“Irena, we must. If you stay here, you will die.”
She knew her mother was right. “Tomorrow then.”
Janina fell into her arms. “I love you so much, Irena. You’ve made the right choice. You’ve saved us.”
There was an abrupt knock at the door. Her mother gasped. “Oh my God!”
Irena held on to Janina, not knowing what to do. How had they found out so quickly? There was another rap on the door, sharper this time. There was nothing they could do, they were on the second floor and there was no back entrance. If they jumped out the window, they would break their legs on the pavement below, probably they’d be killed. She drew herself out of the bed, pulling away from her mother, who still sought to hold on to her. “Let go, there’s nothing we can do.”
The sharp bang on the door erupted a third time. She took a step toward the handle, then another. She felt the panic rising, the terror she’d only felt twice before: on the first day of the war and again just three days ago. She unlatched the lock and pulled the door open, waiting for the Gestapo to burst inside.
To her surprise there were not men waiting beyond, but women. Ewa and Ala were there. “Thank God you’re here,” said Ewa, “we’ve been scared to death.”
Irena opened the door farther and let them in. She felt dizzy and she stumbled over to the sofa, lowering herself down.
“Are you all right?” asked Ala, concern on her face. “You look pale, terrible.”
“You just startled me. Give me a moment, I’ll be fine.”
“Get her some water, Ewa,” commanded Ala. Irena buried her head in her hands, taking deep breaths. She felt a nudge on her arm and looked up. Ewa was there, smiling, compassionate, holding a cup.
“Thank you,” she said, drinking some of the liquid. The cool water calmed her down a little.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
“Ewa heard from a friend at the office what happened. When you didn’t show up the last few days, they feared the worst, that you had been arrested. Jan was going to come and visit you, but I told him we would check on you instead. He was grateful, he’s terrified for his own life. There’ve been arrests at the office.”
“I know, I was there. Who was it?”
“Wojciech and Stanislaw,” said Ewa.
“Are they safe?”
Ewa shook her head. “They never came back. You know how it is. They probably never will. Jan thought the same might have happened to you. He said the Gestapo met with you.”
“They did, but I survived it, by a breath.” She related in detail her meeting with Klaus and Peter. Ewa and Ala listened with amazement. When she was finished, Ewa hugged her, holding her for long moments.
“Thank God,” said Ewa, finally, letting her go. “You’ve been incredibly brave. There are so many families that are alive today because of you.” Her friend leaned forward. “I hear things are breaking down at the office. If you don’t return soon, someone else will take over. Unless you’re very lucky, it won’t take the new person long to figure out something is wrong with the paperwork. When are you coming back?”
“I’m not coming back.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Ala, her voice tinged with a hint of iron.
“The Germans are on to me. It’s only a matter of time now before they figure out what’s really going on. When they do, they’ll arrest me.”
“But you switched the paperwork,” objected Ala. “They’ll check those families and see that you’re doing your job. You should be safe.”
“You don’t know this Klaus,” said Irena. “He’s a bloodhound. I can see it in his eyes. He knows I’m lying. He won’t stop until he catches me.”
“You don’t know that for sure, Irena,” said Ala. “There are thousands of families depending on you. If you leave, they will lose their food allotments, they will starve.”
“Jewish families,” interrupted Janina. “They aren’t supposed to be receiving this food in the first place. You can’t ask my daughter to keep breaking the law, to risk her life for them.”
“German laws!” said Ala, her voice rising. She turned to Irena. “I was angry at you when you said you would work for the Germans. I thought you’d gone mad. When I found out what you were doing, I swallowed my foolishness and came back to you. You were right and I was wrong,” Ala admitted. “You’ve done some real good for these people. Don’t you realize that this is bigger than you now?”
“It’s my life, Ala.”
“Is yours more important than thousands of others?”
“It won’t make any difference,” her mother said. “If she’s caught, the Jews will lose their food anyway. We have to take care of ourselves.”
“Is that your decision?” Ala asked.
Irena hesitated before answering. “I don’t think I have a choice.”
“Everyone has a choice. A choice to live in fear or die a hero.”
“I already lost a husband saving the Jews,” said Janina. “You have no right to ask me to lose a daughter as well!”
“Quiet, Mother!” insisted Irena. “The neighbors.”
“I don’t care a damn about them!” her mother screamed. “I’m not going to let these people talk you out of it. We’re going tomorrow to safety.” She turned on Ala and Ewa. “If you love my daughter, you will let her go. She’s done enough for you.”
Ewa started to say something but Ala interrupted her. “In this world, it’s not enough. In the German world, the sacrifice of one life is merited when many others will live. You cannot abandon us.”
She started to respond but she was jolted by a sharp knock at the door. Who on earth could that be? Nobody else would come here. They all froze. Irena rose, stepping toward the door.
“Don’t open it,” whispered her mother. “Maybe they will leave.”
“They never go away,” responded Irena, opening the door. She gasped, taking a step back into the room. He was here.
