“Business as usual,” she heard Werner say.

“And school? How are the children doing?”

“Great. Outstandingly, even.” Werner shifted forward to the edge of his seat and began to describe a new program at Thom’s school where the students could study languages such as Russian and Chinese. That led to a conversation about the future of international trade with Asia and the decline of the Western European economy.

Helen looked at Werner and his parents. She watched them talking and moving as if through thick glass. The sounds were muted, deadened, and a hysterical, tormenting voice welled up in her mind with increasing insistence: Hey, did you two know there’s a dead body in our freezer?

A dead body!

In. The. Freezer.

“Helen? What on earth is the matter with you?” asked Ria, looking at her in astonishment. “You have the strangest expression on your face!”

Werner jabbed her with his elbow. A silent reproach.

“I don’t think I’m feeling very well,” she said.

Just as she was about to stand up, Sara entered the room, with Jackie trailing behind. Although they were fully dressed and made up, they gave the impression that they had only just gotten out of bed.

“Grandma, Grandpa!” Sara hugged Ria and gave Ernst a kiss on the cheek. He handed her a five-euro note and winked, just like every week. That was the real reason for Sara’s over-the-top enthusiasm. She, Thom, and Emma were impossible to drag out of bed on a Sunday without financial reward.

Helen took advantage of the commotion to slip out of the room. Once in the hall, she stepped into the bathroom and locked the door. Her breath caught. It felt as though a raging swarm of bees were in her stomach, the insects fighting their way out and blocking her airway. She stood in the dark, with her back against the cool tiles—her eyes squeezed shut, her mouth wide open in a silent scream.

4

4

The gate next to the house swung open. Ralf heard laughter, chattering. Two girls: one with a brown braid running halfway down her back; the other slimmer and more elegant, her blonde hair worn up. They were riding a white scooter, with the blonde in front.

The door to the house opened as they wheeled down the driveway, and the man came running out. “Sara?” he called. “Remember, you’re eating at home tonight, OK? No messing around.”

“Yes, Dad, I know. See you later,” answered the girl in front. Her friend waved at the man halfheartedly.

Ralf felt a rush of adrenaline flood through his veins as the scooter zoomed past.

Sara . . .

He knew that girl.

5

5

“What the hell was all that about?” Werner looked at Helen angrily.

“I don’t know.”

“Honestly. How difficult is it to control yourself for an hour or so?” Werner shoved glasses into the dishwasher. “You should have seen your face. My parents must be wondering what’s going on.”