Hans' heart pounded.

There were so many Americans around him; he knew he must be in the right place. He had followed Eve's advice and moved on from the first town as quickly as he could. But after all his travelling and the shocking revelations, his body had betrayed him. He managed to make it to another nearby town, then collapsed from exhaustion. The lady who had run the hotel where he was staying had called a doctor who had put him on bed rest for a couple of weeks. He had tried his best to sneak away, but the lady was entirely vigilant, and took him straight back to his room.

As much as he had hated to admit it, he had needed it. His legs were in a bad way, and he was malnourished and dehydrated. He would have been able to carry on in his younger years; it was nothing that he wasn't used to. But he had to accept that he simply wasn't up to it anymore. He had telephoned Klara, who was beside herself with worry. There was still no news of his nephew, which weighed heavily on his heart. But he had to push forward. Once he had Anna and Elli with him, then he could look for Kai. It was only once he was up and about again that he had heard a group of people discussing the capture of Berchtesgaden, and the American paratroopers' role in it.

"They were the ones who found the camp," he had heard one of them say. "Then they went storming all the way through to Berchtesgaden. Doubt we'll get that back any time soon."

So, Hans had pressed on, finally finding himself a car before he left; he wasn't going to expect Anna and Elli to walk as he had. He soon arrived in Berchtesgaden and tried to focus on his plan. He really had no idea where to start looking for her, or if she'd even be there. Perhaps the Americans had deposited her in a town along the way. But someone here must know her, and where she was. He would find bed and board, then begin his search.

Hans began to wander through the town, trying to take in his surroundings. It was swarming with allied troops, all quite at ease now that peace had been declared throughout Europe. He tried not to stare at them too thoroughly; he didn't want to arouse suspicion. If anyone here realised that he had been involved in the camps, he'd surely be lynched.

He had just spotted a small hotel when a man stepped into his path. He was an American paratrooper.

"Good afternoon," said Hans politely, then corrected himself, "I mean, Good afternoon."

"Are you Hans Lange?" asked the soldier.

Hans now noticed that there were two other men flanking him. Hans remained calm, his gaze becoming severe. There was no point in lying. "Yes, and who might you be?"

"I am Captain Baker."

"And how do you know my name, Captain Baker?"

"We identified you from a photograph."

Hans' heart stopped. "Anna's photograph," he said in a low voice.

Captain Baker nodded gravely.

"Is she here? Can I see her?" Hans asked urgently.

"I'll need you to come with us first," replied the Captain softly. "We have some questions we need to ask you."

"Please," begged Hans, his voice strained, "you do not understand how far I have come to be here. I need to see her now. I need to know that she is all right."

"Anna is just fine. But she doesn't know you're here at the moment. We'd prefer to keep it that way until we've got some answers from you."

Hans closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath. He was so close... she must be within touching distance. "And if I were to decline your invitation?"

"I hear you're a smart man. What do you think would happen?"

"Fine," replied Hans curtly, allowing the three men to lead him away.

***

Hans had been sat in the cramped room for over an hour now. He knew they were trying to get under his skin. They knew he was at the camp... they must think him a monster. It was understandable.

What had Anna said about him? Had they simply made their own deductions?

He buried his face in his hands, trying to focus. His mind was consumed by Anna. These men clearly knew her. Was she afraid? Were they keeping her here against her will? He needed to see her.

Hans glanced again around the room. They had taken him to the town hall and were now in an archiving room of some sorts. There was no window, just a light bulb dangling from the ceiling. It was dingy, cramped and musty.

Finally, Captain Baker came through the door, followed by another man Hans didn't recognise.

"Sturmbannführer Lange?" asked the new soldier, sitting down opposite him. "I am Major Hatcher."

"Technically it would be Obersturmbannführer," corrected Hans. "But my service ended in February."

"A long military career, so I've been told?" said the man, studying him.

"Thirty-one years," he confirmed. There was a small silence. "Is Anna all right?"

"She's fine, Obersturmbannführer."

"Please, do not call me that, Major Hatcher," said Hans. "No good ever came from that title. And as I said before, my service has ended."

The two Americans looked at one another, then back at him.

