Chapter 37

37

A month later, Jana returned to the Masna coffee shop, both excited and afraid about news Egon might have on Andrej. She'd also given careful thought about the courier work Egon had proposed. Cracks in her resolve to distance herself from the resistance had appeared since Egon had mentioned carrying radio parts; memories of Lenka's bravery as she'd carried out this same mission spun a loop in Jana's mind. Lenka had been highly pregnant, but that had not diminished her determination. And she'd paid a high price for the cause.

Jana had begun to wonder about her motives for her own inaction. Yes, the Lidice massacre had shaken her to her core and made her question the value of resisting the regime. She'd tried to assuage her guilt by denying herself the pleasure of love. But now all she did was wallow around in self-pity, even more so since Andrej was missing. She had become stagnant, with no purpose in her life. She really didn't like herself any more.

Her heart sank slightly as she walked in and saw that Nela was with Egon again. Although Nela was probably younger than Jana, she still felt intimidated by her. A coffee was already waiting for her and she slid into the chair beside Egon. After a brief exchange of greetings, he got straight to the point.

‘I have no news of your friend Kovar, I'm afraid. The resistance has become fractured and extremely cautious since the brutal Nazi crackdown. Even if someone knew something, they would be reluctant to say.'

‘He's dead.' Nela's tone was matter-of-fact.

‘Why do you say that?' Jana snapped.

‘Because you said the Gestapo had him.'

‘That's true. But I don't know he's dead. He's missing.' Jana's voice shook with fear, mixed with anger at Nela.

Egon interjected, looking at Nela. ‘This isn't helpful right now.' Then turning to Jana, he said, ‘Have you thought any more about the courier work I suggested last time we met?'

Jana took a few breaths to calm herself and focus on the quick change of topic. It was time to stop dithering, pick herself up and let Lenka be her inspiration.

‘I'll do it,' she said.