I slipped it back into the pocket of my apron, pushing it into the corner where it would be safe.
‘What are you doing standing around?’ It was Bochette. How that woman seemed to appear from nowhere amazed me. I was at one of the laundry cupboards that was tucked away around the corner from the laundry presses.
‘I was just getting a tablecloth,’ I said, taking one from the cupboard. ‘Madame Chanel is dining in her suite this evening and needs a fresh one.’
Bochette’s eyes narrowed and she nudged me out of the way with her hefty shoulder before peering into the cupboard. She lifted several of the tablecloths and when she wasn’t able to find anything, she dropped the linen back into place and closed the door. She turned towards me. I took a step away, my back now up against the wall. She moved closer, so she was only inches away from my face. ‘Remember, I’m watching you. Hauptmann Kranz has asked me to pay special attention to you.’
Her face was so close to mine I wanted to vomit at the nearness. She grabbed my face, squeezing it between her thumb and fingers. ‘You may think you’re clever, and have Tache to protect you, but one word from me and he can be removed.’ Her grip tightened, causing the flesh of my cheeks to dig into my teeth. ‘You’ll do well to remember that. Now, get back to your duties.’ She released her grip but didn’t move.
I could feel the burn of tears in my eyes, but I was damned if I was going to cry in front of her. I felt dirty at her touch and nearness. I rushed from the laundry room, ignoring the concerned look from Marie, who was pressing sheets.
Bochette was a despicable woman and if I ever had a chance to pay her back, I would.
The incident in the laundry room just made me more determined to carry out my plan.
It was late afternoon, and I was setting up the dining table for Chanel and Kranz. Neither of them was in the apartment and I was glad as I didn’t want my nerves to get the better of me.
I had just put the finishing touches to the table when Chanel and Kranz returned. Chanel had asked me to wait for dinner to be brought to the room, which was unusual, but I couldn’t help thinking that it only served to help me execute my plan more easily.
‘Good afternoon, Nathalie,’ said Kranz with such ease, it was as if nothing had happened and I hadn’t been arrested. ‘I’m glad I’ve seen you. I wanted to check on your well-being. Madame Bochette told me that she spoke to you today.’
‘Yes,’ I replied, not meeting his or Chanel’s gaze.
‘Was everything all right?’ he asked.
‘It was a brief conversation,’ I replied. ‘She said something about being able to talk to her.’ I made a point of hesitating and looking uncertain.
‘What is it?’ asked Kranz.
I glanced at Chanel as if asking for approval, and she nodded her consent. ‘Speak up, Nathalie,’ she encouraged.
I wrung my hands together. ‘I don’t like speaking out of turn but …’ Again, I made a point of hesitating.
‘But what?’ I had Kranz’s full attention.
‘She said I could trust her, that she had connections.’
‘What sort of connections?’ came Kranz’s clipped question.
‘She didn’t say exactly, but said she knew people who could help fight against what was happening.’
Kranz looked startled. ‘The Resistance?’
I shrugged. ‘I’m not sure what she meant.’
‘Oh, I don’t think Bochette is involved in the Resistance,’ said Chanel, seemingly uninterested as she lit a cigarette. ‘You know how much she adores you, Erich. It’s really quite charming.’ She gave a laugh.
‘It’s not a laughing matter,’ said Kranz. His brow furrowed as he considered my revelation.
‘Thank you. I shall make a point of speaking to Bochette.’ He turned to Chanel. ‘Now, if you will excuse me, I will return shortly for supper.’
After Kranz had left, Chanel looked at me. ‘I understand you don’t like the woman, but it’s best not to make an enemy out of her. I don’t expect she’ll take too kindly to being questioned by Kranz.’
‘Oui, madame,’ I said, rather sheepishly, feeling embarrassed at being caught out.
‘Now, I’m going to bathe. Is my bath run?’
‘Oui. It’s ready now.’
