The Takeaway Men

by Meryl Ain

  “Wow, Aron, it’s such an honor to have such a religious person in our home,” said Faye. “Did your family bench also, Judy?”

  “No,” Judy said.

  Izzy, slightly annoyed that Faye was fishing already when it had been such a difficult day, said, “Go ahead, Aron, you lead.”

  As was Aron’s style, the blessing after the meal was completed in record time.

  “Great dinner, Faye,” said Izzy.

  “Yes, Faye, thank you very much,” said Judy.

  “I like Shabbos,” said Bronka.

  “I like Shabbos in Amewika,” said JoJo.

  No mention was made of the Mandelstern situation in front of the twins. Izzy had telephoned Faye and filled her in earlier in the day. And of course, Faye had shared the news with Judy.

  Aron slept fitfully that night. He kept Judy awake with his crying and moaning. In his nightmares, he was transported back to April 1941 in Kielce, where his family had been eating a sumptuous Sabbath meal served by Judy, dressed in white. Suddenly, there were screeches, which reached a peak when he and his bride and his parents, grandparents, sisters, and brothers, along with his in-laws, were rounded up and herded into the ghetto.

  At about six o’clock, while JoJo slept, Bronka was awakened by her father’s screams. Frightened and upset, she grabbed her teddy bear and went into her parents’ bedroom.

  “Mama, Mama, why is Papa crying?”

  “He had a bad dream.”

  “I brought him my teddy.”

  “Bronka, leave now!” Aron snapped at the child, suddenly awake and embarrassed that his little daughter had seen and heard him.

  “But I brought you Teddy to make you feel better.”

  “Bronka, dear,” Judy said. “Papa is very sad, and he needs to be alone now.”

  “But you are here with him. I just wanted to give him Teddy,” she said as her eyes began to well up with tears.

  “Bronka, gay avek,” he yelled in Yiddish.

  She bolted out of the room, sobbing hysterically, and crawled into JoJo’s bed, clutching her teddy bear. JoJo, who had been awakened by the yelling, put her arms around her twin.

  “I don’t like it when Papa yells at me and tells me to go away,” Bronka sniffled. “I like it when he smiles and gives me a cookie in the bakery.”

  “I don’t like it when you are sad, BonBon. That makes me sad too,” said JoJo.

  “I don’t like it when Papa cries. It’s scary,” said Bronka.

  “Mama is happy,” said JoJo.

  “Mama can make Papa feel better,” said Bronka.

  Bronka’s tears soon turned into giggles as JoJo began tickling her.

  It was on her second morning in Bellerose that Bronka decided that she would try harder to make her father happy. She would be like Mama.

  On Saturday morning at nine o’clock, Irv parked his Chevy in front of the Mandelstern house. He rang the bell and Jennie answered, dressed and ready to go.

  “Good morning, Irv,” said Jennie. “Thanks so much for doing this.”

  “No problem,” said Irv. “Is Harry coming too?”

  “I don’t know what’s the right thing to do,” Jennie said. “He’s better today, but maybe he should stay here with Mindy. What do you think?”

  Harry was in the kitchen with Mindy, assisting her with Tiny Tears.

  “What’s up, Harry?” said Irv as he entered the room. “Are you coming with us?”

  “I’d like to, but I don’t think we should bring Mindy.”

  “You should definitely not bring Mindy.”

  “I want to come. I want to come. I want to see Mommy.”

  “You’ll see Mommy soon when she comes home, Mindy.”

  She started sobbing all over again.

  “You know what, Harry,” said Jennie. “Just stay here with her. If you need help, you can always ask Faye.”

  “Or Connie will help too.”

  “Okay,” said Harry, “but I can handle it. Mindy and I are pals.”

  Mindy tugged at Jennie’s dress.

  “I want to see Mommy. I hate the takeaway men.”

  “We’re going to check on Mommy now, and we will tell her you want her to come home soon.”

  Mindy cried, and Harry looked bewildered, but Jennie was on a mission.

  “Let’s go, Irv.”

  As they walked to the street, she noticed Irv’s license plate for the first time.

