The snow continued to whirl down, slowing their journey considerably, and when they finally reached Berlin the roads were covered in a thick layer of white. Samuel, who had only visited during fine weather, was having difficulty recognising the road layout. In fact, he was so busy peering at a street sign that pointed the way to the station, he completely failed to see the pedestrian step into the road in front of them.

Inge screamed in alarm and Samuel automatically swerved, but with the snow and ice beneath its wheels, the car spun violently out of control before hitting a lamppost and coming to rest on its roof.

With the wind knocked out of her, Inge struggled to breathe. She tried to see how her husband and daughter were, but she could barely see for the thick flurry of snow engulfing her.

Roz had come to, but instead of sitting in the back of the car she found herself lying on a bed of snow. Bleary-eyed, she looked around her as she tried to work out where she was, but it was no use, she hadn’t the strength to keep her eyes open, let alone think for herself.

Hearing shouts of alarm, she knew that people were rallying round. Whatever had happened, help must be on its way.

CHAPTER ONE