“It was becoming too dangerous in the countryside, Matteo’s family was threatened, so the two boys ran off to try to make it to the Americans in Naples. The idea was for Paul to turn himself in and explain his story. They stole bikes and traveled by night. Until they got caught.”
They pulled up at a large square called the Piazza Municipio, ringed on three sides by official-looking buildings in a deep ocher. If their story were true, the boys had made it to safety, just barely. But Hazel had a suspicion that they weren’t in the clear just yet, as did they, judging from their terrified faces.
Maxine addressed the driver. “What happens to them now?”
“I’ll take care of them. You go up this way.” The driver nodded toward an arched doorway. “Through there.”
The German boy grabbed Maxine’s arm and rattled off something fast.
“He says he’s only fifteen, that he never hurt anyone.”
The driver gave her a dark look. “He’s a prisoner. Not a pet.”
They had no choice but to watch as the boys were driven off, but Maxine and the German boy locked eyes until the Jeep rounded the corner and disappeared.
Inside, Hazel filled out her paperwork in triplicate while Maxine explained to the major in charge what had happened, trying to convince him to look further into the situation.
“The German one, Paul, says he was brought here when he was just eleven,” said Maxine, “and that he can prove that he’s been part of the resistance if you reach out to the father of the other boy.”
The major barely contained the scorn in his voice. “What makes you think you can trust some German kid, take his words at face value? He’s just trying to save his hide. Probably a regular soldier who got stuck behind enemy lines. They’ll say anything to stay alive.”
“He’s too young to have been a soldier. After all, the Germans retreated two years ago. Will you at least look into his story?”
Maxine’s bravery in the square, as well as now, with the major, astonished Hazel. She wished she were that brash. But she wouldn’t dare question an authority figure. Always the understudy, in life as well as in art. The thought smarted.
The major didn’t answer Maxine’s question. “You said you spoke German to him?”
Maxine responded with a barely perceptible nod. “My grandmother is German. But she’s lived in America forever. She has nothing to do with the old country.”
“Huh. Don’t go anywhere. I have to check something.” He disappeared into a back room.
Hazel looked over at Maxine, whose face had turned white. “Are you all right?”
“Let’s hope they don’t haul me off, too.” She laughed but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I couldn’t help it. They were so young. Just boys.”
The haunted look on Maxine’s face stirred Hazel’s memory. She’d seen a woman on her brother’s arm wearing a similar expression, years ago. That must be why Maxine looked so familiar: Her brother had dated a striking redhead for a couple of months, whom Hazel had met only briefly. The realization almost knocked the wind out of her.
“Did you know my brother back in New York?” The more she studied Maxine, the more convinced she became. “You did, I’m sure of it. I saw you with him. A couple of times.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” The color had crept back into Maxine’s face, and her usual look of annoyance had returned.
“My brother was named Ben Ripley. I’m sure I remember him introducing you around to his gang at a coffee shop downtown, his friends joking that you were way above his pay grade. And another time, when we were all at a demonstration in New York. Something against fascism, I’m pretty sure. Or maybe against the Spanish War. There were so many protests back then.” Along with her brother and all of their friends, Hazel had marched practically every weekend, signed every petition. Anything to stop the wave of authoritarianism sweeping the world. Ben had shown up to one rally with the exotic-looking redhead. The crowd had been rowdy, and after a short while, the girl had yanked Ben away. Hazel hadn’t seen her since.
Maxine cocked her head. “I dated a guy named Ben, an actor, for a New York minute. You’re his sister?”
“I am. I knew it! That’s where I know you from. It’s been bugging me since I arrived.”
For a moment the boys in the square were forgotten. Maxine let out a bark of a laugh. “Ben Ripley. Sure thing. I thought we were going out for a picnic in the park, but the guy dragged me to some demonstration. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. He was way too full of himself for me. Still is, I’m guessing?”
Hazel wasn’t sure how to respond. She shook her head. Even though it had been three years, the words never came out right.
“No. Not anymore.”
CHAPTER TWO
Hazel
Maxine stayed silent for a moment, before putting her arm around Hazel. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. My big mouth.”
Hazel finally got the words out. “Ben was killed soon after he enlisted, in a plane crash.”
“If I remember, he was a talented guy, right?”
