His shoulders were stiff as they walked the long corridor. “I should warn you, the wife is bruised, the children too thin. She said Dr. Grafton told them you could be trusted and offer them safety.”
“And the rest of the story?” she prodded. Her butler was normally composed and seldom revealed much emotion. Today, the tall man was obviously disturbed.
“Her husband was taken away by the Gestapo. She said he was an informant for the British SIS and doesn’t know whether he’s dead or in one of the work camps.”
“Oh my.” She picked up her pace and passed up Bastiaan as they headed for the stairs.
But his hand on her arm halted her. “Ma’am, is this really happening?”
She glanced back and caught the sheen in his eyes before he blinked it away. It shook her to her core to see the man so unsettled. “I’m afraid so.” With a hand to her forehead, she willed herself to stay strong. “And I fear it will get much worse.”
chapter
Eight
Budapest, Hungary—Saturday, April 30, 1938
Hungarian State Opera House
Chaisley longed for a nap. Not just any old nap would do, either. It would have to rival Rip Van Winkle to erase her exhaustion.
Two concerts a day for the last two weeks was a grueling pace. All the days seemed to blur together.
Another concert was before her tonight, so she’d lain on the couch in her dressing room to tame her thoughts and rest her mind. But the voices of the hungry wouldn’t leave her alone.
After hearing of the poverty and people struggling along the way, her heart had broken. So she talked to Melanie and Rick and they devised a new plan of action. On the morning of her concerts, they went to the market and purchased breads, fruits, and cheeses to give people on the streets. Melanie and Rick did all the disbursing since she didn’t navigate the crowds as well as they did. But she sat in the car with the window cracked so she could hear people’s responses.
It was those voices that she heard on repeat. Gratitude that someone cared. Crying out for them to return tomorrow.
If only she could help everyone—fix the world. But she was only one person.
Hitler’s plan was no longer just a whispered secret. She’d heard many rumblings in the towns they’d visited so far. But most people chose to go on with their lives and do their best. Not that she could blame them. Food had to be put on the table. Provisions had to be earned for roofs over their heads. No one wanted to be gathered up and taken to a work camp.
Many Jews had fled Germany already. From what she’d heard, those who’d had the money and the way to obtain the correct papers and visas had started to leave as early as 1933. Then there were those who saved up for it and left—going as far as their money would take them. But they were hard-pressed to find work, and many looked down their noses at them. Because some countries—like Hungary—were beginning to side with Germany and taking on the same rules and beliefs.
What had this world come to?
“Chaisley.” Melanie’s voice preceded a touch to her shoulder. “Fifteen minutes until you need to be onstage, but Dr. Grafton is here to see you.”
She bolted to a sitting position. “Goodness. I must look a mess. Please send him in.”
“You don’t look a mess at all. He’s right outside, so I’ll get him.” A few steps sounded, then the door opened.
Gracious, she must have been deep in her thoughts. She hadn’t even heard Melanie enter the room. Chaisley swiped at her face. “Dr. G,” she held out her arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
He wrapped her in a hug. “I know there’s not much time, and I must get back on the road, but your grandmother asked me to stop in and find out if you’d finished the code you were working on. She suspects that your last letter to her was opened by the Nazis.”
They hadn’t wasted any time, had they? Sweat flushed across her body. Of all the scenarios she’d run through in her head, hermail being surveilled so soon hadn’t been one. A foolish mistake. “Yes, I finished it. But it’s complicated.”
“Complicated is good. Less chance for them to know what we’re communicating.” He touched her cheek. “It’s so good to see you.”
The warmth in his words squeezed her heart. “I’ve missed you.” She leaned into his hand. If only they could go back to simpler times. “I’m so grateful for your help. How do I teach you and Grandmother the new code?”
“I’ll come see you in one week’s time. Make sure Melanie knows the code by then. The four of us will be the only ones who know it. At least for now and until we are confident in it.”
She nodded. Now was not the time to tell him about her conversation with Hitler. He needed his focus, and she didn’t need another person hovering and telling her it had been reckless. “I’ll have everything ready for you in a week.”
“Stay vigilant, you two. Your driver seems to be an honorable man as well. I’m glad he’s around to keep you safe. I better let you get to your performance. I love you.”
