Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke Read Free Book Online

have work. You did not say   —”
    “A small party, Herr Doktor,” Frau Kirchmann insisted. “Please join us.”
    It was clear   —at least to me   —that Dr. Peterson wanted no party, that he was annoyed at the gathering in our home. Why, I don’t know, but he shouldn’t have taken it out on Lukas.
    “Lukas Kirchmann, isn’t it?”
    “Ja.” Lukas extended his hand. “And you are Dr. Peterson.”
    Dr. Peterson ignored the gesture. “You’re not in uniform? Surely you are of age.”
    Lukas set his mouth. “I have not joined.”
    “Lukas helps his father with work on Saturdays and Sundays   —essential work,” Frau Kirchmann insisted. “His duties conflict with the youth program.”
    “Essential work,” Dr. Peterson repeated. “Tell me, what is   —”
    “Please,” Mutti begged, “no talk of politics today. Rudy, please change from that uniform. I want no reminder of things outside these walls today. This is our Christmas celebration, and the Kirchmanns have been so kind to provide everything. Isn’t it wonderful, Wolfgang?”
    Vater could not resist Mutti or the good angels of her nature. “We are most grateful to you both. We did not expect . . .”
    Frau Kirchmann hugged Mutti. “It’s what good friends do. You would help us celebrate if things were different.”
    Vater nodded, but I wondered. I could not imagine him carrying a tree in for anyone.
    “It will become mandatory soon, you realize.” Dr. Peterson spoke again.
    “Celebrating Christmas?” Mutti teased. “I should hope so!”
    “The youth programs. Compulsory in the new year.” Rudy thumped Lukas in the chest. “You won’t be out of uniform for long!”
    “Rudy, I asked you to change your clothes   —today   —for me,” Muttihalf pleaded, but Rudy ignored her again and Vater did not speak up for her.
    “Is that certain?” asked Herr Kirchmann. “That would prove most inconvenient for our work.”
    “Your work? The Führer’s work comes first, or do you not agree, Herr Kirchmann?” Dr. Peterson challenged.
    “You’ve brought presents!” Marta squealed, pushing between them, pointing to the velvet sack Dr. Peterson carried. “Just like der Nikolaus!”
    “ Ja! Presents, der Nikolaus!” Rudy laughed and clapped Herr Peterson on the back. “Perhaps this is the first time you’ve been called that, eh, my good doctor?”
    “Rudy,” Vater admonished. “Respect. Show respect.”
    Rudy bowed before the doctor. “ Ja, sure. You must forgive me.” He didn’t sound sorry at all. “Why don’t you show us what you have in your sack, Herr Doktor.”
    I didn’t understand. They all acted as if we performed a play upon the stage, spouting lines that held no meaning, or that meant something quite different from the words spoken.
    “Leave it alone, Rudy,” Vater warned.
    Mutti’s smile faltered. Frau Kirchmann looked confused. Dr. Peterson glanced at Rudy and Vater once again. Rudy gave a mock salute. The doctor hesitated only a moment. “Why not?”
    “Peterson, do not   —” Vater cautioned, rising from the sofa. But he still held Mutti’s hand.
    She gently pulled him back. “Wolfgang? What is it?” she whispered.
    “It is cause for celebration, I think.” The doctor plunked the heavy bag on the table, pulling open its drawstring. “Why not share our good fortune with your friends?”
    Vater’s face reddened. “Another time. Not today   —not   —”
    Two ornate silver candlesticks were pulled from the sack   —each a good eighteen inches and weighing enough to make Dr. Peterson heft them, one in each hand. “Quite a prize   —perfect for the holidays, don’t you think?”
    “They’re exquisite!” Mutti agreed. “You bought them today? For Christmas?”
    “Bought them?” Dr. Peterson all but smirked. “Did we buy them, Wolfgang? What would you say?”
    Rudy grunted with pleasure.
    “Wolfgang?” Mutti squeezed Papa’s hand.
    “It was . . . a complicated