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grateful we ought to be to the Germans for getting us out of the war. I told him if that’s how he feels, then he’s nothing more than a filthy collaborator. That’s when it turned nasty.”
    Gilbert froze. He had no idea of his cousin’s sympathies regarding the war; they’d never discussed it.
    Gilbert was standing next to the German in charge, but the other soldier, moving like a shadow, had slipped behind Alain. His hand went slowly behind his back as he reached for the pistol tucked into his belt under his jacket. He stared calmly at his colleague, waiting for a signal to take action.
    Completely unaware, Alain continued. “But forget about Victor,” he said to his cousin. “You didn’t say what you’re doing here, Gilbert. And you didn’t introduce me to your friends.”
    “No,” Gilbert said, “no, I didn’t.” He glanced nervously at the man at his side. “This is, er…”
    “Pierre,” the German said in French as he offered his hand to Alain. “And that’s my friend Marcel.”
    Alain shook hands with the first German and then turned to the second, whose hand was already extended. He smiled and nodded as they shook.
    “Judging from your accent you’re not from around these parts,” Alain said to the man who had introduced himself as Pierre.
    “No, we’re from over to the west, the other side of Toulouse.”
    Alain nodded, but didn’t look convinced. “So what are you doing up here on the plateau?”
    The cover story was prepared. “We’ve been thinking of bringing some cattle here. Your cousin was kind enough to show us around.”
    Alain laughed. “Gilbert knows nothing about cattle. If it’s grazing land you want you should have come to me. I was born over in Espezel, I know everyone up here. Speak to old Jacques Moutillon, he’ll tell you all about grazing rights. I’m on my way there now; I can take you to see him if you want.”
    “Thanks, but no. We’ve seen enough, and it’s not what we’re looking for.”
    Alain still looked as though he didn’t quite believe what he was hearing. “I don’t know why you asked Gilbert. All the twins know about is cutting down trees and selling off the wood.”
    “Yeah, and I’d best get back to the yard,” Gilbert said quickly. “I’ve left Eddie on his own, and you know what he’s like – he’d rather sit around all day than do any work.”
    “I’ll come with you,” Alain said. “I was going over to the house, to fetch … to sort a few things, but it can wait. It’s been ages since you, me and Eddie had a few beers and a good laugh.”
    The soldier behind Alain moved his hand towards the back of his jacket again, and this time Gilbert saw the move. Instantly he realized that his cousin was in mortal danger. “No, not today, Alain,” he said hurriedly. “We have to get some work done. Maybe sometime next week, eh?”
    “Oh, come on, a couple of beers won’t hurt you.”
    “No!” Gilbert spat out the word too loudly and forcefully. “Not today. We don’t have time. I’m sorry, Alain.”
    Alain’s face darkened, his eyes narrowing and becoming hostile. “Suit yourself.”
    Gilbert was desperate to lighten the tense atmosphere. “Next week, eh?” he said brightly.
    His cousin hesitated, looking from one stranger to another. He shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe,” he said sulkily.
    “No, definitely,” Gilbert told him. He turned towards the road, took his cousin’s arm and pushed him ahead so that he was leading the way back towards the parked vehicles. “You’re right; it’s been too long. We’ll get the beers in and make a night of it, eh?”
    The Germans followed. After a few paces, the soldier in charge gave a slight, almost imperceptible shake of his head to his colleague, who nodded and released the hold on the pistol in his belt.

SIX
    H auptmann Kurt Lau was a conscientious officer committed to doing his duty. He was as fiercely loyal to his men as they were to him. They made a formidable team, which