Timing, page 36
"What will I do when I get to Germany?"
Olga hesitated before answering. She finally sighed. "If this is truly what you decide that you want, that you need… I will arrange everything. I just want you to be aware though of what you are getting into. It could be risky, even perilous at times. And, I just want you to be prepared for the fact that you might learn other things… things you may one day wish you didn't know."
"Will I know German?"
"Naturally," she gestured toward Hannah with her hand, "just as you are now with your French accent and stylish attire, when you Time to a different country, a different time period, you'll automatically assimilate in terms of language, costume, and culture."
A look of fierce determination spread across her face. "Olga, I just have to go. I must go. I have to find out about… them." She couldn't bring herself to say the words "real parents." "I have to see it for myself. You'll really help me?"
"If this is what you really think you need… why, of course, I'll help in every way I can," Olga promised.
"Well, I'm ready," Hannah declared.
"Now?" Olga just about dropped to the ground.
"I'm going right now," she said firmly, her gaze emblazoned with steel. "With or without your help."
"You're sure?"
"Uh-huh." Her hand curved loosely around the locket.
"Wait, Hannah. There are some things you will need to know. Sit with me for just a little while longer. There are things you will want to be armed with…"
Hannah digested her words and then nodded.
That afternoon, Olga gave her the crash course version of Timing—she talked about anything and everything she thought might be useful to Hannah in her endeavor. "Think of this as the simplified instruction booklet," she told her.
She gave her a knapsack full of items that might come handy, and she also offered her home as a base camp in case Hannah ever needed somewhere to stay.
When she was finished, Olga gave her a hug and then held her out at arm's length. "If this is what you truly wish, I will be with you, Hannah. Just remember that. And do be careful."
"I will." She stepped away from the woman and for some reason hesitated. "Olga?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for everything."
"It is nothing. I wish there was more—" She looked away and then back again, "God be with you, Hannah."
Hannah nodded silently.
And then she slowly turned away.
Olga didn't see the teardrop that fell down her cheek…
A teardrop for all that had been and now wasn't…
A teardrop for all that now was and which might be…
Timing would now take Hannah straight into the heart of Nazi Germany.
She wrapped her fingers firmly around her locket.
Soon… very soon… she—Hannah Hitler—would meet face-to-face with her destiny and come full circle with the ghosts of her past.
Kelly Smyth, Timing
