“Of course.” The knowledge sent a shiver through her. It would take only one mistake, one slip from someone in the Resistance to expose her, the Huizengas, and the Leopolds to great danger. And soon she would put her parents at risk too. Ans wanted to believe that this was the source of Erik’s concern for her, the reason why he’d begged her not to get involved. She refused to believe that the man she loved shared the Nazis’ beliefs.

“The family I work for are willing to help others, as well. Two or three women could live there as servants or a live-in nurse. If the refugees are Dutch Jews, they could pose as relatives. Mrs. Huizenga is Belgian.”

“Good. And are you willing to help as a courier?”

“What would I need to do?”

“People in hiding like your friends need to be fed, which means they need ration books. We acquire them by robbing post offices, but we need couriers to distribute them to the safe houses along with forged IDs. Are you willing?”

She had promised Erik not to deliver underground newspapers, but ration cards and fake IDs were different. And even more dangerous. Still, Ans didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of course I’ll help.”

“Do you have a bicycle?”

“Yes.”

“And courage?”

“I think so.” Her heart hammered faster with each question.

“You may also need to travel by train to Den Haag or Utrecht or Amsterdam or one of the many small villages where people are hidden. If you’re caught with a supply of false ID cards or ration books, you’ll be arrested and sent to prison.”

Ans remembered the injustice that had led to this work. “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” “I understand,” Ans said. “I still want to help.”

“Good. We’re grateful. The underground’s work is growing, and we need to expand our network. When the Nazis recalled all of the Dutch military officers a few months ago, many of them went into hiding as onderduikers. We need trustworthy people who can offer hiding places.”

“My grandfather has been telling his congregation to resist the Nazis. He knows which of his parishioners you can trust. I can speak with him.”

“It would be better if we do it. How can we contact him?”

“I’ll write it down for you.”

“No. Just tell me. Never put names and addresses in writing where they might fall into the wrong hands. Can you lie? Or, more importantly, will you lie?”

“Yes.”

“Take the child to your farm as soon as you can think of a plausible excuse to travel there. Her papers are in this bag.”

“Should I call and let them know?”

“Never assume that a telephone is safe. I’ll be in touch again.”

Ans took Havik’s bag and went home to tell Miriam and Avi the news.

CHAPTER 32