‘I’d be wary of airing those kind of views around Morell if I were you. He’s already accusing you of conducting a personal vendetta against him, and an accusation like that would add grist to his mill. I can’t see any justification in using the police authority’s limited resources over the weekend, not to mention the unnecessary fuel you would add to his merrily blazing fire if you bring in three well-respected citizens for questioning while they’re enjoying a pleasant Saturday.’

The commissioner pauses for a few seconds. When he continues, his tone is kinder.

‘You’re a good police officer, Anna, and it’s not impossible that you’re onto something here. But that newspaper article has damaged you, and I’m afraid neither you nor this investigation can cope with any more unpleasantness. Release Alexander Morell as soon as possible, and prepare meticulously for Monday. Meanwhile I’ll try to keep Henry’s allies at bay for a few more days. And Anna . . . good luck.’

Chapter 52

52

Autumn 2017

Anna lets Jens inform the Morells that Alexander is free to go. As father and son walk towards Henry’s car, she stands at an upstairs window watching them. They are both the same height, they have the same gait, and the only thing that distinguishes them from each other is that Henry stoops slightly, and has a heavier tread. The sun, which is peeping through the clouds for once, lends the gloomy scene an inappropriate beauty.

As the two men get into the car, she catches herself wondering if either of the front seats in the Volvo is pushed as far back as it will go.

*

At three o’clock she decides to go home. She drives slowly up the ridge. After a certain amount of messing around she has managed to get Simon Vidje’s song on her phone, and listens to it through the car stereo. His voice is soft and pleasant, the words beautiful yet frightening.

‘I’ll see you by the waters. The dark and lonely waters.’

The trees have lost more than half their leaves by now, and the steep slopes are covered with an orange carpet so bright that it almost hurts her eyes. She turns off towards Tabor, then stops and sits there for a few minutes, thinking things over.

Alexander Morell has told the truth about what happened that night – she and Jens know it, as does the commissioner. And Henry Morell, which probably means that the rest of the world will be informed shortly. It’s only fair that those most closely involved should also be told. She puts the car in reverse, drives back onto the main road and heads for Änglaberga.