“Tomorrow, which is what I indicated by saying my mother was sick. The child will be taken to a Catholic family or one of the sisters’ orphanages outside Warsaw. When Mother Matylda asks someone if they’ll accept God’s blessing, she’s asking if they’ll care for the Jewish child. As for you, you’ll go with me to deliver messages and funds, but you won’t touch confidential information until you’re deemed worthy—if that day ever comes.”

The words stung, though I shouldn’t have let them. Despite her proclivity for reminding me of my inferiority, every scathing remark fueled my determination to prove myself.

“At the start of the war, you were only fifteen when you joined early resistance activities,” I reminded her.

“Yes, but I had been staying informed, not hiding behind a chessboard. One more thing.” Irena leaned closer to me and dropped her voice. “All resistance members risk their lives, but I don’t intend to lose mine for anyone. You’ll do what I tell you, and if you cross me or jeopardize me, I will make your life hell. Am I clear?”

More threats. Unlike her story about what the Gestapo did to resistance members sent to Pawiak, this warning didn’t scare me.

My favorite chess piece was the pawn. A strange choice, perhaps, because pawns weren’t the most important, but, when one reached the opposite end of the board, it had the unique ability to transform into a more powerful piece. Suddenly a meager pawn shifted the entire balance.

In this game, I was a pawn, and every moment with Irena taught me more about how to shift the balance. I moved to the edge of my chair and clapped my hands upon her knees, mirroring her actions of the morning. Her pleased smirk disappeared, but she didn’t blink when I tightened my grip and flashed the sweetest smile I could muster.

“Clear as can be.”

Her jaw remained set, but the look in her eyes was satisfying enough, as if we were in the midst of a chess game and my play had dashed her intended strategy. Soon, she would realize I was no longer the little girl who shied away from the war, and that every moment I had spent playing chess had taught me how to strategize and outwit the opponents I would face in this work. Before she could respond, a key turned in the door, announcing Mama and Mrs. Sienkiewicz’s return.

Irena got up. “Until next time, Helena.”

“Resistance work is over.” I stood and lifted my chin. “It’s Maria.”

* * *

Warsaw, 27 May 1941