Was that why Jeanette hadn’t replied when she had shouted for her? Because she had seen or heard the car? Kerstin hoped that was the case and that she had managed to take cover without being seen. Anything else would be a disaster. Jeanette would be unable to deal with a meeting with a stranger in these circumstances. She was barely capable of taking care of herself, let alone acting instinctively and intelligently in a rapidly unfolding situation like this one. She would break down and give the wrong answer to all the questions.

If there were even any questions to be asked.

Because who had any business being right here, right now, having come down those small, winding, remote tracks in the pouring rain? Certainly not Peter Norling’s widow. She hadn’t taken the trouble in over four years, so it was hardly likely she would choose today of all days to have a clear out and get the place sorted.

No, it was to do with the money—it had to be. And here was Kerstin hidden away in the outdoor privy at Peter Norling’s hunting cabin, with shit up to her elbows and two big bags neatly packaged in black plastic lying on the grass outside.

Would she have time to get away? Not with the money, that was for sure—but would she have time to run into the woods without it? She carefully nudged the door open a crack once again. No, it wouldn’t work. The driver was opening the car door. They stepped into the rain. Directed their steps straight towards Kerstin. Straight towards the two filthy pieces of luggage she had heaved out of their hiding places.

It was a matter of seconds before the door would be thrown open and it would all be over. Several people had already died for the sake of this cursed money—Kerstin would be no exception.

She pulled her mobile out of her trouser pocket and did the only thing she could do.

62. Jan

62

Jan

JAN GOT OUT into the rain and looked around anxiously. Clearly no sane person would be out in this weather. But the realisation that he was now the man on everyone’s lips had driven him to look over his shoulder, even if most of his fellow human beings hadn’t realised it yet. It was only a matter of time. How had things gone this far?

It was a very painful discovery. Especially the thought of what was to come when his friends, neighbours, and colleagues found out about the disaster that he had caused for everyone involved. Not least his own children, who would definitely pull away from him. He had brought shame and disgrace to his family. The children didn’t know that yet, but they would suffer too. Who wanted a father who had gone from being a successful environmental expert to a criminal in the space of an afternoon?