Hatcher cleared his throat. "Mr Lange, we know that you were involved in the camp that Miss Lehman was liberated from. Now, Anna has said on several occasions that you broke your... protocol and were able to help several inmates. You were also the one that freed Anna and had her work for you in the army barracks, is that correct?"

"Yes," said Hans.

"And you entered into a romantic relationship?" he asked, the Captain's gaze glued to Hans, searching for his reaction.

"I am her fiancé," he reiterated, noticing that the Captain shifted uncomfortably.

"And the affection was... mutual?" asked Hatcher.

Hans grimaced. He supposed it was good that they were questioning that... but it still hurt. "Yes, it was mutual."

"And yet you left her behind when she decided to stay for Elli?" said the Captain, his tone clipped.

"It was complicated," said Hans, his jaw clenched.

"Hmm," said the Captain dismissively.

"What do you want to know?" Hans asked Hatcher, ignoring the Captain.

"We are trying to round up everyone from the camp that is unaccounted for... and besides the Commandant himself, you were the highest ranking official there."

"Have you found the Commandant yet?" Hans asked.

"Sadly not. We were wondering if you had an insight into his whereabouts."

"No," sighed Hans. "All I know is that he left the camp in early March, made it to his check point, and then was assigned a place in hiding."

"That's a pity," sighed Hatcher.

"Look," said Hans, leaning forward. "I know what you must think of me. I know that my life hangs in the balance here... as it should. But I can prove that I was feeding information on the camps to someone in the British army."

"You were?" said Hatcher.

"Anna never mentioned that to us," said the Captain.

"She didn't know," explained Hans. "Anna and I were supposed to leave the camp last August. The plan was to go to Berlin, then retreat to Switzerland. I contacted Daniel so that we would be able to have safe passage to England; start a new life. In exchange, I fed him information about the camps."

"What is his name?" asked Hatcher.

"Colonel Daniel Lloyd," said Hans. "He's stationed in France."

Hatcher sighed. "I'll find him, then we can confirm it. Tread, why don't you two keep the conversation going? This could take a while."

"Of course," said the Captain, taking Hatcher's seat as he left.

There was a strange silence as the door closed behind Hatcher. Tread was staring at him, his eyes narrowed, and his arms folded. Hans tried not to let it annoy him. He didn't like the knowing way that Tread was looking at him.

"What else did you want to know?" asked Hans. "I'm sure Anna will have told you everything you need to know about the barracks and inner workings, but I am happy to tell you anything that I can."

"Can you tell me why you left poor Anna and Elli with those monsters?" he asked.

Hans' heart twinged. "Selfishness."

"I thought as much," said Tread.

"Do you know her well, then? You seem to."

"My men were the ones that liberated her camp. We've all grown very fond of Anna and Elli." Tread leant forward towards Hans. "But do you really care about little Elli?"

"Yes, of course!"

"But you didn't stay to help look after her," reminded Tread. "You didn't protect her against the Commandant or that blonde fucker..."

Hans looked up. "Blonde fucker?" he repeated. "Keller?"

"We caught him trying to flee to Austria," said Tread. "Anna identified him and the other men for us."

"Where is he now?" asked Hans, his fists clenched.

"Why?" asked Tread. There was a pause. "You want to kill him?"

Hans said nothing, his brow heavily furrowed.

"He won't be bothering anyone anymore," promised Tread.

Hans eyes widened. "That's illegal."

"But a damn sight more ethical than killing millions of people because of their religion, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes," agreed Hans, then sighed. "Please. I know that Anna thinks that I'm dead. But I need to see her... I need to explain-"

"Explain what?" cut across Tread. "How do you know that she'll want to see you?"

"I don't," replied Hans. "But there are things we need to talk about."

Tread sighed heavily. "Look. I don't think you're a Nazi. Not a proper one any way. If you were, there is no way in hell I'd let you anywhere near those girls. I get the world that you were living in, and I know that any small thing you did at that camp to help those people could have cost you your life. Saving Anna, protecting her as you did, that was a risk. Perhaps trying to save Elli was a step too far for you. God knows Anna doesn't always think things through where her sister is concerned." He paused for a moment, trying to conjure the right words. "But if I tell you she's happy, can't you just leave her alone?"

"Why would I want to leave her again?" asked Hans, incredulous. "I'm going to take her home, give her and Elli a better life."

"They have one. We look after them."

"You're not always going to be here!" Another pause. "What are you not telling me?"

