‘What does Lord Mayor Schultz think about it all?’ Mutti asks.

‘He and I are totally in agreement on this. We need action. Decisive action.’

‘Against what, though, Vati?’ I ask.

Vati puffs on his cigar. ‘Moral degradation,’ he says, blowing out a cloud of smoke. ‘Leipzig is now Germany’s fourth largest city. It’s a sprawling metropolis with workers from all over Germany. Plus more than our fair share of Poles, Russians, Slavs, Jews. They openly sabotage our laws, corrupt our young girls, drink to excess. Only this week a Jew was caught openly swimming in the City pool.’

‘Is that really so bad?’ The words are out and Mutti and Vati turn to look at me. I shrink back against the cushions and hold my breath. Walter’s smile. Those eyes. Dirty Jew. Is that what he is? Would everyone think the dirt, the smell has rubbed off on me? Why should it be so wrong for them to swim in the same pool, walk in the same park?

‘We want Leipzig to continue to be a safe place for you to travel around alone.’ Vati waves his glass vaguely in my direction. ‘We’ve afforded you a great deal of freedom. Perhaps too much. You go off walking that dog of yours, all alone in Rosental…’

‘But I’m completely safe, Vati.’

‘Herta,’ Vati looks at me sternly, ‘do you know how many Jews remain living in this district alone?’

I shake my head.

‘Two thousand! In Gohlis alone. With their loud voices and dirty habits. Despite all our efforts to get rid of them, they persist. Like vermin.’

And they have never done me any harm, I want to shout at him. I’ve never once been approached. From what I’ve seen, they just go about their business, like anyone else.

‘How can we be sure you’ll be safe?’ Vati continues. ‘Berlin has managed to rid their parks of them, so there is no reason why we shouldn’t too. After all,’ he puffs up and prods his chest with his index finger, ‘I’ve succeeded in ending the Jewish stranglehold on the press, a much bigger problem, so surely I can get them out of our parks, and make sure the police do their duty?’

And you’ve stolen their houses.

This house.

‘So, what exactly will you do?’ Mutti asks, cocking her head to one side.

‘I shall run a weekly column in the Leipziger to highlight all the issues. I’ll remind the public of the law. Perhaps a different one each week. I’ll invite people to write in with any behaviour or issues the authorities are failing to deal with. Like this one,’ he taps the newspaper and I catch sight of the headline: Jews Disturb Quiet Leipzig Neighbourhood to Conduct Religious Meetings in Empty Washouse! ‘I shall encourage every good German to keep their eyes and ears open for any hint of corruption or anti-German behaviour, and to report it. Our journalists will investigate all allegations.’ He smiles. ‘Otto Schultz is most impressed with my initiative. He’s invited you and I for drinks next Wednesday evening, Hélène. Party officials from all over Saxony will be there.’