Else suppressed a smile at Wolff’s protectiveness.
“My apologies, Dr. Jensen.” Mr. Kramer placed a gloved hand over his heart. “How would you like to return to the USA?”
“The USA?” Although Sweden was neutral, only high-priority passengers received passage across the Atlantic. “How is that possible?”
Mr. Kramer lowered his voice. “Your skills are vital to national security.”
Wolff nodded. “Bohr has been told to send team members to Britain, preferably to the States. For some of us, obtaining the paperwork has been challenging. Not for you.”
“My skills?” Else asked. “I don’t understand.”
“I don’t know the details myself.” Mr. Kramer glanced at their surroundings. “But if you agree, we’ll fly you to London, then put you on a ship to New York. You’ll be briefed later.”
Briefed? He made it sound like a military assignment.
Military? Her gaze locked on Wolff. “You don’t mean...”
Wolff pressed one finger to his lips, his dark eyes sharp as obsidian.
She held his gaze as questions raced. Could it be? Were the Allies working on an atomic bomb? Did that mean it was scientifically possible after all?
If Gebhardt’s interest was any measure, and if controlled chain reactions were indeed possible, the Allies and the Germans were in a race that could determine the fate of the world.
Wolff gave a solemn nod, as if he’d followed Else’s thoughts.
She let out a tiny gasp.
“What do you say, Miss—Dr. Jensen?”
Else’s answer could only be yes. Her country needed her skills. Any qualms she had about working on a devastating weapon paled in comparison to the fear of such a weapon in Nazi hands.
Also, if she returned to the US, she could see her parents and brothers.
But Hemming...
If she left Sweden, any news about him would be delayed for weeks or months. How could she bear it? Every step she took away from him felt like giving up on him.
“When—when do you need an answer?”
Mr. Kramer frowned. “I wanted an answer now.”
“Give her a few days.” Wolff shrugged. “You have to understand the turmoil we’ve endured.”
Mr. Kramer spread his hands and dipped his chin. “Ah yes, the feminine sensibility.”
“Let me think.” Else squeezed her eyes shut. Whether she thought one minute or one month, she would come to the same decision.
And no matter where she was in the world, she could do nothing for Hemming but pray.
Her eyes opened to a certain but unwanted future. “I’ll go.”
SKODSBORG, DENMARK
Henrik rang the bell at the Østergaard villa one more time. No response.
He leaned against the wall to take weight off his foot, and he groaned.
He’d misinterpreted Far’s message. What else had Far said? He raked his mind over their conversation, but no clues stood out.
