The younger soldier smiled, seeming flattered by the suggestion. But the older man beside him glowered. “We don’t have time for this, Kurt.”

“Perhaps later, then,” I said. My eyes darted to the grate. Sadie had not appeared. I prayed that she had heard the exchange and kept away. “I should be on my way.” I inched back from the Germans. I still wanted to see Sadie, but as long as the soldiers lingered here, that was impossible.

The older German’s eyes dropped to my basket. “What are you carrying?”

“Just some food for my family. I bought it at the shops.” I instantly recognized my mistake. It was Sunday; the shops were closed.

“Let me see,” he demanded. As he reached for the basket, I panicked.

“Darling!” someone called behind me. Even before I turned, I recognized Krys’ familiar voice. He moved closer and swiftly took the basket from me. Then he produced an identification card and ration book and handed it to the older officer. “We were getting so worried. My fiancée’s mother is sick and she had to get food for all of us while I cared for her,” he said to the Germans, lying smoothly. Even in my panic, Krys’ calling me his fiancée tugged at my heart. For a moment it felt like things between us were as they had once been. But of course it was a ruse to fool the Germans.

“My mother, Ana Lucia Stepanek, is a good friend of Oberführer Maust,” I added, hoping the name of my stepmother’s consort might buy some goodwill.

I was right—their expressions changed instantly. “Of course, fräulein,” the older man said, now contrite. He returned the ration book to Krys. “So sorry.” The men moved back to let us pass. But as I began to step around them and go, I glimpsed a familiar face in the sewer. It was Sadie. She had come looking for me and unwittingly stepped into view. I willed her to duck back. But she stood motionless, her face frozen with horror. Any second they would see her.

“Come,” Krys urged, not understanding why I had not started away with him. I was paralyzed, uncertain what to do. I heard a scraping below then, Sadie’s footsteps echoing in the sewer as she scuttled away. I coughed loudly to try to mask the sound.

One of the Germans looked over his shoulder. “What was that?”

“Pardon me,” I said. “Spring allergies.” I let Krys lead me away, praying that the Germans would not question further.

“Wait!” the older German called. I froze. Did he suspect something? I turned back to see him staring strangely at Krys.

“You look familiar,” he said.

“I make deliveries,” Krys said, keeping his voice neutral. “You’ve probably seen me around town.” He turned to me. “Come now. Your mother is waiting.” As he led me away, I forced myself not to look back reluctantly at the grate.

My heart pounded as we walked. I could still feel the eyes of the Germans on us as we went, and I half expected them to come after us and detain us for questioning, or worse.