Read Online Saving the Rifleman by Julie Rowe - Free Book Online

shaking and frowned.
    “The German soldiers have finally left. There are two stationed across the street watching the door, but I think that’s all.”
    Maria inched her way into the room. “What about the German officer? What happened with him?”
    “He insisted there was a British soldier hidden here, but of course, they didn’t find one. The officer was escorted away, but swears he’ll be back to prove we’re harbouring the enemy. I think we would have been in trouble if Dr. Geoff hadn’t been here to support us. I believe he’s called in every favour anyone ever owed him.”
    “Thank God.”
    “Rest now. You can leave after dark.” Rose turned to look at him. “How are you?”
    “Fine. I slept well and my leg hardly hurts at all.”
    “Good. You should rest as much as possible as well.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Now he knew where Maria had learned her habit of issuing orders.
    Rose left them alone, and John turned to look at Maria. “That German officer, had you met him before?”
    She ducked her head and plucked at the hem of her cloak. “Yes. He’d inspected the hospital before.”
    Her fingers kept tugging at the fabric.
    “Did he hurt you?”
    She shook her head. “No, he didn’t get the chance. I spilled a pot of hot water on him before he could…hurt me.”
    “So, he was looking for you in particular?”
    “That’s certainly the impression I got.”
    “Have you had to fend off…horrible acts before?”
    She laughed, but there was little humour in it. “I’ve been subjected to unwanted advances from all kinds of men, yes. But I learned how to rebuff them in short order long ago.”
    Maria gave him a look that made him feel as though he knew nothing of the world. John found himself speechless. He’d thought his uncle’s kind a rare beast, but now… How did she put up with it?
    “How do you rebuff them?”
    She sighed. “A knee to the genitals usually does the trick. Although, I’ve also had to poke a couple of men in the eye. Then I get as far away from them as I can.”
    Horrible was the perfect word to describe the lengths she had to take to protect herself. “I’m sorry…”
    “No need to apologize. You’ve done everything you could to keep me safe.” She gazed at him with trust shining in her eyes. “We should rest.”
    “Yes, of course. My apologies for bringing up such an unwelcome subject.”
    “Thank you,” she said as she closed the closet door, “for saving me from such an unwelcome creature.”
    John stared at the door for a moment before settling on his back and attempting sleep.
    No wonder she assumed the worst of people in high positions. But he was determined to show her that true gentlemen did, in fact, exist.

Chapter Six
    Hours later, Maria and John followed Rose through the hospital, into the kitchen. Though voices echoed through the deserted halls like ghosts searching for their long misplaced corpses, no one came within sight.
    “Head northeast out of the city,” Rose whispered as they approached the back door. “This is a map of the route to the Netherlands. There are two safe places to stay marked.” She gave Maria a small bundle in addition to the bag stuffed with bread, apples and a milk bottle full of water. “There’s some money in case you need to buy food. It’s not much, but better than nothing.”
    “Thank you doesn’t really say enough.” Maria ignored the tears running down her face and smiled at her teacher, mentor and friend.
    “Nonsense. Now be off with you. You should make it to the border in two or three days if you hurry. Godspeed.”
    “Thank you, ma’am.”
    Rose gave John her best matron stare. “Take good care of my nurse.”
    “That I can promise,” he said, capturing Maria’s hand.
    His palm and fingers were warm and strong. But that didn’t make it any easier to leave the place she’d called home and the people she called family for the last several months.
    He scanned the yard then nodded at her and saluted