Siegie eased away from Gunther. He moved back toward where Mom and I stood. Gunther turned around to face the SS officers. I couldn't see what was on his face or tell what he was thinking. I saw him put his hands at the top of his hips above his pistol belt.

Siegie stopped beside me. He whispered, "I'm going over to the other side of this truck to see if there is any ammunition for those weapons piled up on it."

I nodded and eased backward to reach the running boards. I climbed up on my sid...