The Paris Architect: A Novel

“Thank you so much, Major Herzog,” said Manet. “My men are ready to move on this immediately. The site work can begin at once. You did say you could procure at least one earthmover. It would be so much more efficient than hundreds of men with picks and shovels.”


“Of course. In fact, I may get you three. Berlin has given this work a high priority. Do you think the number of workers you listed is adequate? You know I can provide you with a work force if you wish.” Herzog spoke in his most charming manner, as if he were offering Manet the use of his umbrella.

Both Lucien and Manet knew that the work force Herzog was talking about consisted of political prisoners from Drancy and the other internment camps around Paris. Emaciated men who were “volunteered” to work for the Reich.

At the beginning of the Occupation, Lucien had been worried that he and all other Frenchmen would be turned into slave laborers, but to his surprise, workers were paid. This, of course, added salt to the wounds of the defeated—most of the French now depended on the Germans for their incomes. Many worked directly for the Germans, especially in construction, where a quarter of a million worked for the Todt organization, which was building fortifications along the Atlantic coast to protect against an Allied invasion. Thousands of French, mainly the scum of the working class, had volunteered to go to Germany to work in factories. The Germans paid higher wages than French employers, but the work was backbreaking—plus, one could get killed by Allied bombing. Manet’s men knew they weren’t getting paid as much, but they would be treated well.

“That won’t be necessary at this time, Major.”

“This building is to be constructed in less than two months, Manet. Your men will work twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Berlin is expecting no less from you,” Lieber stated in a bullying tone. “I don’t care how many men it takes.”

“Well then,” replied Herzog, who turned to Lucien, “this is a very successful start. And I believe Monsieur Manet may have mentioned his new armaments facility for the Luftwaffe?”

Lucien turned to Manet, who gave him a slight smile. Herzog picked up his cap and gloves and followed Lieber out the door. Manet watched them leave. He had a look of disgust on his face that surprised Lucien, given that the meeting had gone so well. “Lieber is a pig,” Manet said. “I know he’s going to be trouble.”

“But our meeting seemed so successful, monsieur. What’s your concern?”

Manet looked at Lucien coldly. “Your design may have won the day, but the Boche are squeezing me on my compensation and on the schedule. Lieber won’t listen to reason. He wants me to know that the French are under the heel of the Germans and always will be. In the end, I will have to use their labor to finish on time. It turns my stomach to use those poor bastards.”

“Once production is under way, they may be more flexible,” said Lucien.

“Monsieur Bernard, it’s evident that you don’t know a damn thing about Germans.”

Lucien looked down at the floor.

“And yes, I will be making guns for the Luftwaffe. The Germans have appropriated a large estate in Tremblay to build on. It may be a project you’d be interested in. But I have a small problem I’d like your advice on.”

“Why yes, I’d be glad to help.”

“An acquaintance of mine has decided to let some friends use his country home in Le Chesnay for a while. But there may be some complications with the Germans. There is a need for some arrangements if the Germans do come to call on them.”

The smile on Lucien’s face disappeared in an instant.

“This plant in Tremblay will be almost twice as large as the one you just designed. And it will adjoin a small airfield where fighters will be fitted out with the new guns to test fire,” said Manet. “So you’ll be designing a small airport as well. I hope you’ll be interested. I’ll send a car for you.”

With great reluctance, Lucien reached into his jacket pocket for his notebook to write down the appointment time. But while he was writing, he was envisioning the design of the small control tower for his new airport.





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