Page 209 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Why didn’t you help her?” It was an accusation, and rightly so. For someone who didn’t know Devin.

Aaron leaned back on the couch. “Because the person who is behind all this is incredibly powerful, and getting killed would have hurt her worse than trying and failing to get her out of a situation that she couldn’t possibly get out of. I would have been dead and she would still be where she was. As it is, I’ve been able to help get her out of that situation with the help of some very, very powerful people. I hope you can understand that someday.”

Hugo stared at him for a long moment and then nodded. “I know you, Aaron. I know you’re a good guy and I will trust what you say, even though I don’t understand it.”

Aaron smiled grimly. “Thanks.” His phone rang and he raised his eyebrows at the picture on his screen. “Hi, Wilhelm.”

“Hello, Aaron. Tom told me what happened. Is Anna alright?”

“As alright as can be expected. Did you try to call her?”

“Ja, it went to voicemail and I thought she might be still ignoring my calls.”

“Why would she do that?”

“I believe she is angry with me. I have tried to call her a few times and she has not answered.”

“Why would she be angry with you? She loves you.”

“I did not call her when I heard about Jenna, and I hurt her feelings.”

“You didn’t call?”

“Things have been... very busy here. I forgot to call. I feel terrible, but, as I said, I have not been able to get in touch with her.”

“That’s really unlike you, Wilhelm.”

Wilhelm sighed. “Please do not start, Aaron. You will understand in a few months, but I cannot go into it right now.”

Aaron heard the rebuke in his voice. “I’m sorry. I was out of line.”

“Is Anna there?”

“She’s in the shower.”

“Please have her call me when she gets out. I want to hear her voice tell me she is alright. Tell her it is a command if necessary.”

“Isn’t it late there?”

“Nein, it is very early. But I do not care. I want to hear from her.”

Aaron winced at Wilhelm’s irritated tone. “I’ll have her call you as soon as I see her.”

“Danke.”

They said goodbye and ended the call. Aaron stared at the floor. What on earth could have made Wilhelm forget to call Anna?

“Who was that?” Hugo asked.

“Her—‍” It wasn’t his place to explain she was a slave. “Her father-in-law. Alex’s father.”

“Wilhelm . . . sounds German.”

Aaron smiled. “He is. He’s the Duke of Hesse.”

Hugo’s jaw dropped and then shook his head. “No, the German state outlawed titles years ago.”

“Except for a few families.”

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