‘That’s one theory, but we’re keeping our options open.’

‘Nonsense,’ Elisabet snaps, but a second later her sour expression is replaced by a contented smile.

‘So now you’ll have to reopen the old case. Question Alexander Morell and the others. Henry Morell will hit the roof. So will Bengt Andersson.’ The smile grows broader.

‘There’s one thing I don’t understand,’ Anna says. ‘You and Marie Sordi seem to be on good terms, but Marie was there that night, and you’ve accused her father of colluding with Henry Morell to hide the truth.’

Elisabet looks pensive.

‘Marie is my niece; I’ve known her since she was born. She and Simon were like brother and sister – they were going to share an apartment in Lund. I can’t imagine that she would wish him any harm.’ She smiles wearily. ‘She’s been a great support to both me and Karl-Johan over the years. She goes to visit him in the nursing home in town once a month. I have my doubts about her husband, though – not to mention the other two.’ The smile becomes a thin line. ‘Kalle Pedersen was a drunkard and a petty thief who beat both his wife and kids black and blue. His daughter Carina was always a little too calculating for my liking. As you perhaps know, her first husband died under mysterious circumstances. And then there’s Alexander Morell – his wife threw him out. I assume she couldn’t cope with his temper.’ She shakes her head. ‘As far as Bengt Andersson goes, his attempt to hide the truth is more to do with the reputation of Nedanås than with Marie. He’s always put the community first – before his own family, in fact. My sister chose the wrong man, but his children shouldn’t have to suffer because she made a bad decision.’

‘Is that why you allow Mats Andersson to live here?’

Elisabet purses her lips.

‘Poor Mats is a little . . . different, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. I was pleased when Marie bought Kotorp from Bengt, even if I don’t like the change of name. Norrblicka sounds so pretentious, and Marie knows exactly how I feel. Mats became a kind of spare part, so we agreed that he would live here. Klein and I have plenty of room, and Bengt couldn’t care less about his boy.’

Klein is waiting for them at the front door. He looks concerned, but Elisabet pats his arm reassuringly.

‘You don’t need to worry, you silly old thing. Anna and I have had a good talk, and I think we understand each other. But now I need to rest.’