She’d seen the confused mix of worry and relief in her son’s face, had tried to catch Tyra’s eyes to give her a reassuring smile, but her daughter had stared at her plate. He has never raised a hand to the children, she had reminded herself. They don’t know.

Now she repeats that comforting thought inwardly, like a mantra, while she slowly starts walking down the stairs.

The children don’t know.

Chapter 15

15

The new university campus in Ravenby on the west coast of Heimö was built high up on the slopes of the mountain that gave the town its name. From Raven Mountain, scholars from every science discipline can look down on the less gifted – or at least less fortunate – Ravenby locals. In the eleven years since its opening, the campus has been in a state of constant transformation. The guiding principle of Doggerland University’s expansion to a second campus was the division of labour: the science departments relocated and are now concentrated in the country’s second largest city, Ravenby, while the arts and humanities departments stayed on the old campus in the capital, Dunker. These days, in addition to facilities for education and research, Ravenby is also home to the Doggerland University Hospital and a forensic medicine unit.

The address, Karen notes, is, unsurprisingly, 2 Analytics Drive. She parks outside the entrance, dreading what’s coming.

Half an hour later, dressed in green protective gear and a white net cap, Karen studies the row of stainless-steel tables and instruments under the large overhead surgical lights and steels herself. The rules only stipulate that she be present, she’s not required to be enthusiastic about it or even participate.

Fredrik Stuub’s body is laid out on the table farthest from the door.

Kneought Brodal and the Head of Forensic Services, Sören Larsen, are going to be assisted by an autopsy technician. Karen and Sven Andersén are only there to observe and, unlike Andersén, Karen decides that means keeping a respectful distance between herself and the autopsy table at all times.