“Lieutenant Gottlieb. It is so good to see you, sir.”
Gustav embraced Edmund, “You have grown so much. Gustav, please. Call me Gustav. You are no longer a child.” He admired Hedwig for a moment then said, “I want to take you both out to dinner tonight. I have some news I would like to share with my closest friends.”
Hedwig hesitated, “What news?”
“I received a promotion and a choice of job offers,” Gustav announced.
Edmund stepped forward, “That is wonderful. Good for you. Congratulations.”
Hedwig pressed her lips together. “Not so fast Edmund. There is something he hasn't told us yet.” Hedwig raised a brow, “Go on, Gustav, tell us.”
“How does she do that, Edmund?” Gustav took a deep breath, “Without getting specific, I was offered a job in Berlin that includes a house larger than this one and an automobile.”
Edmund's jaw dropped. “That is fantastic. You deserve it.”
“Berlin? You are going to Berlin?” Hedwig asked.
“Not yet, I'm not.”
Hedwig's eyes dropped as sadness danced across her face. “But you are going?”
Gustav looked at the siblings and said, “I hoped that we would be going to Berlin. The three of us, together.”
Edmund's eyes grew wide as Hedwig replied, “We? Why would we go with you?”
Gustav looked at Edmund and said, “Your sister makes everything so difficult.” He pulled a ring from his pocket and announced, “I hoped to do this at dinner tonight. But since you need to have everything your way....” A huge smile spread across Edmund's face. Hedwig was speechless. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Hedwig froze as she stared at the ring. Her eyes began to swell with tears. Her younger brother nudged her, and shouted, “She accepts.”
Gustav leaned in and kissed her on the cheek as Edmund patted his former instructor on the back. After a pause, Hedwig replied, “No. I can't, I'm sorry.”
The two men looked at each other then at Hedwig. Gustav's heart sank, “No? Did you say no?” Hedwig climbed the stairs, leaving the two men bewildered.
Rushing to her, Gustav pleaded, “Is it because of Berlin? We could stay here, but the position in Berlin is much more lucrative. It would provide a better life for us.”
Hedwig looked at him with sad eyes, reached for his cheek and said, “No. It is not Berlin. Your future lies upon a different path from mine. There are things I must do, and I do not want you involved.” She then walked to her bedroom.
Turning to Edmund, Gustav asked, “What just happened here? What is she talking about?”
The younger brother shrugged, “No one has been able to read her mind in my lifetime.”
Gustav's eyes searched the room, as if searching for an answer. He lunged up the stairs and flung the bedroom door open, “What is this? What do you mean?'
Rage filled Hedwig's eyes, “How dare you enter my bedroom. And without permission.”
“Answer me. What is wrong with you?” His voice filled with hurt and desperation. “Is this about those camps? There is nothing further I can do. I tried, Hedwig. The camps are already built, and I received no assistance from the Americans. After Jacob died, no one in America wanted to consider what I had to say. What was I to do? He never told me the name of the US agent he spoke with.” He sat on her bed and rubbed his head in frustration.
Hedwig responded, “Just go. Find yourself a good, obedient Aryan wife. Produce lots of little Nazis for the Fuehrer and live your life. After all, as an SS officer it is your duty to procreate for the Third Reich.”
Gustav shook his head in disbelief. “You are so filled with hate. So much hate.”
“Well, you would know more about hate than anyone. You and your kind.”
Furious, Gustav blasted, “My kind? My kind? Your little brother is one of my kind'.”
She slapped him. “And whose fault is that? You and that monster burst in here and took him from my arms, remember?”
“Careful, Frau Schultz. The membership card in your purse declares that you are one of my kind, as well.”
“Get out. Just get out and don't come back.”
Gustav left the room in a huff, flew down the stairs and barely acknowledged Edmund as he left. Edmund bolted up the stairs to Hedwig, “What did you do? Why? You could not find a better man.”
Hedwig stared out the window, following Gustav with her eyes, “Indeed. ”
Dismayed, Edmund begged, “Then why turn him away?”
“It is for his own good. He can't be involved with me and the things I must do.” As Gustav trailed out of sight, Hedwig turned to her brother, “For years now, I have been afraid of you. Never knowing whether you would report me for things I said or did. I'm no longer afraid. I made my choice, and I am going to help people in any way I can. If you decide to report me, then so be it.”
“I told you I won't. And neither would Lieutenant Gottlieb.”
“And I can't really trust either of you. However, I feel the need to protect you both.” Hedwig pressed her lips together, before continuing, “I want you out of this house as well. For your own protection, I need you to leave. You make enough in your position to support yourself. Jacob left money for you when he died. I'm sure you can find who to contact about it.”
Edmund walked toward his sister but she stopped him. “Please, Hedwig. This is my home. You are the only family I have.”
Hedwig stared back into the night. “No, Edmund. Your father is the Fuehrer. Your family is the Nazi Party. Remember?”
Edmund shook his head, “No. Don't do this.”
“You have a week to find a new residence. Now, please, leave my room. Thank you.”
Looking like a child with his head hung low, Edmund left the room while Hedwig remained staring out the window.
