I’d spent months working toward his transfer, but my own plan had ruined everything. If I’d known he’d killed my family, I could have demanded to know if it was true, if he had been aware that he had spared one member of that family even as he condemned the others. Survival was supposed to feel like justice—a way to honor my family, overcome this place that had claimed so many lives, defy Fritzsch and his plans for me. Once again, I was facing a move I hadn’t foreseen, one that changed everything. Stripping Fritzsch of his position and fighting for my survival were not enough. Justice was hearing the truth from my family’s murderer. Finding a way to make him pay. But it was too late; he was gone.

I’d lost my chance.

No, this game wasn’t over; this pawn was still in play.

Even though the snow almost reached my knees and the relentless wind made my eyes water, I wasn’t cold. The heat of fury thawed me and left me with the embers of my resolve—a slow, steady burn that would not die.

I will get out of Auschwitz one day. And when I do, I will find Fritzsch.

Chapter 19

Auschwitz, 20 April 1945

NOW THAT THE time has come to confront Fritzsch with everything I learned from Oskar, my conversation with him pours from my mouth, though it takes considerable effort to keep my voice steady. Once finished, I fall silent and take a breath. The truth is laid out before us, as clear and defined as the squares on the chessboard. Fritzsch has no choice but to make his play.

He stays quiet, watching me; then he takes my queen, so my knight takes his. “You were told I executed your family, and that’s why you tried to ruin my career, isn’t it?”

Though I suspected he was aware of my scheme by now, hearing him say so stirs a maelstrom of terror within me, as strong as if he’d discovered my involvement at the time. To calm it, I remind myself that I have nothing to fear. The endgame will unfold as I’ve planned.

“Answer me, Polack! Did you try to ruin my career?”

The shout startles me into focus. I didn’t realize how long I’d been silent. Fritzsch glowers at me, unblinking, so I examine the board, but if I delay for more than a few seconds, he’ll take action.

“My efforts began long before I learned what you’d done, but ruining your career was your fault. I gave you opportunities to break protocol, that’s all. I didn’t force you to take them.”