‘Yes, that was the plan, but then we decided I should stay home a while longer. At least until the end of the summer.’

‘We’, Karen scoffs inwardly, remembering how happy Aylin had looked when she told her she was finally going to be able to go back to work. Clearly Bo prefers to keep her chained to the stove while he transitions from law into politics. As a newly minted candidate for the conservative Progress Party, he can probably get more votes with a stay-at-home wife who dedicates her life to her husband and children.

Karen hadn’t been surprised in the slightest to learn about Bo Ramnes’ decision to get into politics, or his choice of party. But the risk of him quickly rising much higher than she would have ever thought possible has suddenly become a distinct possibility. After two terms of strained Social Democrat-Liberal coalition government and a media scandal involving both the Minister for Justice and the Fisheries Board, the Progress Party smells an opportunity.

And, Karen reflects dolefully, enough Doggerians are probably willing to ignore what the party’s message of ‘sound values and law and order’ is really code for.

‘Yes,’ Aylin says, ‘I wanted to ask if you’re going to be home tomorrow morning. Could I maybe come by?’

Karen is so taken aback by the question it takes her several seconds to respond. It’s been years since Aylin last suggested they meet up for coffee. An eternity since they got together just to talk. Do we even have anything to say to each other anymore? she suddenly wonders. Then joy crashes over her. Aylin is calling, asking to see her; of course they have all kinds of things to talk about.

‘That would have been lovely,’ she says truthfully, ‘but I’m actually up on Noorö. There’s been a death here that needs investigating, so I had to drop everything.’

‘You’re working? But I thought you were still on sick leave?’

‘I was, but I was honestly kind of relieved when I got a chance to escape all the Christmas stuff. Though I’m starting to regret it, things are less than cheery up here.’

‘I can imagine.’

There’s a pause.

‘Was there something in particular you wanted to talk about?’ Karen asks. ‘You don’t have time to stop by a lot these days,’ she adds, instantly wishing she hadn’t.

She doesn’t want to sound accusatory now that Aylin has finally made some time away from her husband and wants to see her. Aylin’s next sentence explains the situation.

‘Yes, I know, but Bo is away for a few days, so I wanted to seize the opportunity. Like I said, I really just wanted to have a cup of coffee and see how you’re doing.’