Bouncing Betty by Liliana Hart (english reading book .TXT) 📕

floors exposed. I knew from my intel that only Major Wagner and Dr. Meissner used headquarters as their temporary home, along with the guards who were on duty during the night.

The excitement from outside had brought Major Wagner downstairs and away from his office. I had yet to be able to access his office, but I had high hopes in that regard as long as I was able to keep him romantically interested.

Wagner stood at attention, his uniform starched and stiff, the red band vibrant around his left sleeve.

“Friedrich,” I said, cutting through the quiet tension. He’d given me permission to use his first name weeks ago, but I’d been careful in using it too soon. I wanted to keep his interest and make him curious about me at the same time. I wanted to exude seduction, but also display a youthful naïveté a man like Wagner would consider a challenge.

I put a low purr in my voice when I said his name, and his attention was drawn to me instead of Graham. “I apologize for my tardiness. I know I could’ve waited until tomorrow to come, but I was looking forward to seeing you and thought it was worth risking curfew.” I fluttered my lashes prettily, and the stone expression on his face softened.

He was an attractive man, tall and thin, his skin pale and his blond hair cut short beneath his officer’s cap. He was somewhere in his late thirties or early forties, and his eyes were the color of the cognac Mr. Smithers had after dinner every night.

He stepped forward and took my hand, bending down sharply to kiss it. When he stood back up, he didn’t release me.

“I’m glad you came,” he said. “I propose you go upstairs and tend to your business with Helene. She is waiting for you. And while you attend to business, I will arrange a supper for the two of us.” His smile was cunning and made my skin crawl, but I lowered my eyes bashfully and he seemed to appreciate that. “No need to worry about curfew.” He gave me a conspirator’s wink as if he’d told a hilarious joke. “And then I will make sure you are returned home safely. My word of honor.”

My smile was genuine because it was exactly the kind of invitation I’d been hoping to get for weeks.

“I’d like that very much,” I said. “And I do apologize for the chaos I’ve caused. And now your doctor will have to be put out by tending to this man’s wounds. I know how busy he is, but I’m sure Dr. Meissner will do an excellent job and have him on his way quickly.”

It was common knowledge that Dr. Meissner spent his time doing horrid experiments on those who’d been captured, and the rumor was that there was a small handful of prisoners locked somewhere in the building. I’d yet to narrow down what floor they were being held on, or if they were even here at all.

I was hoping the power of persuasion would be enough to make Friedrich think twice about doing harm to Graham, but his expression hardened as he took in the Alliance’s number one operative.

“Of course, my dear,” Wagner said, patting me on the hand dismissively. And then he turned to the officer who’d met us on the street. “Josef, let’s not make him wait any longer for treatment. Take him to my office and send for the doctor. You know where he is.”

Josef nodded and pushed against Graham’s back, moving him toward the stairs and Wagner’s office. I snuck one last glance at Graham as he was led away, but his face was impassive. I couldn’t help but think that I’d just sentenced the most wanted spy in Europe to his death.

Chapter 2

George and Esther Smithers’ home was along the bustling Quai des Belges, facing the water and the ships and boats that were no longer allowed to leave or enter port. It was only two blocks from Gestapo headquarters, though much more opulent than the modest home they’d commandeered from the Schwartz family.

They’d given me the guest quarters on the third floor, and I was mostly left to my own devices, with the occasional interruption from my maid, Margueritte, who was barely a year or two older than I was. We got on well enough, but I was used to doing for myself, and I could tell we hadn’t shared the same life experiences.

The Smitherses’ home was four stories and as ornate and lavish as the other homes on the street. The walls were covered in beautiful silk wallpapers in vibrant colors, and gold leaf embellished everything. I wasn’t exactly sure what George Smithers did for a living, but I figured if he knew my father then he probably hadn’t made all his money on the up-and-up.

Not that I spent much time in George’s company. He was busy with the Alliance, his secret meetings, and his day-to-day business dealings. Esther, on the other hand, had become a kindred sister. She was only a decade older than I was, and she and George had never had children. That was by design, as Esther had the same outlook on marriage and being a modern woman that I did. She’d found an older wealthy husband, and she’d gotten exactly what she’d wanted—freedom. According to her, she had security and she had her choice of lovers in two countries who didn’t immediately fall asleep after dessert. You couldn’t ask much more than that.

Esther had waited up for me, even though I’d sent a note letting her know not to worry. She was a tall woman, several inches taller than I was, and her build was delicate and wistful. She was beautiful, with skin so pale it was almost translucent, soft gray eyes, and white-blond hair that had the slightest touch of silver so it shimmered when she wore it down.

“Your dress is still on straight,” she said good-naturedly, crossing her legs so