Ruth had grown up in Berlin, where her father taught at the university.  She was always a bit of an awkward girl, with a clumsy streak and a love of books.  Most of her time had been spent alone, amongst her books, dreaming of far away lands and mythical creatures.<br/><br/>As she grew older, she started to grow in beauty, though she was still socially awkward.  Her long black hair and olive skin were quite fetching.  Boys started to pay attention to her, but she ignored them, with her nose always stuck in a book.<br/><br/>When the Nazis had taken most of her family away, it had come as a great shock and horror.  She and her father were separated out, but aunts and uncles were all taken God only knew where.  She despaired, even now, of ever seeing them again.  She had felt lucky to still be with her father, until she realized what they wanted him to do.  She had tried to tell him not to do it, but he had insisted.  Her safety was all that mattered.  Without her, he did not wish to continue living.<br/><br/>When the Colonel had taken an interest in her, it had been horrible.  He never physically hurt her, unless her father needed convincing.  Indeed, he had tried to bring her presents like chocolate and wine.  None of it mattered though.  He was a fucking pig working for the Third Reich.  In his dead eyes she could see her lost relatives.<br/><br/>Now that he was dead, she was thrilled, and horrified.  What was to become of her.  Was she rescued, or would her hopes be disappointed?  She could not see how two people could get her past all of the guards, but she knew what she had just avoided having done to her.  She flung herself at the man, hugging him and then stood and hugged the woman as well.<br/><br/>The woman asked â€œMiss, can you tell us where they are keeping your father?â€<br/><br/>"Thank you both very much!  Yes, we must get my father!"  In her excitement she did not quite kept her voice down.  "He is at the very end of the hall, next to the laboratory!"<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>"I thought the man was supposed to save the woman, though I guess the score is sort of even, you saved her and then I saved you.â€<br/><br/>Jack flashed Bridget a grin.  "You can save me any time gorgeous."  He found he meant it.  She sure was a swell dame.<br/><br/>He tensed as the guards passed, just after the body was moved into the cell.  It was all going well, until Bridget asked the woman a simple question.<br/><br/>"â€œMiss, can you tell us where they are keeping your father?â€<br/><br/>"Thank you both very much!  Yes, we must get my father!  He is at the very end of the hall, next to the laboratory!"  Before he knew it Jack's arms were full of a warm and attractive woman.  Just as suddenly she jumped up and hugged Bridget as well.<br/><br/>Jack almost fell getting up.  He hissed.  "Quiet you little fool."  He clamped a hand over the girl's mouth as the guards passed the cell again.  He could not believe that they had not been heard, after overhearing the Colonel, but the door had been opened.  He supposed that the dead bastard had never believed the girl capable of getting past him to escape.  Arrogant prick.  He resisted the urge to kick the dead man, just for spite.<br/><br/>After a few minutes, the footsteps kept going the other direction.  Finally, Jack let go of the girl's mouth.  She was white as a sheet and looked ashamed of herself.  She certainly was no Bridget.<br/><br/>The three crept out of the cell, looking both ways and then started back down the hallway.  At the end, they finally reached the girl's father's door.<br/><br/>"Papa is in there."  The girl kept quiet now, but was bubbling with excitement.  Around them, the groans continue, as the poor damned creatures, created from innocent victims, continued to live out their short, very painful lives.