“I don’t know.” She snatched a clean towel from the table and folded it square, pressing it to the wound. “Hold that there. Firmly.”

“I need you to fix it.” His other hand gripped the side of the bed. “Please.”

Estelle made a decision and ducked through the little door. “I’ll be back. Wait here.”

“Where are you going?”

She paused. “Save your breath. I will never answer that question. You will never know where I am or when I might be back. You can’t tell what you don’t know. It is safer that way. Now wait here.”

Estelle pulled her hat from her head and tossed it on the bed. She retraced her steps back through her apartment, stopping to place a potted geranium in the first window. The bright red flowers were easily seen from below and would communicate to Jerome that the airman was safely concealed. From there, she headed out across the landing and tapped on the door across from hers.

A moment later, it was opened by her beautiful dark-haired friend, an equally beautiful dark-haired little girl peering out from behind her skirt. Estelle stepped into the apartment and closed the door behind her.

“Good morning, Rachel.” Estelle smiled and then bent down in front of the child. “And good morning to you, Aviva.”

Five-year-old Aviva Wyler dashed toward Estelle and threw her arms around her neck. “Ellie,” she squealed with delight, using the nickname she had given Estelle when she had first started speaking. “Are you here for my birthday?”

“Your birthday?” Estelle pretended to be puzzled. “You have a birthday today?”

“Aunt Rachel and me both have a birthday tomorrow,” Aviva told her earnestly. “We have the same birthday.”

“You know, I think your aunt might have mentioned that.” Estelle tapped her chin in thought.

“We’re making a cake today. Aunt Rachel got all the ingredients. Even two eggs. You can have some when it’s done.”

“That is very kind of you. I would love to have some birthday cake.” She dropped her voice into a conspiratorial whisper. “I might even have a birthday surprise for you.”

“Is it a dog?” The little girl’s eyes grew round. “Aunt Rachel says when I’m older we can get a dog. And I’m old tomorrow.”

Over Aviva’s head, Rachel gave her a sad smile. Aviva loved all animals, but especially dogs.

“It’s not a dog,” Estelle said. “Six is very old, I agree, but I think it would be best to wait just a few more years.”

“That’s what Aunt Rachel says too.”

“Your aunt’s very smart. But,” Estelle added, “she doesn’t know what my surprise is.”

“Is it dancing shoes? Because when I get older, I am going to be a ballerina, even if I don’t have a dog. Just like the dancers in the pictures,” Aviva proclaimed. “I miss those pictures,” she added gravely.