The Carnival Master

8.

It was already dark when Fabel walked slowly up the grassy mound in the Marienfeld park to where the bonfire raged and sparked into the night sky.

‘I didn’t think we’d see you here,’ said Scholz. He handed Fabel a bottle of Kolsch.

‘I wasn’t doing much good at the hospital. I’ve arranged for Maria to be transferred to Hamburg. After you’ve completed your case, that is.’

‘I don’t think it matters where her body is. Truth is, she’s not in it any more. I’m sorry, Jan. I really am.’

‘Thanks, Benni.’

Tansu Bakrac came over to them. Fabel noticed that Scholz moved off discreetly to leave them to talk.

‘You okay?’ Tansu asked. She placed a hand on his arm.

‘No. Not really. I’m going to head back to Hamburg. I’ll be back in a week or two to tie things up with Benni. Listen, Tansu, about what happened…’

She smiled and nodded towards the bonfire. ‘This is the Nubbelverbrennung. All the sins and foolishness of the Crazy Days get burned up. Here. Tonight. Have a good life, Jan.’

‘You too, Tansu.’ Fabel kissed her and then watched as she walked back to her friends, the firelight etching the outline of her body.