Chapter Thirty-OneGerard shielded Emily’s body with his own and cupped a hand over her mouth to keep her from crying out. Her gaze ricocheted back and forth from his face to the wall. Heart battering his chest, he looked over his shoulder expecting to see the muzzle of a rifle pointed at them, but nothing appeared over the stone edifice.
“Herren, no need to be alarmed.” Merkel’s voice wafted toward them. “I am Hauptsturmführer Merkel with the SS checking on the security of this post. You have done well by discovering my whereabouts, and your excellent skills will be highlighted in my report.”
“SS? Why are you not in uniform? We could have shot you in error.” The high-pitched, nasal tones of one of the soldiers sounded derisive. “Where is your identity card?”
“Do not shoot. I’m going to
