Fredrika allowed herself a moment to think, to search for the right words.

‘How many children does Torbjörn have?’

For a moment Mimmi seemed uncomfortable. She turned her face away, fixed her gaze on the wall.

‘Two.’

‘Two,’ Fredrika repeated. ‘You’re thinking of his sons with Sonja?’

Mimmi looked back at her.

‘Why are you asking me about things you already know?’

She was clearly irritated, and Fredrika felt embarrassed by her own lack of clarity, asking awkward questions of someone who lived a lonely life.

‘Because I believe there’s a different answer. At least according to Torbjörn himself,’ she said.

Mimmi was clearly astonished.

‘What? Has Torbjörn said that he and I . . . that we had a child?’

Fredrika smoothed down her trousers.

‘We don’t know who Torbjörn had a child with. Maybe you, maybe someone else, but according to him there is, or was, a daughter. And I’m wondering if you know anything about her?’

Mimmi leaned back on the sofa. Fredrika suddenly became aware of the clock ticking on the wall, and all at once the room seemed even smaller.

‘Maria,’ Mimmi whispered.

‘Sorry?’

‘Maria. That was her name.’

Fredrika felt her pulse rate increase.

‘Did she live abroad?’

Why isn’t she registered as a Swedish citizen?

‘No, no, she lived here in Stockholm, but her mother didn’t like Torbjörn. They were together for only a short time, just before he and I met. She didn’t tell him she was pregnant; she preferred to bring the child up on her own. Or rather with her new boyfriend. I’m not sure if he – the new guy – realised what the situation was; maybe he couldn’t count, or he didn’t know how long a pregnancy lasts. Or maybe he didn’t mind.’

‘You mean his name went on the birth certificate?’

‘That’s exactly what I mean.’

‘But Ross knew he was the father?’

‘We’d been married for about twelve months when he saw her in town, pushing a buggy. The girl was about two years old. At first Torbjörn didn’t react, but his grasp of maths and biology was excellent. He checked the child’s date of birth, and the only possible conclusion was that his ex had been pregnant when they split up. He went to see her, demanded to know if the girl was his. She told him the truth, but that was the only time.’

‘I don’t understand – the only time?’