The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Forty-Five

Unsurprisingly, Abe was not happy at Anna's decision to accompany Freda to see Ernst.

It did herald a rare phenomenon though; Hans and Abe were in complete agreement that she should have said no. But resolute as always, there was no stopping her.

Helga and Maria would watch baby Caleb, Hollywood and Sam there for any support they might need. Anna was happy in the knowledge that her child was safe, even if the thought of being apart from him was eating away at her. Abe insisted on coming along with her and Freda, and neither was inclined to stop him.

Anna was shocked that Abe said nothing when Hans asked to tag along too.

"He just wants to make sure you're safe I guess," was Abe's response, accompanied by a slight shrug. Daniel had helped arranged the meeting, so he escorted them to the prison.

As they arrived, they were made to wait in a reception area. Abe kept his arm around her waist, Anna glancing at his expression. His brow was heavily furrowed, his breathing deep and slow. He was trying to hold in his anger. Anna reached up and pecked his cheek lightly. He said nothing but shot her a small smile.

Anna couldn't help but marvel in glee at the dank and dingy interior. Ernst deserved far worse than this, but it was enough that she was sure it would have beaten him down. The moment she saw Freda's face though, her entire demeanour changed. She could see how distraught the poor girl was. As the guards on the desk filled out the relevant paper work with Daniel, Anna slipped her hand into Freda's.

"I'm right here with you," she promised, Freda squeezing back gratefully.

"I'm scared of feeling sorry for him," mumbled Freda, Abe glancing at them curiously. He couldn't fully understand what they were saying.

But Hans could. He wandered closer, Freda looking up at him. "You know it's all right to feel that way," assured Hans. "He is your father."

"That fact doesn't mean he hasn't done so many vile things," replied Freda. "Any way, why are you vouching for him? You hate him..."

"It's not for him," said Hans calmly, "it's for you. I don't want you to be upset."

Freda seemed surprised. "Thank you," she whispered, Hans giving her a small nod as Daniel turned and called him back to the front desk. "He's such an odd man," sighed Freda, looking at Anna. "Hans, I mean."

"I know," replied Anna.

"Still not really sure what you saw in him," continued Freda, Anna now well aware that Abe could understand them.

"A great many things," said Anna honestly, "but I suppose that there was a lot I overlooked."

"Well, you seem to have come to your senses," sighed Freda, glancing at Abe who had a chuffed smile on his face.

Then they heard Hans' voice raise slightly. The three of them wandered closer to the conversation, the Guard looking to them to be the voice of reason.

"What is the matter?" asked Anna.

"Only two of you are allowed in," said the guard, Abe immediately glaring at him. "Frauline Werner, and one chaperone."

"I told you, no!" snapped Hans. "Frauline Werner will want to be accompanied by Frau Coleman. They cannot be alone with that man. Herr Coleman must go too."

Anna was taken aback, and clearly so was Abe.

"One of us can stay with them?" ventured the guard but Hans' gaze hardened.