A fresh stream of smoke surrounded us, thick and pungent, making it impossible for me to speak further even if I could have found words. Hania watched the smoke rise from the end of the cigarette, then looked to me. “I intended on getting a substantial repayment for saving your life, but after we talked, I decided this deal would be different from my others. I needed to help you stay alive and keep you close until the time was right.”

The words stung more than the smoke, which had found its way into my eyes. “Is that why you’re helping me get rid of Fritzsch?”

“Of course.” She finished her cigarette and used the bottom of her shoe to extinguish the remaining embers. “If he gets tired of you and kills you, that would interfere with my plans.”

“So, you’re keeping your shikse alive for her usefulness.” I spat out the word she’d taught me and stood up and marched past her toward the door. “I suppose I should be accustomed to that by now.”

As I left her with the half-finished chess game and stepped out into the frigid evening, the bite of her betrayal was as acute as the wind lashing through my thin uniform. I was nothing more than her most prized deal. I couldn’t comprehend why I had confronted her, but it was rash and foolish. Too late for regrets now.

Besides, I didn’t regret it. If Hania attempted to hinder me in any way, I’d fight back with everything I had. Even without SS connections.

As I trudged down the frigid street, our conversation lingered in the air around me, echoing with each gust until a new shout pierced the wind whipping past my ears.

“Do you think you can walk away? It’s far too late for that, Maria.” Hania latched onto my forearm, and I attempted to pull away, but she held fast and forced me to face her.

“You won’t hurt me if you need me alive.” Though I made the claim, I wasn’t certain it was true.

“I also need you to cooperate, and if I have to make you, so be it. Protz will do what I ask, and he won’t be merciful, so unless you want to contend with him—”

“Stop, Hania!” This time I managed to twist out of her grasp. “If you think you have to force me to help you find your sons, you must not know me very well.”