‘Because you’re an egomaniacal fuck and this is how you get your kicks,’ said Fabel. ‘Because you have to make a big show of everything. Just like the way you killed all those people in Hamburg. Just like the way you made sure I was a witness to you murdering your own father.’

The juggler leaned his mask into Fabel’s face again. ‘Then you know your bitch friend will suffer before she dies. I’ve got her. I want the dossier. Deliver a copy, complete and unexpurgated, or Maria Klee will be delivered to you piece by piece.’

‘I can’t just get a copy of the dossier. It has to be signed out before anyone can even read it.’

‘You’re a resourceful man, Fabel. You are finished with the police – what does it matter to you? But if you fail to deliver a full copy of the dossier to me, I will deliver Maria Klee to you in one-kilo pieces. And I will use all my skill to make sure that she will be alive for most of the butcher work.’

‘When?’ asked Fabel.

‘Let’s keep things festive. Rose Monday. During the processions. Wait on the corner of Komödienstrasse and Tunisstrasse and someone will collect it from you. They will be wearing a mask like this.’

‘I’ll only give it to you.’

‘You don’t even know what I look like now. It could be anyone behind one of these masks.’

‘I’ll know. Just like I knew today. If it isn’t you, then I won’t hand over the dossier.’

The juggler’s laugh was muffled by the mask. ‘You want me to walk into a trap that’s so obvious?’

‘You’re sick enough to see it as a challenge. There’ll be no trap. Give me Maria and we’ll both stay out of your business. For good.’

‘Do not disappoint me, Herr Fabel. If you wish I can have a portion of Frau Klee delivered to your hotel to prove that I have her. And to underline my intent …’

‘I believe you’ve got her. Don’t hurt her and I’ll do as you ask.’

‘Good. But let me warn you that if there is any suggestion of a police presence, Frau Klee will be carved alive. No metaphor. You understand?’

Fabel nodded. He was shoved violently and crashed onto the ground. A couple of passers-by helped him to his feet in time to see the last of the masked men skip into the mass of the crowds.

3.