She pondered for a moment, “It's been a long time. They came back after the funeral, wanting to take me and Edmund to America. Neither of us wanted to go. We were immature children who did not want to leave our friends.”
They walked along the street passing masses of unemployed workers. Scores of people held signs, pan handled and wept openly.
Hedwig looked at the group of people, “If not for Fritz's contract with the military, I would be begging on these streets as well. The one good thing about Nazis is their fashion sense.”
They looked at each other and both laughed. “Well, I would take a tall, handsome Nazi over a short, ugly Jew anytime. What happens with the shop now, and your home?”
Hedwig ignored her friend's anti-Semitic comment. “What happens indeed. Before the Great War, Fritz's father owned one of the largest textile factories in all of Germany. It produced many of the uniforms for our soldiers. After the war, the economy caused his family to lose it all. No more war and no more money meant no more textile production.”
Heidi craned her neck toward her friend as she listened, “Most people cannot afford bread, let alone clothing. I stuff cardboard in my shoes when the soles wear too thin.” Heidi had green eyes, which accentuated her golden hair. When speaking of unpleasant things, her upper lip curled in disgust.
Hedwig continued, “Once a huge factory and the pride of Germany, the company quickly became a small storefront. Instead of manufacturing brand new garments, my Fritz began to sew rags. Even used clothing is hard to sell in an economic depression.”
Heidi sensed her friend's fears. “Is there anyone who can advise you? Perhaps you can run the business yourself. You said the shop received a contract for uniforms. It seems most men are joining the military, so I'm sure we'll be needing them soon. The Fuehrer preaches peace, but soldiers are everywhere.”
“At nineteen years old I am a widow who's never worked outside of our home. What do I know of business? Besides, the Nazi Party frowns on working women. We are to be mothers and wives. They might pull the contract if I attempt to run things. It would ruin the business for certain.” She considered her options for a moment. “Heidi, what about your older brother? Do you think he would be able to run such an operation?”
Heidi belted out, “Haha. Frederich? You do not want him making decisions for you. There is a better chance of the economy rebounding than Frederich being able to run things.” Both women laughed.
Hedwig reconsidered, “Perhaps one of my brothers will return to help me since neither has a lucrative career. Alois is working in a brewery while Jacob is an orderly in a hospital.”
“How are they? Are they well? Did either of them marry and start a family yet?”
Hedwig looked at her friend who always saw the good in people. Heidi's heart of gold cared for everyone, but she wanted a better life. She could be manipulated, because she did not understand how cruel the world could be.
“Neither of them have married, which would make it easier for them to return.” Hedwig glanced over Heidi's face. “You aren't looking for a husband are you?” She is sweet but often naive, Hedwig thought. I hope she doesn't think she's marrying one of my brothers.
Heidi replied, “I often fantasize about America. What do they say about it? Do they like it?”
Hedwig and Heidi had this conversation a dozen times, but Heidi was trying to keep the conversation away from Fritz's death. Hedwig understood and appreciated her friend's efforts.
“Alois seems to enjoy it. Jacob, however, has a different impression so he joined the Friends of the New Germany. He joined the group when he read the British papers' headlines about Jews declaring war on Germany.” Hedwig appeared uncomfortable as she spoke, “He is not against Jews, but he is against anyone who wants to blame Germany for anything.”
Heidi replied, “I am not familiar with that group.”
Hedwig sighed, “It is a group of German Americans who are promoting the Nazi agenda. They are idealists who do not see the daily negative changes here.”
The two women walked past dozens of people on the streets. Oblivious to their surroundings, their conversation paused when shouts erupted, “The Fuehrer. The Fuehrer.”
A car horn honked as dozens of people appeared, racing from inside buildings. Standing on the back seat of the car, wearing a full dress uniform, was Adolf Hitler. His arm extended in a salute as the adoration of the crowd poured over him.
