The Hinterkaifeck Murders. Madina Fedosova

who, perhaps, could have become a support for her.

      He probably understood that Victoria’s marriage to Kurt could lead to a loss of control over what was most important to him. The documents show that it was Victoria who was to inherit Hinterkaifeck, and therefore her future child would also have rights to the property. If Josef was recognized as Kurt’s son, then the latter, as husband and father, could also claim ownership of the land. Andreas, apparently, could not allow this to happen.

      1919, winter gripped Hinterkaifeck in a deathly hold, bringing with it not only cold, but also the birth of Josef – Victoria’s son. There was irony in this name, Josef. After all, Josef in Hebrew means «God will increase’. But in Hinterkaifeck, only grief and secrets multiplied. The question of paternity haunted both Victoria and Kurt.

      1915

      Doubts tormented Kurt, preventing him from finding peace of mind. Josef… was he really his son or just evidence of a shameful secret, an echo of the incest that filled the village? He was afraid of becoming a pawn in someone else’s game, of paying for sins he had nothing to do with.

      One day, on a gray autumn day, when rain was monotonously tapping on the glass, Kurt made a decision, as if shedding a heavy burden. Unable to endure the oppressive uncertainty any longer, he went to the police station.

      There, in a modest office, he outlined his version of events. He spoke restrainedly, but confidently, trying not to give in to emotions. He declared his suspicions regarding Andreas and Victoria, about the incest, the fruit of which, in his opinion, was Josef. He emphasized that he had no evidence, but he could no longer ignore the rumors and his own doubts.

      Kurt realized that his words could have serious consequences. He understood that an accusation of incest was a serious step, and in case of its unfoundedness, he himself could be punished. But the desire to know the truth, to get rid of oppressive thoughts outweighed the fear of possible retribution. He was ready to risk it in order to dot all the «i”s and finally gain clarity.

      Kurt Wagner’s statement, like a match thrown into dry grass, ignited a new fire of scandal in the already troubled Weidhofen. The news that Andreas Gruber was again accused of incest spread throughout the district faster than the wind, accumulating new, even more shocking details along the way.

      The police, under pressure from public opinion and Kurt’s insistent statements, began an investigation. Andreas was arrested and again appeared before the court, where he faced severe punishment for incest. Victoria, finding herself at the epicenter of this nightmare, was in despair. She denied all the charges, but who believed her? The shadow of the previous scandal, like sticky mud, haunted her, preventing her from justifying herself. It seemed that this sticky mud had seeped into this courtroom as well, cold as a grave, where she was to be held accountable.

      The courtroom was permeated with cold, like a stone dungeon. The windows, shrouded in a gray, overcast sky, let in not a single ray of sunshine, plunging the room into semi-darkness. The air was filled with the smell of dampness and old wood, mingling with the heavy feeling of oppressive silence. The wooden benches, creaking under the weight of people, were filled to capacity. The faces of those present – serious, tense, full of anticipation – resembled stone masks. Victoria felt the piercing gaze upon herself, as if she was an exhibit in a bizarre museum.

      She sat, clutching a thin batiste handkerchief until her knuckles turned even whiter. The fabric had long been soaked through with sweat, becoming sticky and unpleasant, but Victoria did not notice. All her attention was focused on the frantic rhythm of her own heart, which was beating so hard, as if trying to break through her ribs and break free. Each blow echoed painfully in her temples, drowning out the voices in the hall and усиливая (increasing) the feeling of unreality of what was happening.

      The sounds reached her as if from afar, muffled by cotton wool: whispers, the creaking of benches, coughing – all this merged into an indistinguishable hum, which only усиливал (increased) her confusion. Fragments of phrases, faces, events swirled in her head – like the pages of a jumbled book that cannot be put together. She tried to concentrate, to grasp at least some thread, but her thoughts slipped away like water through her fingers.

      Everything around seemed alien and detached, as if she were looking at what was happening through thick glass. Behind this glass, people lived their lives, spoke, gesticulated, but neither meaning nor warmth reached Victoria. She felt lonely and vulnerable, as if she had suddenly been left alone in a huge, unfamiliar city. It seemed to her that any attempt to speak, move, or even just sigh would attract unwanted attention. She could only sit still and wait for this nightmare to end, although deep down she knew that this was only the beginning.

      The judge, a gaunt man with graying temples, took his place behind the massive oak table. His eyes seemed to express no emotion at all; his gaze was cold as ice. He quickly reviewed the papers, then raised his eyes and pronounced the words that became a sentence for Victoria: «The court session in the case of Andreas and Victoria Gruber is open.»

      At that moment, a ringing silence reigned in the hall, as if everyone had held their breath, waiting for the start of the bloody spectacle. And then, as if on command, Kurt stepped forward. He moved slowly, leisurely, with the air of a man confident in his righteousness and the inevitability of victory. His face, usually friendly and open, was now distorted in a malicious grimace. In his eyes, which had recently looked at Victoria with sympathy, now only hatred blazed.

      Kurt began his speech calmly, in an even voice, as if telling a long-known story. He spoke of violated honor, of sins requiring atonement, of the need to restore justice. His words, like poisonous drops, slowly penetrated the minds of those present, poisoning their souls and kindling the flame of animosity. With each phrase, his voice became louder and more confident, and a fanatical gleam appeared in his eyes. It seemed that he was addressing not the judge, but the crowd, thirsting for blood and justice. And with each of his words, Victoria felt an invisible ring tightening around her, depriving her of air and freedom.