Chapter 65
Edmund moved out of the home within a week as requested. He and Hedwig barely spoke. Once he was gone, Hedwig visited Father Becker again. She entered the confessional for privacy.
“Father, I came to inform you I have room for more trunks at my home. If you have any items that need storage, I can provide the space.”
“What of the matter that caused you to donate in the past?”
“That matter has been settled, Father.”
“Thank the Lord. And bless you child for your sacrifice.”
“Father, may I ask about the clothing I donated to you last week?”
“Your donation reached a good family. Eventually your donation will assist a family in another country.”
Hedwig raised her eyes, “Thank God. Thank you, Father.” Hedwig whispered, “Heidi is safe,” and a smile stretched her lips.
“Yes, she is. Within a week I will be sending you some trunks filled with clothing. You can then remove the clothing, store it temporarily, and return the empty trunks. When I find families willing to accept the donations, the empty trunks will be returned to you for picking up the clothing. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Father. Thank you.”
“Now go my child. God be with you.” The priest made the sign of the cross, and Hedwig returned home.
A week later, Hedwig received a phone call.
“Hello, Frau Schultz. I thank you for allowing me to use your home as a storage area for some donations. I will be sending a van to you today. I ask that you mend the garments before they are then donated to needy families.”
“Yes, of course, Father. Please ask the driver to back the van close to the back door to make it easier to carry the items inside.”
“Understood. God bless you, Frau Schultz.”
Hedwig hung up the phone, then nervously paced.
Is this the right thing to do? What if someone finds out? Would the punishment of these people be worse if they are caught hiding?
She ran upstairs, gathered blankets and pillows and took them to the basement. Then she scanned the kitchen for food.
What would be worse than death? Not doi
ng something would be wrong. I can't let people go to do their deaths without trying to stop it.
An hour later, the van backed into her driveway. Hedwig opened the back door and two men stepped out to greet her. “Are you prepared for the clothing, Frau Schultz? Or should we return another day?”
“I am prepared, gentlemen. How many trunks are there?”
“Eight. Is that a problem?” The young man displayed desperation on his face.
“No, of course not. Please take them inside.”
The two men carried the trunks into the house, one at a time. Hedwig guided them to the basement. One by one, the trunk lids opened displaying the contents.
A woman was the first to emerge as she examined her surroundings, inspecting it for danger. She raced to the other trunks. She opened each trunk, finding each of her three children. Then a man appeared from inside. They were obviously married as the man and woman embraced.
The man bowed his head to Hedwig, “I am Abner Goldstein. This is my wife, Sarah, and our three children. We owe you our lives.”
The volunteers from the church continued carrying the remaining trunks into the basement. Hedwig produced the blankets and pillows. “Are you hungry? Do you wish to eat?”
Abner responded, “Thank you, but Father Becker made sure we had a hearty breakfast.”
Hedwig observed the children who crowded around their mother in fear.
How could our country do this? How could they want to hurt these innocent children?
Resolve built within her. She had no more concerns. She would rather die for what is right than ignore the wrongs of German society.
From the remaining trunks, a family of three popped up to their feet and embraced. “Welcome, all of you. I live here alone so no one will bother you. If in the event someone comes to inquire, please wait in this room until I come for you.” Hedwig opened the door to Fritz' secret room. She destroyed most of the papers it once housed. She accepted defeat on the part of the death camps, but she refused to give up her struggle against The Third Reich.
Hedwig inquired of them all, “Are any of you hurt? Do you need anything?”
Abner looked at the others, “None of us are hurt. Thank you. All we need is a place to stay and an occasional meal.” He pulled something from his pocket, “I was able to hide this pocket watch. It is pure gold and has been in my family over three generations. I give it to you as a gift.” He held the watch out to Hedwig.
Stunned she replied, “No. Thank you. You hold on to it so that it can find many more generations of your family.”
The man insisted. “Please. It would be an insult for you to not take it. Our family is proud, and I wish to compensate you for your troubles. This is all I have to give.”
Hedwig nodded, and took the watch from his hand. “I will hold on to it for you. Safekeeping. When you are able to return to collect it, you may do so.”
The other man then declared, “I am Nathaniel, Abner's brother. This is my wife, Ruth, and my daughter Mary. We are also in your debt.”
Hedwig explained, “I did not know how many of you would be coming or for how long. If the two of you men feel strong enough to carry a bed down here, I have an extra one that you could share or rotate to use. There is also a dresser for any clothing you may have.”
The two men looked at each other and Abner responded, “Thank you. We will indeed carry the bed as you instruct, however, we have no other belongings than what we are wearing.”
What was I thinking? These people are so desperate.
Hedwig let out a huff, “Unfortunately, I do not have any children's clothing. However, I can find some frocks in my closet for you ladies. And my late husband's clothing can be found in some boxes in the corner. Please feel free to go through the boxes and take what you like. Set them aside and I will wash them for you.”
Sarah stepped forward, “Please, you are doing so much already. If there is a basin and some water, we can wash the items. Ruth and I could cook and clean for you, if you think we would not be seen.”
