Page 79 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

"True," said Werner. He said to Rebecca: "Talk to him. Find out what he wants. Scream if you need to."

Rebecca stood up. Bernd did the same. "Not you," Werner said to Bernd. "The sight of you might anger him."

"But--"

Rebecca said: "Father's right. Just be ready to come if I call."

"All right."

Rebecca took a deep breath, made herself calm, and went into the hall.

Hans stood there in his new blue-gray suit, wearing a striped tie that Rebecca had given him for his last birthday. He said: "I got the divorce papers."

Rebecca nodded. "You were expecting them, of course."

"Can we talk about it?"

"Is there anything to say?"

"Perhaps."

She opened the door of the dining room, used occasionally for formal dinners and otherwise for doing homework. They went in and sat down. Rebecca did not close the door.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Hans said.

Rebecca was scared. Did he mean escape? Did he know? She managed to say: "Do what?"

"Get divorced," he said.

She was confused. "Why not?" she said. "It's what you want, too."

"Is it?"

"Hans, what are you trying to say?"

"That we don't have to be divorced. We could start again. This time there would be no deceptions. Now that you know I am an officer of the Stasi, there would be no need for lies."

This felt like a stupid dream in which impossible things happen. "But why?" she said.

Hans leaned forward across the table. "Don't you know? Can't you at least guess?"

"No, I can't!" she said, although she had the glimmering of a creepy suspicion.

"I love you," said Hans.

"For God's sake!" Rebecca shouted. "How can you say such a thing? After all you've done!"

"I mean it," he said. "I was faking it at first. But I realized after a while what a wonderful woman you are. I wanted to marry you, that wasn't just work. You're beautiful, and smart, and dedicated to teaching--I admire dedication. I've never met a woman like you. Come back to me, Rebecca--please."

"No!" she shouted.

"Think about it. Take a day. Take a week."

"No!"

She was yelling her refusal at the top of her voice, but he acted as if she were coyly pretending reluctance. "We'll talk again," he said with a smile.

"No!" she yelled. "Never! Never! Never!" And she ran from the room.

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