The Things We Cannot Say(59)

“A fine young Polish man like Tomasz Slaski would never work with those bastards unless he had no choice. Am I correct?”

“You are,” I whispered.

“Then, no, it will make no difference.”

“And Father will let Tomasz hide in here?”

“He lets you visit with him alone in the woods each day, so this isn’t too much different,” Mama said wryly. I felt the flush creep up my cheeks, and she laughed softly. “Why do you think I follow you? It is not just the soldiers you could get yourself in trouble with, child.”

“When can Tomasz come?”

“Wait another hour or two, then go find him and tell him to come tonight when darkness falls.”



CHAPTER 17

Alina


I waited almost two hours, then I walked toward the woods as calmly as I could. My thoughts were racing—I was still trying to wrap my mind around the reality that my parents knew and that Tomasz could soon be living under our roof. When I reached the top of the hill, I saw him slip down from a treetop to rush toward me.

“I saw them coming, and I saw you coming, but they were right below me and I couldn’t do anything,” he choked, pulling me close. “My God, Alina, I’m so sorry—I—We can’t do this anymore. It’s too risky, it was so stupid of me to—”

“My parents know,” I blurted, and he braced himself as if he was about to sprint away. “Wait—they know, but they want to help you.”

“Help me?” he repeated. He seemed incredulous at this, as if I’d suggested something completely absurd, and that broke my heart just a little more.

“I told you they had food somewhere? There is another cellar. The hatch is under the rug beneath the table in our house. They said you can hide there.”

Tomasz blinked, then he caught my shoulders in his palms.

“Alina,” he said flatly. “This is very kind of your parents and very kind of you, but I can’t accept that offer.”

“But why not?” I asked desperately. “It’s not safe out here, Tomasz. I’m so scared for you.”

By the time I’d finished speaking I was sobbing, and he pulled me hard against his torso again.

“They would kill you if they found me there and I can’t...” He choked against my hair. “It’s selfish enough for me to see you like this, but I thought they’d only link us if they caught us together. But if you hide me in your house...”

“That is not your concern,” I said.

“You are my concern.”

“If that is true then you will grant me one small mercy and let us help you in this way. My parents have been trying to figure out how to get the food to those who need it, so perhaps you are the answer to their prayers.” When he remained stiff within my arms, I added softly, “Tomasz...can you imagine how much help that food will be to this young family you are caring for?”

“I...”

“And there are others too? Others in hiding? Mama has a whole sack of potatoes.”

“Can you just give me the food, moje wszystko?” he pleaded. “I’ll get it to those who need it. I don’t have to stay in your home where the Nazis might find me. If I were to do as you ask, I’d have to come to and leave your house at least once a day. It is far too dangerous.”

I rocked back on my heels and crossed my arms over my chest.

“Remember when you said I was spoiled, Tomasz?”

“I...do...”

“Well, I am accustomed to getting my own way,” I said flatly. “And I am not above blackmailing you when I know it’s for your own good. So you will come stay with us, or I will find another way to get the food to those who need it.” He stared at me impassively, so I raised my eyebrows and added slowly, “Maybe I can visit Nadia Nowak? Perhaps she has some ideas how I could distribute this food myself.”

His eyes widened.

“Alina Dziak,” he said incredulously. “That is...”

“That is the deal.” I shrugged. “Take it, or leave it.”

“You leave me no choice.”

“That’s exactly what I was intending,” I said. He shook his head at me, clearly frustrated. “I have more tricks up my sleeve, Tomasz. Don’t make me use them.”

“What are these tricks?” he asked, frowning harder now.

I leaned forward and brushed my lips against his.

“I will save them for the next time you underestimate me,” I said softly, then I brushed the hair back from his eyes. He was still frowning at me, so I kissed him again, then turned away to return to the house, calling softly over my shoulder, “Come once it’s dark. We’ll be ready for you.”



CHAPTER 18

Alice


I go through the motions at home. Wade is working late, making up lost time for yesterday—he has some plastics project on that’s been causing him grief so I’m not surprised. As soon as the kids are in bed, I pour myself a glass of wine, put some music on and sink into the sofa.

Alice plane Poland.

It’s an absurd request. Completely unreasonable. Totally impractical.

I just have no idea how I can ever decline it. If Babcia asked for the moon right now, I’d have to try to find a way to get it for her. And I think all she’s asking me to do is get on a plane, take some photos and come home. How quickly could I go? How quickly could I come back? I don’t even know where Trzebinia is. All I really know about the geography of Poland is that it’s in Europe, and Warsaw is the capital.