Tread sighed again. "Anna clearly still holds a special place in her heart for you," began Tread. "But she's finally been able to leave you behind and begin her new life. If you suddenly reappear..." He didn't finish his sentence.

Hans knew what he was hinting at. In Tread's eyes, he was just a setback.

Tread cleared his throat. "Here," he said, handing Hans a notepad and pen from his pocket. "Hatcher wants any more prominent names you can give us. I'm sure once we have those, and confirmation from your British friend, you'll be free to go. You're hardly a threat to the wider world." He stood up, giving Hans a hard look. "But I want you to think about whether showing up in Anna and Elli's life is the best thing for them. Try not to be selfish when you consider your options. That's clearly difficult for you."

He gave a nod, then left Hans alone in the small, oppressive space once again.

***

Night time had come and gone, and still Hans was locked in this tiny room. He had written down every name he could think of along with their last known location. Not that it was going to help them; these people would be long gone by now. He still left Altmann off the list. He owed his old friend that much, he supposed.

Hans had managed to sleep a few hours passed out on the small table in front of him. He was still resolved to find Anna. No one there understood what they had between them. They had known her for over a month and suddenly they think they understood her? It was infuriating. He had promised her he would come for her; he was going to keep that promise.

He knew that their new life would not be easy. He knew that Anna was never going to just forgive him for abandoning her. But he had to believe, that their love was strong enough to withstand all that had happened.

Finally, Hatcher entered the room, a plate of food and glass of water in his hand. He handed it to Hans, who chose only to sip the water slowly. "Colonel Lloyd has confirmed your story," said Hatcher finally as Hans set the water down. "He says you fed him important information for seven months. He also says that he wants you unharmed."

Hans simply let out a small sigh of relief, then refocused. "Can I see Anna now?" he asked throatily.

"Colonel Lloyd is awaiting your call in the other room."

"Can I not speak to him afterwards?"

"Anna is not going anywhere," sighed Hatcher. "You are to speak to Lloyd first."

Hans' jaw clenched in frustration, but he allowed them to lead him to the nearby telephone. He took a deep breath, then picked it up. "Hello Daniel."

"Hans, what on earth are you doing in the hands of a bunch of Yanks?" came the high-brow English accent. "I haven't heard from you since you left for the front in December!"

"I was injured," sighed Hans. "Then honourably discharged in February. I've been trying to find Anna."

"Your fiancé? Dear God man, you didn't go back to the camp, did you?"

"Just to the town-"

"Hans, you're lucky that these Americans were cooperative! A lot of people wouldn't have thought twice about killing you on sight if they knew you were involved at that bloody place. Haven't you heard what's been happening with the Russians?"

"Anna needs me, Daniel. I'm not going to simply abandon her."

"Is she all right?"

"Yes," said Hans, looking at Hatcher, "or so the Americans tell me. They haven't allowed me to see her just yet."

"But they have been looking after her?"

"As far as I'm aware. Why?"

Daniel sighed. "Many of the women in Anna's position are seen as collaborators."

"That's absurd!"

"I quite agree! But as with you, it's a godsend she was not liberated by the Russians. They've been sending women like her to camps of their own for punishment." There was an awful silence. "You and she will have to be careful. I think it best that you come back to England with me. That place in Scotland is there if you still want it."

"She has her little sister with her-"

"That's not a problem."

"And I want Klara with me too. And my nephew... though I don't know where he is."

"Has he still not returned home?"

"No."

"I'll see if he's anywhere our end. He was fighting us Brits after all."

"Thank you, Daniel."

"When you have Anna and her sister, go home to Klara. Tell me when you're there, and I'll arrange your extraction. You can still reach me on this line."

"How can I ever repay you?" asked Hans.

"Stay safe," said Daniel. "You're a good man, Hans. Promise me that you'll just live a quiet life after this?"

"I promise."

"Good. I've got this Hatcher fellow to get you an American letter of pardon. Then you can travel with a good degree of protection until I can get to you. Until we speak again."

"Goodbye," said Hans, putting the telephone down as it clicked off.

"Did he mention the letter?" asked Hatcher.

Hans nodded. "Friends in high places truly are a blessing."

"I don't think he would have saved you if you were a monster," commented Hatcher. "Thank you for your cooperation."

