Schiller frowned at the crane. “What a shame. Workers ought to be more careful.”
Paul murmured in agreement.
Schiller’s frown deepened. “I have more bad news. America and Germany have declared war.”
“Oh no.” Did Lucie know? Had she tried to call him? Now he needed to call the store more than ever.
Schiller straightened his broad shoulders. “The German Military Command has ordered all American citizens to report to their localKommandanturby December 17 at eighteen hours. All men under sixty years of age will be sent to internment camps.”
Pain jabbed him in the gut. Just because a punch was expected didn’t reduce its impact. “I understand.” Six days. If Lafarge’s blackmail remained concealed, Paul would have six days until the Germans came looking for him.
Sympathy puckered around Schiller’s mouth. “On Saturday, you may take your daughter to her grandparents. Tomorrow we’ll meet to discuss the transition at the factory.”
Tomorrow? No. He absolutely had to leave tonight. Paul leveled his gaze at the officer. “I apologize, but I report for internment on the seventeenth. That means I will say goodbye to mylittle girl on the sixteenth. I have only four more full days with her, and I will not spare a single one.”
Schiller’s jaw edged forward. Would he order Paul to stay? If so, he could put out an alert at the train stations to prevent Paul from leaving.
Paul let pain and worry flood his face. “Please, Gerhard. She’s only four years old. We might not see each other for years.”
Schiller’s jaw softened. “She can visit you.”
“Her grandparents never thought much of their American son-in-law. I assure you, they will not bring her to visit. Please let us have these four days.”
A long sigh flowed from Schiller. “Very well. As a fellow father, a fellow Harvard man, it’s the least I can do. I’m sure all your affairs here are in perfect order.”
“They are. I anticipated this day. And thank you for understanding.”
“By the way, I requested to requisition your home for myself. If approved, I promise to protect your belongings and keep your staff employed.”
“That’s kind of you.” But Schiller wouldn’t be so kindly disposed if even a fraction of Paul’s activity came to light.
Paul extended his hand. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to inform my employees and make sure my office is ready for you.”
Schiller shook Paul’s hand. “I’m sorry we’ll no longer be able to do business together.”
The feeling wasn’t mutual.
After Schiller departed, Paul headed for his office.
Moreau fell in step beside him. “What did the police say?”
“Nothing. They’ll let us know. But Schiller has requisitioned the factory. America and Germany are at war.”
Moreau mouthed a curse. All sabotage would now stop, all signs would be erased.
“I am to report for internment on the seventeenth,” Paul said loud enough for others to hear. “Tomorrow I’ll take mydaughter to her grandparents. Colonel Schiller is in charge now. Please inform the men.”
“I will.”
Paul held out his hand to his friend. “Take care of yourself.”
With a gruff nod, Moreau shook Paul’s hand. Then he marched away, barking orders.
Paul climbed the steps to his office, where Miss Thibodeaux sat typing. “Any messages?”
“Oui, monsieur. The woman from the bookstore called.The Last of the Mohicanscame in.”
“Good. Thank you.” A smile flicked up in relief. Lucie knew about the declaration of war and was on her way to Orléans. No need for Paul to stop by the bookstore.
