فصل 95

alfred

Arguments began before the sun rose. Flotation rafts, life vests, weather. The commotion was unsettling to my mind. I decided it would be best to descend to E deck to check on the hundreds of ladies in the drained pool. It was quite warm at the bottom of the ship. I wondered if the women might shed their uniforms for comfort. They played cards, slept, combed their hair, huddled in groups, and preoccupied themselves in general feminine behavior. I found them fascinating to observe and decided to remain concealed for one, maybe two hours, to further my studies.

At ten o’clock my surveillance was disrupted by a group of soldiers who marched onto E deck, sending the girls into a flurry. They announced they were looking for a specific passenger. It was the perfect time to present my services. I stepped out of the shadows and approached the men. The leader was a fine specimen, hair as yellow as the sun and clear, unblemished skin.

“Good morning, sir. Might I be of service?”

The soldier seemed surprised by my presence.

“He’s been spying on us all morning,” said one of the women. “He’s harmless.”

The other girls laughed.

I did not appreciate their laughter at my expense, nor did I like the feeling it created inside of me. I suddenly detested these insipid women. They were disgusting and stupid.

“Who are you looking for? We’ve seen a few fellas wander down here,” said one of the girls from inside the drained pool. “Can you describe him for us?”

The soldier knelt down at the edge of the pool. “Tall guy, long brown hair, civilian clothes. Bloodstained shirt. Name is Florian Beck. He’s probably trying to stay out of sight. Gauleiter Koch has a message for him.”

They would quickly realize their error in their laughter toward me. I was, after all, soon to receive a medal. I cleared my throat. “Excuse me, sir, but I may be able to deliver that message to your desired party.”

The soldier threw a glance at me over his shoulder. “I wasn’t talking to you. Get lost.” The girls giggled.

They were dismissing me. Laughing at me. The familiar anger began to rise.

I did not serve this soldier.

I did not serve my father.

I served only one.

The one.

“Heil Hitler!” I yelled, slicing my right arm through the air in salute. I turned on my heel and walked out.