Georg rushes over to the cradle after untying Mrs. Holbrook. He reaches for Maria and pulls her into his arms. Mrs. Holbrook, still somewhat hysterical, starts to recount what happened.
"About a half an hour ago the baby started crying. I came upstairs to get him. I was bringing him down when three men, two in uniform met me on the stairs. They forced me back into the nursery. They tied me up and left a note in the cradle. There was nothing I could do" she says as she starts to cry.
Georg grabs the paper out of the cradle and reads it--Your son will not be harmed if you cooperate. Be at the address on the other side of this note in one hour. Bring your wife. Once you are in our custody we will allow her to take the baby but you will stay with us. We warn you Baron do not think of doing anything stupid-- It was signed Zeller. Georg looks at the address and realizes it is near the Swiss-Austrian border. Maria looks at Georg, her eyes wide with fear.
" Georg what are we going to do?" she asks searching his eyes for the answer.
"Mrs. Holbrook I need you to stay with the children. I am going to call the police and have them send someone to guard the house. The Baroness and I are going to get our son back! Georg says as he takes Marias hands in his. Mrs. Holbrook agrees to stay. Georg explains to the other children what has happened and asks Liesl to help Mrs. Holbrook with the younger ones. The children are scared but realize their father has no choice but to do what Zeller wants.
Georg goes to his room and emerges ten minutes later. Maria is waiting for him in the car. Georg looks at the map and finds the quickest way to get to the address Zeller gave him. As he drives he holds Marias hand tight in his.
"Maria listen to me carefully. Once we get to the address and I hand myself over to them I want you to take the baby and leave as fast as you can. Do not stop for anything or anybody. Call this number as soon as you are home safe" Georg says as he hands her a piece of paper.
Georg I can't leave you there with them. They will kill you" she says as she sqeezes his hand tighter.
" Maria they won't kill me. Zeller wants to make an example of me. They probably will take me back to Austria and put me on trial for treason. But I have a plan and if it works I will be home by tonight. I knew that Zeller was still looking for me. He must be pretty desperate to do something like this. The Nazis must be putting a lot of pressure on him. They were really angry when I got away" Georg says as he continues driving.
Maria looks at him and sees the determination in his eyes. She knows he will give his life for his son if it comes to that.
" Georg, what if they don't give us the baby. He's only two weeks old" she says as tears start to form in her eyes.
Georg reaches up and wipes a tear that rolls down her face.
" I have to believe that they will give you the baby. It's me they want. The baby was just a way to get to me" he says as he slows down. He stops the car.
"The address we are going to is just up the road. When we get there follow behind me and do exactly what I say. Remember as soon as they give you Johannes leave and drive as fast as you can." Georg looks at her and pulls her to him. He holds her tight and says" I promise you everything will be allright. Trust me".
Maria holds him tighter. She doesn't want him to let her go. She wants to ask him about his plan but she knows he won't tell her. All he is concerned about is getting their son back.
He breaks from their embrace and slowly drives up the road. As they come around a small curve they see a house. Maria sees a car in front with Nazi flags adorning each door. Georg pulls up next to the car. he gets out and goes around to get Maria. he motions for her to walk behind him. As they reach the front door Georg stops , only for a second when he hears a baby cry. He looks back at Maria and sees the anguish in her eyes. He slowly opens the door and steps in. He takes Marias hand as they walk into the hallway. As Maria is about to say something a door opens and Zeller steps out. He is followed by two soldiers. One of which is holding their son. Georg starts to take the baby when Zeller stops him.
" Not so fast Baron. We want to make sure you did not bring the police" Zeller says as he steps between Georg and the baby. Maria holding back tears watches as the soldier steps back. The baby starts to cry and it takes every ounce of restraint she has not to take the baby from his grasp.
Satisfied that they came alone Zeller motions for the soldier to hand Maria the baby. At the same time the other soldier takes Georg and ties his hands. Maria takes their son and holds him close. The baby quiets as Maria gently rocks him. She looks into Georgs eyes and she remembers what he told her.
As she starts to leave Zeller stops her, " Not so fast Baroness, we are not done with you yet.