The Shovel turned a couple of pages in his file and cleared his throat. “According to your statement, you were made aware of Jan Skriver’s investment in Cotton Corp, one of the biggest textile factories in Bangalore in India, in June of this year.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“In an article on August second, you write that at the same time Skriver made that investment, he ended his agreement with Glæsel Textiles in Vejle, thus moving the majority of his clothing production out of Denmark. His decision resulted in the loss of eight hundred and fifty Danish jobs and was politically, let’s say, an ‘unpopular’ one.”

“That’s one way of putting it. It was highly unpopular with the government, and it was an unmitigated disaster for the local town.”

“On August third, you were contacted by an—and I quote—‘anonymous source’ who asked you to investigate the move, more specifically Cotton Corp’s use of child labor and the factory’s use of a hormone-interfering substance called nonylphenol ethoxylate, better known as NPE. Have I understood that correctly?”

“Yes.”

“And it is the case that the EU has banned the import of clothing produced using NPE?” The Shovel looked up for the first time.

“Yes.”

“Who was your source?”

“I don’t know. I just got a telephone call. There was a voice on the other end—a man. He mentioned several things, which he encouraged me to investigate more closely, but he didn’t give me his name.”

“But you have some idea of his identity?”

“An idea, yes. But no proof. As you yourself pointed out, politically there was much dismay at Skriver’s decision to move production out of Denmark, so my hunch is that a politician tipped me off. But your guess is as good as mine.”

“Hmm …” The Shovel held Heloise’s gaze for several seconds before he continued. “While undertaking your research, you came into possession of what appeared to be internal, confidential documents from Skriver’s organization, including an extract from his contract with Cotton Corp. Documents that confirmed the allegation that the factory did indeed use child labor and illegal chemical substances.”

“Correct.”

“Documents on which you chose to base your recent article.”

“Yes.”

“Who gave you those documents?”

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. My source wishes to be anonymous, and I have to respect that.”

“But you know the identity of your source?”

“Yes.”

“And to the best of your knowledge, the information was genuine?”

Heloise felt her mouth go dry.

“At the time in question, I had no reason to think otherwise. I’ve used this source on many other occasions over a number of years, and the information has always proved reliable. The documents seemed real, and I trusted them.”

“And that turned out to be a rather reckless decision,” The Shovel observed. “Did you practice due diligence?”

“With the benefit of hindsight, no.”