How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats
Chapter 11 - Escape
Reich Main Security Office
Berlin, Nazi Germany
January 1, 1941
Softly closing the office door, Victor Raddu found his breaths to be in and out heavily, but his deep blue eyes were full of joy and exaltation, his mouth agape but smiling from ear to ear. Almost as if the youngest Raddu was just told he was being the recipient of a prized decoration from Hitler himself.
Such disbelief going through his mind, over the news and latest orders, but mainly joyful thoughts after being told the future of Germany would be brought to a war with the Soviet Union, the nerve centre of Jewish Bolshevism, the plague of Europe. His thoughts ran so deep with his plans for the vast country…
The Soviet Union...Russia….so many Jews, so much opportunity to exact my plan of revenge against the filth that brought me so much pain...the nation so much pain...the world so much pain….no more...they will learn to fear my name...and our Fuhrers.
But his mood soured out, and felt a frown sit on his face, he wouldn't be seeing the Russian countryside to exact his plans of vengeance just yet. He had another matter to settle, the Heisenberg case.
Despite all the round up of people interconnected through the vast line of smuggling Jews and other non Germanics out of the continent, too many had eluded who were the most important people, either leading or organizing such escapes or connected to other groups involved with the aiding and abetting of enemies of the state. Victor would have no more of it, too many mistakes and screw ups had happened. Especially with happy triggered SS and Gestapo men, eliminating people before being brought in for questioning despite Major Klein's strictest of orders to not shoot these people, information had to be gathered for further operations to be proceeded with. But these damned thugs would refuse to obey, causing a great strain and embarrassment on the Reich Main Security Office.
Despite Victor's personal opinion of wanting to proceed with dealing with the eastern Jews, it would have to wait, patience would come with great reward, this case had to be dealt with, or he and Major Klein would face wrath from the highest people around their Fuhrer.
At that moment, snapping his focus out of attention, a soft, concerned, beautiful voice beckoned across from his direction. Such deep blue gorgeous eyes, developed into such worry scanning the man's posture and look. Typing and working stopped at that, the voice clearly not listened to, spoke again a little louder, "Victor….Victor….is everything okay?"
Such a dear friend and excellent person to show such care and concern like no other in Traudl Braun, regardless of the working relationship, Victor could always feel such wonderful calamity whenever the young secretary spoke, as if her voice was a soothing musical orchestra. Snapping his attention into her deep blue concerned eyes, Victor brought his expression to a warm smile, while nodding, "Yes...Yes Traudl, everything is great. Come see me in my office, we have somethings to talk about. And bring that wonderful coffee you make so well."
The woman's face took on overjoyment at that request, she prided being there to help with Victor's work as well as enjoying a little moment to talk with her secret weapon to loosen the mood, her coffee making skills.
Responding with such a radiant smile and playful wink, "Of course Victor, I'll be there shortly."
At that, the young Raddu sibling nodded, smiling widely, before leaving the room and proceeding back to his office.
Once back in his small office, Victor let out a small victorious breath, while overlooking the vast amounts of folders of other cases on his desk, shaking his head as that amount of work would wait or get passed on to other people in the department. Approaching his desk, flopped his body down in the large leather chair, huffing a tired sigh.
Then the light brown haired man proceeded to open a drawer beside him and pull out an old back and white photograph, still in decent shape but a little dusty. A photograph of a group of five, in front of a farmhouse, dated 07/17/1935 in the corner of the picture. Running a thumb slowly over the image, blue eyes scanning that moment, such fond memories around these special people, his family, huffed a small breath, began speaking softly to the picture, as if the people in it could hear his voice,
"Anton...Lucille...Uncle Mihai...Aunt Ester….I hope you're all doing well. I miss you all deeply...I love you all...but understand that this is my new home now, and I have an obligation through my loyalty given….please don't let yours waiver or be swayed to me...don't make me choose...I know we'll see each other soon...but please don't betray me….it was hard enough with Aunt Ludmilla doing so….I don't need anymore people turning on me….be safe and know I love you all.."
A sense of grief hit deep in Victor's gut, making it feel nauseated. He hated to choose between loyalty to the Reich and family, but if that family threatened the nation's security, there would be no other choice, his oath sworn and loyalty branded towards the regime and Hitler, there was no hesitation before what action he would take. He was the Fuhrer's instrument to perfect and purify the world.
A sudden knock on his office door snapped the young Raddu sibling out of his train of thought, making the young man jump and nearly tumble off his chair. He quickly rushed putting the picture back in the drawer, before speaking loudly at the door, "Come in."
The knob turned, the door opened, and in strode the beautiful blue eyes, dark haired friend of his, Traudl, with her arms quite full. Holding a pair of folders under her arm, while holding two cups of coffee, steaming hot. Somehow holding such elegance and balance as if she were a waitress holding numerous dishes but not dropping a thing in her possession. Another quality Victor greatly admired was in her ability to multitask.
Still Victor felt a sense of dread that it was too much to see the woman carry, and nearly got off his chair to assist, speaking softly with a click of his tongue, "Trudl, in god's name woman. Here let me help you're not an octopus for crying out loud."
The dark haired woman giggled, before her blue eyes scanned into the youngest Raddus, clearly saying she needed no assistance, spoke softly, "Oh Vic, stay seated, I got this. You'd be amazed at the things I can do." Adding a playful wink before handing Victor his cup and the two folders, to which he obliged with a nod and a light blush across his face. The two then went into an immediate stare upon the slightest touch of each other's skin making contact, lost in each other's gaze towards indirect affection.
Victor cleared his throat, before muttering a soft, "Thank you Trudl."
A small smile creeped on the dark haired woman's face, before taking a seat across the youngest Raddu, sipping her steaming beverage.
Now Victor was focused on the readings over the first folder, containing a list of people amongst the ratline's organizers and members. Sadly the list had many, not just in Germany, or the occupied areas, but even allied countries with names of organizers and members. Blue eyes widened on names shown in Victor's country, Romania. A country that recently joined the Reich's allies within the Axis pact, and had a very anti-sematic ideology towards Jews, Communists, and other subhuman races. How could this country be so blind as to allow these filthy people to prosper.
