The New Vienna was bustling. The lobby’s glowing gas lights created an inviting space to welcome diners in from the gloom of the wintry midday. There was a noisy hubbub from the bar. When the doors opened a heavy cloud of cigar smoke wafted into the lobby. Swallow could nearly feel it, like a green film, on his face and hands. It was distinctly unpleasant, sickening almost, but Mossop sniffed it appreciatively. Swallow grinned in spite of his distaste.

‘I’d say that Cuban tobacco’s a bit out of your price range, Pat. You’ll have to stick to the Navy Plug.’

Stefan Werner was not pleased to be called from the dining room to meet the two G-men.

‘Gentlemen, may we please be very brief. I have been very co-operative, very gewesen. You must realise that this is one of the busiest days of the year. Every businessman in the city wants to take lunch with his friends.’

As he spoke, the bar doors swung outwards to disgorge a noisy, already inebriated band of half a dozen gentlemen making their way across to the dining room. Swallow recognised one or two of the florid faces from routine inquiries at banks or businesses around Dame Street.

‘Ye’ve a full house all right,’ Mossop observed when they had passed. ‘There won’t be much work got outta them lads for the rest of the day.’

Werner permitted himself a thin smile.

‘It is a tradition in Dublin, as you understand, I’m sure. Men of commerce use the days between Christmas and New Year to engage in a little Gastfreundschaft, hospitality, with business acquaintances and friends. For us it is very important business.’

‘I don’t doubt it,’ Swallow said. ‘And we won’t keep you from it. But something has emerged in routine inquiries that we need to clarify with you.’

‘And what is that?’

‘The Berlin police have an Irishman in custody on serious charges. He claims to have been an employee of yours.’

Werner shrugged.

‘This is possible, I suppose. But why do you tell me this? He is in Berlin. It is a matter for the authorities there.’

‘Don’t you want to know his name?’ Swallow asked.

‘Not particularly. But you will tell me, I imagine.’

‘Yes,’ Swallow said. ‘He gives the name of Michael James Carmody. Thirty-three years of age. He claims he worked here at the New Vienna and previously at the Dolphin Hotel.’

‘Yes, I believe I remember him,’ Werner nodded slowly. ‘Carmody. He was here for a short time. He left some weeks ago. He was quite difficult. Quite aggressive. He had difficulties with other employees.’

‘Difficulties?’

‘He threatened a kitchen porter with a knife. He said he would kill him after they had finished work. The kitchen porter did not want to come back after that.’

‘Why didn’t you tell us this before?’ Swallow asked.