He was well aware that this wouldn’t fall on fertile ground with his wife. But he wanted them to make the decision together, so that he wouldn’t end up dealing with the backlash later on. After all, he had no plans whatsoever to pay a penny of bloody support for a child he didn’t know with any certainty was his. Considering there were several compelling reasons why he didn’t want to be the father of it. Agreeing to pay child support would be the same as admitting something that could lead to further and more serious allegations, and that couldn’t be allowed to happen.

“It’ll be at the expense of the kids’ inheritance then,” said Gunilla sadly.

Jan smiled to himself. That was exactly where he wanted her.

“Yes, and that doesn’t feel right,” he said. “I think we should let the matter rest. I think it’ll probably come to nothing.”

Gunilla pursed her lips and shook her head in resignation, an introspective look on her face. But she wouldn’t be able to complain later.

50. Kerstin

50

Kerstin

SHE DIDN’T WANT to seem too eager, so she didn’t mention the prospective stash of money again—instead she waited patiently for Jeanette to take the initiative herself. She had almost given up hope when on Thursday Jeanette came and sat next to her on the bench, and said she was willing to head out on a treasure hunt.

“There’s a summer house,” she said. “There might be something?”

Jeanette had been in a slightly better mood over the last few days, and hopefully that boded well. At the same time, she was shit-faced most of the time, so it was hard to know exactly where she was. Including now, as she sat there swaying back and forth in a way that obliged Kerstin to grab hold of her on several occasions so that she wouldn’t tumble off the bench. Jeanette didn’t even notice, or she didn’t care. It was hard to tell which.

“Absolutely,” said Kerstin. “Do you know where it is?”

“Tofta beach,” Jeanette said. “Or somewhere nearby.”

She was slurring so much it was barely possible to hear what she was saying.

“Tofta beach?” Kerstin replied, wanting to be sure.

Jeanette nodded.

“Do you know where?”

“No idea,” said Jeanette. “But he used to call it Meadow Hill.”

“Good work,” said Kerstin. “How about we take an outing there tomorrow?”

“Sure. We going to nick a car or what?”

“We’ll bike there,” Kerstin said with a smile. “There’s a bike lane all the way. Do you have a bike?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure there’s any air in the tires.”

“We’ll sort that. I’ll make a packed lunch and come to yours around eight o’clock. You make sure you’re sober, otherwise I’ll go without you. Okay?”