The Cuckoo's Cage

Chapter Four

Anna wasn't sleeping any better since they had found Elli. Her dreams just troubled her in an entirely different way. At least Freddie's updates on her gave Anna a little comfort. He was in regular contact with the man leading the unit. He had told him it was for research purposes, to see if children were a reliable workforce. He didn't want to visit her too often and have them suspect that he was singling her out in particular. Apparently, she was eating one meal a day and was keeping her head down. It's the most Anna could hope for.

Anna and Freda had just finished their lesson, so headed to the kitchen for lunch. As they walked in Herr Beck was striding out. He glared at Anna, straightening himself up.

"Herr Beck," she acknowledged courteously, letting Freda go and sit at the table alongside Oskar.

"Frauline Lehman," he responded with a strained voice.

"How is Oskar getting along?" she asked, enjoying how much he clearly wanted to get away from her.

"Just fine," he replied curtly. There was a pause.

"Freda is doing just splendidly," she commented. "You were about to ask after her, weren't you?" she asked sarcastically. Freda tittered behind them, Maria rolling her eyes. Huffily he stalked past her, Anna smiling to herself as she too sat at the table.

"Stop torturing the silly old fool," Maria muttered in her ear as she placed her lunch in front of her.

"It's the only way I get my kicks these days," Anna smirked, catching Freda's eye. She winked at her, Freda grinning in response. "What homework have you got then, Oskar?" Anna asked, changing the subject slightly.

"More maths," he sighed grumpily. "All Herr Beck ever wants to do is sums. It's so boring."

"Well, if you promise not to tell him, I'll give you a hand," she said, watching his face brighten as he nodded conspiratorially.

After a while, Freddie strode in, taking his seat next to Anna. He seemed fidgety, his hand flexing a little under the table. Anna caught his eye. He signalled for her to wait until the others had left. Maria also noticed, clearing her throat.

"Come along children, let's get some fresh air," she hurried them outside. The children were used to being bustled away.

"What's happened," Anna asked quietly. "Is it Elli?"

"No, she's fine. Well, as much as she can be."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. The only problem of any interest is a disease going around, but it hasn't spread to her camp."

"Good... good," she said, trying to calm herself. "But I don't understand, what's happened?"

"A call came for the Commandant earlier today. He was seeing an officer out, so I answered it. It was Karl." Anna froze.

"What?!" she said.

"He's been calling him every day since he left, hoping to get through to one of us somehow. He only has the line for his office phone, not the house phone."

"So, Ernst..."

"Has been hiding the calls all this time," said Freddie, his tone biting. Anna sat back in disbelief. Then her rage bubbled up inside her.

"That son of a bitch!" Anna spat, getting to her feet, and so quickly that her chair clattered back. She stormed out, Freddie watching in confusion.

"Anna?" he called as he made to follow her. But it was too late. Anna had already thundered down the corridor towards Ernst's office. Anna threw open his door, her eyes wide with anger. Ernst looked up, appalled at the interruption as the officer he was meeting with spun to look at her.