‘This is about two of our clients, if I’ve understood correctly?’ Jussi began.

Fredrika liked the fact that he wasn’t wasting time on small talk.

‘Noah Johansson and Dan Johansson.’ She handed him a piece of paper on which she had written down their ID numbers and company names.

Jussi frowned. ‘I remember Dan only too well, unfortunately. A total disaster. Not for us, but for the man who’d been threatening him. But I don’t understand why you mentioned his brother.’

‘We have information suggesting that Noah might also have been threatened.’

‘Who told you that? He’s never been our client – only Dan.’

Shit. Fredrika and Alex hadn’t known for sure which firm Peder had been working for when he was dealing with Noah. Alex would have to call him back, pin down the facts – and remind Peder that he needed to contact the police and tell them everything he knew about the funeral director who’d met an untimely end, because he’d clearly failed to do so.

Why?

Jussi leaned forward.

‘The press haven’t released a name, but I’m assuming Noah Johansson is the funeral director who was murdered yesterday?’

‘Correct.’

‘I’m glad you called. Obviously we’re happy to help in any way we can.’

Fredrika wasn’t sure how much help was to be gained from a security firm who hadn’t worked with Noah, but she didn’t want to offend Jussi.

‘How did you view the threats against Dan Johansson?’ she asked.

‘Everything happened within a very short time, but when he came to us we immediately assessed the situation as dangerous. He needed protection right away, and that was what he got. Not from the police, of course, but from us.’

‘Hard to provide protection when he never even reported the problem to the police,’ Fredrika countered, giving Jussi a long look. He lowered his gaze, embarrassed.

‘Was anyone else involved in these threats apart from the man who killed himself?’ she went on.

‘Not as far as we know.’

Fredrika wondered how to dig deeper without revealing confidential information.

‘When were you last in touch with Dan?’ She wasn’t prepared to admit that they thought Dan might be missing.

‘Just before New Year. I tried to call him when I heard about his brother, but I haven’t managed to get hold of him.’ He paused briefly. I hope nothing’s happened to him too? That was what worried me when I realised Noah had been murdered.’

Fredrika hesitated.

‘We have reason to believe that Dan and his family may have been abducted.’

Jussi frowned. ‘But the person who was harassing him is dead.’

‘Exactly, so if he has been abducted – and we don’t know for sure if that’s the case – then it’s down to someone else. Can you tell me the name of the guy who killed himself?’

‘Of course – Fredrik Mannerberg.’