Daniel Pov Prisoner Of Night And Fog

Chapter 26

I noticed when we met, Gretchen had cut her once long hair that went to the middle of her back, was much shorter, it went to her jawline. When we first saw each other, she had explained to me that she was going with her friend, Geli invited her on a trip to Hitler's mountain home in a week or so for about four days. She said she'll try to get some information on his childhood while there. I commented on how her wounds seemed to have healed quite a bit, I looked over her to see if she had any other injuries, I was relieved that she looked fine. 

We moved to a tall chestnut tree, hidden from view. After a while of talking I confirmed "Max Amman" I said, confirming her statement. "The fellow you described in the photograph can't be anyone but Amann, he went to the beer hall with Hitler that night, and he's just lost his arm in a hunting accident. He's an old Party comrade, I believe, who fought with Hitler and your father during the war" I explained to Gretchen.

She nodded to herself before she glanced to me, her eyes dark in the trees shadow from the orange and pink sunset. "Amann used to be the NSDAP treasurer, now he runs the Party's publishing business. And there are rumours he's Hitler's personal banker. Imagine the sorts of secrets he must know. I can start looking into him tomorrow" I said
I was leaning on the tree truck and noticed Gretchen was looking at me "I must go, I've important appointment to keep" I said.
I was shocked when Gretchen had looked to me "With a girl?" she muttered quietly.
I shot her a startled look, did she just ask that? She thought I was seeing a girl? The wording was odd, more of the point, why is she so upset? "A confidential source has given me a tip, and I must follow up on it. If he's right, I shall be uncovering a big story the NSDAP is desperate to hide" I explained.

She seemed to relax a bit "Let me help. Please" she begged, I rose my eyebrow, it's rather dangerous "You've done so much for me. I'd like to do anything I can, to help and your newspaper expose Hitler as a fraud" she explained.
I thought for a moment, it would be nice to have her with me, but her family would be suspicious? "Won't your mother grow suspicious, if you're not in the boardinghouse to help with supper?" I asked.
She shook her head "No" she snapped "Not after--" she said softly, taking a deep breath "not after what Reinhard did. She lets me do as I please now" she muttered, I didn't trust her words, but I'm sure there is some truth to it.
I looked over her face "It might be dangerous" I said, I want her to be with me, but I don't want her to get hurt.
"I'm not afraid of getting hurt. Not anymore" she said.
I noticed that her hand flinched, like she was going to touch her swollen eye.
"No," I said softly "I suppose you wouldn't be, after everything you've already been through" I said, deciding to take her with me.

I held one of branches to the side, let Gretchen go through without getting scratches "Come" I said as we walked out of the small cluster of trees we were in.   

In silence, we followed the long, straight main boulevards, we turned into the bunch of side streets, I was slightly afraid of her reaction once she realises we are at a cigarette house, which are known for prostitution.
The houses were four- three stories, and muddy lawns. Chimneys without smoke, it looked like more if it was a poor part of München. 
When we reached the building a stopped, my face grim, not really liking the idea of being in the building, or what I could find out "Once we're inside, don't say a word" I said.

Gretchen seemed to be slightly shocked at my statement but nodded. We walked inside, the wooden steps sank lower under our combined weight. Gretchen looked around, probably thinking it was a normal apartment, however, she now seemed confused.
We went to the man at the desk, he was picking his teeth with a pocketknife. The shutters were closed, the only light being from a single kerosene lamp, leaving most of the room in shadow.
"One hour?" the man asked, perhaps getting the wrong idea. 
The man reached for a key on the wall "We were sent to observe" I said, putting a handful of coins on the desk.
The man sat down and started to pick his teeth again "Next floor. First door on the left" the man said in a slurred voice.
"Thank you" I said, I motioned for Gretchen to follow me.