Winnie hung up the phone and threw herself onto the bed.

The winter days in Germany got dark early, and by about 4 or 5 in the afternoon, it was already pitch black outside. Snow was falling again, and people dressed in coats hurried by, braving the wind and snow.

Van had arranged to meet her at the hotel where the conference was being held.

A business car pulled up to the entrance, and the doorman opened the door to greet the VIP guests inside.

Winnie stepped out of ...