One name that came up that Victor kept reading over, his blue eyes scanning the details of location in Romania was a Karl….Heisenberg, located a few miles outside of the small town of Lasi in Romania. The man couldn't get the name out of his head, and brought a pair of fingers towards his temple, completely enticed by the mention of this name. It clearly rang the bells of memories, someone an Industrialist or even engineer, who had many meetings with Victor's Uncle Mihai during the years of his time living on his Uncle's farm. As if sensing something larger, and wanting to explore this potential lead.
Perhaps another time we shall meet Herr Heisenberg.. He thought to himself.
Closing the folder and proceeding to the next file of available Gestapo agents to use for this massive operation, Victor's face went into a frown with signs of anger over a single piece of paper showing the names of agents. There were practically only a dozen to work on this imperative case. It was absolutely humiliating to see such a short list, compared to the two pages of the names within the ratline. The most powerful organization in the world, with the largest group of operatives made for subterfuge, espionage, intelligence gathering...ridiculed down to only a few agents.
This was not good. Still with the resources at his disposal and Major Klein giving Victor overall command of this operation, he would work with what he had, and make whatever results count, he then proceeded in making small notes beside the agents to request for the operation ahead. These rodents were vast in number, a piper had to be brought in to lead them to him, and his little piper would be Victor's Aunt Ludmilla. Her uses would be great, for catching such a collection of traitors, who would likely meet if not their end at a camp, then that on a meat hook with the wire around their treacherous necks as well as Ludmillas.
Grinning slowly, Victor shook his head before directing his attention at a wide blue eyed staring Trudl, expecting the youngest Raddu to say something, she didn't have long before the man spoke,
"Traudl, excellent job getting the files. We need to get to work on this matter right away. I have some things for you to write down, see it done as soon as you can, please."
The woman came to immediate attention, setting her half drank cup on Victor's desk, grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil, before bringing her deep blue gaze into Victors, awaiting her instructions.
Victor began, "First, take this list here and contact Oberfuhrer Mueller at Gestapo HQ, have these men meet with me in the conference room in an hour to discuss their instructions."
Traudl was quickly writing her instructions, her soft pink lips quietly moving, reciting Victor's instructions. For a moment the youngest Raddu sibling could glare, they looked divine and delicious, and for a second was distracted too how they would even….taste.
Snapping out of that trance-like state, the man began with his second instruction while lighting a cigarette, blowing a small trail of smoke out of his mouth, speaking softly, "Second, contact the warden at Plotzensee Prison after my meeting. Order the release of fraulein Ludmilla Stahler."
Almost starting the sentence, the blue eyed secretary stopped what she was doing, and gave Victor a puzzled glare. Before asking the man, Victor went first, speaking and clarifying the matter with some disappointment in his tone, "It is not my orders but from herr Sturmbannführer Klein's mouth."
Shrugging, Traudl continued to write the instruction as Victor smoked and stared at the radiant dark haired woman sitting in front of him, a thought triggering amongst the youngest sibling's mind about requesting something that had been through his mind for weeks now. The question is, would it be a yes?
He endured the excellent working relationship, but yearned to see and be around the young woman more. Policy in the SS be damned. Nervous but taking a deep breath in and finally out, somehow managed the strength to bring out the next point, Victor began softly while looking at the woman focused on writing her notes.
"Finally, write carefully on this one Traudl, highest priority, would you join me for dinner tonight?"
Nothing stunned or shocked the woman more at that point, bringing his dark haired head up, blue eyes widened as wide as the table, and mouth agape but slowly going into a bright smile. The woman felt like she was flying on air, this dream of a young man had just asked her out to dinner. Traudl had prayed and prayed for this moment since she started working with Victor Raddu. Now a chance had come, but she gave a playful look and tone to her response,
"Oh...my Victor. Well would that be an order herr Hauptsturmführer?"
Victor smiled warmly, responding very smoothly and briefly, "Consider it a direct order."
Blushing all shades of red, but giving that gorgeous smile, with a mocking salute to her temple, responded, "Then consider it done."
The young Raddu sibling finished his cigarette, blowing a small line of smoky air and spoke once more, using that handsome grin he knew Traudl couldn't resist, "Excellent Traudl. We shall enjoy a good evening dining at Horchers, say at 6:30 tonight."
Her jaw nearly fell off, not only was Traudl at a shock of joining this handsome young man for dinner but of all places, the most popular and expensive one in Berlin. Usually it was impossible to get a reservation in such a well known place amongst the highest in the Third Reich's personnel, and brought a sense of curiosity into the young woman's mind how Victor would manage such a thing.
Still she yearned to be around this man, and tonight is that chance, she would not waste the opportunity to get closer, and responded with, "I wouldn't miss for the world Victor."
With that, she finished her cup of coffee, grabbed the file folder of Gestapo agents selected for Victor's operation to notify Colonel Heinrich Mueller, Chief of the Gestapo for Berlin, much had to be done quickly, Traudl did not want her special night to be hindered by work loads. She quickly exited the light haired Raddu's office, to get on with her tasks.
Leaving Victor beaming ear to ear in such a smile, muttering quietly, "Good job Victor, you got a set and asked her out, let's hope she likes tonight as much as I know I will." And with that he lit another cigarette while sipping his coffee.
Fredrichstrasse
Berlin, Nazi Germany
January 1, 1941
Although both Major Klein and Victor ordered the release of the aunt to be done at the prison right away, the warden saw no necessity to speed up letting go of an enemy of the state, that she should be interned longer as to give her a lesson, and that he would not just release someone at the Reich Security Service's immediate request. It was almost evening by the time the guards released Ludmilla from her cell and the horrifying building, with nothing more than her small purse with no money in it, her documents and papers confiscated, and a small coat, barely able to maintain any warmth against the harsh winter winds flurrying through the large city.
The brown haired woman left the building, her legs and body having gone through such pain and torture. Her wedding dress was damaged beyond belief, her body and hair smell so horrendous of vomit, water, sweat and other bodily fluids for not having access to any bathroom. She was treated like an animal in her entire stay in hell.
She walked, her shoes in no condition to survive the harsh road and cold conditions of slush and snow for what seemed like an eternity, sobbing softly. The fellow Berliners, all looked down upon this woman, who smelled like a homeless and filthy street beggar. Nobody offered assistance, care or aid.
