‘I enjoyed studying,’ she says. ‘I worked hard in school. Ebba found it more difficult. She wasn’t remotely academic, and eventually she married Bengt Andersson instead. She preferred to be looked after. That was just the way she was – she suffered with her nerves, if you know what I mean.’ She grimaces. ‘I started to study law, but then my father died and I had to take care of my mother, Ebba and the farm. Sometimes things just don’t turn out the way you expect, do they?’ She takes another sip of her tea. ‘You’re replacing Henry Morell.’

‘Yes – next Monday, technically.’

‘Good. I assume he’s warned you about me. Dragged up that old hunting story and told you I’m one sandwich short of a picnic. No, you don’t need to answer – I know how he operates.’ Elisabet raises her free hand.

‘Henry Morell and I have known each other since we were young. He’s an intelligent man, charming too – when he wants to be. He and my brother-in-law Bengt Andersson have done a lot of positive things for this community, and many people admire them.’ Her eyes narrow. ‘Let’s just say I’m not one of those people, and with good reason. But this isn’t about something as simple as an injured deer.’ Elisabet looks as if she would like to say more, but then she glances at Agnes and seems to change her mind.

‘By the way, I have a little welcome gift for you in the car. Could you fetch it for me, Agnes?’

‘No problem.’

As soon as the front door closes behind Agnes, Elisabet goes on: ‘I’ll get straight to the point. My son died in 1990, as you perhaps already know.’

Anna nods.

‘Good, that saves time. The police concluded that his death was an accident, but I don’t believe that.’

‘Why not?’

‘Mainly because although the former chief of police was responsible for the investigation, everyone knows that Henry Morell was really in charge. The thing is . . .’ she leans across the table, ‘Henry’s son was part of the group up in the quarry that night.’

‘Alex?’

‘So, you’ve already met him.’

‘He was with Henry at the police station yesterday.’

Elisabet compresses her lips again. ‘That was no coincidence, I’m sure. Henry’s cunning. Has he introduced you to any of the others? Bruno? Marie? Carina Pedersen?’

‘Yes . . . well, I’ve met Bruno, but I’ve only heard about his wife. Henry invited me to lunch at the Italian restaurant.’

Elisabet leans even closer.

‘Simon’s death was no accident, Anna. Something else happened that night. Something that Henry, my brother-in-law and maybe also that slippery little restaurant owner Sordi managed to keep quiet.’

The front door opens, and Agnes comes in.