Deception - WWII Resistance / Holocaust Novel

Chapter 7

The man appeared to be no more than thirty yearsold. He had straight dark brown hair, neatly brushed back. His face was strong and defined, cleanly shaven, lips pressed in a tight line. Despite his uniform, one could tell he was muscular. His gaze was focused down on the book perched between his hands.

He must have felt my stare because he suddenly looked up. His eyes were a deep dark brown –offering no light, no comfort. It was though no emotion emanated from them. It was as though his eyes held many secrets, heavy with untold stories. Secrets which were best kept secret. Perhaps he was just difficult to read. Yet a smile slowly etched onto his face. I tried to mask the fear which seemed to be spreading throughout my body.

'Is this seat taken?' I ask politely, gesturing to the seat opposite him.

'No, no,' he replies in a deep voice. 'Please have a seat.'

I nod as a sign of thanks and quickly take the empty seat. He returns his focus towards his book and I take the opportunity to note the numerous medals which decorate his uniform.

'Tickets!' the voice grew closer from outside the compartment.

'Is that Erich Helmut?'

He looks at me with a surprise smirk on his face, 'You are familiar with Enrich Helmut's work?'

'He is a poet, is he not?' I ask, as I move to sit beside him.

'Indeed he is,' the man stated, sounding impressed.

He offered the book so that I could hold it. 'I read many of his poems as a teenager,' I lied. Perhaps one. I had the vaguest memory of what I had read all those years ago in the community library. 'Very beautiful and moving,' I commented as I flipped through the pages slowly.

'You speak German?' he enquires.

'A little,' I smile, well more than a little. 'This is my favourite one,' I stated recognising the only familiar title I knew.

Sommer.

'I like that one, but I prefer Abseits,' he says, prying the book from my fingertips. 'Shall I read it to you?'

'If you insist.'

He closes the book once he has finished, 'As much as I enjoy being stationed from country to country, it's been three years since I've seen home. Helmut's work reminds me a lot of my childhood.'

'Where else have you been?' I ask, pretending to be interested.

'Well, first Poland then France and now here,' he states proudly.

'And what would you say has been your favourite place?'

'Without a doubt, it would be Amsterdam.'

'You lie!' I tease. 'What about Paris?'

He opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off by another voice. 'Tickets!' the stocky guard calls as he swings the door open to the compartment.

'Can you not see that I am busy?'

'Sorry, ,' he apologies and quickly leaves.

He launches into a conversation for the rest of the train journey detailing, his days from first joining the army, to Poland to France to the Netherlands. He spares me the horrific battle details, but boasts about his bravery and achievements. I pretend to find his stories fascinating, as though I admire him, finding him heroic.

The train begins to screech to a halt, taking us both by surprise that two hours have passed.

'I thoroughly enjoyed your company Miss—'

'de Jong,' I stretch out my arm. 'Mieke de Jong.'

'Mieke,' he smiles, whilst shaking my hand firmly. 'Hermann Fehmer.'

'Herr Fehemer,' I repeat. 'It was lovely to meet you.'

I exit the train, thankful that I had the journey without any further interruptions.

'Miss de Jong!' I hear a familiar voice call. I turn out to see Herr Fehemer. Perhaps I had spoken too soon. 'I was wondering if you needed a lift anywhere? My driver would happily take you,' he offers.

'Uh –' I stutter, shocked by his sudden offer. 'Nee, nee, that will not be necessary. Someone is picking me up, but thank you for offering.'

'Well, I hope we will see each other again one day,' he contorted his lips into an awkward, toothy smile. I didn't like his smile. It made me feel uneasy. I felt as though he was hiding something much more sinister behind his good looks and charm.

'Likewise,' I platter a fake smile on my face.

We bid each other goodbye and I walk in the opposite direction, hoping to never see that man again.

A/N If you're wondering why the last few chapters have been short and fast paced it's because I am trying to get the more exciting and important parts which still start putting this story in motion! x