Worse, Ludmilla had nothing available to her, no money, no home, no lover to go to. Everything was taken from her, she sobbed, thoughts wishing the Nazis had just killed her and been done with it. But she was let go, after so much whippings, beatings, beratings and screams in her face, and left to rot amongst the population. She felt exactly like how the Jews were being treated in the Third Reich. It was unbearable.
The only difference was, she wasn't being sent or was already placed in a concentration camp. That fate and sentence was given to her husband, Ernst Heisenberg. She had heard rumors of the dealings in these camps, and they were very dark, nasty, and unbelievable. Ludmilla never would imagine human beings let alone her own country to allow such actions to be done. It made her sob harder to know that her dear Ernst was locked away, probably never to be seen again.
Only so recently, did it seem that she and Ernst would have a new life, escaping the terror of Nazi Germany and the war and flee to the land of opportunity, the United States. Married and a chance at a happily ever after. It all came to a crashing halt, ruining hers and Ernst's life but one thing, her nephew, Victor Raddu.
The thought of the young man forced Ludmilla to close her brown eyes tightly, the sting of fresh tears running down her soft but dirtied face. How could someone who she cared for, fed, helped provide an education, clothed, gave shelter turn their back and become this oppressive monster that would dedicate his life to wrecking lives of so many innocent men, women and children.
Shaking her head slowly, banishing any thought for the youngest Raddu sibling to find any redemption, it was clear, he belonged to Hitler and his Nazi regime.
Now Ludmilla was walking, barely holding together whether in her starving, frozen, smelly form down a populated street in the heart of the Reich's capital city, unsure where to go or what to do, so much running through her mind.
A dark sense of dread also could feel creeping on her at that moment, as if something or someone was watching her closely, a brought her head to turn to see a midnight black coloured Mercedes 260D, with two leather coated men, both wearing hats, staring and watching the frail woman walk down the street. Clearly Gestapo, watching Ludmilla's every move and action. Bringing such terror into the already woman riddled with such anxiety.
Although she didn't have a lot of money, she did have one resource of someone whom to go to, but just a number to call given to her as a small wedding gift by her fiance the day before they were to marry, in the event that anything ever happened to him or they were caught before or on the way to their escape out of Germany, to contact this nameless uncle of his that he trusted with is life. Just a number on a small piece of paper hidden deep in her coat that thankfully the Gestapo bypassed in searching amongst her things.
As fate had it, she was approaching down the cold street, a telephone booth as if an omen to her potential salvation. Ludmilla was so relieved that she did not possess an address on her person, the fate of more innocent people would be sealed and she would not allow herself to be used as deadly as a handgun towards helping these Nazi bastards to slay anymore wonderful people.
The woman slowly approached, all the same time acknowledging close eyes watching her, still Ludmilla had to make a call for help, regardless of the Gestapo watching and following her. The aunt opened the door into the phone booth, before closing it softly. A sigh of relief escaped her, some shelter from the frigid winter air and a little warmth helped her near frozen body find some respite.
Pulling out carefully the piece of paper from her pocket, Ludmilla picked up the receiver, carefully looking at the numbers and turning the dial. Shortly after, the phone was dialing to her only hope of escape.
After two rings, a female voice picked up using a panicky tone, "Hello?"
With her dark eyes closed, mouth agape, and fresh tears forming to run down the swollen face, but the moment carried some relief to someone answering the phone, Ludmilla found the strength somehow and spoke with a sobbed voice, "My name is Ludmilla Stahler, I am…….*sniff*sniff*..was Ernst Heisenberg's fiance..he told me...to call this number if anything *sniff* happened to him or us…"
The woman's voice trailed off and a soft sob came through, too much pain as the memories flooded into the poor woman's mind, some filled with happy and others of despair moments, she continued, "My...Ernst is gone..I need help...please."
A pause on the line, before the voice over the phone spoke slowly and softly, "Wait one minute please."
After sometime, Ludmilla wiped her nose and eyes while glancing around her up and down the street, spotting the dark car nearby, the two men stalking and glaring at her actions, as if that of a predator waiting for a moment to strike dear to its prey.
All of a sudden, the voice a male, that sounded older man came on the phone. Ernst's uncle spoke softly and quietly, "Ludmilla, thank god you're safe….I was afraid since you didn't make the rendezvous that the worst had happened."
Sobbing heavily into the phone, the woman could not keep her emotions together, the worst did happen and not just in the form of the brutal torture Ludmilla endured but from the most horrible thing, she spoke practically incoherently to this unknown man, "My….Ernst...is gone."
A pause then the voice spoke again soothingly but clear with emotion, "I know Ludmilla...I know...but you must listen to me closely and do what I tell you. Your life is at stake now. Ernst would want you to be strong and to keep going. First are you being followed?"
Ludmilla was bewildered at that question, her emotions overflowing any sense of awareness if she was being trailed by any of Victor's constituents. She took a breath in and slowly turned her head to look around, but didn't notice anything at first other than a few cars and people passing by.
Finally spotting a few yards away, as if sensing the danger, she saw the black car, two men watching the frail woman ever so closely, her stomach feeling fear and nausea, the Gestapo clearly on her nephew's orders sitting, watching, planning to strike those she would lead them to. Her brown eyes widened in terror, but gathered composure, before speaking back to Ernst's uncle on the phone,
"Yes…*sniff* there is a black car with two men...I think the Gestapo is on to me."
Another pause and a sigh from the man on the phone, then quietly speaking, "I thought so...they clearly let you go to try to follow and see where you would lead them...I have planned a backup in case the Gestapo were planning something."
In disbelief, Ludmilla knew that Ernst's family was highly powerful, intelligent, and relieved they would keep ahead of the Nazis one step ahead since Hitler's mass sweep of Jewish people and property, deportations to areas around the Reich or it's eastern occupied territories where rumors had circulated of more horrifying conditions for Jews in that direction. Clearly the Heisenbergs had such information and were working as if an organization to get people out before facing an uncertain fate.
