Kai had still not surfaced by the time Hans arrived for him and Daniel; they were supposed to be going hunting. Supposedly, he had stayed out rather late with the young woman he was seeing. Klara expected that they would soon see her trying to sneak away from Kai's room undetected.

Hans sat at the breakfast table, happy to sit and wait with Daniel and his sister. He smiled as he watched the pair of them together, their hands clasped atop the breakfast table. He hadn't seen either of them so happy for many years. They had married in the autumn just passed, both she and Kai moving into Daniel's house soon after.

They had all made it no secret that they were worried about Hans, but he was perfectly content nowadays. The days of him pining after Anna had long since passed. It's not that he didn't miss her, but he had accepted that she was happy with her new life. He did have company of his own as well. When he'd been out walking one day, he had found a stray, pregnant cat. He brought her home with him and helped her deliver her babies. Even after all the kittens had found appropriate homes, the cat had stayed with him. He had named her Persephone, as he had found her in early spring. He'd become so fond of the goddess after he and Anna had discussed mythology. Perhaps he still missed her more than he realised.

The telephone rang, interrupting their conversation. The housekeeper answered it, Daniel soon pulled away to answer it. Klara smiled at him, watching her husband right up until the last moment. Then she caught Hans watching her.

"What?" she questioned, blushing.

"Married life suits you."

"How is Persephone?" she asked, continuing to sip her tea.

"The queen of the house as always."

"You spoil her."

Hans chuckled. "Of course I do. She had a hard life before me, I'm sure of it."

"You've had her over a year now!" exclaimed Klara. "Surely, she doesn't still need to be coddled."

"I enjoy it, leave me be," he hushed just as Daniel returned.

He seemed entirely serious as she sat back in his chair.

"My love," said Klara, touching his arm, "what is the matter?"

"Nothing is the matter," he said calmy, his eyes fixing on Hans. "They've found the Commandant."

A strange hush fell over the three of them.

Hans took in a deep breath. "Good. Dead or alive?"

"Alive," replied Daniel. "He is due to stand trial at the beginning of May."

"That's something I suppose."

"They were phoning me to reach out to you," Daniel continued. "They want you to come and testify against him."

"That makes sense." Hans rubbed his temples. "Of course, I will go."

"Very good."

"Is Hans not going to be questioned though?" asked Klara, her voice filled with concern.

Daniel patted her hand. "No, my love. He was pardoned a long time ago."

There was another silence.

"Who else has been asked?" said Hans in a low voice.

"Me," began Daniel, "as I had you feeding me information, and his name was mentioned. Maria Schulz, the housekeeper... and Anna."

They all fell quiet again.

"Has she accepted?" Hans asked throatily.

"I'm not sure."

"She might not want to," ventured Klara.

Hans shook his head. "No, she'll be there. Anna would never turn down the opportunity to do the right thing... she'll want him to pay for all the pain he caused."

"So... you will be seeing each other again?" murmured Klara.

"It would appear so," returned Hans. The silence fell again, the three of them not looking at one another. "I think I shall take a walk. Do excuse me." Before either of them could protest, he got to his feet and left.

***

Anna was so excited for Hollywood and Sam to visit. She needed something to break the tension between her and Abe.

Hatcher had come to visit them personally to ask Anna to attend the trial; he was still working for the Army and had been sent there to encourage her. She would be the best possible witness to bring Ernst to justice. Of course, Anna had said yes, and Abe was apoplectic. It would be so close to Anna's due date, and he was terrified she was putting herself and the baby at risk.

It got worse as she started to get sporadic pains in her stomach. Ma had insisted this was normal, and meant they were nearing the end. Abe hadn't wanted to argue with her in case it upset the baby, and even this riled her. She was tired of being treated like she was made of glass, and so desperately needed to see Ernst finally take the fall for his crimes.

Abe wouldn't listen, and he simply couldn't understand.

Anna had ended up going to town and calling Sam and Hollywood, asking for their advice. They decided to go with them to Germany for the trial; Sam's family had a friend with a plane who had offered him the use of it. They were going to come to Missouri, celebrate Elli's birthday, then leave for Germany, together.

Abe was out doing the hog chores whilst they awaited their friends' arrival. Anna decided to go and see him. They kept avoiding talk of the impending trip; whenever they talked about it, they quarrelled. She found him in the pig pen, changing the bedding. When he looked up and saw her, he smiled, making his way over to her.

"You know you ain't supposed to be out here," he said, kissing her on the lips.

"I know, but I missed you."

"I'm just finishing up," he promised. "I'll walk you back. I need to clean the stink off me before the others arrive."

He finished what he was doing, then took her hand as they wandered back to the house. It always took time nowadays. Anna was as big as a house. Ma was right; their family didn't make small babies.

"You excited for Sam's surprise?" he asked.

Anna chuckled. "I am indeed, though I have no idea what it could be. Do you?"

He shook his head, both of them giggling.

Sam was never usually one for surprises.

Abe looked down at her again, his eyes filled with warmth as she grinned up at him. He stopped, still holding her hand. "Baby, can I beg you one more time not to go to the trial."

