‘And you think this is an emergency?’

‘It certainly feels like one.’

‘Very well then – and you work for Gilbey?’

Prince nodded.

‘I take it you’re British?’ Von Buhler spoke the words in English, perfectly pronounced.

‘Yes, I am.’

‘Were you given an escape route?’

‘No. I think it was assumed my contact here in Copenhagen would handle that.’

The German said nothing, but lowered his head, thinking matters through. ‘The only feasible way out is through Sweden. Do you have any contacts there?’

Prince shook his head.

‘I understand the MI6 officer at the British Embassy in Stockholm is a man called George Weston. I have no links with him, obviously, but I will endeavour to get you over to Sweden. Once you’re there, you’re on your own: you must make your way to Stockholm, then to the British Embassy, and contact Weston. It will take me a few days to sort this. In the meantime, you remain here.’

‘I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.’

‘Good. Is there anything else you need?’

‘There is, actually… the agent who was looking after me: I fear something has happened to her. Would you be able to find out?’

‘I can’t promise. What is her name?’

‘Hanne Jakobsen. She’s a police officer here in Copenhagen.’

On the way out, von Buhler approached Dr Oppenheim, who was still waiting in the workshop. ‘Tell me, Doctor, how long before he’s well enough to travel?’

‘It depends how far and what kind of journey.’

‘It’s important he looks well. We can’t have him appearing so ill he draws attention to himself.’

‘In that case, I’d say not before the weekend, certainly.’

‘A week tomorrow – next Tuesday?’

‘Yes, I think that sounds reasonable. I must leave now. I have a clinic this afternoon and—’

‘One moment, Doctor. This is my card: have a look at it, please.’

Ferdinand Rudolf von Buhler

Commercial Attaché, German Embassy, Copenhagen

It would have been hard for the doctor to look more shocked and unsettled. He wiped his brow and his hands shook.

‘We both understand the highly confidential nature of our encounter, I hope. Are you well connected with the Jewish community here in Copenhagen?’

The doctor nodded.

‘There may well be a time in the coming months when I will need to contact them, to be of help. You should realise from my presence here today that I am to be trusted. If I need to see you, we can meet here; Jensen can arrange it. If you hear from him that he needs to see you because he has a strained knee, you will know it’s me.’

The doctor nodded again, glancing from the diplomat to the card and back.

‘And it may be best if you give me the card back.’