Several days passed, and more and more Anna and Elli felt the camp's presence less and less. Anna was also thrilled, as her period had finally come. It was a quiet relief that she didn't share with anyone. It wasn't for them to know.

Since Hollywood had let his grudge against Anna go, all the men of their unit had been including her as much as they could. Anna still enjoyed her chats with Abe the most though. She noticed that around the men, he said very little, content just to listen to the others. But with her, he chatted nonstop. Anna liked having something slightly separate from the rest of them. Not that she didn't like them, it's just that her talks with Abe helped remove her from her situation.

Anna had been so worried about when they would move on from this town. However, Tread had a tip off from one of the town's folk that some SS men had passed through here a while back, and were planning on making their way to Austria, which is the direction that the Americans were heading. So, Tread decided that Anna was needed to identify them.

Abe couldn't contain how pleased he was that they were coming along. "You can keep me entertained," he insisted jokingly.

The day arrived when they were due to leave, and Anna and Elli took no time at to get their things together; they had nothing. Eve and her mother were incredibly sweet, and gave them some spare clothes, as well as some food for the journey. Eve had even made Anna some marzipan, which touched her heart. The sisters gave them both a big squeeze, thanking them for their kindness, and clambered into the truck with the rest of the boys.

The sisters enjoyed listening to the men joke as the journey drew on. Again, Abe said very little, only interjecting when encouraged. Anna took the time to watch him, curious about the giant of a man. He always seemed peaceful, as if nothing really got to him. But after their conversation at the church, and his reactions at the camp, she knew that couldn't be true. Perhaps he just didn't want anyone to know he was rattled. She understood that feeling all too well.

When a lull in conversation came, Elli turned to Anna. "Can you tell us a story?"

Anna shifted a little uncomfortably. "Not a family story," she whispered.

Elli sighed. "Fine," she huffed. "What about a historical one?"

"Yeah, you promised to tell me about the Egyptians," said Abe, nudging her so that she smiled.

"That one I can do," said Anna.

"Why the Egyptians?" asked Sam.

"Her mother was a Professor of Ancient History," said Abe, Anna smiling that he remembered.

"Y'all say nothing the entire journey," teased Hollywood, "then y'all answer someone else's question?"

"So?" barked Abe.

"Curious is all," laughed Hollywood. "I thought y'all liked your women noisy?" Everyone sniggered as Abe kicked Hollywood.

"Why would you like your women noisy?" asked Elli innocently.

"Talkative," said Anna quickly as she narrowed her eyes at Hollywood in warning. "Matthew meant talkative."

"Yeah, sure," said Hollywood. He leant forward to Elli. "You see Elli, our Abe here was quite the ladies' man back in the day, so he says."

"You had lots of girlfriends?" asked Elli.

Abe looked really uncomfortable and deliberately avoided Anna's curious gaze.

"He sure did," said Hollywood. "Back in his twenties anyway. That's why me and him get on so well. We're both a lover of women." Then looked at Sam. "Why he's friends with you, I'll never know."

"What does that mean?" asked Anna.

"Let's just say he ain't a lover of women," teased Andy.

Anna's heart pounded. Was he like Karl? Were they at peace with it?

"I am a lover of women," insisted Sam. "Just haven't taken anything further than a kiss."

Perhaps not, thought Anna, sinking back.

"Why is that?" asked Elli.

"He's a big ol' scaredy cat," said Harrison.

"Actually, Elli, it's because I'm a gentleman," said Sam. "I think you're the one that's scared of women, Cotton."

"Oh, trust me, I'm not," said Hollywood. "I know how to treat women."

"You sure?" said Abe finally. "You seemed pretty scared of Anna for a while there, son."

Everyone laughed, Hollywood joining in. "Yeah well," he sighed, "that woman is scary as hell." He shot Anna a wink which made her smile.

"Why do you say Hollywood is scared of women?" Anna asked Sam.

