When he addressed me, I watched him with no apparent recognition or understanding on my face, then waited for Hania to translate. Once she finished, I widened my eyes, as if surprised by the generous offer.

“Thank you, Herr Sturmbannführer. I don’t smoke, but would you mind if I hold one?”

When I accepted the cigarette he offered me, my hand lingered above the table long enough for him to notice the tremble I inserted for his benefit. I twirled it between my fingers, and Irena snatched one without waiting for an invitation. Meanwhile Ebner smoked and watched me, allowing the suspense to drive me mad. So I gave him exactly what he wanted.

“Please tell me why I’m here, Herr Sturmbannführer,” I exclaimed, tripping over the words in my haste. “It’s because of the uprising, isn’t it?”

Ebner held up a hand to silence me and looked to Hania, who stood beside me. She was quiet for an instant, as though reminding herself to treat this interrogation like all others she’d witnessed. It was another day at work, nothing more. When she spoke, her German was clear and precise, her expression neutral.

Ebner flashed a reassuring smile. “Yes, but if you cooperate, you have nothing to fear.”

I released a breath, letting him know his words had produced their intended effect. “As a former resistance member, I know better than to make that mistake again. Actions have consequences, Herr Sturmbannführer. Sometimes the consequences only affect the guilty parties, but more often, they affect innocent people like myself. That’s something many forget.”

“Indeed.” He took a long draw from his cigarette. “You’re saying you were rightfully condemned for the resistance activities which sent you to Auschwitz, but this time, you weren’t involved in the rebellion?”

“That’s right.” I turned the cigarette over in my hands while Ebner tapped ashes into an ashtray and consulted the papers on the table.

“You spent a few weeks working in the Union Munitions Factory during the spring of 1944. Why did you spend such a brief amount of time there?”

I drew a ragged breath and let my voice quiver. “Because I was young when the occupation began. Working with gunpowder and explosives reminded me of the bombings from the invasion.”

“Were you involved in smuggling gunpowder for the uprising, and even if not, were you aware of the scheme?”

“No, Herr Sturmbannführer.”

Ebner stayed quiet once Hania finished speaking. Despite her attempts at indifference, she seemed more tense with every passing moment. Irena had positioned herself behind Ebner, probably so she could play her role without the added stress of him watching the entire time. I didn’t dare look at them too much, but their presence provided me with comfort.

The heavy silence was enough to drive me mad; fidgeting would serve my position well, so I didn’t fight the urge. At last Ebner turned to Irena.