The brown haired woman planned to ask, but was interrupted by the man as he continued,
"Now listen carefully Ludmilla, I shall say this only once. I am arranging for a close friend in the family to come see you. He will get there as soon as he possibly can. Where are you?"
Wiping tears from her eyes, the woman stepped out of the phone booth, not realizing she had been walked for hours away from the a horrifying place, found a number and street sign, before returning back into the booth and picking up the phone, Ludmilla spoke, "I am at...4327 Friedrichstraße."
The voice satisfied with the answer, began his instructions, "Good you are not far from my contact. He will be there soon. He is trusted. When he shows up, he will play the role to dupe these Gestapo goons by pretending you're a friend from his school days who he has not seen in a long time. Play the part, don't be suspicious, if it works they'll lose interest and leave you alone for now, buying time. He'll also have documents to help you get out of Germany, he also may tag along with you, don't be frightened, he'll be your.
..guardian through it all. I can only say he's a major in the German Wehrmacht."
Ludmilla's heart sank that last mention, closed her eyes, a Nazi now involved, how could this man be so stupid, he could give her, the uncle, all so many innocent people away. All that for such high reward from the Gestapo all the way to Hitler himself. She felt inclined to refuse this plan now that Ludmilla felt anger, frustration and confusion, she spoke firmly in between her soft sobs, "A Nazi? How can you be so stupid to trust a Nazi? Don't you know what they have done to me...to Ernst? Isn't there any other way or person I can see?"
This voice, clearly saddened that there was no other choice but his option, spoke, "This man is not a Nazi, he has worked with us for a few months now. We have worked closely with him to help get Jews and other races the Reich has targeted out of Germany. He can be trusted."
Still unconvinced, Ludmilla spoke, "How...How can you trust this man?"
The answer from the uncle, "Because Ernst trusted him...because Ernst's father served alongside and died out there in the First War with this man."
Ernst during the time with Ludmilla, spoke very little of the Great War, it clearly disturbed him, something she could relate to and they usually kept the topic the last thing on their mind, not so much as to forget the people they loved from those years, but to honor the memory to themselves. Closing her brown eyes again, wiping her tears away, there were no other words to convince Ludmilla, she would put her faith into this man. Still one more question lingered.
Ludmilla spoke, "What is his name?"
The voice answered with hesitation, "I cannot provide you that, I'll leave it to him to choose if he wishes to….but know the more you know, the next time you're brought in...they will show no mercy Ludmilla to get everything out of you. But if you're going to do this, I must act now...you must trust him. Time is short, and I am leaving here too shortly."
With no other choice, she thought about Ernst and that he would want her to keep going, to run and not look back regardless of whether he was alive….or not. Finally Ludmilla gave an answer, "Alright...alright...I'll do this."
The uncle, satisfied, breathed a sigh of relief, spoke one more time, "Thank you Ludmilla, please stay safe and trust nobody but the man coming for you. He has my strictest instructions to keep you safe as well...I hope we will see each other one day when all this is done...we can talk about better moments in our lives...like...remembering Ernst.."
A single tear escaped Ludmilla's one eye, speaking one final time, "Thank you for everything you have done for me..and something I learned I want to say to you...shalom alheikhem."
The voice chuckled and finished with, "Shalom alheikhem Ludmilla."
The phone hung up, and Ludmilla put the phone back on the receiver ending the call, before looking to the sky, speaking shakingly both from the cold and her pain, "Be safe too my love, I will see you one day I know." And with that, the woman exited the phone booth to wait for her next journey wherever it would take her, she made a pledge, she would survive through it all.
When the dark haired, brown eyed woman was told it would be some time to arrange for Ernst's uncle to arrange a contact to help the half frozen lady, Ludmilla had no idea it would be this long.
During the time, she sought some shelter from the cold and light snowflakes dropping down onto the street below. Ludmilla tucked her way into the small entry of a small apartment-like house, with a small exterior with a set of four or so steps leading to the door. Thankfully the tenants were not home, otherwise they might have shooed her away from the property. The area provided a small roof over her brown head, as she shivered and waited...and waited...and waited for this "contact" to reach her.
The sun after what seemed like at eternity was already starting to set amongst the capital of Nazism. Sharp cold gnawed like unseen fangs at the exposed and lashed skin of Ludmilla, as she huddled with her knees towards her chest, cupping her hands together and blowing whatever warmth into them. Her heart was losing hope that anyone was going to come, as people and vehicles passed by her, some looking down or away with disgusted eyes. She was truly alone...scared...frightened.
Part of Ludmilla just wanted to say to hell with it, the waiting, the freezing, and approach the black vehicle with the two men, to hand herself back into the hands of the Gestapo. End this cruel punishment set upon her, and to give herself to whatever fate awaited her. Whether she were to be hung, shot, flogged for prison or a concentration camp forever, just anything but this moment where it seemed that nobody would help her….or nobody wanted to help her. This was the Germany branded before her eyes, ruthless, merciless, vile, cruel, as if the great Fatherland she was so proud of was nothing more than a mere fantasy.
But she banished such thoughts for only one reason and one alone...her Ernst. That name brought Ludmilla to be committed, to escape from such a horrible place, to be happy, live, move on with her life...until the one day the two would be reunited.
It almost seemed that the last happy thought, was seemingly an omen of potential positive things to come, Ludmilla turned her shivering head towards to glance down the road. In the distance, was able to make out the small form of some vehicle, closing the distance to where she was sitting.
Although hopeful, Ludmilla couldn't feel nothing but nervousness and skepticism, thoughts running off it could just be another car passing, giving no form of assistance let alone attention to her situation. Possibly could even be the Gestapo or the SS, coming to take the woman away, but didn't seem to be the case as the two coated men paid no attention to the vehicle approaching closer.
As the distance closed, Ludmilla's brown eyes widened, identifying it as a military vehicle, a German Kubelwagen with it's top down, painted grey, a driver and its passenger in the back. Finally coming to a stop beside the building where the woman began to stand, still shivering and folding her arms over her frozen body.
The woman watched, as the driver exited the vehicle wearing a grey trench coat and an M38 cap, a young face as he appeared towards the passenger side of the vehicle and opened the door, snapping at attention, the passenger exited.