"Did I say women? I meant commitment."

"Why commit to one when you don't have to, right Abe?" said Hollywood. "You get me?"

Abe, again, said nothing, just glaring at Hollywood.

"What, so now you're thirty-five, that life ain't for you no more?"

"No it ain't," grumbled Abe.

"And what changed from when you were thirty-four, then?" joked Marv.

"We all gotta settle down sometime," sighed Abe.

"You're only saying that cause you're such an old man now," teased Andy. "The rest of us are sitting pretty our twenties."

"So, you don't think you'll have wives then?" questioned Abe.

"Not me!" said Hollywood proudly. "And you're only wantin' a woman to cook for ya." He went to slap Abe's belly, but Abe grabbed his hand and yanked him out of his seat, sending him toppling to the floor, everyone laughing.

Abe helped him back up, a grin on his face. "Trust me, when y'all hit thirty, you'll understand."

"Is there someone waiting for you back in Missouri, then?" asked Anna.

Abe glanced at her. "No," he said quickly, seemingly eager to let her know.

"It would take quite the woman to tie the Hick down," laughed Ewie.

"Yes it would," agreed Hollywood.

Anna knew Hollywood had turned his keen gaze on the two of them, and yet she did not let her own leave Abe's. Abe seemed disgruntled by Hollywood outing him, so she made sure to shoot him a huge smile. Relieved, he returned it.

Hollywood cleared his throat. "Well, come on then, Miss Lehman. Tell us all a story."

Anna finally looked at the rest of them. Their eyes were all fixed on her. She sighed, settling back against the low bench as Elli nestled into her. She launched into her story, telling them all about Ramses and his beautiful wife Nefertari; about his battle for the fortress at Kadesh; about the temple of Abu Simbel; about how his mummified body was discovered hidden amongst countless others in a makeshift tomb. She saw the others all drifting off at points, but was pleased that Abe listened the entire time, a contented smile on his face.

They soon arrived in the new town. There were a few dilapidated buildings to the outskirts of the town, clearly blown apart by heavy artillery. But the further in they drove, the buildings remained intact. Clearly, they had put up very little resistance. It was another quaint, Bavarian town, Anna preferring this one to the last. This was totally new. No one knew who she was here. She already felt refreshed.

As they finally pulled to a stop, all the guys jumped out of the truck, Hollywood picking Elli up so that she squealed and giggled as he jumped out of the cab with her. Abe rolled his eyes, climbing down before he offered his hand to Anna. She clambered down, stumbling a little.

Abe steadied her, then pulled her out of the way of the rest of the men that bundled out. "Hey, listen," he said awkwardly, "about what Hollywood said in the truck-"

"That he is scared of me?" ventured Anna. "I quite enjoyed that."

"No," he smiled, "I mean about me." He shifted a little, not meeting her probing gaze. "That was when I was a lot younger. Back when all I did was brawl and show off and-" He didn't finish. "I just need you t'know, I ain't like that no more."

"I know," she assured him, and he grinned.

He looked up at the town. "I guess we need to find y'all somewhere to stay," he said with a sigh. Anna nodded, following him into the sea of Americans.

They found Tread having an in-depth conversation with a young woman. His brow was furrowed, listening intently to her explanation of something. When he saw Anna and Abe, he beckoned them over.

"Right you two," said Tread as they arrived. "This is Gabby," he explained. "She's told us that men we suspect of being SS did pass through here."

"They were staying here until they heard you Americans were coming," Gabby said. "Then they went onto the forest not far from here. I think they planned to hide out there until you left."

"Yeah, well they ain't gonna slip past us," said Abe. "Want us to look for them on patrol?"

"Yes I do," said Tread, now looking at Anna. "Anna, once we find 'em we'll want you to check 'em out. That gonna be okay?"

"Of course," said Anna, Gabby smiling at her.

