City of Orphans

With the trial rapidly approaching, Maks and Willa are at a loss for what to do next. Everyone at home is relieved to see Willa safe, and Papa calls them both brave and insists, despite all the strife, “These are hard times, but good things can still happen” (315). Maks reveals the news of Brunswick to Willa. She becomes emotional as Maks goes over the details. He tells her he can take her to see her father but she should remember that her home is with them now. On Friday the family attempts to go about their normal business, but everyone is tense in light of the dwindling time to help Emma. Maks and Willa devise a plan to get her inside the Waldorf to see her father. Jacob announces it is Friday the 13th.

Thinking Bruno is no longer a threat, the two children walk to the hotel. They enter through the service door and concoct a story about Willa being his sister and in need of a job. Maks changes into his bellboy uniform, making it appear as though he is helping her, a hotel patron. She asks to see Mr.