can I come to see you?’
‘Of course, Gerhard, it would be a pleasure to buy you a meal to thank you for your help while I’ve been here.’
‘Why wait until then?’ He held his arms out. ‘Come and give me a hug.’
She laughed as she wrapped her arms around him, and he kissed her cheek. ‘It’s been lovely meeting you.’
‘And you.’
She then turned to Jon. ‘Thank you as well, you’ve been very patient.’
Much to his astonishment, she slipped her arms around his waist and held tight for just a split second, then stepped back. He’d been quite tough with her as he’d tried to keep her in line, so he’d expected a good riddance kind of farewell, not that show of genuine affection. It had been a completely spontaneous gesture, but he was sure she had meant it.
He was still standing in the same position when Gerhard returned after seeing Kate out.
‘She had a taxi waiting for her, sensible girl.’ Gerhard shook with silent laughter. ‘You look as if you need a drink, my friend.’ He filled Jon’s glass, then sat down. ‘That is a wonderful woman.’
The whisky burnt a fiery path down Jon’s throat. ‘I’m beginning to think you might be right, so I’m obviously not drunk enough yet.’
30
When Kate arrived in Paris, it was only mid morning and she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. It was tempting to go to Sam’s while she was here. She could probably get a train to Saint-Omer and a taxi from there, but her overwhelming desire was to get home as soon as possible. She bought herself a cup of coffee while she decided, and, as she gazed around the airport, her attention lingered on the booking desk. It was worth a try, she thought, finishing her drink quickly. It would be quicker than going by train and boat.
She was in luck: there was a spare seat on a flight to London, leaving in half an hour. She hurried, as they were already beginning to board the plane.
During the short flight her mind was busy making plans. If she went straight to the shop and worked on the last films she’d taken, then she might be able to get them to Andrew Stevenson in time for tomorrow’s edition. She was sure these would earn her enough to open another shop for Terry to run. She would see her parents tonight and the boys tomorrow.
She closed her eyes, suddenly feeling drained. It had been a difficult time, yet she felt as if she had grow
n in that time. Self-doubt had faded and her confidence had increased. The kidnapping and trial were behind her now. She could look forward to the future. And another important thing was that she had not felt any revulsion as Gerhard and Jon had hugged her. It was a relief to realize that a man’s touch no longer frightened her. A huge step forward indeed!
When Kate arrived at the shop, Susan broke into a smile. ‘Kate, you’re back! Oh, Pete will be so pleased you’re here.’
‘It’s good to be here. Where is he?’
‘He’s doing a wedding and Terry’s at another one.’
‘Is Terry already working for us?’ She was surprised he had been able to start so soon.
‘He’s been here for five days now and we’re already taking on more work.’
‘That’s wonderful.’ Kate headed for the stairs. ‘I’ll take my case upstairs, then I’ll be in the darkroom for a while.’
‘Shall I make you a pot of tea?’ Susan asked.
‘Please, I’m gasping for a cup of English tea.’ Coffee was all right, but she’d been brought up on cups of tea. Her Grandma Marj had always had the kettle on the boil. Kate went up to her bedroom and left the case there – she would unpack later. Gathering all the films from her camera case, she went back downstairs.
Susan was busy with a customer, but the tea was ready, so Kate poured a cup and sat down to enjoy it. There was nothing as refreshing as this favourite home brew. After nearly draining the pot, she poked her head in the shop. ‘I’ll be in the darkroom if you need me.’
Susan nodded and carried on serving her customer. She really was very conscientious, Kate thought, and they’d been fortunate to find someone like that. It was funny to think that only sixteen months ago she’d been so excited about starting at the Explorer, and now she owned her own business and it was proving to be successful. There was much to look forward to. Now they had Terry, it would be exciting to expand, providing they could keep him, of course. She would have to work on him, try to persuade him not to look for another job on a newspaper. She put on the red light and started work, singing to herself. That was something she hadn’t done for some time. For a while, Derek Howard had taken her joy of life away, but thank heaven it was coming back.
A Time of Peace Page 27