"Say, Gabby," said Abe. "Don't suppose you'd be up for lettin' Anna and her sister stay with y'all? They've had a hell of a ride-"

"Of course!" said Gabby before he could finish, Abe taken aback. "Any enemy of the Nazis is a friend of mine!"

Anna couldn't help but smile at her suddenly serious expression. She had an entirely angelic face, and it didn't suit the scowl that was painted across it.

Abe chuckled throatily. "Well ain't that grand."

"Let's get you settled in now," said Gabby, leading her away.

"Elli, sweet girl," called Anna. "Come with me."

Obediently, Elli followed, Anna looking back and smiling at Abe gratefully. He watched them up until the last moment when the three of them disappeared around the corner.

***

They had been in this new town for over a week now, and the boys were becoming increasingly annoyed that they hadn't found the hiding SS men. Some were interested in having an exhilarating story to tell the people back home. Some wanted to try and help Anna find a little more peace by apprehending them. And some of them just wanted a bit of excitement.

Anna hadn't really given it a lot of thought. She really enjoyed staying with Gabby and her mother Rosa. They were entirely welcoming, Elli warming to Rosa immediately. Gabby explained how desperate her mother was for grandchildren, and that she was glad Elli could fill that void for a while. Gabby's husband had died in combat last year when she was visiting her mother, so she just hadn't left since then. Anna's heart went out to the lovely young woman. She clearly still mourned him but seemed to bury all the pain deep down inside.

Anna had explained her situation to her so that she knew she wasn't alone. It was like having a less stern Maria to talk to. She wondered how her friend was getting on back in Berlin, and the children, and Helga. She still had no way to contact them immediately as Rosa didn't have a telephone, and some of the town's people were still wary of her because of her connection to the Americans. She did, instead, write Helga a letter, just to let her know she was safe.

Abe still came to visit every day. They often went for a stroll with Elli along the river. Sometimes Sam and Hollywood would join them, but mostly it was just Abe. He was happy to spend his free time this way. Hollywood had let slip that Abe was in an internal dilemma over the missing SS. He wanted to find them so that they weren't evading justice. But he also knew, that when they had been found, it was very unlikely that they would need Anna anymore, and they'd likely have to leave Elli and her behind. He seemed to have decided to just enjoy one day at a time.

One morning, Abe and Hollywood had caught up with Anna and Gabby in the marketplace. Anna was exhausted. Elli had been up all night with night terrors, and subsequently, so had Anna. Seeing Abe's concern, Hollywood let him off patrol and said he would take it instead. Gratefully, Abe left with Anna and Gabby to go and cheer Elli up, and Hollywood wandered back to where his patrol unit were getting ready.

He had never seen Abe like this before. The big Hick had always remained impartial, imparting his folksy wisdom once in a blue moon. But the strange young woman and her sister had completely captivated him. Abe had always been one to put the men first. He never let anyone down. Even when he took a load of shrapnel in his back at Market Garden, he'd just let Ewie patch him up and carried on.

Hollywood had always been able to rely on Abe; the men respected him, and he was the best damn First Sergeant there was. If he was scared when he went in first, you'd never have known. He wanted to be able to do something for his friend and allowing him to get close to Anna seemed to be the ticket. He tried not to think about their inevitable parting.

Hollywood soon arrived back with the patrol group. Sam, Harrison, Frenchie, Marv and Deano were all ready to go.

"Where's Abe?" asked Frenchie.

"I gave him the morning off," said Hollywood, grabbing his kit.

"Let me guess," said Frenchie, "he's with that broad again?"

Hollywood shot him a look. "Y'all hatin' on his choices?"

"Of course not boss!" piped Harrison, immediately standing beside Hollywood. He was a good lad. Keen, but sweet enough.

"Just don't get why he's allowed time off to get his dick wet and we're not," muttered Frenchie.

"Hey, don't talk about Anna like that," snapped Sam. "She's been through enough without you leering over her."

"And anyways Frenchie," grinned Hollywood, "don't y'all have to find a girl that wants you first?"

