Page 48 of Tides of Resistance
Lizzie tried to imagine what she might say if she were just an ordinary young French woman in this position.
‘It is generous of you, Heinrich, but you must remember us French live on a severely rationed diet. I’m not used to such quantities of rich food.’
‘Of course, you are right. How insensitive of me,’ he said, pushing the dessert tray to one side and producing a silver cigarette case, engraved with the crest of an eagle. ‘Might you join me in a cigarette?’
Lizzie accepted, thinking she could do with it to calm her jagged nerves. He leaned over to light her cigarette, and she held it carefully between thumb and forefinger in theFrench pinchthat Jack had taught her.
In the early days she had been a terrible smoker and had only learnt because he told her it was a useful tool in spycraft. Practice had improved her technique and now she smoked with the nonchalance of a typical French woman, savouring the act whilst they talked.
Since Jack had been away, she’d fallen into smoking more to pass the time. She felt closer to him when she pictured him smoking in the Highlands and often daydreamed of their future together whilst sitting in his flat, drinking tea from his cup.
The dramatic contrast between the blond regal Eagle, and Jack, her black-haired noble Raven, was acute. It struck her that both handsome, powerful men were driven by a purpose for which they would fight to the death. Jack was willing to die to free the world of the Nazi regime, and by what she had heard so far, it seemed Heinrich was willing to do the same for his vision of the Thousand-Year Reich.
It was the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Light versus dark. The intelligent Raven pitted against the hunting Eagle. Who would prevail?
Lizzie shuddered at the thought of the two facing each other. Thank God Jack wasn’t by her side on this mission, or things would be taking a very different turn that could prove deadly. This man and everything he stood for would inflame Jack.
‘These are excellent cigarettes,’ she remarked.
‘My favourite German brand. I have them specially imported. I can arrange a supply for you if that would please you, Rose.’
Lizzie just smiled and the smoke curled between them forming a hazy curtain giving her a moment to think how to handle this opportunity to get closer to an SS officer who had the keys to Hitler’s construction secrets in the palm of his hand.
‘Charles is an excellent surveyor,’ she said.
‘Good to hear I selected wisely. The photographs and reports were first class. I understand you assisted.’
Lizzie nodded, affecting modesty. It wouldn’t do to be too brash. ‘I enjoyed the work which was why I accompanied him today. I find your plans for the Atlantic Wall fascinating.’
Heinrich puffed up at the compliment. Regal Eagle or not, he wasn’t immune to the praise of a beautiful woman. She had pinpointed his weak spot.
Lizzie’s strategy to gain access to the highest levels of German intelligence revealed itself. Her heart thudded faster at what she was about to do. She must overcome her aversion to her lunch companion and encourage his attentions.
Jack would want to protect her and order her to step down immediately.
But she knew in her gut this was the time to step up. Fear could not rule her, or she would fail in her mission.
‘I would love to see you again, Heinrich,’ she said, extinguishing her cigarette and tilting her head to one side.
CHAPTER 28
After breakfast with the family, Lizzie offered to help Sophie in the bookshop, so they walked into the city together. The air was fresh and crisp, the sun sheltering behind clouds, as if torn between lingering in winter mode and ushering in spring.
‘How has business been?’ Lizzie asked over a cup of tea Sophie made them in the little staff room after a flurry of customers left and the shop fell quiet.
‘As you can see this morning, we get customers coming in to browse, but purchases are few and far between.’
‘It must be difficult to make ends meet,’ Lizzie said, feeling for her cousin, who was pouring all her energy into the struggling business.
Sophie clasped her hands around her teacup, and her pretty face took on a gloomy expression. ‘It is. Thank goodness we have Papa’s income to live on. The shop barely covers its costs.’
Lizzie was curious. ‘Why don’t you close it? At least until the war is over. It’s understandable people find it hard to justify buying books when they struggle to feed their children.’
‘You’re right, of course,’ Sophie said, her eyes misting up. ‘My parents say the same thing, even though they are always supportive, and Maman helps when she can.’
Lizzie rested her cup on the counter and patted Sophie’s hand. ‘It’s because of your dear friend, Judith, isn’t it? You feel you’ll be letting her down if you don’t keep the shop going for her family.’
Sophie clasped Lizzie’s hand like a lifeline and bowed her head. ‘I can’t bring myself to abandon the dream that we’ll keep the shop going and, when this madness ends, they will return and resume a normal life in France. The madness will end, won’t it, Lizzie?’ Sophie whispered her cousin’s real name and tears sprang from her eyes.
