“I don’t want any money,” said Sandra. “I’ve withdrawn my demands. You’ll never hear about my son and never hear from me again.”

There was a few seconds’ silence, then sarcasm dripping in venom.

“That sounds just super. And not a moment too soon.”

“On the condition that Erik shows up again, of course,” Sandra said. “Alive.”

“Erik?” said Hallin. “Who the fuck is that?”

Sandra didn’t reply. She was perfectly sure he already knew the answer to that question.

“Oh, the son?” he said with clearly feigned surprise. “That sounds dramatic. Has he gone missing?”

Sandra could have sworn she could hear a smile in his voice. He was toying with her, but she didn’t plan to give him the satisfaction of hearing her despair. She had to keep her cool and provide a calm and collected version of herself.

“It’s about time we called a day on this,” she said. “Just make sure he comes home.”

Hallin laughed out loud.

“You’re blaming me for the kidnapping?”

“Not at all. I’d just appreciate it that if you happened to bump into him you would please make sure he gets home safely.”

Sandra took great care not to level any accusations. If he felt in the slightest bit threatened, there would be no incentive to cooperate. On the other hand, if he wasn’t expressly identified then there was always a chance that Erik might simply turn up somewhere. Without the police necessarily having to suspect a crime. That was what she was gambling on right now. She was pursuing a secret agreement of sorts in which nothing was spelled out, but where both parties knew what was expected of them.

“I promise,” said Hallin. “If I run into the boy, I’ll put him on the first bus home.”

His tone was one of gentle amusement, and that was frightening in itself. His wording suggested he had no specific plans to meet the three-year-old, which could mean it was all over. But Sandra couldn’t give up this easily. This was her chance to influence the outcome, and she couldn’t waste it.

“I swear I’ll never bother you again,” she said. “Or your wife. I’ll never demand a paternity test, never demand child support, and never get the police involved in what happened four years ago. I haven’t done so far, so why would I now? If the boy is found, then things will be for the best for everyone involved and the matter will be forgotten.”

“Well, that’s marvellous news,” said Hallin with a warmth that felt anything other than genuine. “Then let me wish you and the boy the best of luck.”

And with that the call was over.