"Am I free to go now?" asked Hans.

"Yes, but there is someone waiting outside for you."

Eagerly, Hans gathered his things. It must be Anna. He dashed outside, looking around for her. The only people there were Tread and a young, blonde woman. She approached him.

"Hello Hans," she said smoothly. "My name is Heidi."

"Should I know you?" he asked, his tone clipped.

"No," she said. "But I know you. I'm the one who reported you to the Americans."

"Well, thank you very much," spat Hans.

"Anna is staying with my sister in law and myself," she continued.

Hans' eyes lit up. "Does she know I am here?"

"No."

"Will you take me to her?"

"Yes," she said, though seemed objectionable.

Hans turned to Tread. "Thank you, for looking after Anna as you have," he said as politely as he could muster.

"And Elli," reminded Tread. "Just remember what I said," he murmured, then nodded to Heidi and left.

Heidi sighed. "Follow me," she said, walking close beside him.

"How is she?" asked Hans. "No one would tell me anything concrete."

"She's thriving," promised Heidi. "As is Elli. But you'll see that for yourself."

"I suppose you object to our reunion seeing as you had me arrested."

Heidi letting out a small laugh. "I needed to know categorically that you weren't a war criminal," she pointed out. "I know that Anna has stood up for you against the Americans when they first met, but she never talks about you now." She suddenly stopped at a café just off the town square. "Let's sit here."

"You promised to take me to Anna."

"She'll be here any moment. But it's better if we do it this way. Please, take a seat."

Hnas did as he was told, trying not to let his rage get the best of him. Heidi looked at her watch, then stared ahead at a particular spot.

"What are we waiting for?" questioned Hans.

"You'll see," sighed Heidi. But he pressed her with his eyes. "Patrol is nearly over. Anna and Elli always meet the boys at the end of the morning's patrol."

Hans nodded, then sat back. They sat for a good ten minutes, not speaking to one another. Heidi ordered them coffees which Hans wouldn't touch, too busy mulling over what he was going to say to Anna. He wanted to hold her tight and never let her go. He wanted to tell her over and over just how much he loved her and how he had missed her. He needed her to understand how angry at himself he was, and how foolish he had been. He needed her to smile at him as she always used to.

"There," said Heidi, now pointing across the town square.

Hans stopped; his breath caught in his throat.

He could see her.

Anna was waiting, Elli in front of her. She had her arms around her sister, talking to her with a beautiful smile on her face. Hans' heart pounded in his chest, his breathing quick. He had forgotten just how beautiful she was. She looked different. He hadn't expected her hair to be so short. But she seemed so tranquil, her clothes simple and relaxed.

Hans shot to his feet, Heidi standing beside him. He didn't care. He wanted to run to her; to scoop her up in his arms and breathe in that sweet, familiar smell. He was so pleased to see her. He went to cross the square to go to her but stopped.

Elli had broken free of her and run at someone. A giant of a man picked her up and kissed her cheek, letting the little girl wrap her arms around his neck. He was an American, young and strong.

Hans' eyes darted back to Anna.

His heart fell as he saw her expression. Her grin had grown even further on sight of this man, and they wandered towards each other, him still holding Elli. This man bent down low, Anna standing up on her toes so that she could kiss him tenderly on the mouth. His big arm wrapped around Anna who buried her face into his chest, the three of them clearly enjoying this tender moment before they were joined by more Americans.

Hans felt as though he had been kicked in the gut. He couldn't move, his entire body rigid with shock. Yet he couldn't look away.

Elli soon jumped down, and then onto the back of a moustached man who charged away with her. Anna called out something to him, but the big American pulled her focus back to him, enclosing her in his arms. They spoke for a moment, both so wrapped up in one another they didn't notice anything or anyone else around them.

It hurt Hans even more to see Anna wind her arms around the man's neck and pull him in to kiss her. He thought he might be sick, his head spinning suddenly. He wavered on his feet, Heidi catching his arm.

"Maybe you should sit down," she said, trying to drag him to a nearby chair.

But Hans didn't want to lose sight of her. He couldn't. He pushed passed Heidi, beginning to make his way over to her as she and this new man began to walk away still entwined.

"Just stop," pleaded Heidi, stopping him from going any further. She coaxed him back into his seat, seeing the utter despair that was descending on Hans.

