14 |

Approaching the Konrad Residence
Berlin, Nazi Germany 

 

Konrad walked briskly toward his new home, his pistol drawn and at his side, his entire body tense with the events of the evening. What was to have been a pleasant dinner party to fulfill the expectations of his position, had turned into a nightmare. His son was missing, though more importantly, his son had discovered the family secret and had obviously not reacted well.

Can you blame him?

The boy’s entire world was collapsing around him, and he wouldn’t know who to trust, or where to go. And with the dozen empty troop carriers lined up in front of his house, SS swarming the area and breaking off into search parties, the danger to his son and the rest of the family grew with every moment.

If he tells them…

He shuddered at the thought.

If he tells them, we’re all finished.

“Rudy!”

He turned to see his wife emerge from the shadows and his eyes widened. “What are you doing out?”

“I had to go look. He’s my son.”

Konrad’s chest ached at the pain in her voice. He was her son, and she would love him no matter what, even if he hated her, and likely wanted her dead.

It was a situation no family should be in.

She looked about at the frenzy of activity. “Have they found him?”

Konrad took her by the hand and led her back onto the grounds. “No, I don’t believe so. But we will.”

“And Griese?”

His heart sprinted at the mention of the name. “They’ll find him.”

As they climbed the stairs to their home, the all-clear sounded, and he pointed toward the bedrooms. “Go to our room. I’ll see our guests out.”

“Yes, my love.” She hurried up the stairs as the first of their visitors emerged from the basement, the cars already idling outside, the chauffeurs ready to ferry their VIPs home to check on the state of their own appropriated abodes.

Regrets were exchanged, everyone understanding except the last to depart, General Graf.

“Not a smooth evening, Colonel.”

Konrad bowed his head slightly. “It had its unfortunate moments.”

“An attempt on one of your guest’s lives is hardly an ‘unfortunate moment.’”

Konrad flushed. “A poor attempt at humor, sir.”

“Indeed.” Graf eyed him for a moment. “I wonder, Colonel, if we made a mistake with you.”

Konrad’s cheeks drained of any blood they might have had. “I can assure you, sir, you haven’t. We will apprehend the perpetrator, and bring him to justice.”

Graf stared at him, his eyes boring deep into Konrad’s psyche, a tremble threatening to erupt. “You have twenty-four hours, then I take over.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And I expect a full report in the morning.”

“You’ll have it.”

Graf turned on his heel and headed down the stairs and out of sight, leaving Konrad a shaking mess.