Chapter 7
Closing In
October 1940
Warsaw, Poland
Klaus sat on the sofa of the downstairs parlor, his hands sifting through the documents. He set the paperwork aside for a moment as Briggita brought him a tray of tea and some cookies. She’d made the baked goods from scratch. He smiled at her, showing his appreciation. She was so thoughtful.
She stepped away and he carefully lifted the kettle, tipping the rich auburn liquid into the saucer. He held his breath, concentrating, watching the surface of the tea rising until it was a centimeter from the brim. He set the kettle down and took up the sugar, measuring out a teaspoon. He carefully scraped off the top of the spoon, assuring an exact measure. He turned the fine white grains into the liquid and then poured an equal amount of cream. He stirred the contents slowly in full revolutions, counting to twenty. He set the spoon down and lifted the saucer, taking a sip. He breathed in satisfaction. It was perfect.
“What are you working on?” Briggita asked.
“Just some paperwork,” he muttered absently.
“Can’t you put it aside? We want to spend some time with you, don’t we, Anna?”
“Ja, Vater,” said Anna, looking up from a large oriental rug where she was playing with a doll. “Come and play with me.”
He took another sip of his tea and laughed, setting the documents aside. “Fine. I surrender.” He rolled off the sofa and landed on the floor hard. “Ouch,” he grimaced, “I’m getting too old for this kind of thing.”
Briggita laughed. “Nonsense. You’re in better shape than most of the younger men you work with. Look at Peter.”
“Mountains don’t count,” he responded.
“Truly. Though, Klaus, I’m worried about him. He’s bigger each time I see him.”
“He’ll be fine.” Klaus made a show of rubbing his chin, as if considering the matter further. “But perhaps you’re right. I know,” he said finally, considering the matter. “Peter should requalify for his sports badges.”
“That wo
uld serve him right,” laughed Briggita.
“Daddy, you’re not paying attention to me,” protested Anna. “Come and have tea with Hannah and me.”
“Oh, it’s teatime is it? Well, let me get the tray then.”
“Not real tea!” she shouted, rolling over onto her knees and picking her doll Hannah off the carpet. “Pretend.”
The phone rang. “What is it now?” Briggita said.
“Please answer it,” said Klaus.
“Do I have to? Can’t we have one evening to ourselves?”
“I would love that, my dear, and we will soon, I promise. It’s just this city and this war. There are a million details and so much left undone.”
“But it’s been more than a year.”
“I thought we’d be finished by now, but it’s like a string hanging off a carpet, the more I pull, the more fabric becomes undone.”
Briggita answered the phone. “It’s Peter,” she said, holding the phone out. She refused to look at him.
Klaus pulled himself to his knees and then rose. He felt the soreness in his joints. I am getting too old for this. He took the receiver. “Ja, Peter.”
He listened for a few minutes, asking questions, and he hung up. He turned to Anna. “I’m sorry, my dear, but I have to leave for a little while.”
“But, Daddy, you promised you would have tea with Hannah and me!”
His heart fell. He hated to disappoint his little girl. He saw the sadness in Briggita too. This job was too much on them. He was gone most nights until they went to bed, and often he’d left in the morning before they arose. He made a mental note to request some leave. A few weeks off would fix everything. Of course, that would have to wait a few months at least. They would have more work soon, not less.
“Goodbye, my love,” he said to Briggita. She still looked away, her head giving him the slightest of nods. He turned and walked out of the house. He would have to worry about his home life later. Duty called.
* * *
“Where are we headed?” asked Klaus, squinting through the windshield into the night.
“Ludwicki Street,” answered Peter.
“Are you sure we have the right address?”
“I double-checked it.”
“And the evidence?” asked Klaus.
“I’ve looked it over and over. I missed some of the details the first time through. The fabrications are very subtle.”
“You’re certain then?”
“Without any question.”
“So be it.” Klaus pulled out his penlight and reviewed the list in his folder. He read the names of the two social workers they already had in custody, along with half a dozen other government workers they’d arrested on the same day. “Any progress on the questioning?”
“Yes, sir,” nodded Peter. “Some solid information, particularly from Stanislaw.”
“What about Wojciech? He seemed weak.”
“Dead,” said Peter.
“What do you mean dead?”
“Our interrogator was a little too enthusiastic with his questioning. He caved in his chest with an iron bar. Collapsed both lungs. They filled with liquid and that was the end.”
“I’m not happy with that,” said Klaus. “There was no order terminating his life.”
“That’s a formality,” chuckled Peter. “Before or after, you know they’ll sign the warrant.”
“That’s sloppy and it’s against the rules,” said Klaus. “I want that interrogator pulled off the team.”
“Why, sir? He’s one of our best.”
“He broke the rules,” said Klaus. “I won’t have it. Replace him. Tomorrow.”
“Very well.”
Klaus reviewed the list. “I want two more days of questioning, then they are to be shot. After a warrant is produced.”
“All of them?”
Klaus thought about the question. “No, leave Stanislaw. But not intact. I want the message to get back to that department.”
“I think they’ll understand things pretty well by the time we’re done,” said Peter.