"Who was that man she was with?" he asked, his voice throaty.

"That's Abraham," sighed Heidi.

"Are they-" began Hans but couldn't finish. He couldn't say it aloud. He had imagined so many scenarios, but not this one.

"They are very much in love," said Heidi.

Hans' eyes screwed shut. He took in a deep breath, but it did nothing to calm him. He opened his eyes, probing Heidi for further explanation.

"Abe was one of the soldiers who liberated the camp she was kept in," continued Heidi. "I believe that was back in the beginning of April. They've been inseparable ever since."

"That was not even two months ago!" he said, his words anguished.

"I don't think you're in any position to judge her choices," snapped Heidi, Hans' glare settling on her. She sighed heavily. "Look, Anna thinks you are dead."

"I know."

"Then are you really going to blame her for moving on? Even if she did know you were alive, is it fair to have expected her to wait for you?" Each word hit Hans like a searing blade. "You left her sister for dead and then abandoned Anna in that god damned place. The Americans told me what happened to her... the baby, those men forcing themselves on her, the beatings."

"They hurt her again?" he said, his voice barely a whisper.

Heidi grimaced. "She's covered in scars. The worst are on her back. She was beaten with a belt."

Hans slumped back. She was right. It was totally his fault. "

The one that did that was the one that shot her friend Freddie, or so Hollywood tells me."

Hans stared at her; his nostrils flared. "Keller?"

"Yes, him. The Americans got hold of him trying to flee the country-"

"I know. Tread told me."

"Did he tell you that Abe beat him half to death and then one of the other's shot him?"

"No," sighed Hans, "just that he was dead. Can't say I'm not pleased." Then he paused. "Does she know?"

Heidi nodded.

"I need to talk to her."

"Why?" asked Heidi. "Hans, she's happy. I mean, truly happy. Abe's made it no secret that he wants Anna and Elli to go to America with him. Her life is moving forward now."

"But I-"

"If you tell her you're alive, you could set her back," continued Heidi. "What would she have to gain? She's not going to leave Abe for you."

"I wouldn't ask her to-"

"Wouldn't you?" she asked.

Hans sighed. "Does she still have the ring I gave her?"

"It sits on her dresser. She hasn't worn it for a little while now."

Hans looked pained again, everything pressing down on him now. He had travelled so far to find her, imagining their reunion over and over again. Instead he had to see her in someone else's arms. It was the worst thing imaginable. Because, in all truth, she did look so blissfully happy; perhaps even more so than when they had been together.

"Is he-" began Hans, his throat dry as his words faltered. He had tears in his eyes, Heidi studying him. "Is he a good man?"

"He really is," said Heidi gently. "Elli adores him just as much as Anna does. He looks after them, Hans." There was a pause. "She has the picture of you on her bedside table."

"The one of the four of us at the party?"

Heidi nodded. "She misses you, that much is true. But Abe is so good for her. And for Elli! I know how much you clearly love Anna, but you don't feel the same for that little girl."

"I could learn-"

"But Abe already does!" she insisted. "His love for both of them is completely unconditional. Yours is not."

"I really wish it was," murmured Hans. "I have no greater regret in my life than not having the courage to stay for that little girl... or to stay with Anna knowing she loved her more than me." Hans stood up, trying not to waver on his feet, Heidi shooting up too. "I'd better go," he said softly, Heidi breathing a sigh of relief. "Just know, that I still love her very much. And it was never my intention to hurt her again." He looked straight at Heidi who looked sheepish. "I hope that this Abraham loves her as I should have," he whispered. "She deserves nothing less than the best of men."

Heidi shot forward and threw her arms around him, Hans not returning it. "I'm so sorry," she mumbled, then pulled away.

"It's nobody's fault but my own," he assured her.

He nodded a final time and began his walk out of the town.

As he reached the outskirts where his car was parked, he looked back, fighting every impulse in his body.

This was it. The end for them. There was nothing he could do to redeem himself for abandoning her. He had to accept, that although she was all he ever thought about, that she had moved on. He would never see her again, never hold her close to him and tell her that he loved her. He'd never see her eyes light up when he entered a room, never hear her sigh happily as the rain began to fall. He didn't deserve her any way. Perhaps this man did.

Defeated, he drove away for good.