Deception - WWII Resistance / Holocaust Novel

chapter 54: the canadians

Three soldiers dressed in uniform, the colour of a green shade of khaki with high leg buckle boots and 'turtle' helmets emerged with a Dutchman dressed in civilian clothes.

The soldier on the far left, a young man somewhat too tall for his build, stepped forward with his gun drawn. Speaking perfect German, he instructed Von Eberstein to drop his weapon and take several steps away, then to identify himself. He turned towards the others and began speaking in English. I could not understand what they were discussing, but it appeared that they were instructing him to translate their follow up questions.

The soldier introduced himself as Private Robert Baer and then pointed out the other men as he named them, Private Jack Caroll and Captain James Scott.

'Correct me if I am wrong, Herr Von Eberstein, but I only see one prisoner and not ten?' Private Baer questioned.

Von Eberstein, attempting to maintain his composure explained how unfortunately this would not be possible as the executions had already been carried out due to the delayed delivery of the letter. As planned, he began to offer himself as part of the exchange in their place.

From the expression on the soldiers' faces, they did not seem impressed nor seem to buy his entire story.

'Very well,' said Captain James Scott. He instructed Private Baer and Private Caroll to search Von Eberstein for any other weapons before they tied his hands behind his back.

Captain Scott stepped forward and began to ask me questions in English, but I shook my head not understanding. Captain Scott gestured for the Dutchman to come forward and translate. 'The Captain wants to know what your name is?'

'My name is Mieke de Jong.'

'Mieke de Jong,' Captain Scott repeated, and I nodded.

'What is your name?' I turned back to my fellow countryman.

'Boris van der Westhuizen.'

Captain Scott pulled out a knife and began to cut the robes from my hands until they were free. He spoke in English again and I looked at Boris for the meaning.

'The Captain would like to speak to you later, but he asks if I could first assist you with new clothes and food and water.'

***

After resting for some hours, bathing and being given a set of clothes, I was interviewed by Captain James Scott and Private Robert Baer, who were assisted by Boris. They asked endless questions – my activities during the occupation, how many resistance groups were in the area, how many Germans worked at the SD Headquarters, the names of several high-ranking German Officers and their activities including Von Eberstein, how many prisoners were left, the landscape on route to Amsterdam... how I knew Lieutenant Wilhelm Winter.

'We worked in the same building and frequented the same social events.'

'Anything more?' Captain Scott questioned.

I shook my head.

Captain Scott leaned back in his chair, 'I think there is much more to the story than you are letting on.'

'We spent some time together...' I said carefully. 'I believe he cared for me, but I could not return the feelings, not in the way he wanted.'

As Boris translated my words, then men seemingly became more interested.

'Continue,' gestured Private Jack Caroll.

I told the men how Lieutenant Winter had visited me in prison and had persisted that I come with him to the border where the Canadians had crossed, but I refused, not fully believing that he would make it alive. Captain Scott confirmed my suspicions that Lieutenant Winter had indeed made it and vouched for the exchange of several prisoners who were due to be executed, including myself.

'Thank you very much for your co-operation, Miss de Jong,' Captain Scott concluded the session. Both he and Private Baer shook my hand. 'We may have further questions at a later stage, but we will notify you beforehand.'

'Thank you, Captain,' I stood up from my seat. 'If I may ask Captain Scott, where is Lieutenant Winter now?'

Captain Scott listed to Boris' translation and paused, contemplating how to respond.

'I'll show you.'

A/N Hey guys! Sorry for the late update, but I was busy with exams last week. I think the next chapter will be the last proper chapter (may be posted later today if I get around to writing it), the two chapters that follow after will be epilogues that serve to conclude the book.