Page 61 of Tides of Resistance
Heinrich beamed, once more taking her interest as a compliment and basking in her attention.
‘Did you like the roses?’ he asked, side-stepping the question.
‘They are beautiful. Thank you so much,’ she said.
‘And that brings me to my invitation.’
Lizzie looked up at the SS officer, wondering how she had got herself into this awful jam. If Jack knew, he would order her toabort the mission immediately, so it was just as well she hadn’t been able to get to the farmhouse to send an update.
‘I have a wonderful surprise for you,’ Heinrich said, the swastika band catching the light as he moved his hands. ‘We will take a private cruise, and I will show you the landmarks you are so interested in.’
Lizzie was mortified at the thought of taking a cruise with him, but this was an opportunity she couldn’t refuse, even if she could refuse without risking his wrath.
She searched frantically for the right words and fought to keep her emotions under a tight rein. ‘Perhaps Charles can join us as my knowledge is limited, but his will be of great use to you.’
Heinrich bent over her shoulder and spoke softly in her ear, his breath on her collarbone and his cologne overwhelming her senses. ‘I want you all to myself, Rose. Please say you’ll do me the honour of joining me, and we will enjoy a sunset cruise.’
Lizzie didn’t dare imagine what the family would say when they learnt of Heinrich’s latest grand gesture. Perhaps it would be for the best if she didn’t tell them. Sophie’s indignation was already at boiling point, and her aunt was understandably fearful of the consequences for all the family.
Lizzie simpered and touched her hair as if being under the spotlight of Heinrich’s adoration was a delight. ‘How thoughtful of you to arrange such a wonderful outing for us.’
‘Excellent, I will make the final arrangements for this afternoon and pick you up at 6 p.m.’
Lizzie gazed up at him as he stood close enough to touch. ‘I appreciate that, but given the circumstances, may I request that you don’t come to the house? You know how the locals can be.’
Heinrich furrowed his brow as he digested her words, and adrenaline pumped through her body as she waited for his response. Would he insist on collecting her from the house? If hedid, it was as good as publicly labelling her as his mistress, and he knew that.
Lizzie would be gone soon, but the family would have to face the consequences of being branded as collaborators. Charles had explained to her that he was already under scrutiny and getting nasty looks from some because he had agreed to work on the construction project.
Heinrich pulled himself to his full height. ‘Very well. We will do as you wish. When I said I meant to make sure you will want for nothing, that includes having my complete protection so I will not endanger your good reputation.’
They arranged a more secluded meeting point, and she agreed she would see him at 6 p.m.
‘I must get back to the house if I’m to be ready on time,’ she said, glancing at her watch. ‘There is work to do.’
Heinrich nodded, and she saw the flames of excitement in his eyes.
God help her. She had gained a new protector.
The Golden Eagle.
CHAPTER 36
Lizzie walked towards the harbour, her skin clammy from rushing. She had borrowed a dress from Sophie, who, although very concerned about her meeting with the SS officer, didn’t hesitate to help her choose something suitable to wear when she explained it was important. The result was a stylish outfit that complemented her curves without being too revealing.
Heinrich had made it clear this was a date, and if she was to keep up the pretence and string him along to complete the mission without arousing his suspicions, she must play the part of a young French woman smitten with the sophisticated German officer.
Before leaving the house, she had written a note to him explaining she had been called back to Paris on a family emergency, and she had enjoyed their time together and was sorry to leave so suddenly, but such was the nature of wartime.
Lizzie stuck the notepaper in an envelope her aunt provided and entrusted it to her care. ‘If I have to leave suddenly, please arrange for Herr Adler to receive this note. That way, my disappearance won’t alarm him.’
Aunt Giselle said, ‘Very well. I can’t say I’m not alarmed, though. What do you mean by disappearing suddenly? Where would you go?’
Lizzie squeezed her aunt’s shoulder. ‘It is better you don’t know. If anyone asks you, just repeat the story about my returning to Paris. Say my mother needs me.’
‘We will miss you, ma chérie,’ Giselle whispered. ‘When might you leave?’
Lizzie hugged her aunt tightly, and both were in tears as they clung together.
