‘And what do we make of the fact that she’s significantly older? There must be twenty years between her and the others.’

‘More. Anita Kollbar’s going on fifty-seven. The others ranged from twenty-five to thirty-four. But he doesn’t seem to be choosing older and older women; the third victim was younger than the second. Aside from the first two, the attacks have taken place in disparate locations, and the four women have different backgrounds and jobs. Three of the four live alone and at the time of the attacks were moving about in deserted areas, but other than that, there doesn’t seem to be any connection between them.’

‘What does the profile say?’

‘Between twenty-five and forty, likely unemployed, single, and with limited sexual experience. Possibly sexually assaulted as a child. Strong hatred of women. Few or no friends.’

‘Well, that narrows it down,’ Karen replies sarcastically. ‘There must be thousands of men who fit that description.’

‘He’s likely overweight. Or at least tall and extremely heavy, judging by the footprints and what little victims one and three have been able to tell us. But since he attacks from behind and forces the women onto the ground face down, no one has seen him.’

‘Psychologists would tell us that indicates that the perpetrator feels guilt and doesn’t want to look them in the eye,’ Karen says.

‘Or just that he’s afraid of being identified, if you ask me,’ Karl replies drily. ‘We’re obviously cross-referencing older cases, both here and abroad. Not least the things that happened in Sweden a few years ago. The Hager Rapist, you know.’

‘Haga Rapist,’ Karen corrects him. ‘Known as Haga Man. Well, in that case, the profiles were virtually useless, unless I’m misremembering. No one thought they were looking for a gainfully employed family man.’

‘No, but some of the assumptions turned out to be correct. Not all of it was off. But, on the other hand—’

‘—it didn’t help solve the case,’ Karen finishes for him. ‘What about technical evidence? Surely you have something besides footprints?’

Karl sips his coffee and turns back to the sea without answering.

‘Come on. The second Luna calls, I’m going to be on the team anyway. By rights, I should be leading it.’

‘Well, when you put it that way . . .’

‘All I’m saying is that Smeed promised me last autumn. Before all that crap up on Noorö.’

‘Speaking of which, how are you feeling?’ Karl asks. ‘I know you were having a tough time wi—’

‘I’m better now,’ Karen cuts him off. ‘But we’re not talking about me.’

‘You’re hard work. Do you know that?’

‘Yes, I’ve been told. But I’m kind to children and animals. Now, give me the rest.’

‘Fine, but if you breathe a word to anyone, I’ll—’

She raises her eyebrows at him. It’s enough. Karl Björken takes a deep breath.