‘Well, I didn’t like to bother you, dear. And I know you’ve had enough on your plate, what with Helga, and the work . . . complications.’ She meant Müller’s demotion from Major to Hauptmann and the incumbent dismantling of the Serious Crimes Department. But she was too polite to spell it out. It appeared she’d also been too polite to alert her daughter that it was all getting too much. ‘But they’re both so full of energy. It wouldn’t be so bad if Sara could help, but she’s got her hands full with her own little ones, and to be honest, I feel bad I can’t help out there.’ Sara was Müller’s adoptive sister – Rosamund’s natural daughter. Married to the local butcher, Roland, with a toddler and baby girl.

‘Anyway.’ Herr Mayer cleared his throat. ‘The whys and wherefores aren’t that important. What is important is that the Republic has been trying to identify future sports stars as early as possible. Jannika and Johannes were recommended through their kindergarten ski instructor. The long and short of it is, we’d like to offer them a place at the school. As you can imagine, such places are extremely coveted.’

‘It’s a great honour,’ gushed Rosamund, looking slightly flushed.

‘But I thought it was a boarding school?’ said Müller. ‘Do you have day pupils?’

‘Ah, no, sorry. You misunderstand. You’re quite right, it is a boarding school.’

‘Well, that’s ridiculous,’ said Müller, aware she was shouting. She lowered her voice, not wanting the children to hear. ‘They’re just kindergarten kids.’

‘Well, yes,’ said Herr Mayer. ‘This is specifically a new programme for gifted youngsters. It’s a great honour.’

Müller looked at Rosamund in horror. Did she really want her grandchildren to be sent away to school, aged barely six?

‘They’d still be able to come home most weekends, darling,’ soothed the older woman.

Müller thought back to the last time she’d seen Oberhof children taken away against their will. Back when she was just five years old, and her childhood friend – another Johannes – and his family had had their guesthouse confiscated and been sent away from the town as part of a forced nationalisation programme by the socialist authorities. The trouble was, in her heart she knew her Johannes and his sister would probably be thrilled by the idea.

‘Thank you for your kind offer, Herr Mayer,’ said Müller, finally. ‘My inclination is to say no . . .’ She heard Rosamund about to interject. ‘But first I want to talk it over with my mother, and then I’ll let you know my decision.’

‘Of course, Frau Müller,’ the man said, rising to his feet. He gave a slight bow towards her adoptive mother, who blushed like a schoolgirl in return.