Coming out of the vehicle, came a middle aged, red haired man wearing a leather grey opened trench coat, his tunic decorated with various medals although Ludmilla could not identify any except an Iron Cross, as her late husband was the recipient of such an award during the Great War. The man fast approached carrying such widened blue eyes with both joy and mirth, his smile so wide and warm, spoke with such a joyful tone,
"Luddie! Is that you? My god it's been so long, I am so happy you agreed to meet with me today. Happy New Year."
Her brown eyes in disbelief, unsure whether this was the man she was to meet from Ernst's uncle. But she was told to play the part, to trust this man, for her fiance's father served alongside this man. She decided to play the part. Ludmilla braced for impact, as this man approached quickly and embraced the shocked and shivering woman with a tight embrace. The man then proceeded to play the part further, and plant a peck on the side of Ludmilla's rough and frozen cheek.
Speaking with such enthusiasm, the man stepped back to look over the woman who was in worse shape that he was probably told. Still as not to raise any suspicion. But his words and actions were definitely doing exactly what the planned moment was, the man spoke again, "You look gorgeous Luddie. Come let's get out of this wretched cold and find some place warm and catch up."
With that, the man took off his leather trench coat and wrapped around the shivering form of Ludmilla, feeling a quick sense of relief with now two coats on top of her aching and frigid body. She couldn't help but let out a grunt of pain, to which the man wrapped his uniformed arms around her and walked her to the waiting military vehicle, it's passenger door still open with the driver still at firm attention. The two entered.
As the two got into the position of the back seat, the driver closed the door and entered the car, then switched gears as the vehicle slowly moved away and down the street.
After a few moments of silence between the two, the young face of the driver, his blue eyes scanning both the road and side mirrors of the small car, spoke with a concerned tone at a dark vehicle trailing a small distance behind, "We are being followed herr Major."
The officer glanced behind checking the rear window for a second before looking back and then to the female passenger, her brown eyes showing fear. The man just shook his head and spoke softly, "Keep going to our destination Dieter, we'll be fine. Drive casually."
The driver nodded, and continued.
Ludmilla couldn't help but wonder anything about this man, his acting was picture perfect, but how was he so calm in the danger he could face, or punishment for helping an enemy of the state to escape. That this man had been involved with helping so many of the Nazi's enemies flee the deadly fate that awaited them. Throwing away career and freedom just to save people he did not know a thing about. But a sense of warmth was felt not so much through Ludmilla's body as much as she wished, but another place…her heart.
Feeling a sense of admiration and gratitude she could only bring her dark brown eyes and spoke a near whisper, "Thank you."
The man went from looking at the side of the vehicle, before bringing his blue eyes to the woman, speaking with a bit of concern to his voice, "Don't thank me yet fraulein Stahler, we're not out of this mess yet."
After a few minutes of driving down the road, Ludmilla watched as the small car approached what was a five story building, her brown eyes scanned to see various windows, some opened and some closed. She came to a conclusion it must have been some apartment, perhaps this man's home.
The car slowed down and then came to a stop before the front of the building. The driver turned the vehicle off before exiting the vehicle and opened the passenger door. Clicking his heels at attention, the young driver stood firm while the occupants of this German officer and Ludmilla exited the vehicle.
The woman's brown eyes scanned the building closely, a sense of relief as it didn't appear military or government, but became more enthusiastic to just to go inside and find the one thing she yearned for so badly at this point. Warmth.
But a sense of dread hit Ludmilla like a sledgehammer when she looked not too far from their position to see the same dreaded black car, with the same two coated men stop and watch. She prayed where they were was not going to lead these Nazi thugs towards anymore innocent people.
The Major also turned his head for a quick second seeing the black car, before turning to the driver, speaking softly, "Alright Dieter, you can go now. Be back here tomorrow morning as we planned."
The young man snapped a military salute with a quick response, "Yes herr Major."
With that, the man patted the driver softly on the arm before making his way to the confused Ludmilla, still shaking from the frosty weather. He took on a widened smile, before speaking loudly and approached the woman entwining his hand around her arm, "Ahh Luddie..here we are. Come let us catch up on the old times." Continuing to play the part, the woman spoke, "Ach, it has been so long, I cannot wait to tell you about my latest trip to Hamburg." The man laughed loudly, as the two entered the door to the building, while two sets of eyes across the street looked at each other in puzzlement over the actions that had transpired.
After a few seconds, and the small military car driving off, one of the coated men exited the car and ran to the telephone booth. Quickly pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket, dialed a number. As the frosty winds picked up swirling around the city and the sun set on
While Ludmilla her heart looked to wherever the sun would rise towards her escape to salvation.
The wooden door softly closed, as the two occupants entered a small apartment.
Vanilla coloured walls, a small kitchen with a small living room with a maroon red couch and same coloured chair on a wooden floor. But the fireplace was ever so picturesque, it's old Prussian era style. On top a single photograph black and white of a uniformed young face, was the scene that Ludmilla's dark and swollen eyes were beheld to.
Slowly walking into the apartment, some skepticism unsure of what to expect next. While the German officer entered quickly in, shuffling past Ludmilla towards a small wooden table. At that the man put the apartment key on the table, before moving towards the window. Slightly opening a piece of curtain to check for their pursuers. His blue eyes scanning down below to in fact see the black Mercedes across the street with at least one man sitting in the driver seat but not looking at the building but to the side of him.
Putting the curtain back in place, the officer walked back to the table slowly, before looking towards the dark haired woman giving a small smile to her as almost a form of assurance. He spoke so warmly, "It's okay Ludmilla. You're safe…and more importantly warm. These Gestapo idiots, I doubt we'll be dealing with them anymore today. Please come in, make yourself at home in my apartment."
But something caused Ludmilla just to stare her brown eyes fueled to the brim of terror and horror. The officer then proceeded to stare with his blue ones for a moment, before proceeding down a small hall and into a room. Flicking the light on, the woman heard the squeak of a tap and the sound of running water.
A second later, the red haired man returned looking again at the brown haired woman looking over the apartment carefully. Huffing a breath, the Major spoke again softly, "Please, take a moment Ludmilla. Freshen up, there are fresh towels and the water is warm. After that, I have arranged for a change of clothes in the bedroom for you. Please take your time and we will talk after." And at that, the man put a hand out towards the small hallway towards a small bathroom.
