Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray(112)

“She wants to see our operation. To try to bring all of us saboteurs together into one larger organization. We are more powerful that way.”

“Being a small, independent faction works to our advantage,” Egon says. “If something happens to the others in Berlin or Munich or Hamburg, no one knows where to find us. They can’t connect the dots.”

Hanna says firmly, “We don’t bring anyone here. Ever.”

Leon gives up on convincing Hanna. He turns to Karl and Egon as if they are the only ones who should have a say. “We could help so many more. And we could have more rest. Shouldn’t we at least try?”

“I trust Hanna’s instincts,” Sophie volunteers. “We don’t bring them here. We shouldn’t tell them anything about Die Eichel. Not until we’re absolutely certain.”

Karl nods. “Agreed. Let us meet with Eagle and Hawk in Berlin. We’ll get more information about this agent.”

“Fine,” Leon says with an aggrieved sigh, and Sophie realizes it’s not just Oskar who wants to be noticed. Leon wants desperately to be a star in the resistance. To impress Hawk and Eagle.

Leon sneers at Hanna. “Happy now, Hanna?”

“To stay alive? Yes, Leon. I’m funny that way.”

“Women,” Leon mutters to himself.

“Idiots,” Hanna retorts, and storms out.

A moment later, Egon follows.

From the window, Sophie sees Hanna and Egon leaning against the side of the building. They are standing very close together; their conversation looks tense. Maybe about the Berlin trip. Maybe Egon is actually on Leon’s side and has waited to say so in private. Hanna has been snapping at everyone more than usual lately, The Barbarian on full display. The smallest of mistakes can make her teary or infuriated. They are all so tired and sniping has become more common. Egon’s voice drifts up.

“We’ll find a way…”

“And if you don’t come back? What then?”

“I will come back for you, Hanna. For us,” he says, and kisses her.

When they return to the attic, Hanna sits at her sewing machine without a word. Sophie can tell by the murderous set of her mouth that whatever was decided is not to her liking.

“We don’t bring anyone here yet,” Egon announces. “Leon, you and I will go to the safe house in Berlin on Friday to meet with Hawk, Eagle, and this British agent. We will make the arrangements.” Egon smiles at Hanna. “There is a shop with excellent Marzipanstollen. I will bring you some, Liebchen.”

Hanna glares, then presses the pedal on the sewing machine, letting its mechanical teeth speak for her.



* * *



Sophie and Hanna cannot accompany Leon and Egon to the train. That would be too suspicious. Hanna and Egon say their goodbyes alone and when Sophie comes for Hanna, her eyes are dry but red.

“He’ll be back in no time. You’ll see,” Sophie says, squeezing Hanna’s hand. “Come. I’ve got a sandwich we can share. We’ll sit by the Baron like old times. It will be an exultation of a picnic!”

They perch at the Baron’s bronzed feet, but Hanna has no interest in eating. Sophie has never known Hanna to pine over anyone. She seems nearly sick without Egon. Lotte hobbles past on her new crutches. The fracture turned out to be a bad one. The doctor has said that she will forever walk with a limp.

“What was she thinking? She’s too small for that tree,” Klara had said, anguished. It had never occurred to Sophie and Hanna that underneath her bluster and impatience, Klara loved her little sister.

“Who would’ve thought?” Sophie had said.

“People are complicated,” Hanna had answered.

Lotte maneuvers over to the girls. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like we’re doing?” The Barbarian is in no mood today.

“What is Die Eichel?”

It’s as if an electric current passes through Sophie and Hanna.

“What do you mean?” Sophie asks. She doesn’t dare look at Hanna.

“Lieselotte told me she heard you two talking about it one day. Is it a secret club?”

“Yes, that’s exactly it,” Sophie says quickly. “Dedicated to preserving the forest.”

Lotte’s face brightens. “Can I be a member?”

“No,” Hanna snaps. “You’re too young.”

Sophie presses her knee against Hanna’s in warning. “Of course you can! Next time we have a meeting, we’ll invite you. How did you like the book I left for you?”

Lotte smiles. “I love it! My favorite is ‘Hansel and Gretel.’”

“That’s a good one.”

“They nearly get eaten by a witch. That’s what happens to children in forests. They get eaten by witches,” Hanna says.

Sophie presses harder against Hanna’s knee.

“Lieselotte told me you’re witches,” Lotte shoots back.

“Liesl…,” Sophie mutters under her breath.

Hanna doesn’t blink. “We are. And we’re feeling very, very hungry.”

Lotte turns and moves across the town square as quickly as her crutches allow.

“Do you think she’ll tell?” Sophie says.

But Hanna doesn’t answer.