‘My father looked after the von Eschersbach breeders. I was there just a few times myself, and the dogs are quite healthy, thank God. But I can ask von Eschersbach whether he’s had any problems with epilepsy in his dogs. Diagnosing it can be very time-consuming and expensive, so we ought to have a more concrete suspicion first. Maybe the seizures are caused by something altogether different. Give me a very specific description of what the attacks are like.’

‘Well, I can’t give you any specifics, because I was never there when they came on.’

‘Hmm.’ Dr Wagner looks over questioningly at Daniel.

He shakes his head. ‘Neither was I, I’m afraid.’

‘Then how do you know that Hercules had seizures?’

‘This will sound a little strange, but in the past five days two people have told us about these attacks. The first time, someone brought Hercules home from the park to us and filled us in on what he’d seen, then it happened again: a man approached us in the park and claimed that Hercules had gone into convulsions and howled in front of him, and that he was foaming at the mouth. The man was even afraid it could be rabies, because Hercules was suddenly so clingy around him.’

Dr Wagner laughs. ‘Well, it’s certainly not rabies. Once it reaches the convulsion stage, the animal is already close to death. Also, I can’t recall a single case of rabies in dogs in Germany in my career as a vet. But you’re right that it’s odd.’ He turns back to me and strokes me under my chin. ‘Hmm, so you’re clingy and strange? Did Hercules have anything traumatic happen to him lately that might have really rattled him? I’m not an animal psychologist, but something like that can have a negative effect on an animal’s behaviour. You told me he came from the animal shelter. Separation anxiety, perhaps? Have you ever accidentally locked him out or something of that sort?’

Caroline studies the floor, looking shamefaced. ‘I was a bit ill recently,’ she whispers more than states.

‘Right, I remember. Ms Bogner mentioned it when she brought Hercules for a follow-up examination.’

‘Oh, did she?’ Caroline blushes.

‘So do you think Hercules may be reacting to that?’ Daniel asks. ‘That’s really interesting. Maybe he’s worried about you and wants to find someone to look out for you – let’s face it, so far he’s pulled this act only in front of men.’

I’ve been found out! I draw in my tail guiltily.

Caroline looks daggers at Daniel. ‘I hardly think there’s a connection there.’

‘Come on, Caroline, I was only kidding.’

Phew, that’s a relief! It would have been so unpleasant to have my plan come out into the open. Caroline would certainly not approve.