“I don’t have much need for timepieces,” she said.
Max’s shoulders slumped.
“But they are beautiful, and I think I have enough food to get me through winter. Would you consider a couple of pickled preserves for your clock?”
“Ja,” Anna said.
The woman slipped away and returned with two jars of pickled beets. She gave them to Anna and took the clock.
“You are very kind,” Anna said.
She nodded, and then looked at Max. “Good luck to you, young man.”
“Danke.” Max extended his arm. He felt the woman shake his hand and slip away.
The woman entered her home and closed the door.
Max clasped Nia’s harness and descended the steps to the sidewalk. Although he was thankful for the woman’s food, a swell of indignity rose within him. He hated charity, even though they were technically bartering for food.Someday, when I return home to Leipzig, I will find a way to support myself, no matter what I have to do.
Anna joined Max and examined a jar of pickled beets. “I’m so glad we came. Norbie will be—”
“What?” Max asked.
“You’re supposed to be working, Fräulein Zeller,” a gruff male voice said.
Waldemar. Max’s pulse accelerated.
“I—” Anna stashed the jar into her bag.
“Weareworking,” Max said.
Waldemar gripped the harness to his dog, Gunda. “How can you be training when you’re hawking for food?”
Damn it.Max’s mind raced. “It was my idea. I insisted on bartering a few items while practicing guide dog maneuvers. Anna and hervaterare out of rations, and I was trying to help them.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Waldemar said. “You’ve violated Fleck’s directive—and his trust. Instead of training, you’ve been going door to door for the entire afternoon begging for food.”
He’s been following us. Max’s skin turned hot.
Anna swallowed. “I can explain—”
“Take it up with Fleck.” Waldemar stroked his wooly gray mustache. “I expect that he’ll dismiss you when you arrive at work tomorrow.”
Anna crossed her arms.
Max shuffled forward. “It’s all my doing.”
Waldemar smirked. “If I were you, Max, I’d pack my bags tonight.” He turned and walked away with his dog.
“Oh, God,” Anna breathed.
“I’m sorry,” Max said. “It’s all my fault.”
“No, it’s not,” she said. “I agreed to it.”
Nia nuzzled Anna’s leg.
“He’s probably on his way to see Fleck,” Anna said. “I’ll likely be terminated, and you might be kicked out of school.”
