Tina gave in. After a few seconds she heard a man’s voice. He didn’t introduce himself, he simply said ‘Hello’ and waited for her to respond. Then he went on:

‘You’re calling about Noah Johansson.’

‘I know why he died,’ Tina said. ‘He was murdered by whoever’s abducted his brother’s family.’

There was a long pause.

‘Noah’s brother is absolutely fine. He and his family are having a wonderful time in Australia,’ the officer said.

‘But . . .’

‘You said you had information about the murder?’

‘This is information about the murder! I went to see Noah the other day because I’m so worried about Malin and Dan. Noah felt the same, and now he’s dead.’

Another, even longer pause. Tina had had enough.

‘Do what the fuck you want,’ she snapped. ‘I’m not giving up until I find them.’

She ended the call, her heart pounding. She jumped to her feet, banging her knee on the coffee table.

She couldn’t stay in the apartment, she had to get out.

And she knew exactly where she was going.

Chapter 6

‘Berlin told me to show you this,’ Torbjörn Ross said. ‘Hurry up, there’s something I have to do.’

There was a whining note in his voice; he didn’t sound anywhere near as confident as when he’d first tried to drag Alex out of the meeting by issuing an order. Or maybe he’d prefer to keep what he’d found to himself.

Alex stared at the green book Ross had handed him. I Am Putting Everything Right by Morgan Sander.

‘We found a copy at Malcolm Benke’s house,’ he said.

‘I know that,’ Ross snapped. ‘Do you think it’s a signature?’

His tone was wary, and made Alex wonder what secrets he was hiding.

‘We’ve no idea.’ Alex hesitated, unsure of what he dared ask his colleague. Or what he really wanted to know.

Are you the murderer we’re looking for, Ross? You seem to be the only one who knew everyone who’s involved.

Alex coughed; the dry air was making his eyes itch too.

‘There is one thing I’ve been thinking about,’ he went on. ‘You said you were convinced Malcolm Benke had been murdered by his son.’

‘Did I?’

Alex looked up.

‘Yes, you did. And I’ve been wondering how you could be so certain.’

Ross shook his head.

‘You must have misunderstood. I had no opinion.’

Alex waited for Ross to backtrack, but instead he took out his mobile and focused all his attention on the screen.

Alex put down the book. ‘See you later.’

He didn’t want to be alone with Ross. He decided to go and find a sensible person to talk to – Fredrika.

‘You’re always so fucking sure of yourself.’

‘I’m sorry?’

Ross glanced up from his phone.