‘Jan Morell wants Hege to go to the Winter Olympics,’ she said succinctly. ‘In order for that to happen, it has to be proved that she has been a victim of sabotage. In a sense, I’ve been hired to do exactly that.’

If he had only just betrayed his feelings earlier, and that with a flicker very few people would have noticed, he made no attempt to conceal his astonishment now.

‘Sabotage? Do you seriously think that Hege Morell’s been sabotaged?’

‘I didn’t say that. I said that Jan Morell believes so.’

‘And you …’

Selma gave a faint smile.

‘Me? I’ve only just begun to come close to an understanding that there is a possibility of something of the sort.’

‘You made four qualifications in that one sentence.’

‘Yes. I did it deliberately.’

‘But you believe there is a possibility?’

‘Yes. And now that we’ve established the fact that I’m not trespassing on your territory, we can both make use of each other. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.’

‘Fine. What have you got?’

‘Right now? Nothing. But I soon will have.’

They looked at each other. A little battle of the eyeballs that ended with him calmly lifting off his shoulder bag and unzipping his jacket. Looking around the half-full café, Tintin swept back his quiff.

‘Sølve Bang is a collector,’ he said softly. ‘We’ve never really figured him out. Actually he’s a bit ridiculous. Never before has anyone lived so well for so long on the basis of one sensational World Cup win. He takes himself too seriously. He’s smug. But also so …’

He rested on his elbows and leaned closer.

‘… clever! Bloody hell, he’s written a couple of articles in response to my strongly critical comments, and they are …’

Again he took a deep breath and closed his mouth with a grim expression.

‘… good,’ he rounded off. ‘He writes well, that goes without saying, but he’s also knowledgeable and skilled in argument. Organized.’

‘You called him a “collector”.’

‘Yes. This isn’t something I know, Selma. But I think he collects information. Negative information. About people. He has something on nearly everybody. Lots of people at least. For the past five years he has been working on this book project of his. The definitive history of skiing in the world’s foremost winter sports nation.’

Suddenly he took on a thoughtful, almost startled expression. Glanced diagonally up at the ceiling.

‘That book should surely soon be finished, shouldn’t it?’

A little shrug.

‘Anyway. In connection with his research he has gained access to most things and most people. Talked to individuals. Rooted around in the archives. Accounts. Minutes. And you know …’

Now his smile was broader.