Erik didn’t dare to make the call while he was in the hospital, nor on the train home. He waited until he got into his apartment and closed the bedroom door. Then he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialled Lara Meyer’s number.

“Erik!” she greeted him warmly. ”I haven’t heard from you in a while! How are you? Are you still assigned to the custody hospital?”

“Yes, I’m still there,” he confirmed. He wanted to explain his dilemma quickly, but didn’t ...