Ludmilla at first nervous and anxious, relented and eased off, first removing the Major's trench coat off her somewhat warm body, and gave it back to the red haired man. Before slowly walking down the hall towards the bathroom.
Once inside the small room, she closed the door feeling the heat and steam from the lavish oval shaped bathtub, Ludmilla's eyes widened and her body yearned to enter this part to let all her aching sorrows be gone.
With the door closed, the brown haired woman removed her coat slowly, groaning in pain. Finally was able to remove her practically destroyed dress she had worn for that most special day…her wedding to Ernst. As the garment fell to the floor, she picked it up and held it.
Ludmilla felt fresh tears well up in her brown eyes, just the heartbreaking look she gave at the destroyed fabric, as if it was part of her destroyed heart. Sobbing quietly to herself she brought the dress to her face, burying her pain and heartache into something that was supposed to be a moment of serenity, beauty and freedom. Now it was all that was left of a moment in time, that now would remain as distant a memory as much as her man's chances of surviving the devil's hands of delivering such a cruel fate.
After a minute, the woman tossed the garment to the floor angrily. She made a mental decision, that Victor, Hitler, Himmer and the entire Nazi regime could do their worst, but she was fixed on one matter she would see through hell and high water. She would survive and live on with Ernst's memory and those of all those the Reich punished.
At that moment of the flame of defiance lit inside Ludmilla, she turned away from the tub eyeing her bare skinned body in the mirror in front. Her brown eyes glared deeply into her naked reflection. Her body, face, and legs were covered in various bruises, scratches, contusions, and lash marks.
The scars were marred deep across the naked woman's body, going both physical and mental. Closing her eyes, the scream and shouts from the Gestapo men as if reliving the moment all over again.
Such vulgarity and verbal abuse, from people thought to be fellow Germans, like her but produced into heartless demonic creatures so crude and vile in their methods…the screams from both of them into her frail ears, while an endless river of tears broke from the woman…those words…
You pathetic bitch….worthless slut….Jew loving whore…you're a disgrace to your country…you'd be better dead rotting with your lone disgusting self, your late husband would be ashamed of you…
And then the whippings, punches, slaps, kicks…then they would leave…her body half dressed laying on a cold floor…broken…shattered…cold…alone.
When she opened her eyes back again, she huffed a sigh then turned to eye the bath tub again, the steaming water and heat felt so inviting. But fearful of her cold form and the pain felt when her skin would touch the water. Still Ludmilla gave in, her body and skin as aching would greatly desire a good wash.
Approaching the water, she slowly lifted a leg and slowly dipped it into the warm water. But initially gave the feeling of such painful needles penetrating deep in, thus elicited a painful groan from the woman.
There was no turning back now however, and continued to bring another leg over despite the sharp hiss from her lips, Ludmilla then lowered the rest of her body into the warm water, damn to whatever pain.
After a few seconds, the moment went from unbearable pain to absolute heaven. The water now soothed the pain and tortured muscles. Ludmilla then laid her dark hair back, releasing a peaceful moan. Her mood settled to this moment of solitude in this room. Relaxing and resting her worries, she then reached for a bar of soap near her and washed her frail body all over. Within a short time of washing and relaxing her body. Ludmilla found peace for the first time in days, as the water so warm eased into the woman's temple and closed her eyes as she dosed into a dreamless world.
Horchers Restaurant
Berlin, Nazi Germany
January 1, 1941
A puddle of slush was run over by a passing vehicle, it's dirt and grime barely missing a sharply dressed light haired man, his blue eyes glaring daggers and his mouth elicited a curse at the car that was driving in the distance.
Shaking his head, Victor Raddu pulled his woolen black coat tighter in, covering from the wintery chilled evening. Pacing ever slowly, walking a couple steps and then turning and walking a couple more in the opposite direction.
The hour was growing late, glancing at his watch, it was already 6:45pm. The reservation was set at 6:30pm, although the establishment was tight to book a meal due to its prestigious reputation and honoured guests, thanks to Victor's credentials being in the Reich Main Security Office, obtaining such a request came with little to no difficulty.
Prior to attending this revered dining place, he ensured to clear his day as quickly as possible. His meetings with the assigned Gestapo agents went flawless, the dozen men were briefed their strictest of orders. To follow Victor's aunt wherever, and to observe and report. No action was to be taken unless Victor authorized. He left a contact number for the restaurant at Horchers with the agents, and made certain they would only call if something significant happened.
Once his meeting was done, Victor left for the day, returning to his apartment and washed and got dressed for his optimism, a most eventful evening. He called the restaurant before leaving and ensured a reservation under his rank and name in the Reich Security Office was provided, with a table for two.
Finally after all these tasks were dealt, Victor grabbed his coat and departed his apartment for the restaurant which surprisingly wasn't far from his home.
But the waiting was ever agonizing to the youngest Raddu sibling, patience was not the man's pure qualities he excelled displaying.
His comrades, family and others around him had noticed, but he would attempt his best effort to cue in that emotion in, his evening planned to the letter, he would not let it ruined by impatience, still he wondered where Traudl was.
Victor was snapped out of the moment by a black Mercedes car driving at a quick pace, hitting a nearby slush puddle and spraying the dirty snow onto the lower trouser leg of the light brown haired man.
The young man, bewildered and outraged glared blue eyed daggers at the car that just splashed such filth ruining his evening clothing. He brought his arms out and yelled at the vehicle, "Damn idiot, look where you're going swine!"
Not even a second or blink of his blue eyes, did the car come to a screeching halt. Victor was bewildered, confused that this driver may have heard his outburst. But watching and prepared for the confrontation, he then observed the restaurant staff member approach the rear door on the passenger side, and open the door.
At that moment, Victor turned fifty shades of red, felt his breath was being sucked out and his eyes widened like saucers to the sight before him. His date, Traudl Braun had arrived, although late was still here and the person Victor just berated.
The sight was like that of the youngest Raddu siblings' most intimate dream. The insanely beautiful young girl, dressed in a navy blue silk strapped dress, black heels, hair tied behind with a braid across the top like that of a crown, her make up displaying beautiful shade on her eyes and dark lashes, her ruby red lips, and the street light nearby illuminated such flawless beauty. Victor's date resembled that of a movie star.
