Prince waited five minutes and then walked slowly along the canal, crossed it on the Nyhavnsbroen and walked back in the direction of Agent Horatio’s building. This time he couldn’t enter through the rear because he wasn’t expected, but going through the front entrance would be risky. He waited near the entrance, leaning on the railings as he slowly lit a cigarette. The longer he waited, the more exposed he’d be, and for some reason the area seemed to be especially busy with German troops, most just strolling along. After five minutes he spotted his opportunity. An elderly lady with shopping bags in each hand approached the building and paused at the door, putting the bags down and removing a bunch of keys from her pocket.

Prince walked up to her. ‘Let me help you.’

‘You’re so kind. I just need to find the right key. Please don’t go out of your way.’

‘It’s no problem. I’m taking this parcel to a friend.’

Upstairs, Otto Knudsen opened the door and beckoned him in as if he was expected. The Dane had peered over his shoulder to check no one was behind him on the small landing.

‘Is everything all right, Peter?’

‘It is – there’s no need to worry. Everything is fine.’

‘So have you popped in for a chat?’ Agent Horatio smiled. He’d led Prince into the smartly furnished lounge, and each man was sitting in one of a pair of very modern-looking armchairs. Prince had never seen anything like them in England. ‘Coffee maybe – or perhaps a beer? I can offer you an aquavit, but you’ll excuse me if I don’t join you. I can’t stand the stuff!’

‘There’s no time for a drink. We need to talk. London received the information you gave me about your Berlin trip and what Kurt told you. They were very grateful and have asked me to pass on their thanks.’

‘But? Surely they wouldn’t risk sending you here just to say thank you?’

‘They feel they need to know more. There are questions they have for Kurt.’

‘Give me the questions and I can ask him if I see him next week. I’ll need to wait until I’m there and then ask my contact to arrange a—’

‘They want me to go with you.’

‘Really… to Berlin? Is that such a good idea? I need to have a think.’

Horatio walked around his lounge, pausing by the bookcase to put a couple of books back in line. Then he went over to his desk and removed a diary from his briefcase before sitting down.

‘I was planning to fly out next Tuesday night – the first of December. I was only intending to stay until Thursday. I try to minimise my time in the Reich. It’s not exactly pleasant, you know.’

‘Will two nights be enough?’