Anna sighed heavily but he was undeterred.

"Our kid is a miracle! After all the shit you've been through, why you gotta push the boundaries?"

"By the time we get there, I'll be about to burst!"

"Exactly!"

"Our baby is already big enough to survive a premature birth. And that will be even further along!"

"Baby, please reconsider."

Her brow furrowed. "I am going. They need me to testify. I want to testify."

"There is more than enough evidence to send him down without you."

"Abe, this is my choice. But I want you to support me!"

"And I will go with you to the ends of the earth. You know that. But this ain't just a case of you popping over to Germany and givin' a speech. You're gonna be in the same room as that asshole!. You're gonna have to talk about all of the shit that he did-"

"I know!"

"I don't want you upset."

"It makes me upset to know that he is alive, Abe. I can't stand knowing that he's out there."

"He can't hurt you no more."

"I have to know for sure."

"You ain't forcin' Elli to go, and she's just as good a witness-"

"She is a child! And it was her choice-"

Before Abe could retaliate, they heard Ma yelling at them. She was storming towards them, her face filled with anger. "Would you two just quit it!" she bellowed.

Abe glared at his mother. "Momma-"

"Abe, she ain't changin' her damn mind. She's too dang stubborn."

"Excuse me-" began Anna.

Ma held her hand up. "You two have done nothin' but bicker since that fella came to visit, and I'm sick of it. Poor Elli is over with me all the time just to get away from you!"

Anna looked sheepish.

Abe was still angry. "All I wanna do is protect my God damn family," he replied in a low voice, looking at Anna. "I feel like you ain't listenin' to me."

Anna took in a deep breath. "I am listening to you... but this is still not your decision to make." She took his hand, squeezing it tightly. "But I want you on my side, Abraham."

"I'm always on your side," he urged, pulling her closer so that he could cup her face. "I feel like when you wanted to stay in Germany for Freda... you listened to me then."

"This isn't the same. You were doing what I wanted and needed in that instance. Now you're doing what you want and need."

"That ain't true!"

"It is," she murmured.

Abe stopped himself from saying any more. He was so frustrated. He consented instead to kiss her on the head, unwinding himself from her embrace. "I'm gonna go wash up," he mumbled, disappearing into their house.

Anna didn't follow him, she just looked to Ma who smiled and took her hand.

"Why don't I put on some coffee?" she said, Anna nodding as they finally followed Abe.

They could both hear him slamming around upstairs, clearly still wound up. Anna slumped in her chair, her feet already aching from the short walk to the pig pen. She rested her hands on her giant belly, Ma resting her hand on her shoulder as she placed a coffee in front of her.

"How are the pains?" she asked Anna.

"Not so bad."

"How regular you getting' em?"

"It's the same as last week," sighed Anna. "Perhaps a few more. But not even one a day."

"That's just your littlen getting' you ready," smiled Ma, Anna returning it. There was a pause, Ma glancing upstairs. "You know he means well, right?" she asked Anna as she sat beside her.

"Of course I do. But this isn't his decision, Ma."

"I know. But I'm worried about you too, you know. What this man put you through-"

"That's why I have to know he's going to pay," said Anna throatily. "He'll hang for what he's done. And I have to be a part of putting him on that gallows."

Ma was taken aback by the anger burning in Anna's eyes. She had always known how fiery her daughter-in-law was, but this was so different. This was a level of contempt she had never seen before. It frightened her. "Hollywood and Sam will talk him round," Ma said quickly, pulling back from her a little.

"That's why I called them," said Anna. There was a pause. "You will watch over Elli whilst we're away, won't you?"

"Like y'all need to ask me that!" chastised Ma. "I took her away last summer-"

"I know, I know. But this will be the furthest I've been away from her... I mean, since the ghetto." There was another, horrible pause, Anna burying her face in her hands.

She was thinking of her parents again... of Karl and Freddie... of Hans. She needed Ernst to pay. It was as though all of their deaths were on his hands; if she sent him down, then perhaps she would finally be at peace. Ma wound her arm around her shoulder, rubbing it comfortingly.

Abe came crashing down the stairs, Anna trying to wipe her tears away hurriedly. But he saw. He came to kneel in front of her, taking her hands and kissing them. Her eyes poured over him. He was still wet from the shower, his shirt draped over one shoulder as his brown eyes stayed locked on Anna's. She gave a small smile, and so did he.

Ma saw the moment passing between them and got to her feet. She kissed them both on the head, then left, praying that the peace between them would remain, and she wouldn't have to run back and cuff them both round the head.

Abe's hands now spread over the bump, his child squirming beneath his touch so Anna hissed with pain. "The little sucker kickin' you again?"

"They love their Daddy," she sighed. "You know every time you touch them they get excited. Or maybe it's just because my heart beats fast whenever I see you." He grinned, kissing the bump, then looking at her again. "Tell me why you don't want to go," Anna said softly. "I promise, I'm listening."

