Levi's War by Julie Thomas

Author:Julie Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-23T04:00:00+00:00

Munich , July 1943

Levi said nothing of their plans to Karl and Elsa. That night, as they enjoyed dinner together, he told them about his life in Berlin and his time at the Berghof. He was careful not to mention Himmler, as it was clear that both blamed him for Erik’s imprisonment. Levi was impressed by Karl.

‘Your visit has been a real bonus for Erik,’ Karl said as he watched Levi eat.

‘I can’t tell you how happy I am to see him, sir.’ Levi smiled as he glanced at the older man. ‘I had given up all hope of seeing him again.’

Across from him he saw a shudder go through Elsa, but she kept her eyes on her plate. ‘So had we,’ she said quietly.

‘I won’t lie to you, I find his sexuality hard to understand,’ said Karl.

Elsa raised her gaze in response to her husband’s words. ‘But it is his business, not the state’s,’ she said, and anger flared in her eyes.

Karl nodded and Levi could see tenderness in his expression. ‘Indeed, I agree. He’s my son and I love him. If I felt shame, I don’t anymore.’

Levi chose his words carefully, he wanted Karl to know he was impressed by his attitude, but didn’t want to give any indication of the nature of his relationship with Erik. ‘He is lucky to have you as a father, sir.’

Karl shook his head. ‘That’s as may be. I did what I could to rescue him and I want him to be healthy and to live.’

Elsa looked up, and Levi could see unshed tears in her eyes. ‘Which is more than those brutes at the camp wanted. I detest them and everything they stand for!’

Karl put his hand on her arm. ‘I know how you feel, but they are not representative of the whole Reich. I don’t believe that behaviour is systemic. And neither do you.’

There was a distinct warning in his tone. Levi heard it as clearly as she did. After a moment’s hesitation she brushed the tears away and smiled at her husband.

‘Of course not, darling, the Führer would be horrified if he knew.’

Levi wondered how Elsa had coped with the Erik he used to know in Berlin, the proud SS-Hauptsturmführer who had been part of the death squads in Poland.

‘How old was Erik when you married?’ Levi asked.

Elsa smiled. ‘Fifteen. He was a beautiful teenager, a truly good person and had such a sweet nature. The Erik I knew then, he’s back with us. Those dreadful men —’

Karl raised his hand. ‘Enough, Elsa! Werner can see the change for himself.’

Elsa glanced over Levi’s shoulder, and when he turned to follow her gaze he saw a framed photographic portrait of the Führer on the dining room wall. Nothing more was said, but it was enough to remind him that he needed to continue with the role of Hauptmann Werner Schneider for the time being at least.

Something in Elsa’s expression told him she was wondering about his relationship with Erik. Had

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