‘You speak, Hanne, your German’s much better than mine. Remember to say that—’

Hanne stopped and turned to face her husband. ‘You asked me to speak, Richard, didn’t you? So leave it to me!’

There was almost an apologetic air to Wörthersee Apotheke, as if the shop was embarrassed to be the only one left unscathed on the street. An elderly couple stood behind the counter, clearly grateful at the prospect of customers.

Hanne stepped forward to the counter and Prince closed the door, standing in front of it. The couple looked at her expectantly.

‘We are sorry to disturb you, but we need to know if you have a telephone?’

They nodded, their heads moving in unison.

‘We need a telephone for a private matter, and if we could use yours, that would be very much appreciated.’

The pair looked anxiously at each other, trying to work out whether there was a catch.

‘Of course it goes without saying that we would pay for any inconvenience.’

The man began to say of course, but the woman stopped him. ‘How much?’

Prince stepped forward and spread some Alliance schillings on the countertop. The occupation currency was much in demand, and he had calculated he was offering them a generous sum. The wife raised her eyes in surprise and quickly gathered up the notes.

‘The telephone is here in the back, in our little office.’

‘When do you close?’

‘In ten minutes,’ said the husband.

‘Close now,’ said Hanne, clearly giving an order. ‘Lock the door and turn out the lights. I’d be grateful if you could allow us some privacy.’

They left them alone in the office, explaining that they’d be upstairs in their apartment.

Prince rang the Vienna number he’d memorised.

‘Ludwig.’

The deep voice had answered far more quickly than he was expecting. He hesitated slightly before giving the response Iosif had instructed him to. ‘It’s Horst: I need to talk with Joachim about a problem with a package.’

‘Is this to do with the watches?’

He hesitated once more. He knew that unless he replied correctly, the man would terminate the call. ‘No, the boots.’

‘Very well – and you can be reached on this number?’

‘Yes, but not for very long.’

‘There’ll be a call from Joachim within the hour. Make sure you’re there.’

Hanne called up to the couple, who quickly emerged onto the first-floor landing. There was a family problem, she explained, quite a distressing one and of a confidential nature, and her husband had to wait to be called back. Would it be possible to have use of the office and the telephone for another hour – and of course we will pay for your troubles?

Iosif Gurevich rang back within half an hour. Through the static it sounded as if he was shouting into the phone from the other side of a room.

‘I’m in Berlin – this call is being connected via Vienna. I’m not sure how it works and nor am I sure how secure it is, so you’d better be quick.’