The Wurst Is Yet to Come Read Online Free Page A

them into victims.”
    Renie merely shook her head and continued staring out the window as they began a snail-like pace north through the tunnel under the downtown area. The coach lights flickered; the little boys wailed in fear. Renie lay back and groaned.
    â€œIt’s ni-ni time, darlings,” the mother said. “How about a nice nap?”
    â€œIt’s dark!” the older boy shrieked. “No nap!”
    â€œOh,” the father said, chuckling, “you know they like to sleep with the lights on. We can’t change their routine.”
    â€œOf course not, but . . .” Mom shut up as the car’s lights went on and the train began to pick up speed. The boys quieted.
    â€œWhere’s Mr. Peterson?” Renie muttered. “We can’t go to the café until he takes our tickets.”
    â€œIt could be a few minutes,” Judith said, wincing slightly as one of the boys kicked the back of her seat. “It’s a fairly long train.”
    â€œRight.” Renie sat back and continued staring into the darkness.
    They were out of the tunnel and headed north along the Sound by the time Mr. Peterson showed up. Renie kept looking out the window while Judith handed over their tickets.
    â€œExcuse me,” the conductor said, leaning closer. “I saw you speaking to the bearded man in the station. Do you know where he went? He’s supposed to be in this coach.”
    Judith shrugged. “No. Maybe he’s in the men’s room.”
    â€œMaybe.” Mr. Peterson moved on.
    â€œLet’s go,” Renie said, standing up. “I’m hungry.”
    Judith led the way, moving cautiously down the aisle. They had to walk through another coach car before reaching the café. Fortunately, there were still adjacent stools at the counter. Judith ordered coffee and a bran muffin. Renie asked for hot chocolate and a doughnut.
    â€œThe kids went to sleep,” Judith said. “That helps.”
    Renie nodded. “Why don’t I check out the observation car? We could avoid the hooligans and get a better view. After the next stop, we’ll be heading toward the pass.”
    â€œSure,” Judith agreed. “You’ve cheered up.”
    â€œYeah, it’s after ten,” Renie said, before licking hot chocolate off her upper lip. “I’m almost human.”
    â€œTrue.” Judith surveyed the other café patrons. “Franz isn’t here.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œFranz Wessler, the man who sat by us in the station.”
    Renie’s shoulders slumped. “Please. No mysteries this time, okay? Let’s take a trip without homicides, disappearances, or near-death experiences. I’m not as young as I used to be. I’ve come off the bench for Joe instead of working on La Belle Époque’s spring catalog.”
    â€œStop griping,” Judith said. “We’re only going to be in Little Bavaria for three full days. What could possibly happen?”
    Renie turned to stare at her cousin, slowly shaking her head. Along with her artist’s talent, she was a history buff. Thus, she knew history had a way of repeating itself—especially for the cousins.
    T he journey up the western face of the mountains had been beautiful. Gold, orange, red, and brown foliage shone in the late-morning sun. As they climbed to the summit, only traces of old snow lay in the shade of the tall cedar, fir, and pine trees. They’d passed the green-tinged river, trickling waterfalls, and small towns clinging to the cliff sides. By the time they began the brief descent into Little Bavaria, they had returned to their seats.
    The station wasn’t more than a sleek blue canopy with a bench on the edge of town, but a bus was waiting to drive passengers to their destinations. Judith couldn’t help but scan what looked like about forty people who had disembarked. To her relief, the family of four was walking in the opposite