*Disclaimer: This story is based on the characters portrayed by Ralph Finnes & Embeth Davidtz in the movie "Schindler's List" and is purely fiction. I do not support Nazi ideology. *
Chapter 31: Awakening 1
"Amon, did you hear what I just said?" Generalleutnant Wilhelm Heusinger asks.
Amon lifts his head as he awakes from daydreaming. The sound of the crowded restaurant returns and brings him back to reality. Amon is sure that Heusinger can read through his blank unfocused stare.
"I'm sorry Wilhelm, it's been a long day…" Amon apologizes immediately, embarrassed for being rude to his old friend from the intelligence office.
"No apologies necessary. As I've mentioned, we are closing in on the DALF organization and it may be completely eliminated soon."
The words DALF and elimination grabs Amon's attention.
"We've been running a long clandestine operation for quite some time. It's been an excruciating process, but our patience paid off handsomely. Not only were we able to arrest some of the top dogs of the organization, but we've managed to track down and capture the financial sponsors and patrons as well."
"What helped the success of the operation?"
"Inner fracture. DALF's core was starting to rot by the time it was infiltrated. Terrorist fights among themselves too you know. Power struggles, disagreements, distrust among each other…you name it. It was perfect timing to strike in the midst of chaos," Heusinger chuckles as he lights a cigarette.
"We were fortunate to capture some of the big fishes in the nick of time. I'm not worried about the other DALF members that scattered away like cockroaches. Judging from what we've investigated so far, most of them are low-key players. They'll have no resources to stay alive for long anyway. No money or safe houses."
"What is next? Execution?" Amon asks.
"Such mercy will not be allowed," Heusinger says coolly.
Amon understands what that means. Endless rounds of excruciating torture until every drop of information is squeezed out.
"We're planning on using the arrested DALF members as an example to show the public what happens when you betray the Third Reich by supporting terrorists. Perhaps this will encourage the public to report on other rats in hiding. I want to let you know that I'm keeping an eye on identifying that son of a bitch who tried to assassinate you. Dead or alive, I will find him."
The man who's name or face I can't recall. Yet the voice I can clearly remember.
"Ah, I'm sorry if I had reminded you of some uncomfortable memories," Heusinger says.
Amon fakes a smile to reassure Heusinger that all is well. Taking a sip of white wine, Amon wonders if he can achieve a sense of peace.
Since the explosion of his office building, Amon finds himself on the edge, wondering when his luck may finally run out. Perhaps his killer is still lurking around the shadows. Perhaps a new breed of terrorist is coming after him. Perhaps next time, a bomb will explode perfectly and shatter his body into an unrecognizable piece of glob.
As Heusinger continues on the success of the operation, Amon finds it hard to join in his friend's enthusiasm.
Before his conversation with Freddie, Amon would have considered dying in the hands of a terrorist as the highest honor of his military service to the Third Reich. But the uncomfortable speculation that can possibly carry some weight of truth has completely clouded Amon's devotion.
The perfect empire built on lies and deceptions.
Amon looks down at his shirt, transfixed on his SS symbol cufflinks. The once vision of pride now seems heavy and uncomfortable to carry around. He can't deny the fact that he's also committing an enormous crime of his own.
Helen.
Amon unbuttons his shirt collar, needing to breathe. Is it the room or the entire city of Vienna starting to suffocate him? Heusinger's voice fades away again, becoming an indistinctive mumble in Amon's ears.
In a dazed state, Amon follows Heusinger out of the restaurant and walks down the street. Heusinger continues to chatter while Amon simply nods. Soon Amon finds himself and Heusinger standing in front of an elegant apartment building. Amon snaps out of his mind haze as Heusinger knocks on the front door. A uniformed female servant opens the door and welcomes them in.
"You need some cheering up tonight," Heusinger whispers to Amon as they await in the lavish drawing room.
Before Amon can figure out where they are, two females enter, immediately filling the room with their heavily scented perfume. Dressed in elegant evening gowns with hair and makeup in perfection, Amon wonders if they are planning to attend the opera or a ball tonight.
"Wilhelm! I haven't seen you in ages," the slender blonde exclaims.
"It's been hectic Eva," Heusinger says as he kisses her hand.
"Busy officers as usual. I guess that means there is no time for pleasantries?" Eva says with a sultry smile.
"And you brought a friend," the other tall brunette says as she sashays directly towards Amon.
It finally occurs to Amon where he is.
High class whores.
