He pauses and brushes a stray hair from my eyes. “Remind me, what’s the surest way to need a backup plan?”

I’m suddenly resentful of the dratted old stage lesson. Yet aware of its wisdom, I surrender my answer: “Not having one.”

When he half smiles, I gear up to absorb every detail that remains, guaranteeing I won’t have to use them.

In theory.

***

After I’ve repeated the new instructions back to Arie, twice, we share a kiss, not quite long enough to convey goodbye. No doubt a deliberate choice by us both. Then he helps me climb out his window. I stay crouched while peeking from the hedges.

The area is clear.

As I turn back, he reaches up and squeezes my hand. “Be careful out there.”

“You do the same,” I reply, not lightly. We each have preparations to complete, all carrying their own set of risks, before reuniting this evening for his plan—our plan.

Thus, savoring one last look at him, I let go of his grasp.

***

Arie would rather I limit my tasks, but he couldn’t deny that my stopping by the abandoned workshop could be worth the trouble. Considering all the variables tonight, there’s always a chance an obstacle could detour us to a different hideout. This would leave the IDs from Willem, if any await, out of reach.

As soon as I arrive, I go straight to the machinery and kneel to peer underneath. A thorough search produces nothing.

“Dang it…” Although Willem could yet come through, those odds are waning.

I suppose, either way, so long as we make it safely to the countryside—with Evelien and Arie below the crate and me in the passenger seat, acting as Brouwer’s secretary or some such—we’ll all be fine. Who knows? The farmer might have a forgery contact of his own.

More important at present is Arie’s trip to the black market. Aside from quality cigarettes for distracting the entry guard, Arie intends to procure top-notch coffee for Nel’s nurse. Spiked with sleep tonic, a small thermos of the brewed drink should prove irresistible to the gal, as she often complains, Arie said, about the bitter ersatz version she endures throughout her shift. Soon after, while they’re still in Nel’s room—and with Nel’s help if needed—Arie’s ether-soaked cloth will draw the nurse into a peaceful nap.

I confess, at moments, the idea seems overambitious. At one point, Arie questioned the same, before recalling the many news stories through the years of kidnappings and robberies performed in such a way. And mind you, while not ideal, should all fail with the nurse, one way or another, Evelien will be rescued.

For now, I revert to being hopeful—though a bit on edge.