Many of the people in the streets starved for both food and leadership. They did not possess jobs, let alone cars or property. But they worshiped Hitler, and their eyes glued to him as if they adorned a king or a god.
Heidi smiled widely, waving her hand in the air. Her rosy cheeks glowed with excitement before she looked at Hedwig, then cast her eyes down. No longer looking at the car or waving, Heidi said, “I'm sorry. I never expected to see someone so famous right in front of me.”
Hedwig never took her eyes from Hitler. “He is not famous, he is infamous. His officers killed my husband, and I curse him with all that is good and holy.”
Heidi's eyes got wide. “Shh. Don't let anyone hear you.”
The motorcade stopped, and Adolf Hitler began to speak. “I know you are wanting for work. I want you to know that every German who wants a job will have one.”
The crowd burst into cheers as claps and shouts increased into a roar.
“I refuse to pay war reparations as required by the Treaty of Versailles. The Great War ended over a decade ago, and I refuse to allow that war to cause anymore hardships. The funds of Germany are best suited to building jobs and factories in Germany.”
Again, the crowds roared. Hedwig glanced at Heidi who clapped and cheered. Her face lit up, making her eyes sparkle.
The Fuehrer continued, “You elected me chancellor based on your need for work and bread. I understand your needs, and together we will build a better Germany for us and our children.”
The motorcade pulled away as the crowd chanted. “Sieg Heil. Sieg Heil.” Soldiers marched, passing out propaganda which promoted the Third Reich, national pride, work and food.
Hedwig thought, Desperate people. I pity them all.
Chapter 4
Edmund entered the classroom not knowing what to expect. He already endured testing, physical examinations and exhaustive questioning about his life and family. Squeezed in sleeping quarters shared with three other boys, he felt cramped and violated. They followed a regimented daily routine of calisthenics and other educational activities. The boys anticipated their first classroom instruction with anxiety.
“Edmund. Come sit near me.” a voice shouted out.
“Thank you, Dolph.” Edmund took his seat, eagerly awaiting what was to come.
As the boys settled in, a uniformed man entered the room. It was Lieutenant Johann Reinhard. The cold-hearted chain smoker who killed Fritz for no reason stood before them as the instructor.
Edmund recognized him immediately. He leaned over and whispered to his friend, Dolph, “He is the one who smacked my sister. It made me mad, but he had power. I want that kind of power.”
“Take your seats.” Johann said in a loud, flat voice. All the boys sat immediately and faced forward in silence.
“Now that your tests and examinations are complete, we will start your education. You sit here today for one reason and one reason only. You are the future of Germany. Of all those tested, only you 30 exceeded all the requirements for racial purity, physical endurance, and intellectual aptitude. Because of this, you have been assigned to an elite program that will refine your abilities.”
Johann stood erect which made him look more authoritative. With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked the perimeter of the room. His tall frame towered over the seated boys.
“You are the best of the best. In a few years, you will be indoctrinated into the SS as officers. You will be the envy of all German men. But you are contaminated in beliefs by the communists and possibly by your own parents. Some people reject the
Nazi Party because they want to destroy Germany.”
One child raised his hand with a question, and Johann gave a stern stare. The child slowly lowered his hand. Edmund's eyes followed Johann around the room until they fixed on his shiny, tall black boots.
Aware of Edmund's stare, Johann slammed a hand down on Edmund's desk. The boy jumped at the crashing sound. “What are you looking at boy? You best learn to pay attention.”
“Sorry, sir,” Edmund squinted as he spoke.
“What is your name boy?” Johann demanded.
“Geiger. Edmund Geiger, sir.”
“Geiger, what have your parents told you about the Fuehrer and the Third Reich?”
“Nothing, sir. My parents are dead.” Edmund sank in his chair as thoughts of his parents danced in his head. He also missed Hedwig, the only sibling he truly knew. Alois and Jacob had gone to America when Edmund was very young. He vaguely remembered them.
Johann observed the boy closely. “Good. They will give us no interference.” He studied Edmund's face as it transformed into an abyss of sadness.
