‘And you let him?’ Jack chose his words carefully, but he also remembered how she had talked about Karl before. It had seemed like she wouldn’t give the man the time of day.

‘He has … changed,’ she said.

Jack felt a stab in the pit of his stomach. He suddenly knew what was coming next. He leaned against the kitchen counter, bracing himself. ‘And did you believe him?’

She took a long breath. ‘Yes, I did. I have known him for a long time, Jack. I know when he’s sincere,’ she said in a strained voice, avoiding looking at him.

Jack wanted to shake her. How the hell could she be so stupid? He didn’t say it though. She looked awful enough.

Ninni finally pulled the mug of tea closer to her and folded her hands around it. ‘I needed to talk to him, you see. About … about something else.’

Jack had no idea what was going on with her, but something wasn’t right. Was she lying? And if she was, why would she?

‘After what he put you through I would think you’d kick him out of here,’ he said.

‘I … I decided to give him a chance to explain himself. He showed up last night, and I couldn’t let him spend the night in the field, now could I?’ She narrowed her eyes.

Jack folded his arms across his chest. ‘I’m not trying to tell you what do to, Ninni. I’m just surprised. When you told me about Karl, I got the impression you didn’t want to talk to him ever again.’

Ninni sipped the tea. Jack waited. It wasn’t his place to say anything. If she wanted to talk to her old boyfriend, she had every right to do so.

Finally he broke the silence. ‘I’m here, Ninni. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.’

‘Maybe later,’ she said.

Jack made a decision before he said something he would regret. ‘Then I think I should go back to my house and get some sleep. Airports are not comfortable. See you later?’ She nodded again, not saying anything. Jack looked at her. ‘Are you sure nothing else happened?’

‘Like what?’ She looked at him then, a quick glance up.

‘I don’t know. You don’t look well and there’s something bothering you. I can stay, if you want.’

Ninni shook her head. ‘That’s not necessary. It’s best if you go and get some rest. I’m going to do the same. Just as soon as I have thrown up again. Excuse me.’

She pushed the chair away and disappeared upstairs, her hand to her mouth. Jack looked at Frikk, who perked his ears and gave him a puzzled look.

‘You and me both, Frikk.’

She had left the blanket on the floor. Jack picked it up, folded it and dropped it on the bench before he sat down at the table. He had no intention of leaving her alone when she was sick – no matter how hard she tried to push him away.