Caroline zooms through the apartment in good spirits, and tidies up a bit. She sets the table, opens one of those horrible bottles, and with one quick motion of her hand pours the contents into another bottle that is bigger and rounder. A big splash of red liquid lands in the container. Looks really pretty, but what purpose that serves is a mystery to me, though I saw this at the old von Eschersbach’s place from time to time as well. Maybe it’s a ritual? A magic spell? For a successful evening? Being a dachshund, I’m not especially superstitious, but if it helps today, I’m all for it. It would be so great to see the dazed expression on Beck’s face if I could tell him that Caroline and Daniel have become a couple after all.

The doorbell rings. That is certainly Daniel. Man, am I keyed up! Caroline is too, apparently, because she’s dashing to the door, but then she slams on the brakes in front of the mirror to the right of the door and gives herself a critical once-over before opening the door. I’m eagerly glued to her heels and ready to act as the supportive reception committee. Caroline flings open the door, I stand on my hind legs – it’s Nina. Oh no! What’s she doing here?

‘What are you doing here?’

‘That’s a warm welcome! I’m fine, thanks, and I’d love to come in.’

‘Listen, this isn’t a good time.’

‘Hmm, I can see that. You’re all dolled up compared to the way you usually dress. Who’s coming?’

‘Daniel. We’re going to do some cooking.’

‘Oh, Daniel. Then I can surely stay for a minute. I thought you had a date.’

Caroline sighs, then takes a step to the side. ‘What’s so urgent?’

‘I think Marc Wagner is not my type after all.’

‘I see. How did this sudden change of heart come about?’

‘Hmm, I’ll explain it to you in a second. Can I have a glass?’ She points to the bulbous glass bottle into which Caroline just poured the contents of the other bottle. ‘I have to have a drink first. Today was a complete disaster.’

‘Yes, well, I actually wanted to…’

‘Thanks, I could really use this now.’ Nina takes a glass from the cabinet, pours herself a drink, and takes a quick sniff of the red stuff. ‘Hmm, delicious; this is a fabulous wine. Are you celebrating something special? Picked up another hundred-thousand-dollar violin for Aurora at an auction?’

‘No, I just wanted to spend a relaxing evening cooking with Daniel and drinking a glass of wine.’ Caroline gives Nina a dirty look, which she can’t see, because she’s too busy with her glass.

‘Well, then you’re lucky that I’ve dropped in on you, otherwise you’d just talk about nothing but business the way you always do.’