‘It was a terrible war because so many different groups were fighting?’ the man says. ‘Yes, that’s also one way of summing up Lebanon itself.’

At least he’s smiling a little now. Not in a friendly way, but still. And he stretches out his hand. ‘Lars Vargander,’ he says. ‘I’m the ambassador here. Or in Damascus, but we’re not there any longer.’

Jacob jumps up, his whole body trembling. Vargander. The ambassador. This can’t be happening. His hand trembles as he stretches it out. ‘Jacob Seger,’ he says in a wavering voice. ‘I haven’t had time to read the book yet. Agneta just gave it to me.’

The ambassador looks at him indifferently. But there’s a twinkle in his eye and a smile beginning to spread on his lips. ‘I’m just screwing with you, Jacob,’ he says, and gives him a friendly punch on the shoulder. ‘I don’t expect you to have read Randal’s book or know all the details of the civil war on your first week, okay?’

Jacob is overcome by enormous relief. Then hit immediately by another wave of humiliation at being played like that, like he’s a beginner. He knows he’s blushing again. ‘Okay,’ he says. ‘I…’ He stops himself, shakes his head.

‘Yes?’ Vargander says with a smile. ‘What is it?’

‘You know I did actually know that Gemayel was president. I just got flustered.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Vargander says. He turns his wrist to check his watch, which is steel-grey and compact. A Rolex Submariner, Jacob thinks, stifling a sigh. That’s where he wants to go. That’s where he’s been heading.

‘I apologize,’ he continues. ‘But I just got back from Stockholm last night, and I’m headed to a meeting in Ankara for the rest of the week. I think we’ll have to catch up when I get back after the weekend. Agneta can take care of you, right?’

‘Yes,’ says Jacob and nods. ‘Of course.’

‘It’s pretty dead around here right now, and it’ll probably stay that way for a while. Everyone’s busy. But you’ll just have to amuse yourself, discover the city.’

He looks around and when he realizes they’re alone he bends over conspiratorially towards Jacob. ‘You don’t have a girlfriend, right?’ he says. ‘I mean… Well, you know what I mean?’

He stares calmly into Jacob’s eyes. Jacob can feel himself blushing again, shocked by the turn in the conversation towards such a personal question. He’s heard there’s nothing unusual about his situation, being gay in the Foreign Service, and in fact it can even be an advantage, since it’s easier to move if you don’t have any children. But what is this about? Did he misunderstand?