‘Never at home,’ she says. ‘A few have come to the office and yelled at me until security could throw them out, but it’s all been fairly harmless. I’ve never felt properly scared. No, nothing comes to mind. At least, not right now.’

‘OK, but if you think of something later, I want you to call me straight away. And it would be very helpful if I could have access to your case files.’

Anita Kollbar gives Karen an incredulous look.

‘But there are hundreds every month. Do you know how many people live in our properties, just in Moerbeck?’

‘Yes, I realise it’s a big caseload. But can it be arranged?’ she asks. ‘Can I have access, I mean. I assume you save everything.’

‘Of course. But you’ll have to go up to headquarters yourself and search the system. It’s not something that can be emailed over.’

‘I understand. You’re up on Ramsbergsvej, right?’

‘Yes, that’s right. If you want, I can call my colleague and let her know you’re coming. Her name is Renate Hall.’

‘Are you sure you’re up to that? I don’t mind doing it myself if you’re not. I really just wanted to check in with you before I—’

‘I know you don’t need my permission. But believe me, things will go a lot faster if I give Renate a ring than if you have to hack your way through the red tape on your own.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Don’t thank me. Just catch him.’

Chapter 23

23

She’s halfway to station when her phone rings.

‘Hello, my name is Renate Hall. I just spoke to my manager, Anita Kollbar.’

‘Wow, that was quick. I just saw her.’

‘Yes, she said she called me straight away. I understand you want to come over and have a look at our case files?’

‘Yes, I have a few things I’d like to check.’

‘Are you free now? That would work for me.’

Karen hesitates. She had gone straight to the hospital after seeing Ursula Lek. Told herself it was more important to talk to Anita Kollbar than to attend the morning meeting with the rest of the team. Didn’t call Karl Björken to let him know she wasn’t coming, didn’t so much as send him a text.

Rather than driving over to New Builds, she should head back to the station and check in with him.

And say what?

‘Yes, that’s fine,’ she replies. ‘I can be there in half an hour.’

*

Twenty minutes later, she parks outside Ramsbergsvej 42 and enters the offices of New Builds Ltd. Before Karen can explain her reason for visiting or start typing her information into the visitor system, a woman comes walking towards her as fast as she is able. Her waddling gait and the baggy shirt that is no longer as loose as it probably was a few weeks ago speaks volumes.