‘In a place like this, the police are a part of society in a completely different way than in the city. Everything you do, or don’t do, has consequences, sometimes on an extremely personal level.’ He falls silent, weighing his words carefully before leaning so close that she can smell the coffee on his breath.

‘This job is about relationships, Anna. Becoming part of the community, understanding how people think. Knowing when to follow the letter of the law, and when to . . .’

And when to do the right thing, Håkan says. You don’t think I’ve forgotten what you promised me, do you?

Chapter 6

6

28 August 1990

Marie put the cigarette Carina had just given her to her lips and pretended to take a long drag. Prince Red were far too strong, but all those years in the smoking corner at school meant she could be very convincing. The same applied to booze. She usually drank one glass of wine as slowly as she could, then half-filled her glass and carried it around for the rest of the evening, which meant she avoided snide comments about being boring. Carina was the only one who knew her secret, but she had never given it away.

Alex had got the fire going just as the sun began to set. The flames leaped high at first, casting shadows on the trees and rocks before dying down. Bruno had brought a grill tray from the restaurant, and the two of them had rigged it up over the heat. Meanwhile Marie, Carina and Simon unrolled the sleeping mats. The plateau was still warm from the sun, but the air would quickly become chilly and damp as darkness fell. After a while everyone except Alex changed back into their jeans and fleecy tops.

‘I don’t feel the cold!’ he boasted with a grin as he opened another can of beer.

Marie poured herself and Carina plastic glasses of red wine.

‘So how has your day been?’ Bruno asked. The question sounded general, but Marie noticed that he was looking at her.

‘Crap.’ Carina blew cigarette smoke out of her nostrils in the cool way that Marie had never managed. ‘Kalle came home pissed at about four and woke me and Mum, then it all kicked off as usual.’ She rolled her eyes, not bothering to hide the contempt she felt for her father. ‘I dropped the little ones off with Gran on my way to work so they wouldn’t have to hear it. Then I spent all day feeding the oldies, cleaning toilets and changing nappies for a rubbish wage. Another fantastic day with the Pedersen family.’ Carina pulled a face and took another drag.