‘I wouldn’t be so sure. When news spreads that the upper echelons have been there, people will be lining up. Not people in helicopters, perhaps, but regular people. And they’ll need somewhere to stay. Add a tour of the distillery, a whiskey sampling and a trip to the stones and you have a concept.’

‘You’re starting to sound like William Tryste. Are you considering going to work for Groth’s?’

‘Only if they’ll make me a sampler. Tryste’s apparently a big name in the business. I’m looking forward to meeting him.’

‘Yes, according to Byle, he’s one of the best. But back to Björn Groth. I get the impression he knows more than he’s saying about both Gabriel and his grandfather. I think he’s afraid, or at least worried. Same thing with Jens, his son. They’re hiding something.’

‘And you have no idea what?’

Karen hesitates.

‘In Jens’ case, it might have something to do with the OP.’

‘The motorcycle gang? Odin Predators or the One Percenters, whichever one it is.’

She nods and tells him about the mark she saw on the warehouse wall and about Gabriel habitually stealing whiskey and threatening Jens to silence.

‘Did he take a lot?’

‘No, and that’s the thing. Maybe a few thousand marks’ worth a month.’

‘Doesn’t sound like the OP. Do you reckon Gabriel was working solo?’

‘That’s exactly what I think. And if that’s true, the boys in the leather pyjamas won’t be best pleased.’

She hesitates again.

‘One of my cousins is apparently a member.’

Karl Björken turns to Karen with raised eyebrows. She meets his eyes for two full seconds before turning her attention back to the road.

‘You never cease to surprise, Eiken. Any other criminal relatives?’

‘Probably. One aunt, three cousins and only the devil knows who else. And none of them eats sausage sandwiches when they want to let loose between collecting long-term disability cheques and poaching, I can tell you that. But they probably do drink their fair share of moonshine.’

‘What is it they call them in the States? Rednecks?’

Karen shrugs. ‘Sure, or maybe hillbillies. They all live up near Skalvet, just north of the county border.’

‘Not too far from the OP headquarters, in other words. Have you talked to your cousin?’

‘Yes, but only over a pint. He seemed genuinely surprised when I told him about the mark on the warehouse and insisted Gabriel wasn’t a member. But Byle’s boys have apparently seen him up there more than once. God damn it, I don’t want to go up there, but I suppose it can’t be avoided.’