‘And the second option?’ It was Schreiber who spoke.

‘The second option is that our killer disguises himself as some kind of figure that carries authority or implicit trust …’

‘Such as … ?’ asked Van Heiden.

‘Such as a police officer … or a city official …’

There was a moment of silence. Schreiber and Ganz exchanged a look that was difficult to read. Van Heiden looked miserable. Volker remained expressionless.

‘But that is by no means definite?’ Van Heiden’s question was more like a plea.

‘No. It’s not. But we have to account for the victims admitting their killer without a struggle. It could be that he turns up as a bogus workman with a plausible story, but our psycho-profile would suggest that he may enjoy the feeling of power over his victims that a police uniform or identity badge would give him.’

A deeper redness infused Ganz’s cheeks. ‘I’m sure I don’t have to point out to you gentlemen that the Polizei Hamburg is enjoying anything other than a good press at the moment. Just yesterday I had a very – shall I say “vigorous” – discussion with the board of the Polizeikommission about what they see as institutional racism in the Polizei Hamburg. The last thing we need is some maniac wandering the streets of Hamburg pretending to be a policeman and ripping women apart …’

Fabel’s patience snapped. ‘For God’s sake man, we can’t help it if some psychopath has chosen to masquerade as a police officer – and it’s a big “if”. It’s not something we are responsible for or have control over …’

‘That’s not really Innensenator Ganz’s point,’ said Schreiber. ‘The point is that the public is going to become even more distrustful of police officers if they think there’s a psychotic killer disguising himself as one.’

‘Only if we’re right, and then only if it gets out. Like I said, it’s only a theory as yet.’

‘I sincerely hope it’s the wrong theory, Herr Fabel,’ said Ganz; he was about to continue but a look from Schreiber seemed to silence him.

‘I’m sure that it won’t become an issue,’ said Schreiber. ‘I have every confidence that Herr Fabel will track down this monster before long.’

Do you? thought Fabel. I’m not sure that I do.

‘Of course,’ Schreiber addressed Van Heiden directly, ‘I do expect us to be able to report some progress as soon as possible. I know it’s difficult for you gentlemen to take public concern too much into account – and nor should you – but I have to think about the press-generated perception of violent crime in Hamburg. Another serial killer is just one more reason for our female citizens to feel disempowered.’

Disempowered. Shit, thought Fabel, these people don’t even speak plain German. Schreiber made towards the door. Ganz took the hint and rose from the table. Volker, the BND man, Van Heiden and Fabel all rose too.

‘Please keep us fully informed of your progress,’ said Ganz.