"Such a shy officer, please make yourself comfortable," the brunette says as she reaches out to take off Amon's jacket.
"Take good care of him Marlene, that chap is in desperate need of a good time," Heusinger says with a wink.
Before Amon can protest, Wilhelm walks out of the drawing room, arm in arm with Eva.
"I'll make you forget your worries," Marlene purrs as she wraps her arm around Amon and rest her head on his shoulder.
Amon feels momentarily disoriented by the contrasting reaction between his body and mind. He detects an erection between his legs while a sense of guilt fills his head. It's been ages since Amon has released his sexual desires, which was kept locked away due to the need for secrecy of his Viennese life.
Amon looks down at Marlene and is able to observe her thick makeup, almost as if she has drawn a fake face for a performance. Amon tries to hold his balance as Marlene rubs her breasts and face against him, as if to mark her territory.
Disappointed at Amon's lack of response, Marlene slides her hand into Amon's pants and reaches up to kiss his cheek. Shocked by her bold attempt, Amon violently pushes her away. Stumbling backwards, Marlene accidently steps on her dress and falls to the ground.
"Get away from me you dirty bitch!"
Amon snatches his jacket that fell on the floor and hurries out the front door, leaving Marlene behind, trembling and whimpering on the floor.
Ernst lifts his jacket collar higher as he shivers in the darkness. Standing in the middle of a deep forest in the outskirts of the city, Ernst waits for his fellow DALF fighter Daniel to arrive. Ernst shifts his body from side to side, trying to keep warm. He checks his watch. It's nearly midnight. Daniel is running extremely late.
Dear God, please let him be safe!
Ernst reaches into his pocket for a cigarette. After taking a long puff, Ernst looks up and gaze at the stars twinkling in the night sky. Ernst can't recall the last time he had a moment to enjoy such majesty.
What a contrast of the world's beauty and the hideousness of humanity…
Anguish fills Ernst's heart at the thought of his fellow DALF members who either died or got arrested during the Gestapo's ambush conducted on several meeting locations a few weeks earlier. Ernst was shocked to find one of them being Peter, his leader and mentor. Ernst closes his eyes at the thought of Peter going through endless arounds of agonizing torture.
"Those sticks will kill you," a voice says behind Ernst.
"Daniel!" Ernst exclaims as he turns around and hugs Daniel.
"I'm sorry for being late. It hasn't been easy to roam around Vienna lately, even late at night."
"It's alright. What's the latest news?"
"It's such a mess. There's been a complete breakdown of communications. Loosing Peter for us means that us third level members can't communicate with the higher ups. Many of the first level leaders has been taken away by the Gestapos. Our remaining patrons have also backed away, which means we've been cut off financially and there's nothing to cover the cost of missions anymore."
Ernst feels his stomach turn.
"Without leadership or funding, everything will be on hold. So, for now, stay low and…"
"What do you mean stay low? Are we expected to do nothing?" Ernst asks.
"Face it, Ernst. DALF is going through an enormous crisis right now. We're at the brink of completely dismantling …"
"I ask you again, are we expected to do NOTHING?" Ernst asks frantically.
"Since we are not allowed to act without the leadership's approval, I'd say yes," Daniel answers firmly.
Ernst shakes his head, as if to disagree with Daniel.
"Ernst, it's not easy for me to admit abandoning all that we've prepared for as well. But the situation has become extremely dangerous. Please stay safe until DALF regroups…"
"Will we? Regroup? Isn't DALF over?" Ernst cuts in.
Daniel hesitates to answer back. It confirms Ernst's worst fears.
"Please Ernst, refrain yourself from acting on impulse. When the time comes, I will reach out to you."
Ernst tilts his head back and looks up at the sky once more. The night sky seems more beautiful than ever, a sight that can be only seen once the sunlight fades away. Ernst compares the daylight to the life's purpose and protection DALF offered him. Now that it has all but disappeared, Ernst can still shine like the stars in the night sky, just working under a different shade of operations.
'It's not over yet. I'm not giving up!'
Helen pushes the bicycle pedal harder, enjoying the sensation of cutting through the wind as if she's flying. For the past week, this has become her favorite ritual of the day, riding her bicycle around the vast country estate. What started as a modest size land that was handed down through the Goeth family increased in size and profit thanks to Felix's continuous investment in it. While Felix and Liesel chose to go out riding, Helen preferred to take the time in exploring the hidden beauties of the estate alone.
