“I was just thinking. Since when is that forbidden?”

“This damn weather.”

“I don’t feel like talking.”

Anders put the mugs on the table, sitting down in the chair across from Gunnar and resting his fingertips against each other.

“How is she?” Anders asked.

“Who?” Gunnar said.

“Anneli.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“She looks tired.”

“I’m not into small talk.”

“I just want to know how she is.”

“You shouldn’t give a damn about her, do you hear me?”

“Calm down,” Anders sneered. “I was just asking how she is.”

“And I’m working.”

Gunnar shifted his weight in his chair, feeling the sweat on his back seeping through the material of his shirt. He looked at Anders, who sat composed and still, hands now by his mouth, fingertips still pressed against each other. He had an expression of superiority on his face, a crooked smile visible at the corner of his mouth.

“Coffee?”

“Oh, are we going to take coffee breaks together now, too?”

“Here you go,” Anders said, pushing the mug toward Gunnar, who looked at it with disgust.

“I don’t understand how you can dare to come in here,” Gunnar said.

“I value your opinions,” Anders replied.

“You have nothing to do here.”

“I hear what you’re saying.”

“To think that you have the balls to question our investigation.”

“I’m doing my job.”

“We’re doing ours, too.”

“Clearly not, because I’m here.”

“There must be another reason you’re here. I really want to tell you to go to hell.”

“I know.”

“But then I risk retaliation?”

“You might anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I just said.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Anders continued smiling, rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward.

“No, Gunnar. Why would I threaten you? I just want to make sure that you’re all doing a good job here in Norrköping.”

“I have worked in law enforcement my whole life. I know how to do a good job.”

“Then I’ll have to see that you do a better job, then.”

“You can sit here, leaning in to seem more dangerous,” Gunnar said, leaning back in his chair, “and you can say whatever you want. I’m still not going to listen.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Anders said.

“I know exactly what I’m doing.”

“I don’t think you do. It seems like you don’t understand the importance of cooperation. That we are going to cooperate. Regional and National Crime Squads. Norrköping and Stockholm. You and me, Gunnar.”

Gunnar didn’t want to hear any more. Sweat ran down his temples, but he didn’t dare wipe it away for fear of showing Anders how upset he really was.

“Obviously, we will cooperate,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “You and me. Anything else I can do for you?”

Anders stood up.