A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for being patient. I know its a short chapter but please review and I hope you enjoy it!
The sounds of silverware amongst white glass plates had never seemed so loud to Liesel.
Or maybe it was just because light conversation at Sunday suppertime that usually occurred had ceased today.
Liesel stirred her brown soup aimlessly with her spoon.
"So, Liesel," the mayor said. "Excited for your last week of school?"
Liesel swallowed a spoonful of soup.
Was she excited? She didn't have a whole lot of friends and she wasn't the best at any class. "Yes," she replied. "I'm done with Sister Alice and her math class."
The mayor let out a small laugh that was obviously forced. He wasn't the type to make small talk. "I used to hate math as well," he said.
He looked over at Ilsa. "Isn't that right, dear?"
Ilsa looked up from her bowl of soup. Her glasses fogged from the steam. "Can't say that I'm a fan of math either."
They all hated math. They all laughed.
The mayor reached across the table and put his hand on top of Ilsa's idle one. His faced turned serious. Liesel knew he couldn't last being cheerful for more than ten seconds."So, Liesel," he started.
Of course, let's cut down to the chase.
"-Ilsa and I just wanted to inform you that the police have found a possible suspect for the thievery."
Liesel's eyes widened. "They have?"
Ilsa nodded. "Yes. But this person is just a suspect."
The mayor rolled his eyes. "He's only called a suspect-"
"He?"
"Yes," he answered, " because you are 'innocent until proven guilty', but all evidence points towards him."
Liesel nodded. "So how did they know it was him?"
Ilsa sighed. She folded her napkin that was in her lap and placed it on the table. "He's a young man who runs a very small book shop in central Munchen. They found my books there." Ilsa's voice turned cold. "He was selling my books because he couldn't afford to buy more for the shop. He wasn't making much profit and he was selling his books at a loss."
"So he decided to steal books instead of pay for more for the shop."
"Exactly, Liesel," said Ilsa.
"But how do they know if he didnt have someone do it for him?"
"Well," said the mayor. "The man was skinny enough to fit inside the window plus he has a big criminal record."
"They've interviewed everyone who they think he's been in contact with. The evidence points towards him."
Liesel bit her lip. The entire story seemed a bit off.
Ilsa saw the worried look on her face. "There's nothing to be worried about, Liesel. They are holding the man in jail until they have enough evidence to proceed with a trial."
"Well what about the books?"
Ilsa smiled. "They are with the polizei until everything has been cleared. But all I know is that they are safe," she said. "Be grateful for that."
"And," the mayor chipped in. "We don't have to worry about robbers anymore."
Liesel did admit that knowing that the robber was locked up made her safe.
But why did all the details seem so sketchy?
Liesel knew she didn't have the right to judge. Hell, she knew nothing about how the law worked.
So, instead of fighting the flow she stood up from the table and collected every empty bowl and plate to place in the sink like she did every night. Ilsa, later on, would scrub them clean and place them back into the cabinets.
She kissed Ilsa on the cheek. "Good night," she said. She waved to the mayor and headed upstairs hopefully to endure and peaceful sleep.
The palms of Rudy's hands started form a sheet of sweat. His heart beat echoed in his throat, hands, and ears.
The tiny flap and the white envelope was already slightly opened. He tried to peer through the small crack.
And he didn't want to open that letter.
To: Rudolph Steiner
5327 Green Strasse, Molching, Munich
Humboldt University
He knew he had to do it eventually. So why later?
His hands trembled as he tore the flap open.
His eyes wanted to squeeze shut as he pulled out the small piece of paper inside the envelope.
And what he saw on that sheet of paper did surprise him.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Please review!