The Paris Architect: A Novel

The priest rubbed the side of his face, then defiantly looked directly into Schlegal’s eyes. “Then I’m afraid Lieutenant Voss will have to wait until hell freezes over for his breakfast.”


This impressed Schlegal, who despised the priest for what he’d done, yet had respect for the old man. He wondered if a younger priest would be as defiant as an old man near the end of his life. With all those years of living ahead of him, would he act the same?

“So I guess if I let you go, you wouldn’t stop doing this,” asked Schlegal with a great smile.

Father Jacques shook with laughter for a few seconds. Schlegal laughed along with him.

“Colonel Schlegal, you’re a most amusing fellow. I could almost like you if you weren’t such a Gestapo swine.”

Schlegal laughed uncontrollably at this remark. Voss looked on with disapproval.

“Ah, Father Jacques,” said Schlegal, tears welling up in his eyes, “you almost make me wish I was Catholic.”

“But you do have your own church, Colonel. It’s run by Satan himself—Herr Hitler.”

Schlegal walked up to the priest and stooped down to face him. He placed his hand on the old man’s knee.

“So, Father, you’ve been working quite hard these days hiding these Jewish brats. It must have been an enormous strain on you. So I’m going to do something special for you.”

“Convert to Judaism?”

Voss started to lunge at the priest, but Schlegal waved him off.

“You need to take a trip, Father. You need a rest. So I’m arranging a vacation for you.”

“What a nice thing to do.”

“Have you ever been to southwestern Poland? Very beautiful country. I think you’re really going to like it. Fresh air. Trees. Nature. It’s kind of a retreat. One with lots of Jews, and since you like Jews, you’ll really feel at home.”

“Sounds wonderful. I’ve got a feeling I’m going to leave right away.”

“Indeed you are. In about two minutes you’ll be on your way. But one last thing. I suppose you won’t tell me if there were any others besides Father Philippe in Carcassonne helping the Jews?”

Father Jacques just smiled. “I can’t say it’s been a pleasure, Colonel, but I did enjoy talking to you. I even hope that when you die and your ass is burning in the fires of hell, you won’t suffer too much. In fact, I’ll pray for your soul, my son.”

“How very kind of you. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Father. It’s not often I meet a brave man. Voss here will direct you to your train. I’m afraid you may find the train trip a bit cramped and uncomfortable.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that German train accommodations are not up to French standards. Rumor has it that you can get two hundred into one car.”

“Ah, in war, one must make sacrifices.”

Father Jacques knew it was time to go and rose from his seat. He bowed slightly to Schlegal and turned to Voss. “Herr Voss, I’m ready for our trip to Drancy.”

“Good news, Father,” Voss said with a smile on his face. “You can bypass Drancy and get on your train right away.”

“Yes, I’ve gotten you a berth on an express run,” added Schlegal. “It’s a long trip, but I hear you can get a nice hot shower when you arrive at your destination.”





40





“Did you fall into the pot and drown?” Alain yelled.

He heard Pierre flush the toilet and unlatch the door. Alain was leaning against the wall as he came out.

“What the hell were you doing in there? Sounded like you were talking to yourself in gibberish. What language was that, boy?”

Pierre just smiled at Alain.