Reiner Meinhold in Kölner Bank (C)

On Reiner's return from Hong Kong, the human resources department at Handelsbank call him to a meeting, where they make him an offer. The terms are nowhere near as good as Max has led him to believe, but Reiner feels powerless to negotiate. The decision about a replacement is delayed, as HR at Kölner Bank say that the candidate also needs to be seen by the CEO and the chairman, neither of which wanted to interview Reiner when he was hired. Max's reaction is impatient: "Either you start next week, Reiner, or I'll have to look for someone else. I'm sorry. You know the importance they give to results at Handelsbank. I can't hold on any longer without you here full-time." Back home in Lindenthal, Reiner is wondering how to escape the pressure bearing down on him. He needs time to put his thoughts in order.