If he thought to intimidate her with the mighty arm of German security in their occupied countries, then he was sorely mistaken. Her mother had instructed her every footstep through the viper-laced courts of London. A pretentious military officer was barely a challenge. However, a German officer with a Luger strapped to his side was another matter altogether.
“I missed my dear Ellie and would have sailed to Timbuktu for a chance to see her.” She beamed across the table at her. “Luckily, I only had to go so far as Paris.”
“And how did you get here?”
“I’m sure she’s told you a little about our father.” He blinked. Of course she had. Ellie never knew when to keep things to herself. “He has far-reaching connections, none of which I care to know too much about as long as they can get me to where I wish to go. And this time it was Paris.”
Kat leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. Take that, old chum.
Eric’s fingers twitched on the brim of the hat he had clasped under his arm. Despite the sun glaring from the high windows on the opposite side of the street, the light-blue eyes didn’t squint. “Do you plan to stay long?”
Shrugging, she took a sip of her watery tea. “Haven’t thought about it. We have a whole year to catch up on. Right, Ellie?”
“A year and two months.” Ellie reached her hand over the side of the table, ready to tap off the ashes of her cigarette. “Where’s that potted plant? The one with the red flower?”
Kat glanced around until spotting the shattered remains of the pot on the other side of the door. Last night it’d been meant for a man’s head. A Scotsman who had swung off the drainpipe in evening attire. For one so desperate to get into a party, he’d barely spoken to anyone and spent the rest of the night watching her from across the room.
Ellie followed her gaze. “What happened there? Oh, dear. Eric, darling, you’ll have to get me a new flower, as someone’s broken the one you gave me. Perhaps a lily this time.”
Kat smirked. Any regret she had for smashing that poor plant vanished knowing it was a gift from Herr Soldier Boy.
“Anything you wish, schatz.” Eric dropped his hand to Ellie’s shoulder, roving his fingertips over the back of her neck and skin just below her collar. His cold eyes raised to Kat in challenge.
Gathering every shard of revulsion, Kat shoved them all the way down, grinding her toes into the floor until she thought the balcony ready to bust beneath her. “Ellie tells me you’re in charge of museums. Quite the cushy job.” There. If there was an award for Best Actress Pretending Not to Hate Her Sister’s Nazi Suitor, the prize was hers for the taking. If only she could cram it down his throat afterward.
“Cushy? Nein, no. It is very hard work gathering all the right paintings, music, exhibits, and lectures to showcase the wonder and might of Germany.” His chest swelled, pushing out the silver buttons running down his tunic. “The Führer takes great pride in what the world will see of us, and so do I. You should come and see for yourself. I think you will be much impressed.”
“Not today, darling.” Ellie took a long drag, allowing the smoke to curl up from her lip. “We’re going to Luxembourg Gardens to see the fountains and get some fresh air. That party left me positively confined.”
The insipid smirk flattened into a long line on Eric’s lips. “You have a meeting today at three with Herr Graeber.”
Ellie waved her hand, scattering ash across the table. “He can pick music by himself. Or better yet, use the list we decided on from last week.”
“Your job is to oversee every little detail with absolute perfection: selecting music, securing venues, organizing guest lists and invitations. I gave Dr. Goebbels my personal recommendation that you could perform all tasks to the highest of degrees. You are not taking your duties seriously.”
“Of course I am, except when it’s unnecessary. Besides, shouldn’t my sisterly duties come first?”
“Nothing should come before serving the work of the Führer.”
“That’s because he doesn’t like his sisters.” Ellie winked across the table, pulling a smile from Kat just like she always did.
Red flooded Eric’s cheeks. Taking Ellie by the elbow, he hauled her to her feet. “May I speak to you privately, schatz?”