Chapter EighteenThe sanctuary door opened with a bang.
Gerard’s head whipped around. A pair of German SS officers tromped up the aisle toward the celebrants. Next to him, Emily’s body had stiffened, and she clutched his arm in a viselike grip. Celeste and Doreen stood at the food table, hands frozen in the act of slicing the tart. Pinning an obsequious smile and what he hoped was a look of innocence on his face, Gerard dipped his head toward the soldiers.
Behind the altar, Father Victor pressed his palms together. “Welcome back, Standartenführer Weber and Hauptsturmführer Schneider. It is an honor to see you again.”
Weber, the taller of the two officers clicked together the heels of his gleaming knee-high boots. The leather of his gun belt squeaked as he bowed. His white-blond hair cont
