‘And you think Herr Diebner might know more?’

‘It has to be worth a try. He was close to the top Nazis, especially Himmler.’

‘Then let’s go.’

At the door, Wilde hugged Johnny and tried to kiss Lydia on the lips, but she turned away and proffered nothing but her cheek. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘I’ll see you soon.’

‘If we haven’t moved away.’

He slung his valise in the back of the black Riley and was climbing in beside it when he felt the touch of Lydia’s hand on his shoulder. He turned around and she took him in her arms and kissed him properly. ‘I’m sorry, Tom,’ she said when she came up for air, her chin nestling on his shoulder. ‘I know you’re doing the right thing – and I’d do the same myself given half a chance. Just make sure you give Adolf a bloody nose for me – and for all the poor souls he slaughtered.’

‘I will.’

‘Oh, and tell the bastard what we think of him.’

Chapter 4

Just under an hour later, the Riley drew up at the side of an unremarkable road named West Street leading out of the tiny ancient town of Godmanchester. On their left stood a tall and broad manor house, its frontage open to the road but with brick walls enclosing its land on either side. ‘This is Farm Hall,’ Eaton said. ‘Queen Anne at an educated guess. Intelligence used it as a safe house for enemy agents and various others during the show.’ He tapped the driver on his shoulder. ‘Wait for us here if you would.’

The driver nodded, then Wilde helped Eaton out of the car and handed him his walking stick.

Inside the building, they were welcomed into the rather spartan and smoky office of Major T. H. Rittner, the British officer in charge of the house. ‘No one is quite sure what the T. H. stands for,’ Eaton had confided to Wilde beforehand. ‘Everyone assumes he has a Christian name, but no one knows what it is. He’s simply T. H. – even to his closest friends and family.’

‘Welcome, gentlemen, welcome,’ the major said by way of introduction. ‘CSDIC HQ told me you were coming and they have authorised me to allow you to speak with my professors.’

‘CSDIC?’ Wilde said, shaking the officer’s hand.

‘Combined Services Detailed Interrogation Centre,’ Major Rittner informed him. ‘The fellows behind the operation here at Farm Hall. Anyway, you must be Professor Wilde – and of course I know Mr Eaton. Can I get you tea or coffee?’

They both declined the offer and placed themselves in the seats Rittner indicated.

‘I was going to suggest you use this office for your interviews,’ Rittner said. ‘Would that suit you?’

‘Could we not talk in their own rooms?’ Wilde suggested. ‘They might be more comfortable, and if they are at their ease they might let something slip.’

Rittner turned to Eaton. ‘What do you think? At the moment, they’re all in the garden or in one of the sitting rooms playing the piano or reading. Breaking their routine will inevitably cause a stir. Whether they are accompanied one by one to their rooms or here, there will be a lot of consternation. Some of these men are pretty emotional and close to the edge. Any disruption to their daily lives raises their hopes of release, then they fall into a slough of despond when it’s not forthcoming.’