THE ROSE PERFUME

Chapter 50

Saturday morning, Raina, Emmanuel, and Emmeline Montalivet piled into Greg's 1936 black Avions Voisin C28 Clairiere Berline, with a basket of fresh baked bread from the kitchen in the Cafe, wine, fruit, pasta in white sauce, plates, napkins, and silverware and drove out Rue Eloignee and up the coast of Normandy to see some of the special projects Greg is working on.

"I have a meeting in Le Havre with Hitler and important associates of his this afternoon, so it's no problem," Greg explains. He is one of the chief scientists in the area working on top-secret special projects. "Perhaps there will even be time to visit the mermaid. Its blood is as blue as the sky."

"Oh, goodie!" Raina sprays on more rose perfume and pats it in her purse, "I can't wait!"

Raina is sitting up front with Greg and Emmanuel is sitting in the back seat with Emmeline. Raina sits in the front because it is her birthday. She has a better view of the road and choose the channels on the radio and sing along to 'La Chanson de la Resistance.'

"This song is by Jean Nocher," Emmanuel says.

"One day in the future I bet I turn on the radio and hear your voice." Raina says, "You've been hiding away in that Cafe for so long. When this war is over you should share your songs with the world."

"I'll have to meet the right people," Emmanuel says.

"You will," she says checking her lipstick in a hand mirror.

It is a clear day with a cool wind coming from the water. The sun coming in through the windows is warm and the stretch of ocean as far as they can see is not occupied. No sailboats enjoying the drift, speedboats on vacation like there used to be, and no fishermen tossing nets out in the water. It is just them, the ocean, and the empty road.

"Does everyone have their papers?" Emmanuel asks. "In case we get pulled over."

"Oh, we don't need those," Raina says, "What fun is that? Besides, it doesn't matter. We're with, Greg! He's so important, he can bring anyone through."

"It's better to be safe though," Emmanuel says. "Anything could happen."

"Oui, mine are right here," Raina pulls them from her purse and waves them in the air. "Do you have yours, Emmeline?"

"Oui, of course." Emmeline says, "I never go anywhere without them. You are right Emmanuel. These are dangerous times. It is better to be safe."

Raina pinches Greg's arm, "So, now there is a Mrs.?" She asks, "A Mrs. Greg Vogle?"

"Ja," Greg laughs and rests his elbow on the window with the wind rushing through his hair. "We are having a big party at the Cafe next weekend." He says, "Everyone can come. Invite all of your friends!"

Raina and Emmeline look at each other. A mutual connection and understanding and no need to vocalize their comments between them.

"There are plenty of German officers I've met who'd like to come," Emmeline says lighting a cigarette.

"And I keep tabs on a few," Raina says. "Are you inviting the men who will be at the meeting you're going to today?"

"Ja," Greg says still smiling, "Why not? Everyone."