‘Is that legal?’ Mossop asked in a puzzled tone. ‘I mean, you couldn’t pass Tullamore whiskey off under that name if it wasn’t from Tullamore.’

Werner blinked uncomprehendingly. ‘I’m sorry. I don’t see the comparison.’

‘Never mind,’ Swallow said wearily. ‘We need to ask a few questions about the victim, Miss Flannery.’

‘I am extremely busy at this time. The restaurant, as you can see, is full. I supervise everything, the kitchens, the wine, the table service. I would wish to be of assistance to the Polizei of course, but I can be of little help with your questions. In fact, I did not know the girl other than to see her. She was a casual employee, you understand. We can go to the office for privacy.’

‘Thank you. That would be helpful,’ Swallow told him.

Werner led them down a corridor into a spacious oak-panelled office, illuminated by four gas mantles set in ornate wall brackets. He waved them to two leather armchairs and opened a glass-fronted cupboard built into one panelled wall.

‘May I offer you something to drink, gentlemen? A good cognac perhaps on a winter night like this?’

Swallow was tempted. He saw Mossop lick his lips in anticipation too. But it was better to be prudent.

‘No thank you, Mr Werner. Not while we’re on duty.’

Werner shut the cabinet door and eased himself into a seat behind the desk.

‘As you wish, gentlemen. Now, how may I help you?’

In the light, Swallow saw that Werner’s features seemed tanned, yet his hands were pale. Then he caught a gleam of oil on his cheeks. He realised the man was wearing some sort of make-up. Perhaps it was a continental thing. Swallow had never actually met a Prussian until now.

‘Did you know the girl well, Mr Werner?’ he asked.

‘Not so very well, as I have said. But she worked under my supervision, yes.’

‘Did you know her family? Anything about her background or circumstances?’

‘No, of course not. She was, as I say, casual labour. These people usually come in off the street looking for work. It’s rarely necessary for us to run a newspaper advertisement. We interview them, and if they are suitable we will give them work by the day, sometimes by the hour.’

‘You don’t look for references?’

Werner laughed. ‘References mean very little in this business. People will forge them. It’s easily done. Sometimes employers will write a good reference just to get rid of a troublemaker. No, we do not seek references when someone wants to start work in the still-room, scraping pots and saucepans.’

‘What did she do precisely? What were her duties?’