In the last weeks of April, men wearing civilian clothes with a black diamond outlined in silver thread began appearing on Berlin’s streets. They were Sicherheitsdienst, Hitler’s secret service. Agatha saw them in front of Frau Bleich’s house where Hans, Sarah, the children and Bella lived. They were watching.
On her weekly trip to Berlin, she had a chance to speak to Bella alone. “Bella,” she began gently. “Hitler…”
Bella knew what Agatha was going to say so he said it himself. “I am a threat to the Volksgemeinschaft (National Community).”
“I do not think you are a threat, my shatz. But it is rumored that Hitler has started a secret police with a special office in Berlin to round up homosexuals. There are men….”
“…watching. I know,” said Bella. “They follow me from the Institut on my weekly treatments.”
“My God,” Agatha cried. “You have your card?”
“Yes, I have my ‘transvestite certificate’ but I do not think it much matters,” said Bella. “Nazis do not honor the law.”
“You could leave Berlin. Come home to the White House. Live with Herr Finkham, Mutti, Andres, John and I. You could live as a man. They would not bother you, I think, if you come home.
“Shatz,” Bella took Agatha’s hand in his. “I can not run. I am what I am. I do not have a single regret.”