Müller knew this was it. The start of the subterfuge. The beginning of a journey where there was no turning back – whatever happened. It was all very well to risk it for herself – but she would be risking her children’s lives too.

*

The deputy director of the school, as Jäger had intimated, was as compliant as a meek little lamb. The three children – Jäger’s teenage son, a slimmed down, younger version of his father, together with Jannika and Johannes – were waiting with an overnight bag packed each.

‘Once again,’ said the woman, ‘I must insist that all the children are returned for the start of classes tomorrow. I’ve agreed to let you take them out to supper as an exception – and thank you for the signed authorities, Comrade Oberstleutnant.’ She barely acknowledged Müller – it was clear the power lay in Jäger’s rank with the Stasi, something that had obviously impressed the woman.

*

‘Aren’t we going to Oma’s first to pick her up?’ asked Jannika, once she realised the car was heading out of Oberhof. ‘This isn’t the way, is it?’

‘No, we’re going to a special restaurant a bit further away,’ said Müller.

‘How much further? I’m uncomfortable sitting on you.’

With one adult and three children in the rear seats, Müller had to agree it was a squeeze. ‘It won’t be much longer. Try to get some sleep, otherwise you’ll be tired at school tomorrow.’ In the back of her mind, she wondered whether it was fair to lie to the twins in this way. But after what she and Jäger had learned, they were both desperate to get their children away from the school.

*

They drove for nearly a hundred kilometres, ironically virtually due east, despite their plans. As though they were going back to Dresden. But soon after Müller spotted the first signs to Ziegenrück, Tilsner turned off down a forest track. After a few metres, there was a barrier across their path. Jäger jumped out of the car. He lifted it, and then let it fall again once Tilsner was through before running to get back in to the passenger seat.

‘You’re sure they’ll be there?’ he asked Tilsner.

‘Don’t worry. It’s all in hand.’

‘Why are we driving up a forest track?’ asked Jens.

His father turned to him. ‘You know a lot of my work is secret. We’re going on a short journey – it’s a mission.’

‘A mission?’ the boy said, incredulously. ‘I hope you’re going to get me back to school on time, like you promised the deputy director. I’ve got time trials for my age group in the biathlon tomorrow.’

‘It will all be fine,’ said Jäger.