Caught Between Two Devils by Creedon Mark

Author:Creedon, Mark [Creedon, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Iguana Books
Published: 2019-08-08T16:00:00+00:00

May 13, 1944

Jadwyga was still thinking about Corporal Schmidt’s alarming question when she went to his office the next morning, as he had commanded. She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

Why is the lighting so dim? she wondered as she entered the office. Those maps of his tank campaigns on the wall … they weren’t there yesterday. The stuffed wild boar is new, she thought.

Corporal Schmidt wore a tight-fitting khaki uniform, recently pressed. It was not the uniform he usually wore, but rather the costume of a warrior. He looked handsome, fit, and terrifying.

The corporal stood up from his chair. “Jadwyga, you know that I could have punished you severely for your crimes against the Fatherland. You had no business taking those cuttings from your workplace. I also know that you and your husband live outside the barracks, without permission.”

Jadwyga’s face went white and she stumbled against the corporal’s desk.

The corporal’s demeanour appeared to soften. “However, I like you and I could be lenient in your case.”

He moved closer to her. She could smell wine on his breath.

He pushed her against the wall and pressed his body against hers. He gently stroked her arm. He looked her directly in the face. “Your eyes are beautiful. Of all the women here in the camp, you are my favourite.”

Jadwyga’s body stiffened. Corporal Schmidt took a step backwards. “You know, Jadwyga, I can make your life much better, or much worse.”

Jadwyga felt paralyzed. But then, she summoned her courage. “What wrong have I done other than try to help German children?”

The corporal folded his arms and glared at her. “You’ve stolen from the Wehrmacht. You’ve stolen from me. You’ve deceived me.”

Jadwyga’s face reddened and her heart pounded like a sledgehammer. If he rapes me, I could tell Antanas. He could enlist his boss to avenge such a wrong, she thought.

The corporal moved closer to her once again and stroked her neck. “Well, little kitten, has the cat got your tongue? Have you nothing to say to your commanding officer?”

Jadwyga’s thoughts fluttered. If Major Braunshiedel were to order Captain Ninehaus not to interfere with Corporal Schmidt’s unit, then I will be on my own, except for Antanas. She glanced around the room and realized there was no escape. She also realized that if Antanas were to retaliate against Corporal Schmidt, he’d be beaten or killed. If he found out about Corporal Schmidt’s sinister deeds and did nothing, he would die of guilt and shame.

Jadwyga offered silent prayers over and over. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for me. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for me. Suddenly, her fear dissipated. She knew what her oppressor needed better than he did. She stepped towards Corporal Schmidt and said softly, “Corporal Schmidt, I know that you have the power of life and death over me. I also know that you are too much of an officer and a gentleman to abuse that power.”

Corporal Schmidt looked stunned. He was unaccustomed to women turning him down, especially when they had no choice.

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