Despite enjoying the bustling energy of the city, Helen finds herself falling in love with the serene country life. Oddly enough, she feels she can be more of herself here. In Vienna, she was surrounded by more people, more Nazis…more reason to be careful. Here, there are fewer preying eyes observing her nor are they absorbed in politics. Everything is simpler and friendlier.
Wish he could have enjoyed such tranquility.
Helen wasn't surprised but was slightly disappointed when the Commandant refused to join on this trip. Understanding the complicated dynamic between father and son, Helen doubts that the Commandant would jump at the opportunity to spend 2 weeks with Felix. On top of the revelations of The Berlin Affair, facing his father will not be an easy task.
Amon.
Helen stops peddling and the bicycle continues to roll on its own. The memory of his soft kiss on her cheek and his tenders gaze consumes Helen's mind. Helen shakes her head and resumes peddling down the road towards the cottage.
As Helen rolls through the front gate, she sees a black automobile parked near the entrance of the cottage
'A guest?'
Helen doesn't recall being notified of anyone coming to visit today. It was supposed to be a family holiday. Helen stops her bicycle and jumps off. Strangely, even from a distance, the automobile looks quite familiar.
'Can it be…'
Helen calmly walks towards it, pushing her bike next to her. It doesn't take long until Helen recognizes the car model and license plate.
Amon was here.
Helen freezes on the spot, gripping the bicycle handle tightly. She looks around to see if the Commandant is nearby. Only the sound of the dancing tree branches against the spring breeze fills the air. Helen parks the bicycle in its usual spot and enters the cottage. She can feel an energy of excitement coming from the kitchen.
As Helen enters the kitchen, she finds Liesl and the caretaker's wife busily preparing for dinner.
"Ah, Lena, you're home just in time. Leopold is here!" Liesl exclaims.
Helen manages to give Liesl a weak smile, not sure whether to be happy or nervous about the news.
"Isn't he full of surprises? We'll have a special family dinner tonight. Do join us in the kitchen as soon as you change," Liesl says with a smile.
Helen understands Liesl's request, to be more presentable for a special dinner. Helen will have change to a more suitable attire, perhaps clean herself up from the long sweaty bicycle ride in her causal clothes. Walking towards her bedroom, Helen ponders if she has enough time to take a quick shower.
Upon opening the bedroom door, a familiar item catches Helen's attention. Placed neatly on the floor at the edge of the bed are the Commandant's two leather suitcases. Helen walks closer and examines them carefully. There is no doubt it is his. Helen herself has packed it numerous times for the Commandant in preparation for a business trip.
Helen backs away and takes a deep breath.
'Of course, Frau Goeth arranged us in the same room.'
Helen walks over to the armoire, thinking she should wear the white summer dress with small blue flower patterns. Just as she opens the door, she sees the Commandant's uniform jacket, shirt and pants hanging along with her own clothes.
Helen stares at the sight for a moment before reaching out and gently touching his jacket.
'He must have come straight from the office. As usual, changing his mind the last minute.'
Helen smiles at the thought of the Commandant being somewhere near, strolling around the property in comfortable clothes.
Suddenly, an odd stain on the Commandant's uniform shirt catches Helen's eyes. She takes the shirt off the hanger and observes the odd colorful smudge on the top left side of the shirt. Pulling the shirt close to her nose, the faint scent confirms her suspicion.
A woman's makeup!
The realization immediately wipes the smile off Helen's face. She quickly pulls back and glares down at the stain. A sense of disgust and disappointment floats within her, intertwined in an unexplainable manner.
Biting her lips, Helen puts the shirt back on the hanger. Then she reaches out and grabs her white dress and slams the armoire door shut.
Helen walks into the connected bathroom and locks the door behind her. Undressed down to her underwear, Helen jumps into the tubs and starts cleaning her arms and legs with a soaked washcloth. Helen washes herself as if in a trance. She tries to focus on the task at hand; to prep herself up quickly as possible and help with dinner downstairs. As she watches the washcloth slide across her leg, Helen notices her hand visibly trembling.
The sight upsets her even more.
Helen grips the washcloth and scrubs harder, as if to cleanse and erase her mind.
Hello everyone! Thank you very much for your patience. I've originally visioned this chapter to be longer but decided to cut the chapter into 2 parts since everyone has waited long enough for a new installment :) I will be collecting fan questions, so please feel free to submit question via the review board or messaging me directly. I'll publish them along with Chapter 32. Thank you again and stay safe!