The Hinterkaifeck Murders

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.