“They need to. We have much bigger things coming up.” Klaus thought for a second. “I’m not sure a few bruises will suffice. Take a hand. His writing one.”
Peter nodded. “That should get their attention. On to bigger issues: When are we starting?”
“Tomorrow.”
“So soon? I don’t want more work right now. Did I tell you about Zotia, my newest conquest?”
Klaus shook his head. “When are you going to settle down and start a family?”
“I don’t need a family,” responded Peter. “I have yours.”
“Briggita’s worried about you.”
“Why?”
“She’s noticed you’ve gained weight.”
Peter laughed. “Is that all?”
“I’m worried too. You’re way past regulation.”
“They wouldn’t touch me with you in charge.”
“That’s not the only issue. It’s not good for you. I’m ordering you on a diet, starting tomorrow. No desserts, no second servings, and most of all, no alcohol.”
“But sir—”
“No arguments. Thirty days. I want your uniform fitting by Christmas. The original one you brought to Poland. In three months, you will retake your physical qualification tests. And you will pass them. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir.” Peter grew quiet.
Klaus smiled to himself. His assistant needed to be reined in now and again. He would have to keep a close watch on him; Peter lacked the discipline to stick to the requirements by himself and would cheat outrageously if Klaus didn’t prod him on. He would secure the services of this new girlfriend as a spy. A few zlotys and some cigarettes should do it. If he broke the rules, which he inevitably would, Klaus would confront him, both assuring he kept on his program and continuing the myth of Klaus’s omniscience.
“Are we almost there?” Klaus asked.
“Just about, it should be just around the corner. Damned rain.”
Klaus strained his eyes in the darkness. The wipers were barely keeping up with the downpour and spread grease across the windshield. The rubber made a horrid squeaking noise as it went. “Get those wipers replaced tomorrow as well, Peter. These should have been tested during the dry season.”
“I’m sure I did, sir.”
Klaus was sure he hadn’t. “Is that it?” he asked, pointing at a building ahead to the right.
“I think so, although they all look the same to me.”
Klaus pressed his face against the passenger window, trying to make out the numbers above the door. He checked his file. This was the right place. He nodded to Peter. The giant turned off the vehicle and reached for the door, but Klaus stopped him. “I’ll handle this one alone.”
“But, sir, I’m supposed to—”
“That’s an order.”
“Very well.”
Klaus stepped out of the vehicle and moved toward the doorway. He thought about the soreness he’d felt rolling to the ground earlier. He couldn’t afford to get soft. He would handle this arrest alone. Besides, there was little real danger here . . .
He made his way upstairs to the second floor of the building. He removed his penlight on the way up the stairs, checking the file again to make sure he had the correct apartment. He made it to the second floor and walked about halfway down the corridor. He stood outside the door for a few moments. There were voices inside. He drew his Walther 9mm and checked the ammunition, flicking the safety off. He knocked sharply.
Chapter 8
He’s Here
October 1940
Warsaw, Poland
Irena stood frozen as he stepped into the room. She heard gasps of surprise behind her as well. She knew she should do something, anything, but she felt immobilized.
He stared at her, his face an impenetrable mask. She breathed deeply, closed her eyes and ran forward, throwing her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.
&n
bsp; Adam tensed for a long moment and then she felt his hands on her back, patting her softly, holding her tight. “You’re here,” she whispered. “You’re finally here.”
“Ewa told me what happened,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if I should come. If I’d be welcome here. But when she came again this morning and told me you’d disappeared from work, I knew I had to make sure you were all right.”
“I’m not all right. At least—I haven’t been. I’m much better now.” She looked up at him. “Have you forgiven me then?”
He pulled away, looking down at her. He fumbled for words before he responded. “There was nothing to forgive. I’ve felt the fool all these months. You did what you thought you had to do, and you were right, you’ve done far more for my people working alongside the Germans than anything anyone I know has performed.” His voice was tinged with bitterness and he looked away, struggling with the words.
She held him closer, pulling his attention back to her. “Don’t worry about that now. I’m so happy you’re here.”
“What does it matter,” said Ala. “You’re quitting.”
Adam drew back. “What do you mean?” he asked Irena’s friend.
“Ask her. Irena’s decided her own life is more important than everyone else’s.”
Adam turned to Irena. She felt the happiness drain out of her. “What is she saying?”
“The Gestapo is investigating me, Adam. It may be already too late. My mother has contacts outside of the city.” She couldn’t meet his eyes. “We are . . . we are considering leaving tomorrow.”
His eyes narrowed. “How can you do that?” he asked. “You’re helping so many people.”
“Apparently that doesn’t matter anymore,” said Ala. “Now that her own skin is on the line.”
“Now be fair,” Ewa interjected, stepping over to Irena and putting her arm around her. “Your life isn’t at risk. You don’t know what you would do when the time comes.”
“I won’t run,” said Ala firmly, eyes never leaving Irena. “I will stay, and I will fight.”
“It doesn’t matter what you will do!” said Janina. “We are leaving tomorrow and that’s the end of it.”
Irena's War Page 8