Ans groaned, remembering how Erik had been assigned to watch the Leopolds’ apartment after they’d gone into hiding. Was he watching the town house? Would he arrest Ans if he saw her there or would he help her again? She closed her eyes and offered a silent, urgent prayer for Herman and Eloise, knowing how distraught they both must be. Eloise’s greatest fear was losing the people she loved, and Herman was the only family she had left. Eloise wasn’t strong enough to face a loss this great. And Herman must be more concerned for Eloise’s well-being than for his own. Ans longed to go to her, yet she understood why it was impossible. Knowing her friends were suffering made her furious.

“Let me go back to work, Leeuw, please! Give me a new territory, someplace where no one knows me.”

“It might be too soon, especially after Herman Huizenga’s arrest. We don’t know if they’re still searching for you.”

“I have a new identity and forged papers. I can deliver ration cards like I did before and forged IDs and newspapers. I can help you find out where they’re launching the rockets and fill in the information on military maps.”

“You’ll have to walk or ride a bike. Trains are too risky. Too much scrutiny.”

“Whatever you need me to do. Please!”

“This wouldn’t be because they’re overworking you here, would it?” he asked, smiling as he gestured to the pile of dirty overalls beside the laundry tubs.

“This farm can still be my home base. I’ll still work hard for the Dykstras when I’m here.”

Leeuw twisted a lock of his thick hair, looking Ans over as if wondering how old she was and how strong. “I’ll let you know the next time I come.”

Leeuw returned a few days later with an assignment —delivering ration books and newspapers. A vigorous bicycle ride from the farm took her to Bodegraven and Woerden or the outskirts of Utrecht. She walked for miles and miles to farms and villages where Jews and onderduikers were hiding, and returned to the farm exhausted each night, her feet aching, wondering if this long, endless war would ever be over.

CHAPTER 45

Lena was washing the supper dishes when Pieter pulled her aside. She’d seen him talking to Wolf in the barn earlier and wondered what was going on. “Wim needs to be told everything,” Pieter whispered. “Tonight. He’s old enough now. You’re going to need his help while I’m gone.”

“Where are you going?”

He tilted his head toward Maaike, who was drying the dishes. “We’ll talk later.”