Shortly before six I drove back to the workshop.
Koster was awaiting me.
"Jaffe telephoned this afternoon.
You are to ring him."
For an instant I could not get my breath.
"Did he say anything, Otto?"
"No, nothing in particular.
Only that he would be in his consulting room until five. After that at the Dorothee Hospital.
So you will have to phone there."
"Right."
I went into the office.
It was warm and sticky, but I was freezing and the receiver shook in my hand.
"Nonsense," said I and supported my arm firmly on the table.
It was a long while before I got on to Jaffe.
"Are you free?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Then come out here at once.
I'll be here for another hour."
I wanted to ask him if something had happened to Pat. But I could not do it.
"Good. I'll be there in ten minutes."
I put down the receiver and immediately rang home.
The maid came to the instrument.
I asked for Pat. "I don't know if she's in," said Frida uncivilly. "I'll have a look."
I waited.
My head was thick and hot.
It seemed endless.
Then I heard a crackling and Pat's voice.
"Robby?"
I closed my eyes for a moment.
"How are you, Pat?"
"All right.
I have been sitting on the balcony reading until just now.
An exciting book."
"So, an exciting book," said I. "That's fine.
I only wanted to say that I'll be home a bit later this evening.
Have you finished the book?"
"No, I'm in the middle of it.
It will last a couple of hours yet."
"I'll be there long before that.
So now read away quickly."
I remained sitting a moment.
Then I stood up.
"Otto," said I, "may I have Karl for a bit?"
"Of course.
I'll drive you if you like.
I've nothing to do here."
"It's not necessary.
Nothing's happened.
I've just rung home."
What a light, thought I as Karl shot out on to the street, what a marvellous evening light over the roofs!