However, according to statements from all four witnesses, Jonsson and Savic left the quarry just before midnight when it began to rain. Jonsson and Savic were apprehended by police officers at 01.36 that same night after an altercation at 24-hour petrol station outside Reftinge. Jonsson was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs, joyriding, and illegal driving. He spent the rest of the night in the custody suite. Therefore, neither Jonsson nor Savic were at the quarry at the time of Simon Vidje’s death.

Eagerly she retrieves the information on Rylander and places it on the desk next to Morell’s note. Circles two lines near the top of the first page. The missing piece of the puzzle.

Kent Joakim Rylander, born Kent Joakim Jonsson. Alternative first names: Kenta, Kekke, Jocke – Joe.

Joakim ‘Joe’ Jonsson.

She exhales slowly.

Joakim Rylander and his girlfriend were at the quarry the night Simon Vidje died. Twenty-seven years later, he uses Simon’s music to provoke the four friends, to start something. Less than twenty-four hours later, he is dead. Broken and impaled on a tree after plunging down a steep slope on the same ridge where Simon’s life ended that autumn night. It can’t possibly be a coincidence.

Chapter 36

36

Autumn 2017

Just as Google Maps has already revealed, the scrapyard was once a horseshoe-shaped farm. These days the buildings are in a poor state, and dozens of cars at various stages of decay litter the yard. The autumn air is filled with tiny water particles, something between mist and rain, which intensify the smell of oil, rust and neglect – a smell that finds its way straight through your clothes, with the help of the wind.

There is a barrier across the muddy track, with a sign warning visitors that guard dogs are on the loose. As they approach the main building on foot, they hear barking. Both CSIs and the officer Anna has brought with her exchange anxious glances. She understands how they feel; she herself is afraid of dogs, even though she has one in the family. She could have revealed the connection between Rylander and Simon Vidje’s death during the drive, but after some consideration she has decided to wait, at least until after they’ve searched the house. This is mainly because of Jens Friberg. She’s still not quite sure where she stands with him, and until she is, there is no reason to apprise him of every detail of the investigation. Irritatingly, right now it feels good to have him here, especially when the barking grows louder and a big Rottweiler blocks their path.

They all stop dead, apart from Jens who keeps on walking without the slightest hesitation. The dog’s hackles are raised, its teeth are bared, and a low growl is coming from deep inside.