She gasped. “I’d never.”
Henrik’s throat clenched, and he kissed her fingers to give his throat time to open. “If the Germans made a connection between me and you, they’d question you.”
“I’d never say anything.” Her voice rose and quavered.
With his eyes shut, he kept his mouth pressed to her fingers. “You wouldn’t mean to. But they’re brutal. I—I couldn’t bear it if they hurt you. If you were caught, I’d turn myself in so—”
“Hemming, no!”
He lifted his eyes to her, lifted his final appeal. “Unless you’re safe in Sweden, I won’t be able to sleep.”
She released a long sigh, and she slumped over their joined hands and pressed her lips to his palm. “I’ll go. For you, I’ll go.”
He loved her so much, he couldn’t speak. Finally, he jutted outhis chin. “Tonight, return to the boardinghouse as on any other Sunday evening. Tell Fru Riber you saw me at church, that I’m still mourning my mother, still helping my family.”
Else sniffled and sat up, her eyes moist. “All right.”
“Tomorrow, tie up any loose ends. Withdraw money from the bank, burn any compromising material. Then return here by sunset. You’ll cross tomorrow night.”
Else’s expression cleared and took on a new look of determination. “And you?”
“I can’t tell you much. On Tuesday, I’ll return to the boardinghouse to pack while Fru Riber is making dinner. I have items in my trunk the Germans mustn’t see. Then I’ll go underground. Hemming Andersen will cease to exist.”
Her expression grew even more determined. “That isn’t what I meant. I meant you should join us on the boat.”
Henrik sat back in his chair and frowned. “Me?”
The corners of her mouth ticked up. “It’s time for me to yelp.”
His frown deepened. “I haven’t given you reason, have I? Have I been harsh?”
“No, but it’s time to speak up. All those reasons I should go to Sweden apply to you too.”
“Not at all.” What on earth was she saying?
Her eyes shone with a light he didn’t much care for. “You’ve been compromised. If I were arrested, I’d go to prison. But you’d be tortured and executed. You should leave.”
His jaw hardened. “I’m going underground.”
“Which will make the Germans want to catch you even more. You’re a legend, and legends are more dangerous than a trainload of explosives.”
He gave his head a shake. “That’s why I can’t leave. Don’t you see? The need is as great as ever—not just for a courier but for the legend.”
“You’ve done enough.” She leaned forward. “Now you can leave and be safe.”
With his feet, he shoved his chair back, breaking his grip on her hands. “Don’t you know me better than that?”
Else drew in a quick breath, and her eyelashes fluttered. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t you know I have to do this?” His empty hands drooped between his knees. “Being the Havmand, serving on the Freedom Council—these are the only good things I’ve ever done.”
“You can do good things in Sweden.” Her lower lip trembled. “Don’t you want to be with me?”
“Of course, but I can’t give this up. I won’t.”
Else’s face collapsed. Then she bolted to the door.
“Else!” He dashed after her. “Please understand. I love you, but I have to do this.”