"Fuck off," said Frenchie, all the boys laughing as they piled in the jeep.

"We going further out today, then?" asked Marv as the car sped off.

"Yeah, Tread wants us to expand the search," said Hollywood.

They continued up the road, driving for a good while, past a small dairy farm and to the outer reaches of thick trees. After parking up, they ventured into the forest. They walked for half an hour, all on high alert. Then, their searching wound down.

Frenchie pulled out his cigarettes.

"Ain't we supposed to be looking for Nazis?" Marv pointed out.

"We're not gonna bloody find them," sighed Frenchie. "They're long gone."

"Still," ordered Hollywood, "y'all keep your eyes peeled, just in case." Another silence.

"Why d'ya think Abe is so interested in her anyways?" asked Frenchie after a while. "I mean, she's got a great pair of tits, but she's so serious all the time."

"For fuck sake Frenchie," scolded Sam.

"What?"

"You shouldn't talk about her like that, she's-"

"Been through so much," finished Frenchie. "Yeah, we get it. Doesn't stop her being too serious... or having a great rack."

"I think what Sam is tryna say is that she's got plenty to be serious about," said Marv, then paused. "But she does have nice tits."

"You're all a bunch of animals," sighed Sam as the boys all laughed. "I think it's good for Abe," he continued. "He's always wanted to settle down."

"Woah," said Hollywood. "Who said anything about 'settling down'?"

"He said it last week!"

"He weren't serious!"

"Oh come off it," laughed Marv. "You've seen what he's like around her. Always got that great big dopey grin on his face."

"Plus, Abe has always said he wants a woman to settle down with," said Sam. "He just hadn't found one."

"He ain't ever said that to me?" said Hollywood.

"Yeah, well you don't exactly like talking about marriage, do you?" said Sam pointedly.

"Fuck off, College boy," snapped Hollywood, Sam raising his hands in mock surrender.

"I like Anna," said Deano. "She's nice."

"Well shit," laughed Hollywood. "Deano said something before lunch. You owe me five dollars Marv."

"Fuck sake Deano!" cursed Marv. "The one day you decide to pipe up before lunch had to be when I'd put money on it." Deano just shrugged, all of them laughing.

Hollywood stopped, bringing them all to a halt. He pointed to smoke a little way ahead of them. The boys all focused now, panning out to be able to hit it from all sides. They approached slowly, all  very aware that they were no longer alone. They crept up to the makeshift campsite. It had been quickly abandoned; the fire only just having gone out. They would have heard them coming and left.

"Fuck," cursed Hollywood under his breath.

"LT!" came a call from the distance. It was Harry. A man had decided to make a break for it from the bushes not far from him. He was now running after the retreating figure at great pace.

"MOVE!" Hollywood ordered the others, all moving towards Harry.

As they did, Sam stopped Hollywood and Marv, turning his gun towards the bush as the other two made after Harrison and the runaway. "Come out, slowly; hands behind your head," he ordered.

From the same bush now emerged five men. One of them had a knife in his hand.

"Drop it," ordered Hollywood.

"Fuck you, you God damned Yank," he spat.

"Do you want me to shoot you and the rest of these men?" questioned Hollywood.

"Please," hissed one of the other men. "Give it a rest."

Reluctantly he threw it down, his face a scowl. They heard gun shots, four of the surrendering men looking up. The one that had the knife just glared straight at Hollywood.

"LT, we got him!" yelled Frenchie's voice from a great distance.

"Bring him here!" ordered Hollywood, not losing sight of any of the men. Hollywood's gaze settled on the brazen one. "You will want to think twice before staring at me like that," he cautioned.

The man laughed as his mouth spread to a bitter smile. "Yes, you're so utterly terrifying."

Hollywood's eyes narrowed. "Name?"

"Don't you recognise me? I'm Adolf himself-" he began but was shoved by one of the other captives. Hollywood gave up and ignored him.

