She has never pried into what happened to him after he disappeared from the spotlight and before he returned to Doggerland. What matters is that he has somewhere to live now and that he seems to be telling the truth when he says he’s not doing drugs anymore. And Kore has arranged for him to fill in as a studio musician on occasion, which in turn means Leo Friis is able to contribute toward his room and board. What was supposed to be a temporary arrangement has, like so many other things in Karen’s life, turned out very differently from what she planned.

‘Touché,’ Leo replies and shoots her a crooked smile. ‘So what’s your secret New Year’s wish? Other than for me to finally move out, I mean?’

He holds out a packet of cigarettes and she takes one.

‘Have I said that’s what I want?’

‘Not in so many words, perhaps, but I recognise a cornered woman when I see one. It’s that look on your face, halfway between deer in headlights and chimp behind bars, that gives you away.’

‘How flattering.’

‘The problem is,’ Leo continues, ‘that half the time, you look like a contented pig. If it weren’t for that, I would have moved out ages ago.’

Karen lets out a snort of derision.

‘Where would you go? Back to your loading dock in the New Harbour?’

Leo shrugs.

‘I’d sort something out. Seriously, Karen, if you really want me to . . .’

He spreads his hands and trails off. She opens her mouth, then closes it again. They stand there in silence, stomping their feet in the cold while they finish their cigarettes.

He should just move out, she thinks to herself. Just get out of my life, as quickly as he came into it.

‘Want to head back inside?’ Leo says and flicks his cigarette into the snow.

Nothing has been said, and yet, she knows. Unless she does something right now, he’s going to be gone the next time she gets home. Things are going to go back to normal. She will have the whole house to herself again. Nice and peaceful. And quiet.

Before she can make her mind up, she hears herself say, ‘I don’t mind if you stay.’

But Leo has already turned to go back inside.

Chapter 32

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