“Of course you haven’t,” she said with a laugh. “I’m beginning to think it’s just me.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far quite yet. Now, if something goes awry this time, perhaps I’ll reconsider.” He winked. “Now, before Anna arrives, I should tell you that she knows that you’re a British agent.”
“I’m fairly certain she figured that out before we ever went to Sweden together,” Evelyn said. “What have you told her?”
“Me? Absolutely nothing. She figured most of it out herself. When I told her you were coming back to Oslo, she asked if she could see you again. I didn’t think you would have any objections.”
“No, of course not! In fact, she could be very helpful, if you’re willing to share her for a few days.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow and looked amused.
“My dear girl, why do you think I invited her along this evening?” he asked. “I don’t know why you’re here, but I do understand how helpful a local can be. She’s all yours for as long as you need her. Just don’t go getting her embroiled with the SD again, will you?”
“I’ll do my best not to.”
“I’ve told her that you’re going by the name Marlene Elfman, so you don’t have to worry about any slips there. I haven’t told her what your cover is because, to be honest, I don’t know.” He tilted his head and looked at her. “What is the official reason for your visit?”
“I’m a Belgian national here to visit my old friend.”
“Ah. Very generic,” he said approvingly.
“Marlene!” A voice cried and Evelyn turned to watch as a tall brunette crossed the restaurant towards their table. “How wonderful to see you again!”
Evelyn stood up as the woman approached. “Anna!” she exclaimed, a smile stretching across her face. “I’m so happy you could join us!”
“Oh I’ll never turn down dinner!” Anna Salvesen said with a laugh, greeting Evelyn with a warm hug. “You couldn’t have kept me away. Hello Daniel!”
“Anna,” Daniel said with a nod and a smile. He sat as the two women took their seats. “I’ve been telling Marlene how you work with me at the embassy now.”
Anna nodded and her brown eyes danced as she glanced at Evelyn.
“You’re not surprised, I’m sure,” she said, setting her purse on the chair beside her. “When I came back to the city after Christmas, the law firm seemed very dull.”
“No, I wasn’t surprised.” Evelyn said, sipping her wine. “How have you been?”
“I’m well! I was very relieved to hear that you got away safely in November,” she added, lowering her voice. “I was worried. Although, when they all showed up at the train station, I knew it had worked just as you said it would.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you. I owe you for that.”
Anna waved her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. I had a fantastic time! I’m just glad I could help. Is this trip going to be as fun?”
Evelyn laughed. “Goodness, I hope not! I want a nice, easy visit this time. Nothing unexpected and no enemies lurking in the shadows!”
“I’ll drink to that,” Daniel said, lifting his glass. “Here’s to an uneventful week!”
Anna stared across the small table at Evelyn, a cigarette in her hand and a look of stunned disbelief on her face.
“You’re here to do what?”
Evelyn shrugged and sipped her drink. Daniel had departed after dinner, and she and Anna had moved into the cocktail lounge to have a few drinks before calling it a night. Evelyn had taken the opportunity to confide the true purpose of her visit to Oslo.
“Daniel doesn’t know,” she said now. “It’s better if he doesn’t. It’s less complicated that way.”
Anna shook her head and rubbed her neck, a reluctant smile crossing her face.
“Well, that’s certainly not what I was expecting to hear,” she said, reaching for her drink. “And I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you’ll have a bit of an uphill battle. No one wants to get involved in the war, especially to do anything that might incite the Germans to retaliate.”
“I understand.” Evelyn hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward. “The thing is, Anna, they might not have a choice. All of our intelligence suggests that Hitler will try to move north into Sweden or Norway, or both. If he does, not only will we need eyes and ears here, but you will need help from England and France as well.”
Anna blew out smoke and frowned. “I know,” she agreed. “I’ve seen the reports. I know the threat is real. The problem here is that most of us don’t think there is any need for us to be involved. They don’t believe that Germany will bother with Norway. The general feeling is that if we don’t poke the bear, the bear won’t notice us.”
“And if it does?”
She shrugged. “Then they will face that problem when it arises.” She paused for a moment thoughtfully. “Although, there are some that might be willing to consider the possibility. I’ve just remembered someone who went to school with my brother. He might be worth approaching.”
“Oh? Why?”
“He’s a wireless radio enthusiast,” she said unexpectedly. “Been mad about the things for years. My brother still sees him occasionally when he’s in the south and speaks very highly of him. If Erik respects him, I can assure you that there is more there than just a man who likes to play with radios.”
“He uses them for a living?”
“God no.” Anna laughed. “He’s a fisherman by trade. The radios are just a hobby, but according to Erik he’s a genius with the things.”
Evelyn tilted her head thoughtfully. “Does he know you?”
“Oh yes. I haven’t seen him for a few years, but he knows me. Would you like me to contact him? He might be a good place for you to start. Erik said that he has some very strong political views and it was
