‘I don’t see what’s funny,’ grumbled the man as he walked away.

I smiled at Korsch. ‘Looks like someone has a sense of humour.’

‘Are you going to mention this in the report, sir?’ he grinned.

‘It’s material, isn’t it?’

‘It’s just that the general won’t like it.’

‘He’ll be beside himself, I should think. But you see, our killer isn’t the only one who enjoys a good joke.’

Back at the Alex I received a call from the head of what was ostensibly Illmann’s department — VD1, Forensics. I spoke to an SS-Hauptsturmführer Dr Schade, whose tone was predictably obsequious, no doubt in the belief that I had some influence with General Heydrich.

The doctor informed me that a fingerprint team had removed a number of prints from the telephone box at West Kreuz in which the killer had apparently called the Alex. These were now a matter for VC1, the Records Department. As to the trunk and its contents, he had spoken to Kriminalassistent Korsch and would inform him immediately if any fingerprints were discovered there.

I thanked him for his call, and told him that my investigation was to receive top priority, and that everything else would have to take second place.

Within fifteen minutes of this conversation, I received another telephone call, this time from the Gestapo.

‘This is Sturmbannfuhrer Roth here,’ he said. ‘Section 4B1. Kommissar Gunther, you are interfering with the progress of a most important investigation.’

‘4B1? I don’t think I know that department. Are you calling from within the Alex?’

‘We are based at Meinekestrasse, investigating Catholic criminals.’

‘I’m afraid I know nothing of your department, Sturmbannfuhrer. Nor do I wish to. Nevertheless, I cannot see how I can possibly be interfering with one of your investigations.’

‘The fact remains that you are. It was you who ordered SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Dr Schade to give your own investigation priority over any other?’

‘That’s right, I did.’

‘Then you, a Kommissar, should know that the Gestapo takes precedence over Kripo where the services of VD1 are required.’

‘I know of no such thing. But what great crime has been committed that might require your department to take precedence over a murder investigation? Charging a priest with a fraudulent transubstantiation perhaps? Or trying to pass off the communion wine as the blood of Christ?’

‘Your levity is quite out of order, Kommissar,’ he said. ‘This department is investigating most serious charges of homosexuality among the priesthood.’

‘Is that so? Then I shall certainly sleep more soundly in my bed tonight. All the same, my investigation has been given top priority by General Heydrich himself.’

‘Knowing the importance that he attaches to apprehending religious enemies of the state, I find that very hard to believe.’

‘Then may I suggest that you telephone the Wilhelmstrasse and have the general explain it to you personally.’