‘And Sigrun Somerfeld – what’s her background?’

‘Actually, everyone calls her Sunny – she picked the name up in America. She’s German-American, you see, but she only has German citizenship. Father is a successful Berlin entrepreneur – in the oil business, I believe. Mother comes from Lexington, Kentucky. She spent her childhood flitting back and forth between Berlin and America, so got to know both cultures pretty well, but has a preference for Germany. What she can’t stand is the Nazis, because they are destroying her country. She’s not alone in that among certain sections of polite Berlin society. Anyway, look over there.’ He pointed at the dense woodland on the far side of the river. They were more than a mile downriver from their starting point, and had gone through two bends, so were completely invisible from their pursuers. ‘You’ll go ashore there and get under cover of the woods as soon as you can. Sunny will be watching for you.’

Wilde didn’t know what to say; this was really happening. Within moments he would be an outlaw in a country where fugitives could be thrown into the cellars of the Gestapo or the torture chambers of the SS, without access to legal protection.

Until now, Vanderberg’s attitude had been jaunty. Suddenly he was serious.

‘Before we part, please, do tell me about Lydia and the baby. Very little has been getting through. It must have been one heck of a wrench for them when you embarked on this mission.’

‘Oh, Lydia’s the same old Lydia. Hated me going, didn’t try to stop me. Gave me a kiss and said it would have to do as a battle flag. As for little Johnny – well, he’s not exactly a baby any more. Walking. Almost talking, I think. Could have sworn he said “Dada” the other day. What about Juliet and the boys – do you hear from them?’

‘Of course. Their letters come through with the pouch. Henry and William are at school in Chicago, and Juliet’s doing charity work for the Red Cross. You know how strong she is, but, well, it’s not easy for either of us being apart. I’m praying I’ll see them soon, though. I’ve already been recalled by Washington and I have my exit visa. Should be off in the next couple of days. But let’s not think about that now. Say hello to Sunny. I believe with all my heart that she’s trustworthy.’

Wilde nodded.

‘She’ll talk you through everything, but I can tell you you’re going to be . . . a foreign worker from France. The Gestapo are not all the brightest, but they are hot on detail, so pay attention to everything she tells you. If you are approached, let her do all the talking or just say a few words in French. And by the way, your new name is Sable – Thomas Sable – and you are from Toulouse – a place that I know you are familiar with.’