  “What does NYP stand for—New York Police?”

  “No, it’s New York Press; it makes it easier to park. There are specially designated parking spaces for the press in the city.”

  His answer made Jennie feel like they were on official business.

  “You know, I think it’s better we left Harry home,” said Jennie. “Mindy could have stayed with one of the neighbors, but he and Mindy are joined at the hip; they just adore one another. He’s really falling apart over Lenore. I think it’s conjuring up a lot of other things for him.”

  “And you, Jennie?”

  “I’m devastated, but I’ve gotten through worse,” said Jennie. “And we’ll get through this. Thank you so much for your help.”

  “Of course,” said Irv. “I called around and got the names of a couple of prominent criminal defense lawyers.”

  When Jennie and Irv arrived at the Women’s House of Detention at 10:15 that morning, they were shocked by Lenore’s appearance. The normally glamorous, effervescent career woman looked pale and drawn. She wore no lipstick and had washed off her other makeup.

  They sat in the visiting room at a small table, Jennie and Irv facing Lenore.

  “I need a cigarette,” she said to Jennie.

  Always well prepared, Jennie pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a book of matches.

  As Lenore took a long draw on the cigarette, she looked at Irv suspiciously.

  “Forgive me for being rude, but aren’t you with the press? I certainly hope you didn’t come to take my picture and put it in the paper. They’ve already taken mug shots of me. Why are you here?”

  “He’s come to help, dear,” Jennie said.

  “And how can he help?”

  “First of all, you’ve not been in the papers so far, Lenore,” Irv said, “and I can give you some tips to try to avoid it. Second, I have the names of some top-flight criminal attorneys.”

  “I’ve already seen two attorneys.”

  “And who are they?” Jennie asked.

  “First, the court-appointed attorney, some kid named Roger Something, looks to be about fourteen. He accompanied me yesterday when they set my bail at ten thousand dollars.”

  “Ten thousand dollars,” Jennie gasped. “Our house is worth ten thousand dollars. How will we ever afford that?”

  “Well, I guess I’ll just spend the rest of my life in prison, and you can continue to raise Mindy. You’re doing such a great job, I’m sure she didn’t even notice I was missing.”

  “Of course, she did,” said Jennie. “All she wants is Mommy. She wants to know why the takeaway men came for you and when you’re coming back.”

  “I guess you can just tell her never.”

  “Oh, come on, Lenore, you’re being overly dramatic. We’re going to get you out of here as soon as possible. Mindy loves you and needs you.”

  “And who was the second lawyer?” Irv asked.

  It was then that Lenore broke down, crying so hard that she was unable to speak for a few moments.

  Jennie was used to being abused by Lenore and knew how to handle her.

  “We’re here to help you, dear. It was very kind of Irv to come with me on his day off. I’m sure he has better things to do. He drove me into the city. He’s a well-connected man, very knowledgeable about these things. You want to get out? Irv is the man who can help you. Tell us who the second attorney was. Was it Jerry Roginsky, Al’s attorney?”

  Lenore’s face flushed with embarrassment. If she wanted to get out, she had better play ball with her mother and Irv. She was beginning to real
ize they might be all she had.

  “No, it wasn’t Jerry,” said Lenore. “Jerry never even returned my call. He sent over some kid, Lester Finch, a first-year associate in the firm. He said Jerry was very busy working on a defense for Al, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit espionage, a far worse charge than mine. He could end up like the Rosenbergs.

  “According to Lester, Al is falling apart; he’s sick with worry about his wife and kids. Lester said to let me know Jerry will get to me, probably by the middle of next week. He’s looking for a way to defend both of us. But he wanted me to know that he’s doing everything in his power to help Al beat this. In the meantime, Jerry said to use Lester as my attorney of record and drop the court-appointed lawyer.”

  Jennie was dumbfounded that Al had not taken more of an interest in Lenore’s defense. Although it was never spoken of, she knew that her daughter was much more to Al than just an employee. Jennie was fully capable of putting together the pieces of the puzzle.

