Saving Amelie Read Online Free PDF

you want me to walk you out?”
    “No, no, of course not—thank you. I’m here with my father.” She nodded toward the clique against the far wall.
    “Not one of the military types, I take it.”
    “No. The American scientist—Dr. Kramer.” She lifted her chin slightly but diverted her eyes. Jason caught her mixed glimmer of pride and uncertainty.
    “Ah—part of the cooperative eugenics program Himmler was going on about.”
    “I’m fairly certain Herr Himmler overemphasized America’s contribution.”
    “No need to be modest. It’s all the rage here in Germany—master Nordic race breeding. Sterilization of questionable bloodlines. Elimination of undesirable elements.” He twirled her again. “So, what do you make of it?”
    She looked taken aback, and Jason knew he was losing her. “What does your father think? Will the US be accelerating their program—keep pace with the Führer?”
    Her smile gone, she pulled away. “I don’t discuss politics, Mr.—Mr. Jason.”
    He raised his hands in surrender. “My apologies, Miss Kramer. No offense intended. It’s just that this is a gala to celebrate the researchshared between countries. I figured you’d be all for it, or at least your father would.” He stepped closer, staged his best repentant-little-boy look, and held out his hand. “I’ll behave. Promise.”
    She placed her hand in his.
    Jason couldn’t believe his luck. “Here’s something neutral. What will you do while in Germany? Need a tour guide?”
    “I’ve been coming to Germany ever since I was a child. What could you show me?”
    “Anything you want. Say the word.” He grinned. “I’ll become the best tour guide Germany has to offer, if I have to bribe every cabbie in Berlin!”
    At last she smiled, and he twirled her, glad to be in her favor once again.
    “As a matter of fact, Sir Jason, I probably know Berlin better than you. Perhaps I should give you the tour.”
    “Now you’re talking!”
    “But only if you stop twirling me—I’ll be too dizzy to walk!”
    They both laughed as the music faded.
    “Thirsty?”
    “I thought you’d never ask.”
    Before they lifted champagne flutes from the waiter’s tray, Peterson cut in. “Young, I’m out of here. I need to get these photos developed. See you tomorrow.” He nodded appreciatively toward Rachel. “Miss Kramer.”
    But when Jason turned back to Rachel, her jaw had gone rigid and her eyes cold. “Young? Your name is Young? Jason Young?”
    Jason swallowed, fairly certain what was coming.
    “The bounty hunter masquerading as a crusader out to ruin my father?”
    “Hey, that’s not my intention.”
    “You knew my name. You knew who I was. That’s why you danced with me—you wanted a story.”
    “I don’t rescue women in distress to get a story. I didn’t set up the uniform. You looked like you could use some help.” But he couldn’t hold her piercing gaze.
    “Your incessant hounding is driving my father into an early grave.”
    “My hounding?” He couldn’t let that pass. “Do you know what they’re doing as a result of his research and the research of his counterparts here in Germany? Did you hear what they said tonight?”
    Rachel turned to walk away, but Jason kept pace. “If he’s innocent, if there’s a good side to this, then help me get the story. Convince him to talk to me. I’ll be fair—honest.”
    “Honest?” She nearly snorted, reducing him to dung with her glare. “You’ve shown just how honest you are, Mr. Young. I don’t think either Germany or America can stand much more of your brand of honesty.”
    Jason stopped short, the wind knocked from his sails. “Hey, I don’t make the news,” he called after her. “It’s people like your father who do that! I just write it.”

    The piercing headache between Rachel’s eyes would not relent. Even the headlights of oncoming cars made her wince. But her father was in high spirits.
    “Quite the affair, if I do say so.” He spoke as if