Page 187 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Nine nerve-wracking hours later, they finally boarded the train to Warsaw. They’d found a hotel near the station and stayed there until it was time to leave for the station. Tony had gone out and bought them new clothes so they didn’t look like criminals or, well, assassins.

Aboard the train, Alex shared a cabin with his cousin, who snored in the bunk above him. He was exhausted, but couldn’t sleep. His heart ached for Anna and he was filled with restlessness as he anxiously awaited their reunion.

Would she want him back? When she’d thought he was a dream, she wanted him, but what about in reality? Would she still think he’d abandoned her? What was the best way to approach her? Just show up wherever she was staying and announce he was back? Could she handle such a dramatic reunion? Or should he ease her into it, giving her hints that he was alive and then revealing himself?

No answer settled right with him, and he drifted off to sleep, still wondering.

Chapter 101

The train arrived in Warsaw mid-afternoon. They found a corner of the station and kept to themselves for a few hours while waiting for the overnight train to Frankfurt to arrive.

Once on board, Alex wondered if he’d be able to sleep as the train hurtled toward home. He knew that he and Erich would have to keep a low profile once they arrived in Frankfurt. It would be best if they went unnoticed. Their beards and hair helped disguise their faces, but the Kunzbergs were well known, and their height alone could give them away. On the other hand, it had been four years since they’d “died.” Would anyone really take notice of two dead men walking the streets of the large city?

He did finally fall asleep, and woke as the train pulled into the station in Frankfurt. Being Thursday morning, the station was busy with commuters and tourists. Alex and Erich both wore hats and kept their heads down as they made their way through the crowd.

Fortunately, Erich’s parents, Uncle Friedrich and Aunt Klara, lived only about a half-mile from the train station, and the five men set out toward the house as soon as they found their bearings. Alex’s stomach churned as they walked through the familiar streets. He was so thankful to be back home in Germany, but now an entirely new challenge began: staying out of Devin’s sight and finding Anna.

He glanced over at Erich, who was grimacing. “You alright?”

Seth, Tony, and Greg walked behind them.

Erich blew out a long breath. “How can I be nervous about seeing my family?”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way.”

Erich looked at him, surprised. “I didn’t think you got nervous about anything.”

“Maybe not before, but now, yes.”

Erich’s childhood home came into view and their steps slowed.

“What’s the best approach?” Seth asked. “Knock on the door or walk right inside?”

Alex glanced at his cousin. “Do you have your keys?”

Erich thought for a moment and then dropped his bag on the ground. “I just might.” After a few minutes of rummaging, Erich made a triumphant sound. “I hope they didn’t change the locks.”

They cautiously made their way down the street. Most likely, both his aunt and uncle would be awake, but Uncle Friedrich wouldn’t have left for the office yet.

They walked around the back of the house, and Erich unlocked the door. Familiar voices drifted toward them from the direction of the kitchen. Tony closed the door behind them and Alex motioned for the three non-Kunzbergs to wait there while he and Erich announced their presence. Alex and Erich exchanged nods before quietly entering the kitchen. Dishes clinked and Uncle Friedrich spoke about a legal case he was researching.

They stopped just inside the doorway of the kitchen. “Hello, Mutti. Hello, Vati.” Erich spoke loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to startle them. Too much.

Aunt Klara screamed and dropped her coffee mug. It crashed to the floor, porcelain and coffee scattering everywhere. Uncle Friedrich stood, pushed his chair back, and took a defensive stance. His eyes went back and forth between the two cousins. “Erich?” he whispered. “Alex?”

Aunt Klara’s hands flew to her mouth in shock before she ran to Erich, wrapping him in a tight embrace as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She reached for Alex, and Uncle Friedrich moved behind her, embracing them all with his long arms.

“We were told you were dead,” Uncle Friedrich said, his voice rough and strained.

Erich sighed and shook his head. “That’s what you were supposed to believe. I’m sorry you suffered.” He kissed his mother’s head.

“The others are here,” Alex said. “May I call for them?”

“Oh!” Aunt Klara said. “Of course.”

Alex went to gather the others and returned to the kitchen. His uncle and aunt also knew them and hugged and kissed them as well.

Uncle Friedrich stepped back and studied the full kitchen of men. “Where are...”

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