So now he wants a drink. And he won’t say who he works for. No matter; suddenly I am sure of him: Reichssicherheitshauptamt, the Reich Main Security Office. He is here to check up on me, perhaps to eliminate me. They have found out about my Jewish great-great-great-great-grandmother!

Sweating, I lean back to get the schnapps from the sideboard, twisting to show off my profile. But all my wiles leave him unmoved, he is so professional. How can I trust a man I can’t control?

“The dark jewel,” I say by way of diversion, “Is cursed, you know. Every 13 years it kills whoever is wearing it. Some say it turns suddenly and twists its way into your heart.”

He takes a great swallow and has to be thumped on the back. “When did the last owner die?” He sputters.

“I can’t say. Could be 10, 12 years back. But yes, I received the necklace from my dear uncle last night. I’ll be going to where it’s kept soon; and no one must follow me.”