Tony shook his head. The cracks were starting to show. But he still had nothing that would pass for confession. Time to find some more buttons to push. ‘I don’t believe that’s what you want. I think what you want is for someone to recognize the significance of what you’re doing. You didn’t start killing because the idea of it excited you. You started killing to make them stop what they were doing. But if nobody understands that, then it’s all been a waste of time. Nothing will change. They’ll still keep messing with people’s heads. And you’ll be in jail. Or worse. Because they know it’s you, Willi. And sooner rather than later, they’ll prove it.’

Mann made a harsh sound that might have been intended as a laugh. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

Tony sat down on the high chair by the chart table. The secret of making someone like Mann open up was to read his responses and shift the approach accordingly. There was no point in having a script meticulously worked out in advance. He’d already changed tack and it was time to alter course again. Now, the pretence of sweet reason was his best weapon. He needed to act as if what he was saying was casually self-evident. ‘You can deny it all you like. But they’re watching you. When you go out tomorrow night or the next night, or the night after that, they’re going to be on your tail. They’re not going to let you kill another one, Willi. Unless you listen to me, there are only two alternatives. Either you stop or you get caught. And either way, nobody will hear the message.’

Mann didn’t move a muscle. He stood staring at Tony, breathing heavily through his nose.

Tony leaned forward earnestly. That’s why you need me. Because I’m the only one so far who has understood what you’re trying to say. Come with me. Give yourself up. I’ll make sure they hear the message. Ordinary people will sympathize with you. They’ll understand you. They’ll be horrified at what happened to you and your grandfather. Any civilized person would be. They’ll force the psychologists to answer for what they’ve done. ‘They’ll insist that they stop causing the kind of damage that made your childhood a misery. You’ll have won.’

Mann shook his head. ‘I don’t know why you’re saying these things to me,’ he said doggedly. There was a light sheen of sweat on his upper lip.

‘Because it’s very nearly over. And you made a mistake, didn’t you?’

Now the eyes were troubled. Mann looked away, chewing his lower lip. Tony could see he was finally making headway.