“Anders has fought for many years to stop narcotics trafficking. It’s thanks to his efforts that we’ve been able to arrest multiple central figures who control the different narcotics markets in Sweden. Just last spring, coordinated raids flushed out a huge gang in Gothenburg. Anders had comprehensive responsibility for the whole operation, and long prison sentences are waiting for those who were arrested.”

“Yes, I’d heard that he got to show off in the newspapers.”

Carin raised her voice.

“His war against drugs has given results, Gunnar!”

“And now he wants to do the job for us?”

“No, but he is extremely competent when it comes to questions of narcotics, which we can naturally benefit from.”

Gunnar sneered. “So we’re supposed to be best friends now?”

“You know that he’s working hard for the new Police Authority, and I am, too.”

“I understand your new role, but his?”

“He is running to be the National Police Commissioner, as I think you are well aware.”

“So he’s looking for more power, you mean.” Gunnar rubbed his eyes.

Carin uncrossed and recrossed her legs, answering in a calm voice. “I know that you don’t like him. But he is actually a good boss. Just like you.”

“Cut the flattery. You and I both know that I may not be here long.”

Carin sighed. “The problem with this reorganization is that we’re faced with completely new, maybe even unforeseen, challenges, and that will require a lot from everyone.”

“So who’s to stay?”

“I can’t answer that right now.”

“Because you don’t know?”

“I understand you’re worried.”

“I’m not one bit worried. But my colleagues are worried, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to tell them.”

“Tell them that we have a narcotics case that we have to solve. That’s where our focus should be right now.”

“In cooperation with Anders,” Gunnar said with a sigh.

“Yes, in cooperation with Anders,” Carin replied.

* * *

Mia Bolander came into the police station cafeteria, took a pear from the fruit bowl and stuffed two more into her pockets. It was really too many, but she knew she couldn’t put them back once she turned around and caught sight of Henrik Levin and Ola Söderström. She rubbed the pear on her knit cardigan and sat down across from them.

Henrik removed the blue lid from his glass container, the steam from the red curry stew warming his face.

“That’s a small lunch,” Mia said.

“There wasn’t much left after dinner last night.”

“What, did Emma eat everything?”

“She’s pregnant, you know.”

“When’s she due?”

“December 31.”

“She’ll have to keep her legs crossed tight for the baby’s sake. It’s no fun to have your birthday on the last day of the year, because then you’re the last to get your driver’s license or get into bars.”

“No, it’s...”