‘She was the only one to escape,’ said Margot, in a way that left Fitz in no doubt, the Frenchwoman did not believe her story.
‘André was alive when he was taken?’ asked Philippe.
‘Yes. Both he and the resistance member who was in charge.’
‘Bernard,’ said Margot to Philippe, who nodded.
He rubbed his chin with his fingertips as he considered the information. ‘Hmm. They need to hold out another day or so.’
‘Let’s hope they can do that,’ said Margot.
‘They know the details. I am certain they won’t give us up,’ said Philippe. ‘Not Bernard, anyway. He won’t say a word. I guarantee that.’
‘Then let’s also hope the rat isn’t André,’ said Margot.
‘Enough talk of that now,’ instructed Philippe.
‘We should call the plan off,’ said Margot, leaning against the fireplace as she lit a cigarette. ‘We’ve been compromised.’
Philippe frowned and silence filled the room as he contemplated the scenario. ‘No,’ he said finally. ‘The plan will go ahead. The people of the area need to know that we are fighting for them. That we won’t allow Hoffmann to continue with his barbaric punishments. The community needs a morale boost otherwise we will lose support. Things are not going to get better for a long time and we need these people behind us from the start. Otherwise we have no hope of defeating the Nazis.’
‘But it is just one act. We can do it another time,’ argued Margot.
Philippe shook his head. ‘We don’t know when we will get another chance like this. We are being handed the general on a plate.’
Margot pushed herself away from the fireplace. ‘Are you doing this for the good of the country or for your ego?’
Fitz watched the exchange between the two resistance members. She saw the rage sweep over Philippe’s face but his response was controlled. ‘Never question my integrity again,’ he said, his voice cold and hard. ‘Everything I do is for France. I have already lost so much. This is not about me; this is about freedom and equality.’
There was a pause before Margot spoke. ‘Very well. You are in charge,’ she said, clearly not happy about the decision.
Philippe turned back to Fitz. ‘You should get some rest now.’
‘I’ll show you to your room,’ said Margot. ‘I can make a spare bed up on the sofa in your room for the child.’
‘Oh, there is one thing,’ said Fitz. She moved closer to the desk so she could speak quietly. ‘Have either of you heard about an American pilot, flying for the RAF, being shot down? He might be injured or working with the resistance. Or he might be in a safe house.’
Philippe gave Fitz a long hard stare before replying. ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’ he hissed. ‘And you will do well to remember not to ask such questions. You will put yourself and others in danger. Do you understand?’
Fitz looked down at her feet. She could feel a flush of embarrassment hit her cheeks. She shouldn’t have asked. How stupid of her. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t think.’
‘Clearly,’ snapped Philippe. ‘You need to make sure you do start thinking. We can’t afford any mistakes.’
‘Yes, of course. It won’t happen again. My apologies.’
As Fitz followed Margot out of the room and up to the next floor where her room was waiting for her, she felt suitably humiliated. She knew she shouldn’t have asked but she hadn’t been able to stop herself. The idea that Sam might be out here, helping the resistance just wouldn’t leave her. She wasn’t given to such fanciful ideas normally. What on earth was wrong with her?
‘You will be expected to join Philippe for dinner this evening,’ said Margot. ‘Colonel Rolf Hoffmann will be there, and you will be seated next to him.’ She glanced at Yvette, before addressing Fitz again. ‘All you have to do this evening, is make him like you. Don’t be too keen, though. You need to leave him wanting. Understand?’
‘Yes,’ said Fitz. She couldn’t deny the churning of her stomach at the thought of flirting with a German officer, but it had to be done. She’d already had this conversation with herself about how far she was prepared to go and each time had come to the same conclusion. As far as it was necessary. This mission wasn’t about her. What she had to do was a small sacrifice compared to what others had already lost. ‘I understand perfectly.’
‘Good. The child will need to stay up here in the room out of sight,’ said Margot. ‘I will make sure someone brings her something to eat.’
‘That’s fine,’ said Fitz. ‘Yvette will be very good. I promise you.’ It irritated Fitz that Margot was even suggesting Yvette would be anything other than well behaved.
‘There are clothes in the wardrobe that will be suitable,’ continued Margot, crossing the room to the large mahogany armoire. She opened the doors theatrically and pulled at the one of the garments. It was a black evening dress. ‘Wear this tonight.’ She eyed Fitz up and down. ‘It should fit you. At leastyou have a nice full bust – Hoffmann has a penchant for large breasts.’
Fitz shrugged. ‘Good. Then that will make my job a little easier.’ She got the impression Margot was testing her in some way. If she thought Fitz was worried about showing a little more cleavage than was perhaps necessary, she could think again. ‘Make-up. Is there make-up here?’
