“The Swedish minister in Berlin informed the German authorities of the serious repercussions that these measures would provoke in Sweden. In addition, the minister extended an offer from the Swedish government to receive all the Danish Jews in Sweden.”
More gasps—this time of joy.
Else grasped Henrik’s arm, and hope bloomed on her lovely face. Sweden had done it. They’d opened the door to the refugees. All of them.
The room erupted with exclamations and questions—“How do we get across?”
Thorup stood from his chair, caught Henrik’s eye, and tipped his head toward the kitchen.
Henrik nudged Else. “Get Laila and meet in the kitchen.”
When Henrik and Thorup entered, Janne was washing a pile of dishes.
Thorup kissed his wife on the cheek. “Sweden announced they’d receive all the Danish Jews.”
“All?” She turned so quickly, tiny droplets scattered from her hands to her pristine floor. “What wonderful news.”
Henrik pulled out chairs for Else and Laila as they entered. “Now we have to transport them to Sweden, but how?”
“Fishing boats.” Thorup plopped into a chair at the table.
Laila took her seat. “The Germans allow them to go out?”
“It’s herring season,” Thorup said. “Germany wants our herring. The fishermen go out day and night.”
Henrik leaned back in his chair. “Each boat could carry ten to twenty in the hold.”
Thorup drummed his fingers on the table. “There are dozensof boats in Vedbæk. Surely I can find one or two fishermen willing to help.”
“We have a few dozen people here.” Else’s eyes swam with worry. “But so many are hiding in Copenhagen, in Søllerød, all over the country.”
Laila stuck out her chin. “I can search for them and send them here.”
Henrik pointed a warning finger at her. “You must stay in hiding.”
Laila groaned and slumped in her seat.
“Else and I will work on that,” Henrik said. “Laila, work out a list of the guests, who should go first—families with small children, the elderly, anyone who—who would fare poorly in a concentration camp.”
A shadow passed over Laila’s eyes, and she nodded.
This would take coordination. They had to arrange twofold transport—moving people from the villa to Sweden and filling empty spaces at Lyd-af-Lys.
Janne rinsed a cooking pot. “I could use help in the kitchen.”
Laila sat up straighter. “I’ll talk to the ladies and work out a schedule. You have your hands full with the shopping.”
“We need funds too,” Henrik said. “I hate to take up a collection, but—”
“We have funds,” Thorup said.
“You can’t feed this many on a budget meant for two.”
Thorup and Janne exchanged a look, a slight shake of the head. What was that about?
Else let out a long sigh. “We don’t have much time after work and before curfew. And Fru Riber can’t be trusted. Until we find a new place to live—and we can’t take time to look now—we’ll need to keep up appearances there.”
Henrik’s thoughts stirred into a whirl. Working at the shipyard, arranging transport, keeping up appearances. Something had to go. “I’ll quit my job.”
