The Heritage Paper

Chapter 31



March 28, 1953



Philip,



I can’t tell you how much your letter made my blood pulse. I have not heard from you in eight years. You always taught me about the importance of faith, but your capture after the war tested mine. I’m sure that working for the Americans could not have been easy for you, but at least you were safe and able to continue to fight the Russians. They are truly the most dastardly of all the earth’s creatures.



The plan has carried on in your absence. Thank goodness that the Korean conflict has finally ended, so we can move toward the endgame. Josef is now fourteen and living with the family that was created to care for him. But I must tell you that our son has his mother worried. I’m told his indiscretions are a unique American phenomenon called teenagers. But on the rare occasions I’m able to visit with him, I see trouble in his eyes. I think he needs you … his father.



My next words are the ones I’ve avoided since receiving your correspondence. I have married. A good man named Harold—an honorable police officer like yourself. He knows nothing of the group or why we were sent to America. We don’t share the same fire as you and I did, Philip, but he is sturdy and the best friend I could ever imagine. We have a son named Harry Jr., who is now four years old. I can only hope that one day he will get to meet his brother Josef.



I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you once again. Although, I know secrecy will be paramount for any such meeting.



Love always, Andrew





October 6, 1959



We did it, Philip! We married off our son. What a grand day! I never thought it possible that all the still-living Apostles could be in the same place at the same time. I joked with Bartholomew during dinner that it was our version of The Last Supper, and he responded that he was just glad that no secrets were revealed with so much champagne being consumed. Harold mentioned you when we returned to the city. He was very impressed with the security you provided for the wedding, especially how well organized it was. I could imagine the two of you being great friends under different circumstances. Unfortunately, he can never know who you are. Who we are!



I can only hope this union sets Josef in the right direction. Thaddeus looked beautiful and now that two Apostle families have joined, we are prepared to take our rightful place. I felt Peter beaming down on us. He must have been so proud—he’s the one who anointed him the Chosen One, and despite Josef’s many stumbles, I still believe in Peter’s prophecy. And now we will become grandparents! I wish we could celebrate such a proud moment together, but I understand the situation, as we all do. I was relieved that they had the ceremony before she showed too much. That could be quite a scandal in the high society Josef has now joined. But anything to take the focus away from their true identify is a blessing.





December 1, 1963



I haven’t been able to bring myself to write you, Philip. But I’m so relieved that you’re finally out of the hospital. I feel the need to be by your side, but we both know that’s not a possibility. Harold has focused on my recent depression. He doesn’t know I was down about being unable to help my Philip.



Otto found evidence that traced your stroke to Thomas. I know this is not a surprise to you, or any of us. But this was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to Thomas’ sins against the group. As we might have suspected, he was plotting his takeover since before the war ended, and was responsible for your capture by the Americans, while also plotting with Judas to murder Peter. Trust was always Peter’s downfall, and both of us did warn him of Thomas’ true intentions. I know it’s no consolation to you, Philip, but we brought you some semblance of justice. Thomas is no longer a threat to us, or anyone.



The recent news of the death of President Kennedy was shocking. It made me think of his mother—I can’t even fathom what it must be like for a mother to witness her son being murdered. It made me feel blessed that Josef is alive and healthy, although his relationship with this Olivia woman worries me. I am not one to argue against a mistress for a powerful man, but having a child is complicated and dangerous, as you know, especially with her working for the Americans. But I am glad you have got to spend time with Josef these last few years, and I must say I am excited about our new granddaughter, even if I have reservations about the mother. Get well, my love.





Veronica glanced at Flavia. Her ice princess persona was beginning to melt. Her mother was the Olivia that Ellen spoke of, the mistress who was to have a child with Josef. That would make Heinrich Müller her grandfather, and it suddenly made more sense as to why he left the farm to her. It would also explain the trips her mother made to Rhinebeck and her recollections of Gus Becker’s son—he was Flavia’s father.

Which meant that Flavia and Carsten did have something in common after all—Ellen Peterson was their grandmother.