‘They gave me the title as a reward for long and faithful service when they demoted me. Technically, I have two people under me, but one of those posts has been vacant for the past six months. And I don’t think they’re planning to fill it any time soon.’

‘And what do you actually do?’

‘“Information and service in line with New Builds’ values with the goal of strengthening our client-oriented brand”,’ Anita Kollbar recites robotically. ‘At least, that’s what my job description says.’

Karen waits.

‘In reality, I mostly handle complaints. Going both ways; warnings and notices issued by New Builds to residents and complaints from residents about New Builds or other tenants. Unfortunately, we have quite a lot of less-than-exemplary residents. Vandalism, delinquent rent, fighting dogs, loud music . . .’

Anita Kollbar trails off. Then she shrugs and continues.

‘We’re talking about Moerbeck and Gaarda, so I’m sure you can imagine the kind of things I’m talking about.’

Karen grunts agreement.

‘The thing is that, as you might be aware, the first two victims lived in Moerbeck,’ she says.

Anita Kollbar grabs the armrests of her chair and gingerly shifts in her seat. Winces and waits for the pain to subside. Then she meets Karen’s eyes.

‘You think he’s one of our tenants,’ she says.

Karen shakes her head.

‘It’s far too soon to tell. This is just one of a thousand details we’re looking into. Simply put, we have to consider all possibilities, leave no stone unturned, big or small.’

Leave no stone unturned. I’m starting to sound like Smeed.

‘What would you like to know?’

‘Is there any particular case that stands out to you? A tenant you’ve had a conflict with, perhaps? Threats?’

‘I’m afraid most of the people I deal with are pretty irate. There’s a lot of frustration. But I rarely meet anyone in person. It’s mostly angry phone calls and emails.’

‘So there’s no physical location your tenants can go to?’

‘No, thankfully the Reinholtz Group closed that down when they purchased the buildings from the province. It’s very rare for me to have face-to-face contact with a resident. And when there’s an eviction, I’m obviously not personally involved in the actual removal. That being said, since I’m ultimately responsible for administering the process up to that point, I’m sure my name isn’t very popular.’

‘But there’s no one in particular who comes to mind? No one has explicitly threatened you? No one has come up to you at home or at work?’

Anita Kollbar stares at her porridge while she searches her recollection. Then she slowly shakes her head.