“Don’t you believe it. They would cut my throat.”
“No. There are many German soldiers here. Deserters. No harm comes to them if they say they are sympathizers.”
“If they say they are Communists, you mean?”
“What does it matter?”
“You class me with these deserter swine?”
“Of course not, beloved. I wish only to save you.”
“Good. First I need food. Then a bed. I will use Niki’s room tonight. I am fit for nothing but sleep.”
“But you cannot stay here, Franz. You cannot.” She began to sob.
He gripped her arms. “No tears, my beloved, and no arguments. You understand? I give the orders. When I have eaten and rested, then we can talk. Now, you can show me what there is to eat.”
He had driven his fingers deep into her arm muscles, and when she stopped weeping he knew that he had frightened as well as hurt her. That was as it should be. There would be no more disobedience for the present.