His mouth agape, while staring in Traudl's direction and wiping the dirt off his trousers. Victor then watched as Traudl gave a slight nod and thank you to the building staff man opening the door for her before directing her desirable blue eyes towards her date.
At that moment he approached slowly, never taking his eyes off Traudl, the same time the girl never averted her eyes off Victor. The world froze at that moment, between the two.
The first words were that of a greeting but that of slight concern, as Traudl took notice Victor seemed agitated over something, she pried, "Victor, is everything okay? Did something happen?"
The man just beamed at the delightful gorgeous sight before him, his eyes scanning the girl up and down in a trance seeing his date, Traudl Braun, the first time seeing this mouth watering brunette out of her grey SS Auxiliary uniform, into something of a dream.
Snapping to, shook his head and brought his blue eyes into her blue eyes, softly replying, "I am…just great Traudl. Nope..nothing is wrong. You look just amazing."
The girl blushed slightly, before giggling playfully and spoke, "Thank you Victor…you look very nice yourself." As if only a half truth, Traudl was eyeing the same method over the young Raddu sibling up and down, his handsome dreamy appearance in black suit and red tie, his light brown hair well groomed and combed. She fought every fiber in her body to jump the man to devour his lips, but settled her behaviour and controlled such animal urges, as the girl would likely enjoy such a moment perhaps later that night.
Traudl looked over her own dress, before giving a slight pout of her ruby lips, speaking in a light tone, "I hope you didn't wait too long. I had like almost nothing to wear, and then my driver got lost finding this place."
Shaking his head and chuckling, Victor just huffed a small sigh, "No you weren't too long at all my dear Traudl. And at least you made it."
Smiling at that response, with a relief sigh, Traudl looked towards the door before offering her arm to Victor, speaking softly and staring longingly into the man's eyes, "Are you hungry Victor?"
Chuckling, responded simply with, "Starving." And with that Victor hooked his arm to Traudls as they both made their way into the restaurant.
The atmosphere in the vast dining room was bustling with activity from all areas. Waiters coming in and out of the kitchen area with large numbers of dishes, carrying such an incredible aroma of the finest cuisine in the Third Reich.
Tables were crammed with large numbers of people, some brandishing uniforms from all areas of Reich's branches, from Luftwaffe (Air Force), Wehrmacht (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), and even a number of Victor's SS comrades. There were also a number of brown shirted Nazi Party members were built up of the mass patrons occupying the busy dining area. People laughing, smoking, enjoying a romantic evening or gathering with comrades in arms. The mood was joyous, many clinking their glasses of alcoholic beverages in toast towards a prosperous future for Germany.
But at one table, two young people merely enjoyed the company, laughing and dining on such incredible cuisine. Traudl and Victor had just finished their delightful dinner. Victor enjoyed roasted herring with a cream sauce, while Traudl dined on fine Pork Schnitzel doused in a red wine with vegetables. Both laughing while in deep conversation, as Victor recited a moment from his earlier years of a life seemingly forgotten amongst all the time,
"And there I was, covered in head to toe with mud and seaweed in this blasted forsaken lake Anton found for us to go to. Bastard decided to push me, when he called me to go check for something in the water. And he comes up from behind me and yells, "Watch out Monster Vic! Ugh and my clothes were a bloody mess."
Traudl, who had just taken a sip of her glass of water, quickly brought a hand to her mouth to avoid spitting the drink out at the man, from laughing so hard.
Victor too was laughing over that moment so hard, then took a pause and breathed in for a moment staring away from Traudl, he then remembered something, "That was it. That was my last time around him and my sister Lucille that day. The next day, I left for Germany. I haven't seen them since the summer of 35."
The girl's eyes widened at that in surprise, before Victor glanced at Traudl for a moment before speaking again, "It's funny, all those years I lived with Anton and Lucille on my uncle's farm, and that was the one memory that stuck out the most I can remember."
Then slightly frowning Victor remembered another detail about his older brother, "And Anton and that lake…I don't know…Uncle Mihai always told him to stay away from that lake and property, some rubbish of monsters and vampires. I didn't really believe it because the damned house looked abandoned and old. But my brother, Anton never listened, just kept sneaking onto that property to swim or read…almost as if something or someone was beckoning him to keep doing so."
Shaking his head, Traudl finally jumped into the conversation, "Perhaps he was just so attracted to the beautiful scenery, or perhaps there was some person that caught his eye. I mean Victor I'm sure you do believe in fate right?"
Chuckling at that, the young Raddu sibling responded, "I believe Anton is always in some daydream world a lot, never desiring to grow up."
Traudl merely poured but gave a playful wink to the young man, "Everyone daydreams over something or someone special at some point my dear Vic. And what imagination can lead to such…fun."
Feeling a tingle of warmth in his face, Victor blushed again as it was clear this woman hungered for him as much as the meal they enjoyed. The youngest Raddu was enthusiastic and nervous. He had never gotten that close to other girls during his time before and during the war, despite coming across many attractive girls in various places he had been to. Always burying himself in his duties and work, but tonight could also be very rewarding.
But the moment swiftly changed just like that, while the two stared unbeknownst to the approach of a small bald headed waiter to their table, the man stopped and spoke, much to the couple's dissatisfaction.
"Excuse the interruption herr Hauptsturmführer, but you have an urgent call that you are required to take."
Still laughing, Victor didn't even pay attention to the man, before chuckling out, "Not now I'm busy thank you."
The waiter looked at the man in disbelief, tried again, "I'm sorry herr Hauptsturmführer, but I…"
At that moment, Victor Raddu absolutely snapped, banging a hand on the table with an irritated tone, "I SAID NOT NOW DAMMIT!"
The whole restaurant froze at the youngest Raddu sibling's outburst, as everyone talking, laughing, and moving stopped. And all sets of eyes were on his table.
But nothing was more upsetting than a pair of slightly concerned and fearful blue eyes from the girl he entertained this evening was bearing on him, just staring.