Eventually, the other three arrived, dragging the now injured man with them. They threw him to the others, all but the knife yielding one attending to him.

"What do we do now, boss?" asked Harrison. "Do you think this is them?"

"I'd say it's likely," sighed Hollywood, looking again at the brazen one. "Show me your arm."

"You want me to undress for you?" questioned the man with a smirk.

Hollywood was unfazed. "Show me the underside of your arm. All of you."

Reluctantly, they all did as they were told. As expected, all of them had their blood group tattooed clearly on the underside of their arm.

"We got 'em. We'll all head for the jeep, then Marv, you drive back to the town and get the others. We'll walk these fuckers to the dairy farm, keep 'em in the paddock."

"Yes boss," said Marv.

"You're to carry him," ordered Hollywood, "and follow us."

"And if we don't?" asked the brazen one.

Hollywood stared straight at him. "Then I will shoot you in that Nazi head of yours," he spat. "Now come on, quickly!"

Reluctantly, the men fell into line, the Americans flanking them with their guns raised, as they began their journey to the dairy farm.

***

Elli had just drifted off for a nap, Anna now free to sit out in the fresh air beside Abe. They lounged on the fountain in the square outside Gabby's house.

"Thank you for your stories about the farm," said Anna, rubbing her eyes a little. "It really helped calm her down."

"No problem," said Abe, watching Anna waver a little beside him. "They seem to've worked on you too."

"I will be all right," she promised, stifling a yawn. "I just need to rest for a moment." She nestled her head on his shoulder.

Abe let her tuck her arm into his elbow. "By all means, use me as a pillow."

She smiled sleepily. "You are very comfortable, what can I say?"

Abe said nothing, happy to share this quiet moment with her.

At that moment, a jeep came hurtling into the town centre, startling the two of them.

Marv jumped out of the jeep. "Abe!" he called, running over to them. "We've found them! We've found the fuckers!"

"Truly?" asked Anna.

"Yes!" said Marv. "Hollywood has them held up in a dairy farm about 10 miles outta here. We've gotta find Tread and go over right away."

"I'll find him," said Abe, now looking at Anna. "Y'all tell Gabby where we're going so Elli ain't upset when she wakes up."

Anna nodded, her heart pounding.

Abe noticed her expression. "Hey," he said gently, cupping her face. "You're gonna do great. I'm with you every step, okay?"

"Okay," she repeated.

He smiled quickly, then dashed off to find Tread as she went to tell Gabby.

Soon, they all piled into the jeep with Marv, careering off to the farm. Anna was so nervous. She knew that she was perfectly safe, but what if she did recognise these men? Just as she had begun to feel removed from that awful place would she now be confronted with very real reminders. Anna said nothing as they arrived at the farm, Marv leading her passed the farmhouse and out to the paddock.

Abe hung back with Tread, but Anna could still hear him. "This is gonna be a lot for her," he said to Tread in a low voice. "Maybe it's too soon."

"Abe, it's the whole reason she's here," pointed out Tread. "We've gotta know."

Abe sighed heavily but agreed. He ran to catch up with Anna, resting his hand on her back in support. Every day she grew more grateful of him.

They walked up the path, meeting Hollywood just outside the gate. "Glad y'all could make it. I've got six of them in there."

"Six," said Anna in surprise.

"It's all right, Anna," he assured her. "The boys are still surrounding them. Ain't no one gonna hurt ya."

She nodded and took a deep breath. They walked through the gate, Anna looking at all the men sitting in the paddock. There were far more than she had expected; so many cowards unwilling to face up to what they had done.

Tread began running Abe and Hollywood through how they were going to proceed, but Anna's gaze had fixated on something entirely different.

"Anna?" asked Abe, watching as she wandered towards the men,

Her breath caught in her throat. She went to one particular prisoner whose back was turned to her. Anna was already well aware of who it was. She stood over him. "Keller."