If I Can Save One Child: A completely breathtaking, gripping World War II novel, inspired by true events by Amanda Lees

Author:Amanda Lees [Lees, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2024-07-30T00:00:00+00:00

FORTY-THREE

He strolled into the carriage a few moments later, looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world. I shuffled up as he squeezed in beside me, nodding pleasantly at the woman opposite. The moment she got off at the next station, he moved to sit opposite, leaning forward to speak just loud enough that I could hear.

‘The train’s non-stop from here to Marseille. We’re going to have to ride it all the way and then double back.’

I glanced up at the glass window in the carriage door. No sign of any Gestapo. ‘Was that you back there in the station, firing?’

He grinned. ‘You bet. I thought I’d cause a little distraction. Get that Gestapo asshole off your back. By the time he got near, the locals were running in circles, screaming. He had no idea what was going on, and neither did they. Don’t worry – I only fired at the station roof, although it was tempting to aim at him instead.’

I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked so gleeful. ‘Well, thank you. You certainly saved my ass, as you would say.’

‘It’s worth saving.’

I looked at him, not entirely sure what he meant. He gazed back at me poker-faced. That was Guy all over.

The ticket collector appeared. I pulled my return ticket to Aix from my purse. He stared at it, then at me. ‘This train does not stop at Aix, madame.’

I feigned horror. ‘What? You’re joking.’

‘No, madame. I am not.’

I rounded on Guy, who was also clutching his ticket. ‘You said this was the right train. You made me hurry for it. Now it turns out I was right all along. It was that other train. What are we supposed to do now, imbecile?’

Guy assumed his best beleaguered male expression. ‘I’m sorry, my love. I thought this was the right train. Perhaps, monsieur, we can change somewhere?’

The ticket collector shook his head. ‘It’s straight through now to Marseille.’

‘Marseille? Oh my God. What are we supposed to do now? Maman will have sent Papa to pick us up at Aix. This is all your fault.’ I hugged my handbag to me as if I was about to hit Guy with it. The ticket collector gave him a comradely look of sympathy as only another Frenchman could, understanding the magnitude of his plight.

‘When you get to Marseille, there should be a train within an hour that will get you back to Aix.’

‘An hour?’ I huffed. ‘Lunch will be cold on the table by then.’

With that, the ticket collector slid backward through the door, shooting Guy a final glance.

I waited a beat. ‘I think we got away with that.’

There were no more inspections until, finally, the train pulled into Marseille. I stood, reaching for my suitcase. ‘I’ll walk ahead once we’re clear of the train.’

‘OK.’

I tweaked my hat so it sat a little lower, strolling with as much ease as I could muster through the station. There were plenty of people milling about here too, doing their best to ignore the soldiers stationed at each exit.

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