NURSERY

RHYMES

"Daddy, I'd rather you read me ‘Under- standing Crossdressing!'

"Denise, darling," a voice boomed in her ear as she hid out by the bar to avoid Joe Martin. Now it was Heinrich Langer's turn to kiss her ear and hold her about the waist. Denise sighed. She must repair her makeup soon "Come and sit on the terrace with me," said Langer in a low, urgent voice.

Denise went with him, not- ing the grown on General Gerlitz' face as Langer guided the blonde out onto the dimly lit terrace. "If you want to know about next week Denise began when they were alone.

""

"No, it isn't that," said Langer quietly, staring at some- thing interesting on his hands. “I spoke to Helene Gaudet before she left for Paris. She told me about the business she had with you, and she asked me to finish it for her."

Denise shuddered. Heinrich had pulled two long chairs to-

gether so that they could talk without being overheard. "What did she want you to talk to me about?" Denise looked away from Langer with feigned disin-

terest.

"The Werchstatter File," said Langer quietly and directly.

Denise shook her head. She shouldn't have worn her new pearl earrings. They were both too tight and too feminine. "I couldn't get it," she whispered. "And please don't tell anyone Helene asked me to get it."

"You can't get it?" Langer was very doubtful. "You've ac- cess to the files."

Denise shivered. She should have brought her wrap out with her. "Not to the sensitive files," she stammered. "Gene Chaplin has the key and the lending list for those. I'm just a file clerk."

"Ah," Langer for some rea- son seemed more confident and relaxed than before. "That's very 18

good. Now," he leaned forward and took one of her slim hands, stroking her long, polished nails. "Colonel Simons has the Werch- statter File at your apartment to- night.'

Denise shivered again. “But ." she began.

how..

"Don't ask," snapped Lan- ger. "I just know. Now, what's needed from you is . . .

Denise was shaking her head trying to pull her hand from his but Langer would not let her go. "You must do this," he said ur- gently. "For France and for the future of a democratic Germany. Helene and I agree that you are the only one with the opportun- ity to photograph this file." "He took a small camera from his pocket and reached over for her purse. "Just return this to me when we meet in Walden next week."

"I I can't," Denise shrank from his touch.

"You must," said Langer. "Helene will be back on Friday next week. She'll be very disa- ppointed if you don't do it." He sounded very regretful. "She's very powerful in the government. I hope she wouldn't let on about her approach to you, or make trouble for you on your re-entry into France." He pressed her hands. "But enough of such things, Denise. Let us dance and enjoy the General's birthday."

Denise let him lead her back to the dance floor. Of course, Jody had to be the first to see her in Heinrich's arms as they danced, Heinrich beaming to everyone they knew.

"You're enjoying the party, said Jody," when they met in the ladies' room, both repairing their makeup.

"Yes, and you?" Denise watched the girl very closely for her reply. There were others around so that their conversation was necessarily constrained. Even makeup did not hide the dark circles under Jody's eyes.

"As much as I can." There was an acid tone to her words. But then she softened as she looked at Denise. "Can I come over and be with you tomor- row?"

Denise was taken aback a little. "Sure," she said. "Richard will be working at the office."