  “Look, our time is almost up, and they’re going to kick us out of here soon,” said Irv. “Listen to me and listen well, Lenore. I’m your friend. I’m here to help you. You must know your mother and father always have your back. There are a few things that you’ll have to do to get out of here.

  “First, you’ll have to trust us. Second, you must get your own attorney, one who is dedicated to defending you—just you. You can’t share an attorney with someone who is going to let you sit here without doing anything for six more days. And you certainly don’t want a novice when the stakes are this high. I’m out there every day, and I know a lot of people. I can give your parents the name of one of the best attorneys for this type of case.

  “Third, if you agree, you have to promise to tell him the truth and the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Only the truth will save you—no half-truths, no lies, no embellishments, no omissions. Only the pure unadulterated truth will get you out of this. So think about it and let us know what you decide.”

  Lenore was sure that in her entire life she had never felt so insulted, so disrespected, so discarded, so bereft. But the love she felt for Al was an all-consuming force that had taken over her mind, her body, and her life. And she had been in the grip of his power for seven years. Every action, every thought, and every dream had its beginning and end in Al. She had hoped for a life with him. She had always put him first, above her friends, her family—even her daughter. And where did he put her? Lenore told herself it was time to face facts. Irv was right. How could Al expect me to share his lawyer, who is willing to let me sit in jail for almost a week and not even have the time or the courtesy to speak to me? She bristled when she remembered that she had not even gotten a “Jerry says Al is worried about you too” from Lester, the messenger. She wondered, was she really that dumb that it took a phony charge, imprisonment, unreasonable bail, and a newbie associate to see that Alvin Springer was a self-absorbed, narcissistic blowhard?

  Through her wrenching sobs, she managed to extend her hand so she could shake Irv’s.

  “Thank you, Irv. Please give my parents the name of the attorney.”

  Jennie gave Lenore a hug, and they cried together.

  “See you soon,” said Jennie.

  “Bring cigarettes and tissues,” Lenore said through her tears.

  As Irv turned onto 253rd Street from Union Turnpike, Jennie spotted the Lubinski family walking up the street. Izzy looked out of place in his open topcoat, which revealed he was wearing a jacket and tie. It was a far cry from the white apron he wore in the bakery. Faye was all dolled up with her Persian lamb coat, matching hat, and scarf with the little mink heads.

  Jennie could see that Faye was beaming with her newly acquired family in tow. Compared to Faye, the female members of the refugee family looked a bit raggedy, with coats that were faded and shabby. But their natural attractiveness helped compensate for their lack of style. Jennie guessed that Faye would soon supplement their wardrobe. She was an expert seamstress and would shortly be sewing up a storm, especially for her surrogate granddaughters. But it was Aron, in an oversized coat and baggy pants that must have belonged to Izzy, who had an unkempt, haunted, haggard appearance.

  “I guess Faye and Izzy went to shul this morning to introduce their cousins to the community,” Jennie said. “I wonder how long the shul-going will last for them?”

  “Not very long if it’s up to Izzy,” Irv said. “Since those cousins came, I think Izzy has met his quota of services for the year.”

  As Irv pulled up to the Mandelsterns’ home, Harry and Mindy came out of the house. The normally mellow Harry had an exasperated expression on his face.

  “Bubbie, Bubbie,” called Mindy as Irv opened the passenger door and helped Jennie get out of the car. “Did you bring Mommy home?”

  “No, dear, but she will be coming home soon.”

  “I want Mommy,” Mindy cried, clutching Tiny Tears. “Where did the takeaway men take her?”

  “This has been going on all morning,” said Harry to Faye. “We’ve been in the kitchen filling up Tiny Tears so she can cry for Mommy. When there’s a lull, Mindy cries herself.”

  “Oh look, Mindy,” said Jennie, attempting to distract her. “Here come the twins. Let’s say hello.”

  She turned to Irv and gave him a peck on the cheek.

  “You must have so much to do today. Thank you so much for taking me, and for handling Lenore so well. Please give Connie and Mrs. Mariani my regards.”

  “I’ll be in touch,” Irv said.

  “Come on, Mindy, let’s cross the street and see your new friends,” said Jennie. “Harry, why don’t you go inside and rest?”

