A Flicker of Light by Roberta Kagan Page A

mother and child living with them. The bond had progressed to such a degree of intimacy that often the couple forgot that they did not share bloodlines with their adopted daughter and grandson.
    That summer brought the smell of lilacs. The fields were bursting with wildflowers in shades of magenta, lilac, plum, and bridal pink, interspersed with patches of hardy yellow dandelions. Raspberry bushes sprung up, randomly scattered amidst the other plant life, offering their fruit to all who passed. Grass covered the forest-green hills as far as the eye could see. Warm weather and bright sunlit days found Siegland and Petra sipping cold lemonade as they sat on the porch, rocking Hans in his cradle. In June, the Bruchmeiers ’ strawberry patch blossomed, bursting with sweet berries they ate right from the vine. Siegland baked pies and canned jams with the succulent wine-red fruit. Life had slowed to a comfortable pace. Petra had taken on a healthy glow, and her golden locks floated about her head, streaked by kisses from the sun’s rays.
    Fall arrived, ushering in harvest time with it. The last of the strawberry crop sat in bushels along the side of the barn beginning to rot. Tonight, the women were determined to boil and preserve the remainder of the fruit for the coming winter. Petra helped Klaus to ready the farm, for soon the workers would come to help with the harvesting of the other crops. Siegland sat outside, her face blissful as she rocked the baby in the fresh air. She’d covered his head with hats she’d knitted to protec t him from the sun and weather.

Chapter 12
     
    T
    he countryside outside Munich is a magnificent sight in autumn. The leaves are an array of color - some a rich burgundy, others pumpkin orange, and still others a warm burnt umber. Across the land lays a thin, painted blanket where gusts of wind had distributed the foliage. Thick beds of grass cover the hillsides, turning from vivid shades of green to an aged golden hue. Many days are still sizzling as the summer sun makes her final exit to allow for winter’s arrival. But even on the warmest days, an occasional cool breeze blows through as a gentle reminder of what is to come.
    And so, on such an afternoon in late fall, a black Mercedes clamored up the road toward the little farmhouse. Klaus stiffened as he saw the automobile approach. Siegland gripped little Hans tighter, and Petra stopped working to watch, almost paralyzed with fear as the two men in black uniforms approached.
    “Good morning, Herr Bruch meier .”
    “Good morning.”
    “Good day,” the Nazi said as he smiled at Petra. “I am SS Officer Schrielner , and this is my associate Officer Hauptman. We’ve come to inform you that there is a bit of a problem. A murderer is loose in this area, and it seems that he has killed a young man with an axe. It is imperative that you be very cautious and that you report any strange occurrences to the authorities immediately. There is even a possibility that he may be a Jew, although we are not sure. However, as you know, these Jews are very clever, evil and quite dangerous, so you must take great care, especially with such a lovely young woman here on the premises.” His eyes combed Petra’s body before he slowly turned his attention back to Klaus. “I trust that you will be sharing those strawberries with our soldiers. Of course, when your crops come in we would be happy to supply you with free labor as I believe we have done in previous years, providing that you help to feed the German army. I have no doubt that you would be honored to assist your own countrymen.”
    “Yes, certainly, we will be happy to.” Perspiration gathered at Klaus’ temple. He did not wipe it for fear that the officer might detect his anxiety.
    “And who is this young lady? And the baby? You have no children that we are aware of,” the Nazi said, taking an embroidered handkerchief from his back pocket and wiping the sweat from his forehead as he studied