“It’s not blackmail—just a request for what corresponds to the regular, statutory level of child support. And to answer your question, I figure that the consequence of this is quite simply that you’ll agree to my demand and deposit the sum I asked for into my bank account. It won’t be any worse than that, and I’m struggling to understand why you’re so dismissive.”

“Oh really? You are? Then let me inform you that it’s because I don’t appreciate it when some little gold digger barges into my life like this to grab a fuckload of cash.”

“In that case, allow me to inform you that it’s significantly less than half of what I spend on the boy,” Sandra said combatively. “And it’s not exactly like I asked for this pregnancy.”

“I definitely didn’t either,” Hallin growled. “It would have been easiest for all concerned if you had got rid of the child.”

“The easiest thing—beyond doubt—would have been if you had done your thinking with the head that you’ve got up there sitting on your neck. You know, instead of the other one.”

“You’re out of your fucking mind.”

“Seriously?” Sandra laughed contemptuously. “It’s me who is crazy when it’s you who runs around raping women?”

There were a few moments of silence before he spoke again, this time in a more controlled tone.

“Look, let me put it to you like this. That thing that you’re referring to—it was a bit uncalled for. I admit that. I might have misjudged the situation, and if I did then I’m sorry for that. But child support? I’m not interested in some stupid brat. And you had every opportunity to get rid of it, right? Especially if you can’t afford to look after it. But you chose not to. That was your choice, and I respect that. But don’t get me mixed up in this—I wasn’t asked.”

Sandra was taken by surprise by the change in tone. It was easier to respond to arrogance and bitterness, that much she now realised. But just because he had toned down his indignation didn’t mean Sandra had to do the same.

“I wasn’t asked whether I wanted to have sex with you,” she countered. “Which I pretty clearly showed I didn’t want. Wouldn’t it just be easiest if you transferred that money and then the matter will be settled and you’ll be rid of me for good? And no one will ever need to find out about any of this.”

“No one is going to find out anything anyway.”

“What do you mean by that? Is that some sort of threat?”

“You won’t report that so-called rape. You would have done so long ago if you were going to. And there’s no proof of anything like that either.”