  When the Lubinski family saw their neighbors walking toward them, they stopped on the sidewalk under the maple tree in front of their house. No sooner did Mindy and Jennie cross the street than Mindy greeted Bronka and JoJo at the top of her lungs.

  “Tiny Tears and I are very mad and very sad,” she told them. “The takeaway men came and took Mommy somewhere. I don’t know where or when she’s coming back. I hope the takeaway men don’t come to your house.”

  Then she started crying loudly.

  JoJo looked at her curiously, but Bronka, who was standing in between her sister and her mother, started screaming hysterically as if Mindy’s demeanor and remarks had tapped into some primal instinct. She grabbed tightly onto her mother’s right leg and would not let go.

  “I don’t want the takeaway men to take you away, Mama,” she sobbed. “Don’t let the takeaway men take Papa away. I’m scared they will take JoJo and me away.”

  There was so much commotion that a couple of neighbors came out to see what was going on.

  “Bronka’s had a tough week,” Faye, embarrassed by the scene, explained to the firefighter and his wife, who lived next door. “Can you imagine? This time last week she was on a boat heading to New York, and before that, she’d spent her entire life in a DP camp. I’m sure she’s just exhausted and confused.”

  But Bronka was not confused. She had read Mindy correctly. And when she saw the look of horror on Papa’s face, she knew that takeaway men were real, and they had taken away Mindy’s mother.

  Jennie took her cue from Faye and ushered a now hysterical Mindy across the street.

  “Maybe we’ll get the girls together tomorrow when everyone calms down,” Jennie shouted over her shoulder.

  Faye nodded. “Sure.”

  “Don’t worry, BonBon. Mama and Papa will never let anyone take us away,” JoJo said, as she put her arm around her twin.

  “Of course, Bronka. JoJo is right,” said Judy. “Mama and Papa are here to protect you. And you have Izzy and Faye to take care of you too. Izzy will not let the takeaway men come to our house. Right, Izzy?”

  “Of course,” said Izzy. “I’ll beat them up if they ever come near anyone in our house—especially my girls.”

  JoJo smiled, feeling a bit more secure. Izzy was big and strong, and she took his words at face value. But Bron
ka was still frightened and continued sobbing, especially when she saw the look of anguish on her father’s face.

  One thing she knew. Mindy was telling the truth. The takeaway men were real. Papa was scared of them. And she was afraid of them too. She also knew that her tears and Mindy’s were real. She did not need Tiny Tears to cry fake tears for her.

  “Why do you think Bronka had such a fit?” Judy asked Aron in Polish when they were alone in their bedroom later that night. “Johanna didn’t seem to be rattled at all.”

  “Are you blaming me?” Aron asked angrily, also in Polish. His mind began to race. Is Judy implying that Bronka subconsciously knows something that she, herself, has not experienced? That on some level, she understands that the reason she has no immediate family is because the takeaway men—the SS—forced them from their homes and then starved, tortured, and murdered them? And is Judy insinuating that it is my fault because it happened to me and I have somehow transferred my memories to her? That’s a preposterous theory.

  “No, I wasn’t blaming you at all,” Judy said. “It just breaks my heart to see her so gripped with fear and anxiety. She’s not even four years old.”

  “I have no idea,” Aron snapped. “They’ve never heard anything from me.”

  “One day, they will find out. It’s better if they hear it from us.”

  Aron glared at her, stormed out of the bedroom, and slammed the bathroom door behind him. She could hear him sobbing.

  This was only their fourth day in America, and already the demons were back. She couldn’t even have a conversation with him without an explosion. For all of her kind-hearted attempts at healing him, Judy had to admit her husband was still a very troubled person. His memories of the terror, the suffering, and the loss were inescapable. Her experience, though it had taken place in the same time period, was quite different. She had not been a victim. So what did she know?

  Sometimes Aron could go about his daily life, and the stabbing heartache took a back seat. He was most distracted when he was working and most at peace when he was praying. At times, he could muster enough joy to tease and tickle his daughters or even make love to his wife. But then, without warning, the darkness would return.