‘Of course, Herr Innensenator,’ answered Van Heiden.

After the two politicians had left, Fabel turned to Volker. ‘May I ask, Herr Oberst, what the BND’s interest in this case is?’

‘Hopefully none.’ Volker’s over-broad smile did not somehow seem to reach his eyes. Fabel felt his distrust of the BND man deepen. ‘I am working with the Besondere Aufbau Organisation set up here in the Präsidium. Herr Van Heiden has alerted me to the fact that there may be some kind of Rechtsradikale extremist political element to these crimes.’

Fabel nodded slowly as he processed the information. Why would a BND secret-service man working with the Besondere Aufbau Organisation have an interest in this case? The BAO was set up by the Bundeskriminalamt after the embarrassing discovery that a tiny apartment at 54 Marienstrasse in Hamburg had been the base for the terrorists who launched the September 11 attacks in the United States. At least eight of the terrorists, including the cell’s leader, Mohammed Atta, had passed through the Hamburg apartment. The German government’s response was the BAO. There were seventy Bundeskriminalamt specialists, twenty-five Polizei Hamburg detectives and six American FBI agents operating from the BAO; their exclusive focus was gathering intelligence on al-Qaeda and other Islamic terror groups. Fabel found that he resented having to discuss his case with someone whose brief was totally unrelated.

‘I’ve already made it clear to the Kriminaldirektor that it is highly unlikely that these are the actions of some kind of neo-Nazi.’ Fabel struggled, unsuccessfully, to keep his irritation out of his tone. Volker’s smile remained in place.

‘Oh yes, I understand that, Herr Fabel. Nonetheless, if there is any likelihood whatsoever that there is a political element to this, I think it best that the BND is kept up to date on the progress of the case. I promise to get in your way as little as possible … if you could just keep me informed, particularly of any developments that might signal a political element …’

‘Of course, Herr Oberst Volker.’

Van Heiden stood up. ‘Well thank you, Herr Fabel, I think everyone found your report informative.’ He moved towards the door to see Fabel out. Fabel gathered his files and shook the hand Volker extended before making his way to the door.

Van Heiden held the door open for Fabel and as Fabel passed through, Van Heiden followed him out into the corridor. He lowered his voice conspiratorially as he spoke. ‘And for God’s sake, Fabel, let me know if you find anything that proves your theory about this lunatic impersonating a police officer. I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit. Particularly when this latest victim seems to have been a prostitute run by an ex-Polizei Hamburg officer.’

‘I will, Herr Kriminaldirektor.’

Fabel started to move away when Van Heiden placed a gently restraining hand on Fabel’s arm. ‘And Fabel … make sure you tell me first … and inform me before you pass anything on to Oberst Volker.’