Chapter 9 #2
Clara was taken aback by the direct question.
It wasn’t something she was used to from her patients.
The question also ignited an ache in her chest. ‘No. I don’t,’ she replied.
And then because Frau Müller appeared to be waiting for something more, she added, ‘I’m very happy helping pregnant women and their unborn and newborn babies.
It brings me great joy.’ That was at least true and an answer that skirted around the painful truth that she and Friedrich had not been blessed with children of their own.
Frau Müller studied her again, this time the fear was replaced by what Clara could only describe as an understanding. The woman was far more perceptive than Clara had given her credit for.
‘Sometimes, I think women who help bring babies into the world have the biggest hearts of all,’ she said.
‘It takes a special kind of courage to pour yourself into another’s joy day after day.
’ Her blue eyes softened as she looked directly at Clara.
‘You have made me feel safe today, Frau Bergmann. Something I didn’t feel in my previous pregnancies.
I know I can trust you. If you are the one who can visit me at home, I think we will both benefit. ’
* * *
After Frau Müller had left, Clara was needed in the antenatal department again and although she was busy with other women, she couldn’t stop thinking about Frau Müller specifically asking for her to attend. She felt flattered and hoped that Frau Lange would approve the request.
By the time the end of her shift came, Clara had her answer. Frau Lange had sought her out just as she was heading to the staffroom to collect her cape and bag.
‘Ah, Frau Bergmann,’ she said. ‘I’ve just been speaking with Doktor Weber.
He’s had a telephone call from Herr Müller.
’ Frau Lange smiled at her. ‘It seems you’ve made a very good impression.
Not that I am surprised. Herr Müller has requested you personally attend his wife every afternoon at their home address. ’
‘Will that be from tomorrow?’ asked Clara.
‘Yes. A travel pass has been arranged so if you are questioned by anyone you can provide them with a copy along with your other papers.’
‘Thank you.’ Clara left the clinic with a mix of pride, excitement and a touch of caution. She pushed the latter to the back of her mind, reminding herself why she loved her job so much. At least Frau Müller was friendly and seemingly not concerned about Clara being British.
She was lost in thought as she made her way towards the tramline and jumped in surprise when she felt a hand on her arm as a man began to walk alongside her.
‘Just keep walking,’ he said. Clara tried to pull away, but the man held tightly onto her.
She looked at him and realised it was the same man who had followed her off the tram several weeks ago.
‘Who are you? What do you want?’ she stammered.
Was this it? Was she being abducted off the street in broad daylight?
She scanned the road, expecting to see a military vehicle or a police car idling on the side, waiting to whisk her away to heaven knows where.
How would Friedrich know what had happened to her?
Thoughts crashed through her mind and her feet stumbled on the cobbles.
The man maintained his grip. ‘Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you.’
‘What is happening?’ she asked, her words catching in her throat.
‘I need you to come with me.’
They rounded the corner now onto a main road, busier than the secluded side street of the clinic. Her tram stop was just a few metres away, but the man turned left instead of right. Clara looked ahead and saw a policeman standing on the corner, watching people as they walked past.
‘Schei?e! Die Grünen.’ The man cursed under his breath calling the policeman by the slang term of ‘The Greens’ referring to their green uniform.
For a moment Clara considered calling out to the Schutzpolizei, but something stopped her. This man, whoever he was, wasn’t here on official business otherwise he wouldn’t be worried about the policeman. She decided to take her chances with the stranger.
‘Just relax. Look at me and smile. As if we are a couple walking home,’ instructed the man.
Clara wasn’t sure her acting skills were up to the job, but nevertheless she did as she was told. ‘It was very busy at work, but we delivered three babies today,’ she said.
‘Well done. Don’t look at him,’ said the man under his breath before continuing out loud. ‘That is wonderful. Such good news.’
They passed the policeman without a problem.
They turned the next corner and Clara let out a sigh of relief.
She stopped walking, pulling her arm away from the man.
‘Unless you tell me what is happening right now, I am going to turn and run back to that policeman.’ She wasn’t sure she would, but it was the best threat she could come up with on the spot.
The man’s mouth twitched in amusement as if he too knew full well she wouldn’t do that.