‘Are you suggesting that Ísafold took an active part in Björn’s dealing?’ Daníel asked, glancing at Violet, who reacted instantly.

‘Dealing?’ she snapped. ‘I was given to understand that his sentence was for possession, and those pills were for his own use. It wasn’t a sentence for dealing.’

Daníel took a long breath, deep down into his belly and through his open mouth, so it wouldn’t be heard. As was so often the case with relatives, Violet was deeply reluctant to believe anything bad 190about her own people, standing guard over the reputations of her daughter and her partner, even when the circumstances no longer warranted it.

‘It’s important to listen to what Ebbi has to say,’ he said mildly, laying a gentle hand on Violet’s arm. He glanced at Ebbi, nodding to indicate that he should answer the question.

‘I don’t think she was doing drugs, and I also don’t believe that she took a direct part in dealing. Björn has plenty of young kids who deliver prescription drugs all over town, just like they’re delivering pizzas,’ Ebbi said, shaking his head in disgust. ‘All the while, Björn sits safe at home and manages everything through the internet. But I know he used Ísafold to help him get hold of drugs.’

‘And how do you know this?’ Daníel asked.

‘I talked to Ísafold when I met her at my mum’s place for Sunday dinner a few weeks ago. She was depressed, so I pushed until I found out what was wrong, and she told me she had been sacked from work for stealing, and…’

Ebbi fell silent, as Violet sobbed and buried her face in her hands.

‘And?’ Daníel said, pressing him. He had the feeling that Ebbi was about to say something important.

‘She said that Björn was angry with her because of it. Because she had lost her job. I imagine that Ísafold’s access to the old folks’ prescription medicines had been something of a goldmine for Björn.’

Ebbi stood up, tore a sheet from the kitchen roll on the worktop, and handed it to Violet, who carefully blew her nose.

When Daníel took Violet out to the car, he paused before he closed the passenger door.

‘Sorry, I forgot to ask Ebbi something,’ he said, shutting the door before she could ask what. In two long strides he was at the door. He knocked, and Ebbi, who had only just closed it behind them, opened it immediately. Daníel pushed him back into the 191hall, closing the front door behind him as he placed his palm on Ebbi’s chest and forced him against the wall.