‘Nobody has a right to push their way into your home against your will,’ the officer said, still patting the back of Úrsúla’s hand. ‘You did precisely the right thing by pressing the alarm button. That’s what it’s for. It’s better to use it once too often than to not use it at all.’

The officer’s words were presumably intended to be encouraging, but Úrsúla couldn’t help thinking this was a once-too-often occurrence; needless hysteria or panic, which could be symptoms of post-traumatic stress. She felt her face flush with discomfort and took a deep breath, preparing herself to stand up, tell the coppers to get out and pour herself a double brandy – her way of toughing things out.

But before she managed to stand up, Boris had returned with a perplexed look on his face. He perched on the coffee table opposite her and cleared his throat awkwardly.

‘I’m going to recommend to Gunnar that we run twenty-four-hour security around you while we get to the bottom of this. I’ve already spoken to him and he’s ready. We’ll have a police presence outside as well. I know it’s uncomfortable to have the police breathing down your neck the whole time and a member of staff staying in your house while we figure this out, but it’s the best way.’

‘Figure what out?’ Úrsúla asked.

Boris cleared his throat again. ‘There’s … err … This Tinder account that someone has set up in your name.’

‘I knew about that,’ Úrsúla said. ‘That’s been closed down.’

Boris again cleared his throat and this time it was closer to a cough.

‘What?’ Úrsúla demanded.

‘Well, there’s a new account and…’

‘And what?’

‘It seems that the person in question has been in touch with the man who pushed his way in, encouraging this behaviour. While 200we don’t know how many other men this lunatic has encouraged to do the same, it’s best that Gunnar is at your side all the time.’

‘Encourage what? Just what are you talking about?’

‘The person in question, acting supposedly on your behalf, asks men to come to your home and fulfil – what shall we say? – certain fantasies of yours. The men are encouraged to ignore protests or physical resistance as this is supposed to be part of the game. Some kind of role play, you see.’

Úrsúla felt her heart skip a beat, and the terror that she had kept under control since the man had pushed her aside in the doorway returned with full force. She felt her innards turn to a liquid that seeped down to her feet, leaving her unable to move.

Boris coughed again.

‘The person in question supposedly speaks for you in saying that you fantasise about being raped.’

88

Gunnar picked up a toothbrush and clean underwear, and stuffed them in his bag along with his laptop.

‘What do you mean, you’re staying in her house?’ Íris snapped.

She was already furious, even though he had explained it to her and apologised for ruining the evening they had expected to spend together.