War Girls Complete Collection Chapter 234

Chapter 12

I

t took Katrina most of the day to locate the one-armed guard but she finally spotted him as he left the camp in the afternoon. She followed him to a shabby bar, where he sat down at the counter.

“Vodka. Make it double, and chalk it up on the slate,” he said to the haggard waitress, who cast him a quick glance before she went to fetch the bottle.

“Here’s your drink, Jozef,” the waitress said as she put a smeared glass in front of him and generously poured the alcohol into the glass. He downed it in one gulp.

Katrina lingered near the door, unsure of herself. This had to be the man Edmund told her about, the man who could serve as Richard’s savior. Although she had her doubts whether he’d be willing to help. A ruined man drowning his despair in vodka. She knew the kind.

“What do you want?” the waitress said with a nod to Katrina.

“Eh… I…”

“This is no place to loiter. Order something or leave.”

Katrina’s heart thundered against her ribs and she gathered all her courage to say, “Actually, I was looking for Jozef.”

“Me?” Jozef turned around with a bewildered look on his face. His eyes became small slits as he gave her a once-over from head to toe. Panic trickled down her skin in the wake of his piercing stare. It transformed into an approving leer once he’d finished the perusal of her person.

“Yes, my cousin Edmund Adamski said you might be able to help,” she said, trying her best to disguise the slight tremble in her voice.

“Hmm… Edmund… and what can I do for such a beautiful doll?”

By now several other patrons had raised their heads with interest and Katrina fought the urge to run from the bar. “Can we talk about this in private?” she asked with a feeble voice.

“In private? Of course.” The lecherous glint in his eyes frightened her, but it was too late to back out. Jozef left his seat at the bar and came toward her. Grabbing her by the elbow, he led her into a back alley. There he released her, and she stumbled backward. The man fingered a cigarette from his pocket, put it into his mouth, and searched his pocket for a lighter, all the while she was standing frozen, staring at him.

After he lit it, he blew smoke into her face and asked, “Now, what do you want from me?”

“I’m looking for my fiancé.” Another cloud of smoke hit her face and she scrunched her nose. “He’s been taken to the camp.”

“A German? I don’t do Germans.”

“He’s a Pole, but was mistaken for a German,” Katrina lied, hoping Richard’s common sense had compelled him to stick to their cover story.

“Must be an epidemic.”

Katrina stared round-eyed at the crazy man and when he didn’t offer any further explanation she added, “His name is Ryszard Blach.”

Jozef guffawed. “That lad. Not sure whether he’s still alive. They left him in pretty bad shape after tearing his false papers to pieces.”

“You’ve seen him?” Katrina whispered, fighting against the dizziness unsteadying her stance.

“Yep. Personally put him into the waiting area.” He put the stub into the corner of his mouth and raised his arm to scratch his badly shaven chin. “Not a nice sight. But kinda tough, the lad. Wouldn’t whine and whimper or beg.” He cocked his head. “I’m sure he’s a deserter. Know a soldier when I see one.”

“Please, can you help me get him out of the camp?” Katrina didn’t actually believe anymore that this unsavory man in his threadbare uniform might help her, but she had to pursue every possibility.

“I may. But you’ll have to pay.”

“Pay? How much?” The blood drained from her face. She possessed nothing but the well-hidden bicycle and the few personal belongings and food she carried in the rucksack.

Jozef licked his lips and mentioned an extortionate amount of money.

“I don’t have that amount of money, but I have a bicycle,” she said. Without the bicycle the escape would become so much more tedious, but she’d rather give it up and have Richard by her side.

“I don’t need no bicycle. Can’t even ride it with only one arm. Sell it and come back with the money tomorrow. Although your man might not be alive by then. My best guess is they’ll take him to the torture hall in the morning.” Katrina had difficulties interpreting his confusing expression. He seemed to be ashamed, sad even, but also excited and… aroused. A sense of danger curled her toes.

“Won’t you find the kindness to help me save his life?” she asked in desperation.

“Why should I? Did any of the German bastards help me when I was wounded?” He spat the glowing stub to the ground and eyed her with unconcealed lust. Then he grinned, exposing two gaps in his teeth, and said, “You could offer me yourself.”

Katrina took a step backward in shock. “I couldn’t.”

“Then we have nothing left to discuss.” He turned around and walked away, leaving Katrina completely gutted, desolation her only companion as the walls of the alley seemed to close in on her. She wanted to scream with desperation. Could she survive with her beloved one’s death on her conscience, just because she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her honor in exchange for his freedom?

“Wait!” she yelled after Jozef. Deep in her heart she knew she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t do everything in her power to save Richard’s life. Thinking about sleeping with the repulsive guard made her want to vomit, but she’d survive. And Richard, too.

“Changed your mind?”

“I’ll do it. I’ll sleep with you.”

His face lit up and she almost panicked. A frightening thought entered her mind. What if she made this sacrifice and then this man wouldn’t stick to his end of the bargain? Or Richard was already dead?

“But first you’ll get Richard out of the camp.”

His face fell, but after a few moments a crooked smile appeared on his lips. “Not only pretty, but also brave. And intelligent. You have a deal. Meet me in front of the camp in two hours from now.”

“In two hours?” Katrina repeated, somewhat dumbfounded.

“Yes. Don’t look so surprised. It’ll get dark soon and these things are best done under cover of night.” He turned on his heel and walked away.