‘Lanz’s approach to psychotherapy is anti-Freudian, and he saw in Jung’s work material for the history and culture of a race. His field of research has been to investigate the human unconscious mind for spiritual strata that might make possible a reconstruction of the pre-history of cultures. That’s how he came to work with Weisthor. Lanz saw in him the key to his own branch of Jungian psychotherapy, which will, he hopes, enable him to set up, with Himmler’s blessing, his own version of a Goering Research Institute. That’s another psychotherapeutic –’

‘Yes, I know it.’

‘Well, at first the research was genuine. But then he discovered that Weisthor was a fake, that he was using his so-called ancestral clairvoyance as a way of projecting the importance of his ancestors in the eyes of Himmler. But by then it was too late. And there was no price that Lanz would not have paid to make sure of getting his institute.’

‘What does he need an institute for? He’s got the clinic, hasn’t he?’

‘That’s not enough for Lanz. In his own field he wants to be remembered in the same breath as Freud and Jung.’

‘What about Otto Rahn?’

‘Gifted academically, but really little more than a ruthless fanatic. He was a guard in Dachau for a while. That’s the kind of man he is.’ He stopped and chewed his fingernail. ‘Might I have one of those cigarettes, please?’

I tossed him the packet and watched him light one with a hand that trembled as if he had a high fever. To see him smoke it, you would have thought it was pure protein.

‘Is that it?’

He shook his head. ‘Kindermann still has Weisthor’s medical case history, which proves his insanity. Lanz used to say that it was his insurance, to guarantee Weisthor’s loyalty. You see, Himmler can’t abide mental illness. Some nonsense about racial health. So if he were ever to get hold of that case history, then–’

‘ — then the game would be well and truly up.’

‘So what’s the plan, sir?’

‘Himmler, Heydrich, Nebe — they’ve all gone to this SS Court of Honour at Wewelsburg.’

‘Where the hell is Wewelsburg?’ Becker said.

‘It’s quite near Paderborn,’ said Korsch.

‘I propose to go after them. See if I can’t expose Weisthor and the whole dirty business right in front of Himmler. I’ll take Lange along for the ride, just for evidentiary purposes.’

Korsch stood up and went to the door. ‘Right, sir. I’ll get the car.’

‘I’m afraid not. I want you two to stay here.’

Becker groaned loudly. ‘But that’s ridiculous, it really is, sir. It’s asking for trouble.’