“It almost doesn’t matter if they were truly Nazis or if they had regular government jobs. Because even if they just had regular jobs, they stayed in those jobs. Gail, you know as well as I do that if Truman suddenly turned into a monster like Hitler, your sweet Trevor would be the first to resign. That these men didn’t do that tells me they were supportive of what the Nazis were doing.”
“I know you’re not pleased they’re here, Lizzie, but you really think the Germans are dangerous?” Becca asked, her voice a hushed whisper.
“My brother says men like that are always dangerous. And you all know he served in Europe, so he would know.”
“I understand that these German men know an awful lot about rockets,” she said with frustration. “What I do not understand is why most of the American scientists on the team have been so quick to assume they are worthy of a comfortable life here. They’re Nazis at worst, or Nazi sympathizers at best.”
“I’m not sure it is sunshine and rainbows for all of them,” Avril said, in a tone that foreshadowed some exceedingly delicious gossip. I hated Avril’s gossip and had been the victim of it myself. She seemed to delight in causing drama. “Sofie Rhodes called me a few days ago and begged me to come around for a coffee because her little girl is having some problems at school. I asked Patty, and she said that even the German kids won’t play with Gisela Rhodes. It made sense that the American kids would be a bit wary of these new students, but the Germans ostracizing one of their own?” She gave us a triumphant look. “And I suppose you all heard about what happened at Sauerkraut Hill yesterday.” When we shook our heads, Avril leaned forward and murmured, “Just before I was due to go meet her for coffee, Sofie called to cancel. Overnight, someone painted the word Nazis right on their street.”
“Is it true, Lizzie?” Gail said. I wasn’t sure what she was referring to.
“About the street? This is the first I’ve heard—”
“About records being falsified. About some of these men being members of the Nazi party, or even the SS.” She paused, her eyes narrowing. “If anyone would know for sure, it’s your husband, and you changed the subject when Becca asked you.”
I cleared my throat. I never was good at lying.
“I shouldn’t say,” I said stiffly, but there was a collective gasp around the table. I flicked a glance at Avril Walters. She seemed equal parts scandalized and delighted. My heart sank.
“Do you know which of the Germans were Nazis? Who was in the SS?” Becca whispered in shock. I shook my head hastily, mind racing as I tried to figure out how to undo the mess I was making. Cal was going to kill me if he found out.
“If this is true, I bet they’d only have done it for the scientists they were really desperate to work with,” Gail said slowly. The rest of us fell silent as we all thought about the superstar scientist on the team. “And—” Gail nodded toward Avril. “You said the German kids were ostracizing that Rhodes kid. It might just be that an SS officer for a father is just too much stigma even for them. The other Germans would know the truth.”
“Ask Cal tonight,” Becca pleaded.
“He won’t tell me anything. He’s still mad about the party and I know he’s sick of talking about this.” I glanced at Avril and suddenly frowned. “Did you say you’re having coffee with Sofie Rhodes? I thought we weren’t doing that.”
“Oh, she’s so lonely,” Avril said sadly. “I just couldn’t help myself. You know what a bleeding heart I am.”
22
Sofie
Berlin, Germany
1935
Georg’s first day at Grundschule had arrived. Mayim stayed home with Laura so we could walk him to school on our own. At the front door, she bent to kiss his cheek.
“Have a great first day, Georg,” she said. He beamed at her, revealing his two missing front teeth—a gap that caused certain sounds to escape with a lisp. He threw his arms around Mayim’s neck.
“I’ll tell you everything tonight, Mayim. I promise.”
“I know you will, little buddy,” she laughed, squeezing him tightly. Laura came running down the stairs, almost tripping on her feet, then launched herself at Georg in a forceful embrace.
“Have a good day,” she said, squeezing her eyes closed as she hugged him. Georg hugged her back, and they stood like that just for a second. Mayim and I exchanged quiet smiles. When Laura released her brother, she took Mayim’s hand.Then, almost overcome with emotion, she shifted to stand behind Mayim’s leg. Her gaze fell to the floor as she mumbled, “Goodbye, Georg.”