Victor went a sheet of red, feeling absolutely horrible and embarrassed. He did his best method to soothe the atmosphere down, and cleared his throat before speaking softly to the waiter, "Yes…I am sorry I'll take the call."
And with that, the man pushed his chair out and stood up, while people whispered or spoke softly around him and his behaviour displayed.
Victor, not bothered by the people's conversation about him, approached Traudl still seated with a look of concern. He took the girl's hand and planted a small kiss on her soft back hand, before speaking softly, "Please excuse the interruption Traudl, I have to take this. Please order us whatever for dessert. I will be back shortly."
Traudl just gave a small smile, before nodding and at that Victor walked away from the table accompanied with the bald headed waiter, showing him to the telephone.
Victor nodded and picked the phone up, speaking into the receiver, "Yes this is Hauptsturmführer Raddu speaking."
After a mere second, the man's face went into that of irritation as he spoke with such into the phone, "Yes…Yes that is fine…No we do not need to arrest anyone there….BECAUSE I DAMN WELL SAID SO….if she wants to flaunt herself at anyone wearing trousers in Berlin then let her be…You will not touch or make a move…leave them alone..watch them and make your report…DO AS YOUR DAMN WELL TOLD OR I'LL HAVE YOUR ASSES ON A SLING FOR THAT, UNDERSTOOD?"
And at that slammed the phone down hard, not caring if the restaurant heard his angry temper flare. Victor Raddu would not have his evening disturbed any further. He returned back to his table.
Traudl sat smoking a cigarette, while looking with concern at the young Raddu sibling over, speaking softly, "Is everything okay now Vic?"
Shaking his head, Victor simply smiled widely and replied softly, "Some stupid work matters, it's been dealt with."
Upon sitting at the table, noticed the dish before him and felt a shiver go down his spine at the sight, and a sense of anger burrow deep in his mind, speaking with almost no emotion, "Dessert….it's apple strudel."
Traudl's smile went in an instant, sending worry and asked, "Is the dish okay Victor?"
All the man could do was stare at the plate, before speaking very neutral, maybe with some emotion, "My aunt….Ludmilla would make these….they were quite good."
Her blue eyes widened and mouth agape, Traudl was horrified that she just ordered a dish to bred such emotional resentment amongst Victor, "Oh my god. I am so sorry Victor, we can get it taken back or have dessert somewhere els."
Before finishing her sentence, Victor put a palm up, while looking deeply into Traudl's eyes, to that the woman felt apprehensive that Victor may get upset, but was surprised by his next action.
Instead, Victor picked up his fork and cut into the pastry, before bringing the food into his mouth and chewing the crunchy delicacy.
After a few moments and such shocking staring blue eyes from Traudl, Victor swallowed the meal, before sighing and speaking with a slight grin, "It's…quite good…better than what Ludmilla made…her food lacked the work and effort into this…the chef has my hats off to them for such dedication…and loyalty to their duty."
That last word sent shivers down Traudl's spine, it clearly was a bad choice of dessert but how was she to know this was something that Victor's aunt was known to make. Yet despite the emotional experience, Victor seemed to enjoy the meal.
Huffing a small breath, Victor looked to Traudl with a wide smile, "Please Traudl, enjoy it really is divine. I love your choice."
Initially reluctant, the girl let the matter go, and joined in eating her pastry smothered in caramel and whipped cream, it was a most enjoyable delicacy.
The rest of the evening went without further disruption or issue although the meal went quiet. Victor paid and tipped the restaurant before the two made their way to leave and conclude their evening.
Standing outside, the air was cold but the night shined with such stars over the two, neither speaking. Finally after a few minutes, the black car that brought Traudl to their meeting arrived.
Victor approached the stopped car, opening the rear door for his date, feeling anxious and nervous that he screwed the night up, was ever shocked by the next course of actions.
Traudl gave such a radiant smile, before approaching the car turned to Victor, speaking so soothingly, "I really did have a wonderful night Victor. I'm sorry about my dessert choice. But I want to come out more often with you."
And at that, approached the man and planted her soft ruby lips slowly onto Victor with wide eyes as if they'd fall out. But closing his eyes a second later, all to enjoy the moment. Traudl then brought a pair of arms, wrapping her red wooden coated arms around the man's neck, pulling Victor and his lip deeper in such passion.
Finally after a few minutes of such raw desirable passion, the two broke their lip lock. And Traudl looked into Victor deeply smiling, "I'll see you at the office tomorrow Vic."
Victor just smiled widely, staring at the girl as if she were Hitler who personally decorated him. The youngest Raddu sibling spoke, "See you soon Traudl, good night."
Then Victor waited for Traudl to get into the back of the car, and closed the door giving the girl a wave goodbye. Then watched the black car drive away from the evening.
Victor turned once the car was off, and made his way home, a smile radiating from his mouth, stained in red lipstick.
After an hour of walking, Victor, slightly cold, arrived back at his small apartment. Opening the door while whistling a happy jazzy sounding tune.
He was interrupted by the ring of the telephone in his home. Victor approached quickly and picked it up, a yawn and tired tone, "Hello?"
The other end, the voice of Victor's commanding officer, Major Klein, clearly upset, spoke, "Victor…where the hell have you been? I have been trying to reach you at home all night."
Victor snapped at attention, his blue eyes widened in horror, "Herr Sturmbannführer, I apologize I was out this evening."
Major Klein then paused for a moment on the other end, finally spoke, "Please report to my office at 0900 hours, we have matters to discuss."
Before Victor could respond, the call was ended, leaving the young Raddu sibling wondering what tomorrow would bring…
Authors Notes:
-Took a break from our couple Anton and Bela this one to bring more of the other oc into the story. It will get more suspenseful soon enough with Victor and Ludmilla. Look for a return to Bela and Anton prob next chapter.
-Historical Note: Horchers is an actual restaurant in Berlin Germany, that has been around for nearly a decade. It existed during the war and entertained a lot of the higher arch in the Third Reich including people like Goering, Goebeles, and Himmler, today still around and survived the war where people can eat all sorts of German meals, pretty expensive place.
-I guess there can be an idea who Ludmilla's saviour is…lol
-Might pair them too..
-Thx a mill for everyone enjoying so far, bringing more excitement soon. ;)