The Traitor by V.S. Alexander

Author:V.S. Alexander [Alexander, V.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2020-01-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Rohr questioned me for hours on Saturday and Sunday, even telling me how much the Führer had suffered under the negative onslaught of those who didn’t believe in his vision of Germany under the Reich.

“You have no idea how our gracious and kind leader has suffered from those who try at every turn to undermine his authority,” he spouted, his voice brimming with indignity. “To restore the heritage of our people, to rid our land of those who would pollute it; these goals are what our benevolent Führer seeks. Only through his voice and wisdom can we build a better Germany.”

Over and over he questioned me about the White Rose, informing me that the trial for Hans, Sophie, and Christoph would be held on Monday. Late Sunday afternoon, he announced with glee that Roland Freisler, the President of the People’s Court, would be presiding over their trial. He slashed a finger across his neck in a quick stroke. “It’s dark and I’m tired,” he said. “You’re going back to your cell to think about all I’ve told you. I’ll be busy tomorrow at the Palace of Justice. You and Lisa Kolbe will be tried on Tuesday unless you confess to your crimes.” He picked up my file and placed it under his arm. “I wish you a good night. Because you’ve had nothing to say for yourself for three days, I can’t imagine you’ll have anything to add tomorrow.” He took off his glasses and squinted at me. “Your trial will go forward.... Believe me.”

He and his secretary left the office, leaving me in the company of a female guard who handcuffed me and then led me back to my cell.

Exhausted and numb, I tumbled onto my cot, hoping that I might soon eat the cold soup and stale bread that had been served to me the last two nights, hardly fit to eat but better than starving. Despite the feeling that I was somewhere other than on earth, perhaps on some distant planet fabricated from a dream, I was proud that I had not bent under Rohr’s questioning. I’d remained mute for most of those hours, wondering if Lisa had done the same, while knowing nothing of the fates of my other friends in the White Rose.

* * *

Rohr was correct. Only guards and servers visited me on Monday. I had hours to contemplate the warm February day, while standing in the shafts of brilliant sun that poured through my small window. Of course, I wasn’t able to leave my cell to enjoy the early spring weather, and as the sun moved on and sank in the west, anxiety built up in my head and chest, pressing my ribs against my side and causing my skull to feel as if it might explode. The crushing duress turned to depression as night fell.

About six in the evening, a woman I had never seen before entered my cell after being let in by a guard. She was of medium build and height with chestnut hair, somewhat pretty, but what struck me most were her eyes.

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