The Girl From Berchtesgaden: An epic wartime thriller as German Jews fight for survival by Rigby Kim & Birch Alistair

Author:Rigby, Kim & Birch, Alistair
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-05T00:00:00+00:00

Part Two

War

68

October 1939, Munich

Stefan smoothed the letter from his father before returning it to his inside pocket. He smiled at the news he’d just read. His former friends had moved from mere cadets in the Hitler youth to fully fledged infantry soldiers, though none had secured his level of authority and prestige. Otto was serving as a cook within a barracks near Stuttgart. The very idea brought humour, as the bungling lump never strayed far from food. Still, Stefan had to admit the boy had been useful in the past. Meanwhile, Walter and Klaus remained in Berchtesgaden, though Walter at least had shown sense to join the SS. He couldn’t figure what the pair could accomplish there, but as long as they remained away from him, he didn’t care. Perhaps they could still be of service by monitoring the power-hungry Christa and her rat of a friend, Gerda.

For now, Munich was far enough away for him to pick up hometown news while sending nothing useful back. Ever since the glorious march where he and his men declared their loyalty to the Führer, Stefan had been on a wondrous high. That night, when they gave his platoon free rein to run amok within the Jewish community, left him feeling elated. And he wasn’t the only one. All his soldiers took to the rampage with a fervour and commitment, which made him proud and after, alone in his private quarters, he poured a glass of schnapps to celebrate.

A knock sounded, and Stefan’s heartbeat quickened. ‘Come.’ A blond head appeared around the gap in the door. ‘Ah, Peter, good to see you. Please come in and close the door.’ Peter Klein stood taller than Stefan, but beyond height they were physical equals, though Stefan of course held rank. The man was a true Aryan, which gave him a certain privilege. Normally immaculate, today Peter wore a weary expression. ‘What is it, my brother? You look tired. Here, sit.’

‘I’m sorry for bothering you so late, but yes, a sleep would do me some good I suppose. I’ve come here to seek your counsel.’

Stefan stood. ‘Of course. You know you can speak freely here. What is it that troubles you? I was just about to have a glass. Would you like one?’ he offered, pointing to the schnapps.

Peter nodded. ‘Thank you, yes. I wanted to ask about my older sister. She is seeing a Jew against our wishes. I know what must be done, but I want to protect our family from any shameful outcome.’

Stefan brought the drinks over and set them down on the nightstand before returning to the middle of the room. From there, he paced lazily around, until he came up behind Peter, and rested his hands upon the soldier’s shoulders.

‘Of course. These things are delicate,’ he said, kneading the muscles in Peter’s neck. His subordinate sighed. ‘Good. I see we understand one another. I can protect your family, though you must understand any steps I take to help will leave you indebted to me.

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