Jenny stood up, tipping the chair over behind her. She held her head up high and spoke with as much dignity as she could muster.

“You! You have blood on your hands!”

AT THE ENTRANCE to National Hospital’s intensive care unit, Jeppe and Anette were met by a nurse, who led them to the office occupied by Oscar’s attending physician at an efficient pace. The doctor was bent over a triangular sandwich, and had her eyes glued to her computer.

Jeppe hesitated in the doorway. “Excuse us for interrupting your lunch. We’re from the Copenhagen Police’s Investigations Unit. Would it be all right if we asked you a few quick questions?”

“One second. I’ll be right with you.” The doctor took another bite, then tossed the rest of her food in the trash can, and waved them in as she finished chewing.

“When was Oscar transferred here from the trauma center?”

“An hour ago,” she said after checking on her screen. “He has been stable all night and is breathing on his own, so now we’re taking over. We are fully staffed around the clock, he’s in good hands.”

“Is he conscious?”

“He is slipping in and out of sleep right now, but it’s normal given the pain relief he’s getting.”

“But he’s going to make it?” Anette asked.

The doctor wiggled her head back and forth noncommittally.

“His age and physical condition make his odds of survival quite strong, but when a person gets so cold and dehydrated, there is a risk of multiorgan failure for several days to come. His liver also appears to have suffered some damage.”

Jeppe nodded and said, “I’m assuming that Forensics has been in touch with you about examining the patient.…”

“They’re coming by later today.”

“Excellent. Have you noticed any signs of his having been subjected to violence or force? Marks on his skin, broken bones, anything suspicious?”

“No. Some minor scratches on his arms, bruising, but nothing you wouldn’t expect after four days on a deserted island. But…”

“Yes?”

“We pumped his stomach. We suspect a possible acetaminophen overdose, but it takes a little while to determine after so many days. The lab needs to analyze his stomach contents before we can be sure, but that’s what it looks like.”

“Too much Tylenol?” Jeppe asked, his brow furrowed.

“It could be an indication of a suicide attempt.” The doctor shrugged slightly. “But pills can also be administered by force. Oscar himself will have to fill us in on that.”

“Can we see him? One of our police psychologists is coming to assist us with the conversation.”

“He’s still very weak, but let’s go down to check on him. Then we’ll take it from there. His mother is with him.”