The losers

 
 When it came to stealing, Liesel and Rudy first stuck with the idea that there was safety in numbers. Andy Schmeikl invited them to the river for a meeting. Among other things, a game plan for fruit stealing would be on the agenda.
 
 So are you the leader now? Rudy had asked, but Andy shook his head, heavy with disappointment. He clearly wished that he had what it took.
 
 No. His cool voice was unusually warm. Half-baked. Theres someone else.
 

THE NEW ARTHUR BERG
 He had windy hair and cloudy eyes,
 and he was the kind of delinquent
 who had no other reason to
 steal except that he enjoyed it.
 His name was Viktor Chemmel.
 

 
 Unlike most people engaged in the various arts of thievery, Viktor Chemmel had it all. He lived in the best part of Molching, high up in a villa that had been fumigated when the Jews were driven out. He had money. He had cigarettes. What he wanted, however, was more.
 
 No crime in wanting a little more, he claimed, lying back in the grass with a collection of boys assembled around him. Wanting more is our fundamental right as Germans. What does our Fhrer say? He answered his own rhetoric. We must take what is rightfully ours!
 
 At face value, Viktor Chemmel was clearly your typical teenage bullshit artist. Unfortunately, when he felt like revealing it, he also possessed a certain charisma, a kind of follow me.
 
 When Liesel and Rudy approached the group by the river, she heard him ask another question. So where are these two deviants youve been bragging about? Its ten past four already.
 
 Not by my watch, said Rudy.
 
 Viktor Chemmel propped himself up on an elbow. Youre not wearing a watch.
 
 Would I be here if I was rich enough to own a watch?
 
 The new leader sat up fully and smiled, with straight white teeth. He then turned his casual focus onto the girl. Whos the little whore? Liesel, well accustomed to verbal abuse, simply watched the fog-ridden texture of his eyes.
 
 Last year, she listed, I stole at least three hundred apples and dozens of potatoes. I have little trouble with barbed wire fences and I can keep up with anyone here.
 
 Is that right?
 
 Yes. She did not shrink or step away. All I ask is a small part of anything we take. A dozen apples here or there. A few leftovers for me and my friend.
 
 Well, I suppose that can be arranged. Viktor lit a cigarette and raised it to his mouth. He made a concerted effort to blow his next mouthful in Liesels face.
 
 Liesel did not cough.
 
 It was the same group as the previous year, the only exception being the leader. Liesel wondered why none of the other boys had assumed the helm, but looking from face to face, she realized that none of them had it. They had no qualms about stealing, but they needed to be told. They liked to be told, and Viktor Chemmel liked to be the teller. It was a nice microcosm.
 
 For a moment, Liesel longed for the reappearance of Arthur Berg. Or would he, too, have fallen under the leadership of Chemmel? It didnt matter. Liesel only knew that Arthur Berg did not have a tyrannical bone in his body, whereas the new leader had hundreds of them. Last year, she knew that if she was stuck in a tree, Arthur would come back for her, despite claiming otherwise. This year, by comparison, she was instantly aware that Viktor Chemmel wouldnt even bother to look back.
 
 He stood, regarding the lanky boy and the malnourished-looking girl. So you want to steal with me?
 
 What did they have to lose? They nodded.
 
 He stepped closer and grabbed Rudys hair. I want to hear it.
 
 Definitely, Rudy said, before being shoved back, fringe first.
 
 And you?
 
 Of course. Liesel was quick enough to avoid the same treatment.
 
 Viktor smiled. He squashed his cigarette, breathed deeply in, and scratched his chest. My gentlemen, my whore, it looks like its time to go shopping.
 
 As the group walked off, Liesel and Rudy were at the back, as theyd always been in the past.
 
 Do you like him? Rudy whispered.
 
 Do you?
 
 Rudy paused a moment. I think hes a complete bastard.
 
 Me too.
 
 The group was getting away from them.
 
 Come on, Rudy said, weve fallen behind.
 
 After a few miles, they reached the first farm. What greeted them was a shock. The trees theyd imagined to be swollen with fruit were frail and injured-looking, with only a small array of apples hanging miserly from each branch. The next farm was the same. Maybe it was a bad season, or their timing wasnt quite right.
 
 By the end of the afternoon, when the spoils were handed out, Liesel and Rudy were given one diminutive apple between them. In fairness, the takings were incredibly poor, but Viktor Chemmel also ran a tighter ship.
 
 What do you call this? Rudy asked, the apple resting in his palm.
 
 Viktor didnt even turn around. What does it look like? The words were dropped over his shoulder.
 
 One lousy apple?
 
 Here. A half-eaten one was also tossed their way, landing chewed-side-down in the dirt. You can have that one, too.
 
 Rudy was incensed. To hell with this. We didnt walk ten miles for one and a half scrawny apples, did we, Liesel?
 
 Liesel did not answer.
 
 She did not have time, for Viktor Chemmel was on top of Rudy before she could utter a word. His knees had pinned Rudys arms and his hands were around his throat. The apples were scooped up by none other than Andy Schmeikl, at Viktors request.
 
 Youre hurting him, Liesel said.
 
 Am I? Viktor was smiling again. She hated that smile.
 
 Hes not hurting me. Rudys words were rushed together and his face was red with strain. His nose began to bleed.
 
 After an extended moment or two of increased pressure, Viktor let Rudy go and climbed off him, taking a few careless steps. He said, Get up, boy, and Rudy, choosing wisely, did as he was told.
 
 Viktor came casually closer again and faced him. He gave him a gentle rub on the arm. A whisper. Unless you want me to turn that blood into a fountain, I suggest you go away, little boy. He looked at Liesel. And take the little slut with you.
 
 No one moved.
 
 Well, what are you waiting for?
 
 Liesel took Rudys hand and they left, but not before Rudy turned one last time and spat some blood and saliva at Viktor Chemmels feet. It evoked one final remark.
 

A SMALL THREAT FROM
 VIKTOR CHEMMEL TO RUDY STEINER
 Youll pay for that at a later date, my friend.
 

 
 Say what you will about Viktor Chemmel, but he certainly had patience and a good memory. It took him approximately five months to turn his statement into a true one.