Winfred

55

Official Report

British Intelligence

Code: 3986

Kathleen Winfred

Spring, now arrived in full force, had warmed the compound built around the hotel quite nicely.

Now that it was no longer cold, there was a lot more work that occurred outside. The prisoners seemed to be in a better mood; even the soldiers' mood seemed to improve. As the days were now longer, we were outside more often.

In the mornings, I walked with Von Steubon, inspecting the work details. Originally, I stayed inside when Von Steubon went on inspections, but, eventually, he asked me if I would like to get outside for a bit, to which I eagerly said yes.

The first day I went with Von Steubon, I was thrilled with the fresh air. It smelled of spring: of flowers, of grass, and faintly of rain.

Von Steubon did not seem to share my excitement, but he invited me again the next day, and then the next, and it eventually became a routine.

In the evenings, I got to go outside again, with Pirot, who had been moved to a later shift, so that she oversaw a work detail in the latter half of the day, instead of the earlier half.

I was quite glad for any excuse to go outdoors.

As I was no longer a prisoner, I was free to walk about in the cobbled courtyard, and to sit at the edge of the fountain in the center, even if water no longer flowed within it. It was still enjoyable, to sit there and read a book, or to write Virginia a letter.

I returned the first book I borrowed from Von Steubon, and he allowed me to choose another. I was surprised to find that he had, not only books in German, but books in English and French. I asked him if he spoke French, to which he only nodded, looking frustrated that I had interrupted his work.

The bookshelf held a wide variety of books, of all lengths and subjects. Some were history books, some were poetry, and some were classic novels.

I took a book by Dickens, "Great Expectations", eager to read something in my native tongue for the first time in what felt like forever, and left Von Steubon's office.

I was beginning to like Von Steubon. I still didn't know what we were, but I think we were friends.