‘I have to say I find it impressive that he’s managed to move on and even find a new woman and everything. Not everyone does, even after an ordinary divorce. I honestly don’t know how he gets out of bed in the morning.’ She put her hand to her chest and shook her head. ‘It’s so awful to think about.’

Or was she in fact prepared for his visit and trying to gauge his suspicions?

‘I don’t know how I would get by if something happened to Ingvar. But at least you’ve reopened the investigation. That’s a step forward.’

‘It is, and that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.’

‘Oh? Did something happen? I mean, do you know who did it, or did you even arrest him already?’

‘Gertrud, I’m afraid I can’t—’

‘And what does any of it have to do with me? Ingvar never mentioned anything. I just happen to live next door and—’

‘Gertrud.’ Fabian held up his hand to her; it was finally feeling reasonably steady. ‘As I’m sure you understand, I can’t discuss the exact state of the investigation.’ Her anxiety had a calming effect on him. She was not play-acting, nor did she have an ulterior motive. ‘What I can tell you is that due to various technical details, we’ve chosen to keep a very low profile and won’t be making any statements to the public at all. For that reason, I wanted to ask you not to talk to anyone about the case or tell them it’s been reopened.’

‘Of course, I wouldn’t dream of it. What kind of ninny do you take me for? I’ve been married to a police officer for nearly thirty years. How would it look if I went around blabbing to all and sundry about everything Ingvar tells me?’

‘So, you and Ingvar, you do discuss things that are meant to be confidential?’

Gertrud sighed. ‘Fabian. Don’t tell me you never tell Sonja anything she shouldn’t really know.’

‘I’m sure that’s happened. But for her sake, I try to keep it to a minimum. And since we’re on the subject, have you mentioned this to Ingvar?’

‘I’m not sure I follow. Have I mentioned what to him?’

‘The investigation. That it’s active again.’

Gertrud looked at him as though she felt a need to recalibrate her understanding of his visit, only now realizing she had to weigh her words carefully. At that moment, raindrops began to patter against the window. Then she suddenly lit up and let out a laugh. ‘No. You know, I’ve barely seen him for days. Honestly, I have no idea when he came home last night. But it must have been in the wee hours, because I was out cold.’

‘So you didn’t see him at all yesterday?’