‘The involvement of the British makes for complications. Also . . .’ The man paused, as though wondering whether he could take Müller into his confidence. He glanced across at Tilsner, who’d lit up a cigarette and was smoking it while leaning against the Wartburg, apparently paying them no attention. Bahlow evidently reached a decision. ‘The thing is, I have a personal interest in this. I can’t tell you what at the moment, but I will, when the time is right. I’m going out on a limb to help you here. For my own reasons.’

He looked back at the Stasi HQ, and as he did Müller could have sworn she saw a shiver of fear in his expression.

‘I take it,’ she said, ‘those reasons might not square with your superiors’ motives?’

Bahlow didn’t answer her. But he looked at her hard and gave an almost imperceptible nod.

‘All right,’ said Müller. ‘Let’s say Tilsner and I do your dirty work for you. Where does that leave you and Jäger? Isn’t he supposed to be taking an overview of this on behalf of Normannenstraße?’

‘Jäger?’ Bahlow looked as though the name left a nasty taste in his mouth. ‘He’s nothing to me.’

‘But Jäger’s theory is the suicide at the Dresden TV tower is somehow linked to our original murder in Gorbitz.’

Bahlow simply rolled his eyes. ‘You have more experience of working with Oberstleutnant Jäger than I do, Comrade Müller. You will know better than I do whether you can always trust what he says. Ask yourself, does he have any personal motives for you investigating that? Perhaps that will give you your answer.’ He turned to go.

‘That’s it, then, is it?’ asked Müller. ‘We’re just expected to do your bidding and follow Lotti Rolf?’

‘That’s up to you, Comrade Hauptmann. But I think you know she must be at the heart of all this – otherwise why are we and the British so interested in her whereabouts and movements?’

*

Back in the Wartburg, Müller discussed with Tilsner a limited amount of what Bahlow had told her. She left out the parts about the British agent, Bahlow’s own motives – not that she knew what they were, but just the fact that he seemed to be going slightly off piste – and his distrust or apparent dislike of Jäger.

‘Do you think it’s another set up by the Stasi?’ asked Tilsner.

‘Possibly,’ admitted Müller. ‘But Lotti’s bus tickets – if they were planted – did at least help us advance the inquiry.’

Tilsner looked at her with a slight smirk. ‘You’re sure about that, are you?’

Müller gave an ironic laugh. ‘On this case, I’m not sure about anything.’