The Angry Hills - Leon Uris [52]
And what if her own people learned of her dual role and she died at their hands as a traitor?
There was a way out.... Manolis’ way out. Become the kept woman of Konrad Heilser. Lisa cringed as she thought of the lustful face of the German.
The black staff Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of Anton’s Dress Shop. Heilser and Zervos stepped out flanked by their bodyguards.
Anton bowed low. Zervos reacted favorably to the treatment. After all, Anton did not have many such customers as he.
“Has she arrived?” Heilser asked.
“Yes, sir—yes, sir...”
They brushed past the bowing and scraping proprietor and walked down the corridor into the office.
Lisa stood before them like a frozen statue. Heilser’s heart missed a beat at the sight of her.
“Well!” he snorted sharply.
“There is nothing to report. I have not been contacted.”
“Come now, Lisa,” Zervos interjected, “this is the same story you gave us last visit.”
“Now, let’s stop this lying, Lisa,” Heilser said.
“I have told you before, I am contacted each time by a person who uses a false name. I can never tell where or when I will be reached or for what purpose. I have not been contacted since you released me,” she lied. “Perhaps they know I had been taken into custody.”
“Stop lying!”
“Do you wish us to bring the head of one of your sons on a plate the next visit?” Zervos barked.
This did not receive the reaction Zervos hoped for. The woman showed no trace of fear. She spoke in an unwavering voice. “I intend to keep my bargain as long as you keep yours.”
The pair were stopped cold in the face of Lisa’s courage and calm.
“Wait outside,” Heilser ordered Zervos.
The German paced back and forth, then seated himself at Anton’s desk and gave her his most charming smile. Lisa remained frozen.
“My dear,” Heilser cooed, “you are making things extremely difficult for yourself and without reason. I would like to believe your story, Lisa, sincerely, I would. I have not put guards on you—I said I wouldn’t, didn’t I?”
She did not answer.
“Lisa—dear. You know I’m trying to help you—protect you.”
“I ask nothing. We made a bargain. I shall report to you as long as I’m allowed to see my children.”
Heilser sighed and feigned sympathy. “I hope they stay healthy.”
Then he got up abruptly. His emotions began to boil at the thought of having her in bed with him. He walked around the desk and stood facing her. Her flesh crawled as he reached out and ran his hands over her shoulders and in her hair and over her cheeks. His jaw trembled as he tried to speak. “Lisa—I’ll—I’ll do anything...” He seized her and buried his lips in her neck.
She remained absolutely frigid.
He drew back and looked into her eyes, pleading. Her answer was a look filled with hatred and disgust.
Heilser raised his hand and slapped her cheek. She did not flinch. He spun about and walked from the room, slamming the door behind him.
Lisa closed her eyes and held the edge of the desk for support. Half in a trance she walked to the window and looked out at the black car rolling away. She knew that time was running out quickly and she had to make her decision.
Then a thought hit her—an avenue of escape. Her mission—the man she was to bring to Athens. He was certainly bound to be of importance to the Germans. Perhaps, without the Underground knowing it, she could allow a slipup. Perhaps she could barter for him with the Germans. If he was important enough, she could make a deal for the return of her children. She would move to another part of Greece. The Underground need never know....
THREE
ELEFTHERIA BURIED HER FACE in her hands and wept. “I will never see you again,” she cried.
Mike knelt by her chair. “Eleftheria,” he said softly. “You nursed me when I was sick—you risked your life for me—what can I say? What can I tell you?”
She flung her arms around his neck and drew his head against her bosom. “Take me with you! Take me with you!”
Mike pulled her arms loose. He stood up and turned his back. “Please don’t make it any more difficult