Christmas Diamond, a Novella: Inspired by The Jewel series and the Virtues and Valor series by Hallee Bridgeman Page B

stacked seamstress supplies on top of everything.
    When she stood, her stomach rumbled and she looked at the barn next to her, wondering if Marcel, the owner of the farm, would mind much if she just took an egg or two. Before she could even devise a way to ask him, his wife, Armelle, came around the corner.
    "I don't want you here," she said without preamble. "You are placing my husband and I in danger."
    "Marcel said --"
    With the wave of her hand, the older, stockier woman cut her off. "I do not care what that man said,
Mademoiselle
. It was fine when it was another man. We could easily pass him off as a farm hand or a neighbor come by to help. But you have no business here. Do I look like someone wanting a new dress?"
    Marie pressed her lips together, and kept from replying that a new dress might make her feel better. She understood the woman's point. "Very well,
Madam
. After today, I won't be back."
    "See that you don't."
    Armelle glared at her while she strapped her bag to her bike and got on it. She could feel the stare right in the middle of her shoulder blades as she pedaled down the lane.
    Nerves danced in her stomach. She hated confrontation. She hated anger. Suppose the farmer's wife decided to turn her in to the Gestapo. How had it all come to this?
    She pedaled along the country road and scooted closer to the road's edge when she heard the sound of a motor behind her. Instead of passing her, though, it pulled up along side her.
    "Excuse me,
Fräulein
!"
    Startled, she looked over and saw an armored Kübelwagen driven by First Lieutenant Schäfer. Her heart started pounding frantically in her chest and the front tire of her bike wobbled. She hit the brakes and put both feet on the ground, unconsciously laying a hand over her heart. She darted a glance all around, fearfully searching every dark corner and copse for German soldiers or Gestapo laying in wait, but it appeared they were alone on the road. "You startled me,
Oberleutnant
."
    He stopped the Kübelwagen, killing the engine and setting the parking brakes in the same motion. He hopped out and jogged around the front of it to where she stood straddling the bike. He moved in a very precise manner, efficiently and with a total economy of motion. It was as if all of his movements were staged and well scripted in advance or he had rehearsed them for hours before executing.
    "I am so sorry to startle you,
Fräulein
Perrin." His voice rang out in the cool air, confident and baritone, and a little bit self-satisfied.
    A man so precise was bound to notice any mistake. All she could think of was the wireless in the bag strapped to the back of the bike. Her hands went cold and she felt perspiration bead on her upper lip. "How do you know my name,
Oberleutnant
?"
    His smile was handsome, despite his German Army uniform. Marie couldn't believe she even entertained the thought. "I made an inquiry of your landlady. She was generous to give me your name."
    What was she supposed to do? Shake his hand? How did she handle this? "It's nice to see you again,
Oberleutnant
," she said, trying to appear calm. Had they triangulated the position of her last broadcast? Was he just a decoy until a larger arrest unit arrived? "Did you make it to your ceremony on time last week?"
    He held his hand out, and she felt inclined to take it. His palm felt warm, his fingers strong. "Yes, thanks to you." He smiled with even white teeth, his eyes crinkling up with laugh lines. "You are very beautiful,
Fräulein
Perrin."
    Despite her circumstance, she felt her cheeks fuse with color. She felt her fingers tighten against his grip. "
Oberleutnant
Schäfer, I hardly think that is appropriate."
    He finally released her hand and bowed stiffly. "You are correct,
Fräulein
. I apologize."
    She gave him a slight nod but suddenly felt afraid that she'd offended him. Him, a German officer. "Thank you. I hope you don't —"
    He cut off her panicked apology. "Of course not. I should have kept that thought to