The Librarian Spy(32)
It was the first of many wonderful Parisian meals shared together with richly flavored sauces, tender meats, and confections that were as artistic as they were decadent. Meals Elaine could not think of now, not when the twist of hunger in her belly was so sharp.
But Joseph had kept his promise to her, never prying into her bank account. Not even after forbidding her involvement in the Resistance.
“Ah, the rain has cleared,” Nicole said beside her, startling Elaine from her reverie. “The weather will be ideal for walking.”
If anyone had asked, that was why they had come to the outskirts of Lyon, to take in the scenery together.
The tram slowed to a stop, and they disembarked, arm in arm as they made their way toward the forest. After so long in the bustle of the city, the silence of the woods around them was exquisite and called to attention the unfettered chirp of birds and the tranquil rustle of leaves.
“Have you seen the Maquis before?” Nicole asked.
“I’ve only ever heard of them.” Elaine considered the foliage with a new perspective, half anticipating traps to be laid and men to be standing in the shadows with archaic weapons brandished. “Are they as wild as the Nazis claim?”
Nicole led the way in a pair of flat-soled shoes. “They live out here, but they are not as barbaric as they are made out to be.” She pushed a strand of blond hair from her face, frowning. “Many are very young.”
Elaine tilted her head to look up at the flecks of golden sunlight glinting through the copse of trees. It would be so easy to close her eyes and pretend like the world was right once more. That Joseph was home waiting for her, that they had enough food in their bellies, that Lucie had never been dragged away by the Nazis, and that they all lived without the constant presence of fear.
“Denise’s husband is out here,” Nicole said in a quiet voice despite them being alone. “It is why she does not come. She is afraid she will never leave if she sees him.”
Elaine nodded in understanding. If she was in Joseph’s arms with his familiar comfort embracing her, his gentle voice in her ears, the scent of his aftershave surrounding her, it would be like tearing her soul apart to walk away again.
A figure emerged from between the densely crowded trees, his movements so silent, he was more an apparition than a man. At least until they were directly in front of him. His shirt and trousers were dingy and stained with dirt, both so large, they hung from his lanky frame. The soft fuzz of dark hair showed on the crest of his chin and along his upper lip. Nicole’s assessment of the Maquis being very young seemed correct.
These weren’t men, but boys. Ones who ought to be planning out their education and doing foolish pranks together. But then, theirs was a world where many had to grow up before their time; where childhood was ephemeral, shadowed by the daily dangers they faced.
The boy grinned at them, oblivious to the harsh odor of his unwashed body, and handed a heavy bag to Nicole that was filled with paper-wrapped parcels. “Gifts for the Bosche.” He withdrew something from his pocket. “And a little something for you as well.”
Nicole gasped and took the small package from his hand. “Chocolate,” she breathed. “You divine man, thank you.” Without hesitation, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his gaunt cheek, leaving a blazing imprint of her red lips.
The young maquisard flushed so thoroughly, the lipstick on his skin all but disappeared.
But Nicole did not appear to notice as she turned her attention to the wrapped bricks of explosives. “Come, Elaine, let’s divide these between us to carry back.”
They made quick work of the stack, so both of their baskets were weighty with their bounty and concealed beneath the rutabagas and bread.
Nicole nodded to Elaine as they stood once more. “This is Pierre’s wife.”
The boy’s eyes widened from under the overgrown shag of his dark hair. “It’s a true honor to meet you. Pierre is a most impressive soldier.”
Elaine smiled her thanks, unsure what to say to such a claim.
Joseph an impressive soldier?
The boy backed away, his awed stare still fixed on Elaine before he disappeared into the woods as mysteriously as he’d arrived.
“Pierre also trained the Maquis.” Nicole hooked the basket over her arm and picked at her thumbnail where the red varnish had chipped at the edge. “Apparently his aim is perfect, and he knows the best ways to set up explosives.”
Elaine said nothing as she tried to wrap her mind around Joseph in the wilds sans his ever-present tweed jacket as he taught men how to fight. The more she learned about the hidden parts of her husband, the greater she longed to see him, to ask questions and hear him share what amazing feats he accomplished with the Resistance.
“Here.” Nicole broke the bit of chocolate into two pieces and handed one to Elaine.
In the prewar years, such a morsel would scarcely constitute a bite. But now, it was a veritable sugar feast. Elaine popped the confection into her mouth, letting it rest on her tongue and luxuriously melt, sighing aloud with delight at the rare and unexpected treat.
The two women walked in silence for a spell, chocolate sticky in their mouths, sunlight dappling their path, and their baskets laden with food and explosives.
Elaine swallowed the last remnants of the gift as she considered everything she’d been told about her husband. “How have you found out so much about Pierre?”