“Monsieur?” Paul’s voice cracked. “Please? If there’s any way—”
“No. The woman and child can follow the original plan. They can travel freely. But you must follow the escape line.”
Paul’s fingernails jabbed into his palms. There was always another way, and he stared down the résistant with his steeliest glare.
But steel deflected steel. The résistant would never relent. Nor could he.
Paul’s shoulders slumped. He wasn’t in control. The resistance was. The only other choice would be to hide in occupied France. To risk internment for himself. Arrest for Lucie. Torture. Execution.
He sank onto the bed, rested his elbows on his knees, and dug his fingers into his scalp. “No ... Lord, no.”
“Paul?” Lucie’s voice trembled. “I—I’m not her mother.”
He snapped up his head.
Lucie’s face buckled. “I—I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Daddy?” Josie’s chin quivered. “What’s happening?”
Paul stroked his daughter’s curls, kissed her forehead, and then he gripped Lucie’s face between his hands. “You can do this.”
She shook her head. “No—”
“You have to. You’re the only one who can get her home.”
“But I—”
“I trust you. And you love her. I know you do.”
“I do. But that isn’t enough.” Tears ran down her cheeks.
Paul swiped them away with his thumbs. How could she not see how capable she was? “I trust you. Now, listen carefully. My parents are Frank and Margaret Aubrey. They live at fifty-seven Cedar Street in Waltham.”
Lucie repeated the information, her voice wiggling like jelly.
“Daddy?”
“Shh.” He had to attend to Lucie first, so she could attend to Josie. “If you need money in Lisbon, cable my parents. They’ll give you anything you need.”
“I—I—”
He couldn’t bear the terror in her eyes, so he smashed his lips to her forehead. “Take the first ship home. Don’t wait for me.”
“Paul—”
“Leave a message for me at the embassy, but don’t wait.”
“All—all right.”
Paul drew back, nose to nose with her, his chest aching and writhing. “No matter what, do not get separated from her. No matter what.”
Lucie’s expression cleared and strengthened. “I won’t. No matter what.”
“I am sorry, monsieur.” The résistant opened the door. “You and I will leave in the middle of the night.”
Paul gave him a nod. He couldn’t blame the man. He had many people to protect.
He pressed a quick kiss to Lucie’s lips. Now for his daughter.
