The Book of Lost Names(81)

In the morning, though, Geneviève still hadn’t arrived at the secret library, and Eva began to worry. She’d been up all night and was nearly finished with the documents, but she could have used help with the finishing touches and to ensure that there were no errors.

Surely Geneviève had been told by now of the impending storm; Joseph would have been notified as soon as possible. Perhaps they had already fled together, but Eva couldn’t imagine Geneviève leaving without a word, without at least a visit to the library to ensure that Eva didn’t need her. Still, perhaps Joseph had insisted. Perhaps he had promised to check on Eva later in the day once he had Geneviève settled safely.

But Joseph never came, either, and by the time the ink was dry and she had given each of the identity cards a final once-over, Eva’s stomach was in knots. She hurried through the empty church to Père Clément’s office and found him pacing, looking just as worried as she felt. He looked up when she entered and attempted a smile, but it didn’t erase the sadness in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Eva,” he said before she had a chance to say a word. “I got you involved in all of this in the first place.”

“Please, don’t apologize. This past year and a half has meant the world to me. I’m certain this is exactly where I was meant to be.”

“But the danger…”

“I knew from the start that there would be risks.”

He studied her for a long time before sighing. “Eva, there is one more thing I must ask of you.”

“Anything.” The way he was looking at her tied the knots in her belly even tighter.

“I’m afraid the network needs another person to escort children to the border. Your name has been suggested.”

She stared at him. “You want me to go? But I’ve never made the crossing before.”

“I know. They’ll pair you with someone experienced. They’re short one woman. Men traveling alone with groups of children look like passeurs, Eva. Couples traveling with children look like parents. I’d prefer to ask Geneviève, but she’s gone already. Gérard has promised me that he’ll come for your mother himself and make sure she gets to Switzerland safely.”

Eva’s mind spun. “You found Gérard? Geneviève is gone?”

“He assured me she was taken care of.”

Eva shook her head. It wounded her a bit that Geneviève had left without saying goodbye, but Eva was glad that the other woman was safe, at least. “And he will bring my mother?”

“Yes. She will meet you in Geneva in just a few days. The two of you will remain there.”

“But you need me here, Père Clément.”

He smiled sadly. “As Erich said, the cell is blown. It’s very likely that the Germans already know exactly who you are. They won’t rest until they find you. And you’d be tortured and executed, Eva.”

“Perhaps I could go elsewhere, start another forgery operation…”

“Please. Take this opportunity to get out. If we need another forger, we will send for you. You’ve already done so much, though. I would never forgive myself if the Nazis found you.”

“And you? You still plan to stay?”

He nodded. “My place is here, at the church.”

“But if they have your name…”

“Whatever happens is God’s will.”

They stared at each other for a long moment. “Will I see you again?”

He reached for her hands, and this time when he smiled, his eyes were bright and clear. “I feel certain we will meet again, Eva. After the war. And in the meantime, I will pray for you.”

“And I for you.” Before she could cry, she reached into the deep pocket of her faded wool dress and handed the stack of children’s documents to Père Clément.

He accepted them with a nod. “You’ll need to make a new set of papers for yourself; you’ll be Lucie Besson, wife of André Besson, a textile trader doing business in Switzerland. He has already been given his papers.”

“Made by another forgery bureau?”

Père Clément hesitated before nodding. “You should make another set for your mother, too, just in case her identity has been compromised.”

Eva closed her eyes. How would she live with herself if she had put her mother in danger? “You don’t think…”

“We’re just trying to be cautious, Eva. I feel certain that your mother will be fine.”

Eva relaxed a bit. “Père Clément, before I leave, I need to go see her.”

He sighed. “I know. Just be careful that you’re not followed. I’ll need you back here before one o’clock. You’ll be meeting your ‘husband’ tonight in Lyon.”



* * *



“So you’re leaving me.” Mamusia didn’t turn around when Eva entered the room they shared twenty minutes later, but even so, Eva could feel her mother’s scowl, the anger rolling from her. “Madame Barbier has already explained everything. You’re abandoning me here.”

“Mamusia, it’s what you’ve wanted! We’re finally leaving. We’re going to Switzerland.”

“You’re going to Switzerland.”