He took a deep breath, Anna touching his wet hair with her finger tips. "I am worried about you both. I do think it's too much for you, but I know in my heart, that you wouldn't put our child in danger. Yourself, sure, but not this kid. So, if you're saying you're okay to travel, then I believe you. I know that's why you've roped Sam and Hollywood in, and I know that's exactly why you got Doctor Burke to clear you to go. I know how good at arguin' you are." He took another long breath, his head lowered for a moment. "But honestly baby, the thought of you in the same room as this guy is tearin' me apart."

Anna could see he had tears welling in his eyes. She tugged him up to sit on the chair beside her. She needed to be closer to him.

He moved so that her back leant against his chest, his arms around her and their fingers laced together. "I guess, we've never talked specifics about what he did."

"And now you're going to hear them?"

He nodded lightly.

Anna kissed his hand. "You don't have to listen if you don't want to."

"I wanna support you."

"I just need you with me on the trip. You can't stand next to me when I give my evidence. If you don't want to listen, you don't have to." He kissed her cheek, his nose nuzzling into her neck. He couldn't give her an answer right now; he simply didn't know what was best. "This is the last hurdle," Anna continued. "We just have to get past this, then that is it... the last reminder of that life is gone." He squeezed her hand when a car pulled up outside.

Abe helped her to her feet, taking a moment to kiss her before they went outside to greet their guests. They stepped out into the sunshine, Abe pulling his t-shirt on as they watched the boys climb out of the car.

Hollywood was first, his arms spread wide as he ran towards Anna. "Jesus Anna, you're as big as a house!" he cried, squeezing her as she laughed.

"Well hello to you too," she said, pulling back from him.

Then she glanced at the car again as Hollywood greeted Abe. Sam was helping a young woman out of the car. She was certainly beautiful and looked vaguely familiar. Sam was grinning very smugly as she tucked her arm in his leading her over to them. Anna heard Hollywood huff, now noticing his furrowed brow and tightened jaw.

"Anna, you're looking radiant," said Sam, stepping forward to place a light kiss on her cheek, without dropping his lady friend's hand.

"We could say the same about you," laughed Abe, shaking his now proffered hand. Sam really couldn't keep the smile from his face as he brought the young lady forward.

"Anna and Abe, I'd like you to meet Mavis Whiting, my fiancé."

"So pleased to meet you," said Mavis, the strong Mississippi accent shining through.

There was a stunned silence, nobody knowing how to respond. She was Hollywood's sister.

Then Abe's big booming laugh couldn't be contained any more, all of them looking at him.

"Abraham!" chastised Anna, Abe unable to stop.

"This must be killin' ya," he laughed.

Hollywood thumped him on the arm. "Knock it off, you dumb hick!" snapped Hollywood,

Anna rolled her eyes and taking Mavis' hand. "It's lovely to meet you," said Anna, Mavis smiling gratefully. "Sam is a very lucky man."

"Oh yes I am," grinned Sam, saying it loudly so that it caught Hollywood's attention.

"Come on Mavis," sighed Anna, leading her away, "let's you and I have some coffee whilst these three behave like fools."

"Fools, are we?" said Abe, stepping into her path.

Anna cocked an eyebrow. "Complete fools," she returned. They smiled at each other, Abe planting a kiss on her mouth before she took Mavis inside.

Abe looked at the boys. "So, when in the hell did that happen?" asked Abe, leaning against the side of the veranda as the pair slumped down in the chairs.

"When I went to stay with Hollywood after your first anniversary," explained Sam. "Hollywood was with his latest acquisition-"

"Hey!" barked Hollywood.

"And that left me getting to know his family. Mavis and I really hit it off. Because of the business venture, we kept meeting in New York and then it just... happened."

Abe was still sniggering at Hollywood's sour expression.

"I just don't get why you had to bring her here!" insisted Hollywood.

"I want her to meet my friends!" said Sam, incredulous. "Besides, it was on the way back to Mississippi."

"You're just showin' off, College Boy."

"Of course I am!"

Hollywood huffed loudly. "I guess of all the people marryin' my little sister, I'm glad it's the virgin," grumbled Hollywood.

"Oh, don't worry friend, I took your advice," retorted Sam.

"What advice?"

"About not waiting 'til marriage," said Sam, Hollywood's eyes widening. "I mean... I'm more respectful than you are... but still..."

Before he could finish, Hollywood had aimed a swift kick to his shin, Sam crying out in pain.

Abe was beside himself with laughter, both of them now looking at him. "I think you make great brothers," Abe finally managed. "You sure act like kids."

"You chastise us for being immature, and yet you're the one giggling like a school girl," Sam pointed out.

"Yeah, yeah, point taken," sighed Abe.

There was a small quiet.

"So then fella," asked Hollywood, "y'all ready for this trip?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Y'all don't need persuadin' then?"

Abe shook his head. "I get it. I mean, I ain't happy 'bout it. But I can see her side of things."

Sam got to his feet and slapped him on the back. "We're there with you. We'll be a team again." Abe nodded gratefully, then stared off into the distance with a loud huff.

There was no turning back now.