“I don’t think so. We’ve heard that they’re pulling men off the streets, even men with work exemptions, to help dig anti-tank trenches and build bunkers. The work is hard, but it’s in the Nazis’ best interests to keep their laborers fed and healthy.”

“Will you please try to find out for me?” Before Wolf could reply, Max crept up the stairs from the root cellar with the newest batch of forged ID cards. He exchanged them for the stolen cards and photographs that Wolf had brought, and the men talked about their work for a few minutes. Lena gave Wolf a bowl of the soup she’d made for dinner, then got out a stack of bowls and spoons so he could distribute the rest to the shadow people. When he finished speaking with Max, Wolf turned to Lena again.

“I can’t promise that I’ll be able to find your son. The Nazis have been on high alert as the Allies make progress toward Germany. They make sure no one gets too close. Besides, the Nazis have abducted so many men, it’ll be difficult to find your son among them. I’m sorry.”

“He’s just a boy!”

Wolf closed his eyes for a long moment as if searching for words to console her. He always came at night, and Lena wondered what he looked like in daylight. He opened his eyes again and met her gaze. “Lena, I’ve gotten to know you and your husband well these past few years. I’ve seen your strength and your faith, and I know that your son has learned to be strong from the two of you. He’ll be able to endure whatever he has to.”

“It’s the worst feeling in the world not to know where he is or what’s happening to him. I’d rather learn the truth so I can begin to accept it —like I’ve had to do with my father.”

“I was very sorry to hear about your father. He was a brave man, and he helped us a great deal.”

Lena pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped her eyes. “And my daughter Ans? Do you know anything about her? Max and Ina told me she had to go into hiding the same time they did.”

Wolf concentrated on his soup as if he hadn’t heard her.

Fear slithered through Lena. He knew something. “Ans works with your Resistance cell, Wolf. Someone along your chain of contacts must know where she is and what’s happened to her.”

Wolf still didn’t speak.

She gripped his arm, stopping him from eating. “If you know something, please tell me. Don’t imagine that you’re sparing me by holding back.”