Page 197 of Valor

“HalloFred, my friend.” Fritz hollered. “You need some help, my boy?”

Fred looked up and waved at his brother-in-law. He even attempted to smile, but the rumble of two engines startled him. He stumbled over the bucket.

“Leave it to the idiot to kill himself over a pail of water,” Father laughed. Fritz joined him.

Fred set the bucket upright, pushed down on the pump handle, and prayed that his knees wouldn’t buckle. Another gush of water. He picked up the half-empty bucket and hurried toward the barn. AKubelwagendrove into the clearing, followed by a truck with swastikas painted on the doors.

Fred dropped the bucket.

“They are here!” Fred yelled as he pushed the barn door open, knowing perfectly well they no longer had a reason to whisper. He pulled at the door handles, shut the doors behind, and slid the wooden beam across to lock it. He knew that this wouldn’t keep them out. All he was hoping for were a few extra minutes of head start.

Jakob sat on the ground next to a piece of luggage. Hedvika, wearing Marta’s old clothes, was helping Dr. Weiss as he passed their suitcases down from the loft. Mrs. Weiss stood at the top of the ladder, clutching the bundled-up baby against her chest.

The truck engine cut off.

Fred’s face blanched of color.

Fritz shouted orders. Boots hit the ground.

“Is there another way out?” Dr. Weiss stared at him.

Fred nodded and pointed toward a dark corner. “At the back. The two loose planks.”

Dr. Weiss reached up for the baby. He passed Isaac to Hedvika.

“Take the boys and run.”

“No!” Mrs. Weiss grabbed for the infant as her feet touched the dirt floor. Her voice was filled with so much grief Fred’s eyes brimmed with tears.

“He is too feeble.” She sank to the ground and gripped her husband’s legs. “We won’t leave you.”

“The children,” he said, his voice angry. “Get up! There is no time.” He looked at Fred as shouts of men and the pounding of fists echoed through the barn. His eyes grew wild with fear.

“Take Hedvika and Jakob. Run!”

“Papa?” Hedvika looked at her father.

He nodded firmly. “Go! Now!”

“Mama!” Hedvika’s voice, full of agony, broke.

“Come.” Fred reached for her hand. The sound of splintering wood was all around them.

“Jakob!” She grasped for her brother’s arm.

The confused child looked at his father.

“Go, boy!” Dr. Weiss ordered, tears streaming down his face. “The code is:It’s dark at midnight.He looked Fred straight in the eyes. “You will reply:Butthe sun rises in the east. Now go! Never forget how much we love you!”

The barn door creaked as soldiers pried it open. Fred’s heart threatened to explode in his chest. He shoved Hedvika and Jakob through the small gap between loose planks at the back of the old barn.

“Take my hand,” he reached Jakob. “Hold onto your sister with the other one, and don’t let go. We must run really fast.”

The confused boy started to cry, then tried to pull out of Fred’s grip.

“Hush! Papa said we have to go.” Hedvika picked him up.

Loud voices echoed behind them. More commands were shouted from inside the barn. Mrs. Weiss screamed, and Fred wished he could shut off all that sound and focus on the trail in front of them.

---