A black BMW idled at the curb, its engine murmuring like a patient predator, waiting. Major Dieter Hellstrom stood beside it, gloved hands folded behind his back.

When he spotted you, his lips curled in a slight, unpleasant smile. When he opened the car door, the street suddenly felt smaller.

“fraülein,” he said. “how fortunate. i was just wondering whether i would see again.” Upon noting your apprehension, he tilted his head.

“Komm. Steig ins Auto.”