‘I understand you’re busy. But this will just take a few minutes.’

‘I’m sorry, I don’t have jump leads, if that’s what you’re looking for,’ Fabian said before realizing he recognized the man.

‘Hi, we met yesterday. Axel Stjärnström, Eric Jacobsén’s neighbour.’

‘Yes, I remember.’ Fabian shook hands with the man who the day before had come trotting up to Jacobsén’s car in gym clothes and a baseball cap; now, he was wearing a suit. ‘What’s this about? I’m afraid I’m on my way to a meeting.’

‘I’ll try to keep it brief,’ Stjärnström said, catching his breath. ‘I obviously said some things yesterday. About Eric, I mean.’ He straightened his tie even though there was no need. ‘I’m not sure how to put this, but last night I realized I might need to modify part of what I told you.’

Fabian nodded, though he had no recollection of what the man had said.

‘As I’m sure you remember, I had nothing bad to say about him, and he really is an amazing person in many ways, full of energy.’

‘I’m sorry, what are you getting at?’

‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch, someone told me once.’ Stjärnström fixed Fabian intently. ‘I didn’t understand what they meant at the time. But now, a few years since Eric moved to our street, it couldn’t be any clearer. Nothing’s free. Right? Everything comes at a price.’

‘I’m sure that’s true, but as I said—’

‘And when it comes to Eric, I would say the price is very, very high.’

‘In what way?’

‘How can I explain it? It sneaks up on you. At first, you don’t give it a second thought. Everything’s the same as ever, just a bit better and more fun. You know, a little bit ritzier and more exciting. The only thing you find yourself pondering is why you waited so long to start enjoying life. But at that point, it’s already too late. You just haven’t realized it yet.’

Fabian had no idea where the man was going with his rambling line of thought. He wanted to interrupt, thank him for talking to him and wish him luck in life.

‘Do you know how cuckoos operate?’ Stjärnström continued, without waiting for a reply. ‘The female lays her eggs in other nests when the parents are out finding food, and she pecks holes in and eats one of the other birds’ eggs so they won’t know the difference.’

‘Yes, I’m familiar with it. But I’m not sure what all of this—’