Their path intersected then paralleled the railroad tracks, and they followed the line into the picturesque hamlet. Emily shook her head. Pristine views such as this almost made her forget the world was at war. Memories of countryside picnics and hikes with her classmates edged into her mind. Good times. Would peace ever return?
Arriving at the church, they found the priest and gave him the bikes. He seemed unsurprised to see them. “The depot is on the other side of the square at the end of the street. God bless you.”
Fifteen minutes later, they crossed the grassy expanse and approached the station. Even with the early hour, the platform was crowded. Mothers soothed crying babies. Young women waited in silence. A trio of old men stood near a stack of luggage, mumbling among themselves.
Emily wiped her damp palms on the scratchy, black fabric. Her eyes darted back and forth looking for policemen…their policemen.
Gerard cleared his throat. “You seem ready to jump out of your skin. You’re a nun.” His mouth curved in a crooked grin. “Try to look less stressed...more peaceful.”
She blew out a breath and forced a smile then stiffened. Beside her, Gerard gasped.
A Mercedes sedan rumbled to a stop, and two SS officers climbed from the vehicle.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gerard clenched his jaw. Would they never catch a break? France was crawling with Germans, so he shouldn’t be surprised at the SS officers’ presence, but one day without the Krauts breathing down his neck would be appreciated. He tugged at his collar then dropped his hands. Fidgeting might draw unwanted attention. He lowered his head and intertwined his fingers in front of him. Should he affect a physical abnormality? A man his age was suspect even when wearing the cleric’s clothing.
“We should split up.” Emily nudged his shoulder. “I’m not sure about staying in this garb, but if the SS is still looking for us, they are seeking two people. Traveling separately may be our best bet. At least for the next leg or two of the trip.”
He pressed his lips together then gestured to a bench behind a pillar. Perhaps they could escape notice being tucked away from the main waiting area. Was dividing up the safer option? His heart constricted. He would not be able to protect Emily if she left his side. Surely, there was another way.
She seated herself then crossed her ankles and folded her hands in her lap. “I can tell by your expression, you’re opposed to the suggestion. Frankly, I’m terrified at the idea of going it alone, but we need to be smart about our travels if we’re going to survive.”
“And the student becomes the teacher.” He smirked. “You’re right, of course, but I don’t have to like it.”
Her face pinked, and a smile tugged at her lips. “The question is whether to remain as clergy or not.”
“For the time being, I will keep up the ruse of being a priest. A young man out of uniform is highly irregular, but one of the cloth less so. An acolyte wouldn’t be traveling on her own. You should put on the civilian clothing Father Remy gave you. Then we can travel separately on the same train.”
“That’s a good idea.” Her blush deepened. “Although it will be hard to be nonchalant with you in the same car.”
“My personality that compelling, is it?”
“Something like that.” Emily snickered, then her smile faltered. “The chronic lying is difficult, you know? Not just the remembering part, but our constant subterfuge makes me suspect everyone we interact with.”
“That attitude will keep you safe. You’re in enemy territory. No one should be trusted. Even those supposedly part of the Resistance or claiming to be an ally. Someone once said that every man has his price. Stories abound about those who have turned in friends, family members, or loved ones.”
She shuddered.
He resisted the urge to put his arm around her to comfort her. Physical contact while disguised as they were would surely attract the Nazis’ attention. He sighed. They’d been lucky so far. Emily’s beauty hadn’t caught the Germans' eyes. It didn’t matter what he was wearing. Once they got a look at her, he’d become invisible. “Rub some dirt on your face and make your hair unkempt. Even in nun’s attire and peroxided hair, you’re a lovely-looking woman. Dressed in streetwear, you’re sure to cause a ruckus.”
“I don’t—”
“No, really. You’re a looker, so we need to make sure those lads in gray don’t notice you.” He heard the harshness in his tone and winced. How could she be so unaware of her beauty? Had none of her male classmates asked her out? Were they blind? “I don’t mean to embarrass you, but we need to be realistic. Many of the Germans are bullies and need very little excuse to lord their presence over the population. Numerous reports have indicated they also take what they like. We need to make sure you’re not on the menu.”
Emily ducked her head, her face pale. “Point taken, but we shouldn’t be on the same mode of transportation. An observant soldier might think we’re together.” Her jaw was firm. “If those guys take the next train, I’ll get on the one after that. See if you can cycle or hitch a ride to Port-La-Forêt. We’ll meet there.”
“You’ll have to show your papers.” He frowned. She was right about needing to travel alone, but he didn’t have to like the idea.
“It’s a chance we have to take.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m not being reckless. God can blind the eyes of our enemy. He has protected us thus far. Let’s pray He continues to do so.”
Gerard licked his lips. There it was again, her unshakeable faith. Certainty that God would whisk them on their way.
Distant rumbling sounded. The train whistle shrieked. Moments later, the platform vibrated, and the belching iron monster clattered into the station before grinding to a halt. The coal smoke scratched his throat. Passengers clambered on and off. Twenty yards away, the two SS officers climbed into one of the cars.
Emily picked up her satchel. “They’re leaving. I’ll put on my new guise and wait for the five o’clock train. Go. Find a way to Port-La-Forêt. I’ll be fine. Spent time there during my student days. There’s a fountain in the middle of the square. Let’s meet there at four o’clock in the afternoon. Will that give you enough time to…uh…make arrangements for your travel?”
He checked his watch and pressed his lips together. Not quite twenty-four hours. “Should be enough. As long as I don’t run into…complications. The next train will get you there early evening. You’ll have to find somewhere to hide out. Could make for a long night.”
Her left eye closed in a slow wink. “Your training will do me well, Major. I will see you tomorrow afternoon.”
“I have no doubt about it, mademoiselle.” With a dry mouth, he watched her saunter into the station. Worry nipped his heels, and he hunched his shoulders as he strode from the railroad yard. There was not enough time to proceed on foot, so he would liberate a motorized vehicle. Unfortunately, the only folks driving automobiles were farmers, delivery men, and the military. He couldn’t take away someone’s livelihood, and he wasn’t holding the correct papers to use an authorized vehicle. He’d be stopped and arrested before he ever left the village.