Jules smiled. “My dear fellow, such considerations as rank and tenure—fairness—are rarely taken into account by the Nazis when extending promotions. Accomplishments are. You have done your job without intimidation and bullying while adhering to the party curriculum. The parents of the students in your pod praise you—and to the right ears, apparently. I received orders this morning to instate you in Herr Mueller’s position.” Jules’s eyes twinkled, sharpening to a conspiratorial glint when he said, “You can expect more invitations to the boys’ homes for dinner.”

Chris took the news with mixed emotions. This “promotion” could mean that Major General March might reenroll his son in the school as an opportunity for Wilhelm to associate with boys his son’s age. He would trust Chris not to ram the party line down Wilhelm’s throat, but reenrollment would cut off Chris’s access to his house and its vital source of information as well as the only occasions to pal around with Limpet. He would sorely miss them both. He’d come to look on the general’s house as a sanctuary from his drab quarters and Limpet as a close friend. They were in sync about everything. Chris liked the fisherman’s wise and tolerant ways. His Christmas letter from his parents had included no news of Dirk’s return to New Braunfels, and Chris was now sure that his old friend would never be seen in their hometown again. He’d been sacrificed to protect Lodestar’s cover. Chris had mourned for him, and Limpet had understood, despite that Dirk had been a traitor. “How can you not grieve for friends who make bad choices?” he’d said.

That afternoon when Chris announced his new position to the general, Konrad said, “I hope your new assignment will not mean that you will no longer be available to tutor Wilhelm.”

“I had supposed that you might wish to reenroll your son back in school now that the sports director has gone, General.”

The general smiled. “You supposed wrong, Claus. My son is happy as things are, and, selfishly, the household would miss your company. Can we count on you to continue with us?”

“Absolutely, Herr General.”

*  *  *

Colonel Derrick Albrecht accepted the latest report on the activities of Rue des Soeurs de Charité. He thanked the man he’d assigned to watch the street and called off further surveillance. He had no need for additional information.