Against All Odds: the Story of Elinor Powel and Frederick Albert
Copyright© 2025 by Megumi Kashuahara
Chapter 4: Secret Meetings
They both knew it was insane.
Elinor could be court-martialed. As an officer fraternizing with an enemy prisoner, she could face imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, the complete destruction of her career and reputation.
Frederick risked severe punishment from the American guards and ostracism from his fellow POWs. Some of the Germans at Camp Florence were true believers, hardcore Nazis who would view his interest in a black woman as the ultimate betrayal of everything they fought for.
But somehow, they couldn’t stop.
Frederick made sure he was always working when Elinor came to the mess hall. He’d prepare special dishes when he could, finding excuses to bring them to her table. They’d exchange words, careful and brief, always aware of watching eyes.
Gradually, they found ways to meet more privately. Frederick volunteered for kitchen work during Elinor’s shifts. She found reasons to check on the medical supplies near where he worked. Minutes stolen here and there, conversations whispered in shadowy corners.
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