Eyes cast down, Edmund uttered, “Yes, sir.”
Johann turned on his heels, hands clasped behind his back again, and slowly circled the outer perimeter of the room. “You acquired a new family as of today. All of Germany are now your brethren. You are responsible to each other, the Nazi Party and to the Fuehrer.”
The boys looked up drinking in the rants. Johann continued, “You each have a new father--the Fuehrer. And each and everyone one of you will take an oath to serve and defend our father, the Fuehrer. Do you have any questions?”
One boy raised his hand. Johann nodded for him to ask his question. “My father was against me coming here. He says Adolf Hitler used the Youth Groups to force people to vote for the Nazi Party.”
Johann shouted, “Stand at attention when speaking to me.”
The boy jumped from his seat, stuck out his chest and held his head high. “Yes, sir.”
Inching closer, Johann questioned, “What is your name?”
“Herman Hesse, sir.” he proclaimed, staring into the distance. Afraid, the boy avoided eye contact.
“Hesse, do you share the sentiments of your father?” Johann stood nose to nose with the boy, although the boy was shorter. Johann hovered above, striking fear into the child.
Hesse replied, “Well, sir, I am not sure. I heard bad things about Adolf Hitler and the youth camps. It frightened me to come here.” The boy gulped hard then continued, “I already have a father, and I do not need another.”
Without turning his head, Johann shouted into the boy's face, “FINGERLIE.”
From the doorway a young man in uniform entered the room. “Yes, sir.”
Johann looked deeper into the eyes of the Hesse boy, “Question this boy as to who spoke negatively of the Fuehrer.”
Standing extremely erect, Fingerlie shouted, “Yes, sir. Come with me boy.”
As the child exited the doorway, Johann ordered, “And Fingerlie, handle the situation when finished questioning him.” Johann never turned, he stood with his back to the door facing the students.
“Yes, sir. Of course, sir.”
“Fingerlie, you are dismissed,” Fingerlie followed the boy out of the room.
For another hour Johann discussed future lessons and recited the history of Adolf Hitler. He commanded the boys to memorize all they could of the Fuehrer.
BANG. The boys jumped in their seats from the sound. Some ran to the window. “The sound came from outside.” one boy exclaimed.
“What was that noise?”
“What happened?” The questions came from the boys simultaneously.
“TAKE YOUR SEATS.” Johann shouted.
As the children settled back into their places, Johann's eyes moved to each of them. “THAT is how Nazis deal with anyone who opposes our family.”
The boys looked confused, and one whispered to Edmund, “Is he---”
Johann interrupted, “You will ask for permission to speak. And when permission is granted, you will stand at attention.” The boy sank in his chair. Then Johann answered the question, “We provide swift punishments here. Your former classmate learned that lesson.”
The eyes of the boys all seemed to widen as they realized at different times what Johann meant. “All enemies of Germany and the Fuehrer must be reported, then punished. Any questions?” Not one hand went up.
“Good. You are dismissed. Report to the mess hall for lunch.” The children quickly left the room as Johann stared out the window with a smile. He lit a cigarette while uttering, “All in a day's work.”
Chapter 5
Philadelphia, USA
The telephone rang. Alois answered, “Hello?”
“Hello, brother. It has been too long since we have spoken. Please tell me all is well with the two of you.”
Alois sat back in his chair and smiled, “Nothing exciting here, just work and bills. What is happening on your side of the world?”
She tried to sound pleasant, “Life is ever changing, and one never knows what it will bring.” She pressed her lips together, debating how to tell him.
“Hedwig, do not lie to me. I can tell in your voice there is trouble. And you never telephone unless something is wrong. Is it Edmund? Is he sick?”
“There is so much to tell you. Last week they came for him, they ripped him out of my arms.” She took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. She repeated more calmly, “They came for Edmund. They took him from my arms, and when Fritz tried to stop them...they...” She broke down in tears.
