GP was shoving his nose into all kinds of rubbish at the side of the road. And every four metres or so he lifted his right leg and got rid of a squirt or two. This was their morning routine, consisting of a walk around the neighbourhood that took about fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on her mood or his nose. Today it felt good to get some fresh air. She’d gone to bed late the night before, and the morning had started a little too early. Knut had entered the bedroom, having just finished his late-night shift, and he had shaken her out of a morning sleep that, for once, hadn’t been filled with noises and horrible images. Then he had told her what had happened under Fredheim Bridge.

Susanne had got up immediately and taken a shower. She’d had Knut drive her home, and she had called Imo and told him to get Even over as quickly as possible. She felt so guilty about not taking care of him the previous night. If she couldn’t make up for it completely, she was certainly going to try.

Even and Imo still hadn’t arrived when Susanne and GP got home from their walk. She decided to wait for them on the front steps. She fetched a cushion and sat down on the cold surface. GP placed himself at her feet. Soon he was asleep.

Susanne took a look around at everything that belonged to her now. The big house, the oak tree at the front, which stood in the middle of the circular drive. The garage, the outbuilding, which had once been used as a stable.

What the hell was she going to do with all this?

The urge for a glass to hold on to became strong, almost irresistible, but no, she wasn’t going to go there now. Not yet anyway.

The sound of an engine made GP wake up and lift his head. Soon Imo’s old green Mercedes stopped in front of the house. He parked behind the oak tree and turned off the engine. As always Imo got out of the car with an eager step. GP ran over to greet him, his tail waving back and forth like a metronome. Even needed a bit more time to get out of the car. It looked as if he was hurting somewhere.

Her eyes filled with tears. She hurried over to him and pulled him close. She could smell shampoo from his hair and peppermint from his mouth.

‘How are you feeling?’ she asked, once she had stopped kissing and hugging him. He looked so handsome. His chin was exactly the same as Jimmy’s. He had his eyes, too.

‘I’m good,’ Even said. ‘Well. As good as can be expected, I guess.’

‘It’s just…’ She shook her and wiped away a tear. ‘Awful.’