She stood up from the settee and stood with the paper in her hand for what felt like an eternity. Suddenly she went out to the kitchen and put the forged document down on the top of the kitchen cupboard. She changed the water in Darius’s bowl and dashed to the door. In her hurry she snatched up the blonde wig and glasses, both of which were in the hallway in an unopened box.

In the basement in Ensjø she was at least beyond Jan Morell’s control. The game at the Poker Turk’s place would be well underway, but she would undoubtedly be able to charm her way to the table.

THE MANUSCRIPT

401 OUTSIDE, OSLO CITY CENTRE, EVENING

The MAN is waiting in a city park. Early autumn, leaves and wet grass. Still fairly light in the evening. The MAN glances impatiently at the building on the opposite side of the street. The WOMAN comes walking along the pavement, on her way to the apartment block. The MAN crosses the street, jogging.

MAN: Hey! Vanja!

VANJA (turns around): Oh. You. I’ve sent you a message.

402 OUTSIDE, IN FRONT OF APARTMENT BLOCK, OSLO, EVENING

VANJA walks quickly towards the entrance door with a bunch of keys ready in her hand. The MAN follows her. As they reach the door, he puts a hand around her lower arm. She pulls it away.

VANJA: Let go!

MAN: OK, but stop for a minute! You have to explain why I can’t come to you any more. I have …

VANJA (calmer now): I’ve explained everything in my letter. There’s no point in continuing. I haven’t anything more to offer you.

MAN: Yes, you do! Now is when it all begins, Vanja. Now is when I need someone to talk to. I’ve been in limbo all these years, but now, since I saw that picture from the Ski Museum, I’m where I want to be. Now’s the time for me to put right everything that’s happened.

The MAN is agitated and tries to touch her again. VANJA, seeming somewhat anxious, pulls away.

VANJA: Nothing can put right what happened. It’s far too long ago. You were children, all of you. If you still want help, I can give you a couple of recommendations. For good colleagues of mine.

MAN: I don’t want recommendations. I received a recommendation. From your son. For you. I want to have you.

The MAN is increasingly agitated. VANJA inserts the key in the lock. Fumbling, clearly nervous now.

MAN (cont.): This is unprofessional. Fucking ignorant. You can’t just get rid of me like this. I’m not finished yet.

VANJA finally manages to turn the key. Opens the heavy door into the apartment block sufficiently for her to slip inside. The MAN shoves his foot into the gap between the door and the frame.