The Abbeville Boys
Chapter 31: Gretchen Gets a Job
The routine continued for weeks as Kurt and Gretchen settled into their new country. Work was going great for Kurt. He was now making sixty francs a week. He had become indispensable at the airfield. He knew all the routes and flew with precision. He also did work repairing the planes. Bachmeier thought a lot of him.
Gretchen was at home with Zeus. She went walking during the day talking with Hans and Nikolaus about things going on in the city. She kept her eye out for jobs available in the shops close to her house. One day she was coming out of the apartment and Hans was there. He walked up and said, “We’re rounding up all the Nazis but there are a lot of Germans coming into the country. Most of them are alright but Nazis are trying to sneak in. We’re sifting them out, but I wanted you to be aware. I don’t think you have anything to worry about, just be vigilant.”
“Thank you Hans. I’ll tell Kurt.” They talked a little longer and Gretchen continued her walk.
She was in front of the boutique and there was activity inside. She walked in and saw an older man with slumped shoulders and piercing green eyes. His hair was white and unkept. He had a short beard and was working feverishly setting up glass cases for display. Gretchen asked the man, “Are you opening a business?”
The man stopped his work for a moment and took a break. He was sweating and looking exhausted, “Yes ma’am. I just rented this place and I’m opening a jewelry store. My name is Albert Schuster.”
Gretchen stuck out her hand, “Hi, I’m Gretchen Reichard.”
They shook hands and he asked, “Do you live around here?”
“Yes sir. I live in the apartments two doors down. As a matter of fact, I was wondering if you need any help. I have experience in sales. I worked at the boutique in this spot. We sold many dresses, I know a lot of the local people, and I’m good at displaying inventory.”
Albert looked at her, “You know, you might be just what I need. The hours will be varied but not long. We’re open on Saturdays.
We’re open for about five hours. I’ll probably have you here for four hours. I can pay you fifteen francs a week. Does that sound alright?”
Gretchen had a smile, “Yes sir, it sounds great. I have a situation that will need attention though. I live two doors down and I have a German Shepard. I’ll need to go over and walk him every few hours except when my husband is home. It shouldn’t take long.”
Albert got a smile on his wrinkled face, “Sure my dear. That’ll be fine. When can you start?”
“I can start tomorrow if that’s okay.”
“Sure, you come in around nine o’clock and we’ll get started.”
Gretchen left the shop and saw Hans, “Hi Hans how’s everything.”
Hans had a grim look, “Nikalus came back from the police station and told me there are more Nazis here than we thought. Last night someone attempted to burn down the Zurich district court building. There was a lot of damage. Also, another murder took place on the other side of town. The person killed was a defecting German nationalist. I need you to be alert and tell Kurt. I'm sorry I gave you bad information earlier. I’ll make sure the officers who replace me at night know what’s going on. They’re good guys and you can trust them. Just mention my name.”
Gretchen was distressed, “Thanks Hans. I appreciate the warning, and I appreciate you. I better get up to Zeus. Bye now.”
She went upstairs. When she opened the door Zeus ran full speed to her. He jumped up and started licking her face and snuggling. She sat on the couch, and he was all over her. Her mind was racing, when is this going to end.
As she was thinking about their situation, she turned on the radio to get some news. Zeus curled up beside her on the couch. the door opened and in walked Kurt. He was early. She ran to him and began hugging and kissing, “Let’s go sit on the couch.”
As they sat down Kurt said, “I just talked to Hans. He told me about the incidents from last night. We’re going to protect ourselves. You’ll have Zeus and I’m leaving you the Luger. I’ll go to the gun shop and buy another. I know I told you all you have to do is point and shoot, but now you should get some practice. When I go buy the gun you’ll come with me. They have a pistol range in the back. We’ll practice there.”
Gretchen was looking down at the floor, “Darling, I got a job today.”
Kurt had a stern look, “Listen sweetheart, this isn’t a good time to get a job. We need to close our ranks. The war is over and soon they will eliminate the die-hard Nazis. This is a beautiful place to live. I just want you to be safe.”
“I know but this is important to me. I’ll have Zeus, the Luger, and Hans. I promise I’ll stay aware.”
Kurt was upset. Now it’s his turn to look down at the floor, “Okay, we’ll try it for a while. Have you told Hans?”
“No, I’ll tell him tomorrow. It’ll be alright darling.”
Kurt stared straight ahead, “I’ll call Joseph, maybe he and Helga can come by when he’s not working and tell that guy to make sure he locks the backdoor. Yeah, it’ll be alright.”
The next morning Kurt decided to go in late so he could walk Gretchen to work. They stopped and talked with Hans for a few minutes about Gretchen’s work situation. As they were leaving, Hans stopped Kurt, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep a close eye on her.”
“I know you will Hans. I appreciate it.”
The routine worked for weeks. Everything was going smoothly. Gretchen loved her job at the jewelry store and Albert became a close friend. Gretchen introduced Albert to Hans and Niklaus. The owner of a jewelry store needs to be close to the police.