Turning Point by Marion Kummerow

Author:Marion Kummerow [Kummerow, Marion]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marion Kummerow

Chapter 7

It seemed like hours had passed when the officer finally stopped talking and returned her papers, to continue checking the other passengers on the train. Margarete’s heavily beating heart began to slow down as she tucked the papers in Annegret’s purse with sweat-soaked hands.

When she looked up, Hilde was eyeing her suspiciously. Margarete hadn’t missed the way the woman had raised her eyebrows at the mention of Wolfgang Huber, but she’d been too nervous to give it a second thought. Now, it seemed, she’d have to have to deal with a new problem.

“You’re not Annegret Huber. Who are you?”

Margarete’s hand flew to her chest and she offered a choked laugh. “Of course I am.” Fear constricted her lungs and breathing became difficult. If she couldn’t get this woman to believe she was Annegret, her little charade – and her life – would be over.

Hilde shook her head. “You’re lying.”

“Why do you say that?” Frozen in place, Margarete stared at the other woman, expecting her to scream until the SS man rushed into their compartment.

But Hilde didn’t raise her voice. “I know Annegret, and you are not her.”

It’s over. Margarete sagged. Panic crept up her spine. If someone found out the truth – she shivered violently – they’d send her to the Gestapo who would have tortures in store for her that she couldn’t even think about without the urge to vomit. What options did she have? Not so many.

Hilde remained quietly in her seat, waiting. Her attitude gave Margarete the irrational hope of receiving compassion from the other woman. Enough compassion not to turn her in.

“Look, the bombing today hit directly over the block in Nikolassee where I lived.”

Hilde paled and grabbed her sleeping son tighter.

“You know the area?” Margarete asked her.

“I do. We live there. Where exactly was the hit?” Hilde’s face had become even paler as she forced out the words.

Margarete felt sorry for her and reached over to take her hand. “How horrible. Just about the entire block at the Rehwiese park was flattened to the ground. Only the smaller buildings across the railway track didn’t get damaged.”

Hilde sagged in relief and murmured, “Thank God.”

“The alarms came too late and most of the inhabitants didn’t make it into the shelter. I was lucky, because I got trapped under a broken staircase.” Margarete swallowed dryly. “Herr and Frau Huber, and Annegret, they’re all dead.”

“What is your real name?”

She debated answering. But she really had no choice. This woman held her fate in her hands. “Margarete Rosenbaum.”

A flash of knowing crossed Hilde’s eyes. Rosenbaum was a typical Jewish name. Now she will scream for the SS. When nothing happened, Margarete decided to beg for her life.

“Look, all I want is to live.” Tears pooled in her eyes and she was barely able to form the words. “I was their maid for two years, but Herr Huber wanted to send me away by the end of the week.” The look on Hilde’s face told Margarete that the other woman knew exactly where to.

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