“That will not be necessary, but thank you. I brought sheets you can hang as dividers for some privacy and buckets as chamber pots. Crude, I know. But we cannot risk having you move about upstairs, in case of visitors.”
Sarah smiled, “We understand.”
Hedwig continued, “I shall bring you a meal in the morning and one in the evening as well as water for drinking. There is a washtub over there with a faucet coming from the wall to bathe. I apologize there is no hot water down here. If you need anything else, please let me know.”
Hedwig then led the men up to Edmund's former bedroom. The two men took the bed and dresser down to the basement. Later that night, Hedwig cooked for the family living below her kitchen. A sense of pride swelled within her as she realized her life now had true meaning.
After she descending the stairs to provide dinner for the family, she returned to the kitchen to clean up the mess. She was unaware of the conversation below.
“Papa. This is pork, we cannot eat this.” exclaimed one of the children.
Abner looked at his son and explained, “Aaron, the good Lord saw fit to give us a place to hide and food to fill our bellies. Do not offend him by refusing.”
The young boy insisted, “But Papa, would it not offend Him to eat this?”
Abner took a bite of the meat, “The Lord provided. He understands our situation, and it is not for you to question Him.” The family all indulged and snuggled in their blankets for the first good night sleep they had in months.
Chapter 66
Over the next few months, Hedwig trafficked families in and out of her house. She turned Edmund's old bedroom into a sewing room so that she could make clothing from rags for those who passed through her basement. In all that time, she heard from neither Edmund nor Gustav. She missed them both but knew their positions and lives would be risked by her actions.
One day a loud knock surprised her at the door. Guards, she thought. Only guards knock like that.
She rushed to the basement to warn the family of danger. The bang became louder, and she quickly answered.
“Forgive me, sir. I was upstairs in my sewing room and did not hear the door.”
In a demanding tone one of the two guards said, “Excuses are unacceptable.”
Hedwig cast her eyes down. “How can I help you, sir?”
“Step back from the doorway.”
“What is this about? I will answer your questions, if you just ask,” Hedwig tried to distract them.
The two guards pushed Hedwig through the doorway. “If we wanted to ask questions, we would have asked. Now sit down.”
Hedwig sat for a moment, as the two guards opened her closets and scanned the house. Then she stood, “What is this about? I demand to know.” She pulled her Nazi Party card out from her purse and shoved it in the guard's face.
The taller guard grabbed her by the throat and yelled, “You will demand nothing. You sit there and be quiet. Otherwise I can make you quiet--permanently.”
The cry of an infant from below grabbed the man's attention. He turned his head to the kitchen, then back to Hedwig. “What was that? Who is here?”
“No one is here. That was my cat.”
The guard laughed, “Rolf, did that sound like cat to you?”
“No, it sounded like a baby crying.”
Hedwig nervously responded, “That is ridiculous. My husband is dead, I have no children.”
“We shall see. Rolf, check the house.”
Hedwig's pulse quickened, and her respiration increased.
How do I get out of this? What can I say?
The squeal of an automobile's wheels broke the silence. Out of a long black motorcar, a tall man came walking up the path. “Dummkopfe. You are wasting your time with the wrong house. You are supposed to be across the street.”
The one guard protested, “But Group Leader, sir. We were informed this woman fraternized with and aided in the escape of Jews.”
> The Group Leader backhanded the guard across the face. “Did I ask for your opinion? NO. You need to search the house across the street before you are the ones who need to escape Germany.”
“Yes, sir.” The two guards saluted.
There before Hedwig, stood her brother, Group Leader Edmund Geiger. “I'm sorry for the intrusion, Frau Schultz. You are obviously a member of the Nazi Party in good standing, and these two fools have made a terrible mistake.” He instructed the men further, “Apologize for intruding upon this nice woman's home.”
“Yes, sir. We apologize.” The guards said in unison.
As the three men walked to the door, Edmund winked at his sister, “Have a nice day, Frau Schultz. Good luck in all your endeavors.”
Hedwig closed the door and pressed her back against it. She breathed heavily, trying to calm herself as she continued to tremble. Once calm, she went to the basement.
“You are safe, they are gone.”
The group cheered and hugged each other. The mother of the infant came forward, “I am sorry about the crying. I tried to keep him quiet. Please do not send us away because of it... he is just a baby.”
Hedwig stroked the young mother's cheek, “You are not going away. Not until there is a safe place for you.”
The mother smiled then cried. Hedwig climbed the stairs to start dinner for the group.
Chapter 67
September 1939
Hedwig sewed rags together while listening to the radio broadcast. The radio always made her think of Gustav and the night he brought it over. The night of their first kiss.
Then the news came:
We interrupt this broadcast to inform you Canada has declared war on Germany. This is the eighth country in the past ten days to do so. Earlier this week, Poland, Great Britain, France, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa also declared war against the Fatherland. German troops are expected to deploy immediately to counter this aggressive attack against our nation....
“Oh dear God. Those poor boys. All those poor boys.” Hedwig clutched her sewing project to her chest. “Edmund.... Gustav.... Where will they wind up?”
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