Confused, Alois asked, “Slow down, I can't understand you. Who took him? Where is Fritz? Put him on the telephone.”
“Fritz is gone, I buried Fritz several days ago. There is no word from Edmund, and no one will tell me where they took him.”
“You did what to Fritz? Hedwig, please, slow your crying and tell me who took him. What happened to Fritz?”
“Soldiers rounded up young boys and forced them into Hitler Youth groups.”
Alois let out a deep sigh, “Hedwig, if the Youth Group took him, he is safe. It will be fun for him. There is a similar group here called The Boy Scouts of America. They will not harm him. He will be well cared for and educated. But what were you trying to say about Fritz? I could not understand.”
Hedwig tried to calm herself with a few deep breaths as she wiped her tears. “Alois, you don't know what it's like here. There are soldiers in the streets, and they beat people who are not members of the Nazi Party. They beat me and Fritz. When Fritz tried to stop them, they shot and killed him. I buried him a few days ago.”
Alois dropped the phone in shock. His hands reached for his head, pushing his hair back. Hedwig's shouts from the dangling receiver shook Alois from his daze. He picked the phone up by the cord, not sure what to say.
“Yes, Hedwig, I am here. Are you all right, were you hurt? Why did they kill him? What of the house and the business? Do you need help to get things in order?” The palm of his hand slid down his forehead and around his cheek as he tried to take in the situation.
Distraught, Hedwig responded, “I don't know what to do. I don't know anything about the business, bills or even bank accounts. Fritz always took care of that. He was a good man and husband. Without him, I feel lost.”
“Please calm down. Upsetting yourself does no good. I will talk to Jacob, and hopefully we can devise a plan to get your affairs in order. Remember Jacob is active in the Friends of New Germany organization? Perhaps he can secure an attorney to help you with the legalities of the business. He might even be able to get information on Edmund.”
Relief flooded Hedwig. She was no longer alone. “I had not considered Jacob's contacts, because I assumed they were nothing more than a group of men complaining while drinking beer.”
Alois wanted to console his sisters and insisted, “In the meantime, be sure to search for a bank account book. Determine how much funds are readily available, and Jacob and I will try
to send you money soon.”
Hedwig wiped the last of her tears, “Oh, thank you. I feel so alone here.”
“You are not alone, dear sister. Now, allow me to contact Jacob. The costs for international calls are very expensive, so it is better to write or telegraph. But calm yourself, and I promise all will be well.” He was not sure he meant it.
“Good bye, and thank you.” A half smile spread across Hedwig's lips.
Alois nestled the phone receiver back into its cradle. He looked around his small room and analyzed the situation. Alois hoped Jacob really did have connections that could help his siblings. “Fritz, what did you do to make them shoot you?” he muttered.
A few hours later, Jacob arrived home to the small apartment he and Alois shared. Jacob was very tall, towering over most people. As he entered the room, he called to his brother, “Good evening, Alois.”
Alois stood at the kitchen counter, chopping vegetables for their evening meal. He turned to his older brother, “We need to talk. Nazi officers entered Hedwig's home and took Edmund to a youth camp.”
Jacob let out a sigh, “Is that all? From the expression on your face, I figured something terrible happened. Good, it will teach him discipline and prepare him for a life in the military.” He reached for a carrot, popping it into his mouth.
“Something terrible did happen. I'm not sure of the entire situation, but Fritz tried to intervene, and now he is dead.”
Silence. Jacob stopped chewing.
After a moment, Jacob retorted, “Killed? They do not just kill German citizens in their homes. He must have done something.” The brothers looked at each other, Jacob repeated, “He must have done something.”
Alois contemplated the urgency of setting Fritz's affairs in order. “Hedwig is distressed. I promised her you would try to use your contacts to find where they are holding Edmund. She has heard no word in a week.”
Nodding with concern, Jacob said, “I'll try to find him. The camp will be good for him, though. It will make him a man and give him skills. But I understand her worries.”
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