Maria opened her eyes. She looked down at Gretl who was still asleep. She slowly got out of the bed so she would not wake Gretl up. Maria walked over to the window and looked out. It was still snowing and showed no signs of stopping. Maria decided to have the children stay home from school. Maria went downstairs to make some coffee when she found Liesl sitting in the kitchen. Coffee was already made. Liesl decided to ask Maria where father was. Maria decided Liesl was old enough to know what was happening. Maria told her everything she knew. Liesl looked at Maria. Maria saw the fear in Liesls eyes . Maria took Liesl in her arms and reassured her that Father, Max and Rolf would be fine. She wasn't sure who she was trying to convince more Liesl or herself. They both decided to say a prayer.
Georg was awake when Max called him.
"Georg are you awake" said Max
"Yes I will be right out" said Georg. Georg got out of bed and got dressed in the uniform they gave him. Gerhard helped him put his mustache on. Jon and Gerhard also got their uniforms on.
Max left to get the car they would be using. Georg, Jon, and Gerhard went outside by Max.
"Good luck Georg" said Max shaking his hand. "Be careful. I will meet all of you at the rendezvous point."
The rendezvous point was near the Swiss border. Max waved as the car pulled out of the drive.
Soon Georg found himself on a familiar road, it's the one that leads to his house. As they approach the house they see a old man on a bicycle. The man tips his hat at the car. That was it . The signal that Zeller was gone. The car pulls up to the gate. Two guards approach the car and Jon hands them some papers. The guards review them , hand them back and the car is waved on. Georg looks at his house. The site of the Nazi flag hanging from his house makes him sick. The car pulls around back and stops at the door which leads to the servants quarters. Georg waits for Gerhard to open the door. Georg steps out and they knock on the door. A guard comes to the door and upon seeing Georgs rank as Colonel raises his hand and says Heil Hitler. Georg at first hesitates and then realizing he must also does the same gives the guard the same salute. With a commanding presence Georg tells the guard he has orders to bring the prisoner Rolf Gruber to Vienna. The guard motions for them to enter. As they walk down the corridor Georg sees that they have turned the servants quarters into interrogation rooms and jail cells. As he looks around he is in silent agony, inside his emotions are raging with anger but outwardly he can show nothing.
Outside Jon is waiting in the car. He sees a car with four people drive up. He can't make out their faces but he knows that they are of importance by the way the driver rushes to open the doors. Two men in uniform, one a ss guard and one a General step out, next steps out a woman. She is a tall blond and must be someone of high stature by the way she carries herself and the way she is dressed. As the last man steps out Jon strains to see his face. The man turns and Jon is startled as he whispers to himself" Zeller, oh no , what is he doing back so soon." Jon tries to think . He must get inside to warn Georg and Gerhard. One of the guards comes out of the door. He walks over to Zeller. Jon can't see what they are saying but he sees the guard point to the car and then to the door. Zeller starts to walk toward Jon. Jon steps out of the car to salute Zeller. Zeller returns the salute and goes into the door. Jon can only stay there and wait. If Zeller recognizes Georg they may need to make a quick getaway.
Inside the jail Georg hands the Captain in charge the orders. The Captain looks them over. He studies Georg for a moment and then says" Herr Zeller said nothing to me about this.
"Excuse me Captain these orders were only made early this morning. The fuehrers top general in Vienna signed them himself. If I don't come back with this traitor Gruber by this afternoon you may find yourself in a jail cell yourself. Now go and get Gruber" Georg said angrily.
"Yes sir, right away "the Captain said as he walked quickly out the door. Georg starts to whisper something to Gerhard but stops when he hears a familiar voice. Gerhard hears it too. They both look at each other with a startled look.
Georg whispers to Gerhard" It's Zeller, what's he doing here. He wasn't suppose to be back for another hour.
"The train must have been early" Gerhard whispers back. Before they can say another word Zeller enters the room. Zeller sees Georg but does not recognize him yet. Zeller salutes him and Georg salutes back.
"Colonel I understand you have come to get one of my prisoners" "I need to see your orders" Zeller snaps. Georg says nothing he only hand Zeller the papers. Zeller looks at the papers and then looks at Georg. Zeller stares at Georg and asks" Have we met somewhere before Colonel, you look familiar. Georg looks at Zeller and starts to answer when he is interrupted by a familiar voice. Georg turns and sees her. It can't be he says to himself but it is. Elsa!