‘Sure, that you’re a big, fat coward, but I’m guessing that’s not a charge that will hold up in court. But I imagine the other ones will get the job done.’

‘Charges?’ he says with a small laugh. ‘I don’t think so, Karen.’

‘Your contacts may have saved you before, but this time—’

‘—she has retracted her report,’ Bo Ramnes finishes her sentence. ‘Late last night, to be precise.’

Silence fills the room.

‘She called me herself and told me about her little misadventure. Full of remorse, of course. But it’s like that sometimes with overwrought womenfolk. Hormones and whatnot. I’m sure you know that from experience, don’t you, Karen.’

For a moment, time stands still. Aylin had sounded so determined last night before they left. Determined and relieved about finally having plucked up the courage, about finally having taken charge of her own life. This time, she was going to see it through. And now she has backed down. And Karen intuitively knows why.

‘So that’s why you went to my house. You knew Aylin wouldn’t be able to bear you attacking her friends. You fucking prick!’

‘You certainly have a lively imagination for an officer of the law. And a terribly foul mouth for a woman, if you don’t mind me saying. Because you are a woman, aren’t you, Karen? Despite failing to keep a man happy and not having any children.’

She is stunned to realise his words have no effect on her. Her head is still above water, her heart is beating regularly, she’s not falling apart. In fact, everything is coldly clear.

‘She’s not going back to you,’ Karen says calmly. ‘Even if she has recanted her statement, she’s never going back.’

‘Maybe not just yet, but sooner or later she will,’ he replies just as calmly. ‘You know what? I actually think my beloved wife just needs some alone time, to think things through. Aylin has always been a bit, how to put it . . . neurotic. You do know she takes antidepressants, don’t you? Happy pills. She’s been taking them for years.’

‘She’s not going back to you,’ Karen repeats. ‘You’re going to get divorced and you’re going to leave her alone.’

‘Is that right? And what happens if I don’t?’

Karen gets up slowly and looks at him.

‘I will make your life a living hell.’