Have you lost your mind? he yells.
As the boy recognizes the stinking smell of gasoline vapor, terror seizes his body and his stomach cramps.
Hey! Hello? he yells with fear in his voice. You know Im in here!
Hey, open the door! This isnt a joke! the boy says in a high voice.
The man in the suede jacket continues around the shed, emptying the last of the gasoline. Then he puts the container back where it had been hidden.
What are you doing? the boy yells.
He then throws his whole body against the door and tries to kick it open, but it doesnt give. He tries to call his mother on his cell phone. Her phone is off. His heart is thudding with panic as he goes from one filthy window to the next.
Have you lost your mind? he yells.
As the boy recognizes the stinking smell of gasoline vapor, terror seizes his body and his stomach cramps.
Hey! Hello? he yells with fear in his voice. You know Im in here!
The man takes a match from his pocket.
What do you want? Please! Tell me what you want!
Its not your fault, the man says. But a nightmare must be reaped. He hasnt raised his voice at all. He strikes the match.
Let me out! the boy screams.
The man throws the match into the grass soaked in gasoline. It makes a sucking sound, as a sailboats sail does when it fills with wind. Light blue flames burst up with such force that the man has to step backward. The boy is screaming for help. The fire quickly circles the shed. The man takes a few more steps backward. He feels the heat on his face; he hears the terrible screams.
In a few seconds, the whole shed is ablaze. The glass panes behind the bars shatter from the heat along the walls.
The boys screams are even higher when the heat ignites his hair.
The man walks calmly away. He crosses the train tracks again and then stands by the industrial buildings to watch the torch that had once been an old shed. A few minutes later, a freight train arrives from the north, rolling slowly along its tracks, wheels now scraping and creaking as the row of brown wagons passes the high flames. As the man disappears along Stenby Road, the wind catches his suede jacket, lifting it high behind him. Underneath, he is completely dressed in black.
23
Although its the weekend, the head of the National Criminal Investigation Department is in his office. Hes never been particularly welcoming to unexpected visitors. Theres a BUSY sign in red, lit up on his door, which is shut.
Joona knocks on it as he pushes it open.
I have to know the minute the maritime police find anything, Joona says.
Carlos Eliasson pushes a book across the desk. Both you and Erixson have been attacked. Thats traumatic. You need a break. You need to take care of yourselves.
We do take care of ourselves.
Theyve finished the helicopter search, Carlos says.
Joona stiffens.
Finished! How much area did they cover?
I dont know.
Whos in charge of the operation?
We have nothing to do with it, Carlos says. Its under the direction of the maritime police.
Joona says sharply, It would be awfully nice to know whether were dealing with one murder or three.
Joona, youre not on this. Ive handed it over to Jens Svanehjalm.
Were putting together a team with Sapo. Petter Naslund and Tommy Kofoed will be on it from our side and-
Whats my job?
To take the week off.
No.
Then you get to teach a week at the Police Training Academy.
No.
Dont be so obstinate, Carlos says. Fuck you.
Fuck me? Carlos Eliasson exclaims. Im your boss.
Maybe Penelope Fernandez and Bjorn Almskog are still alive, Joona argues roughly. His apartment is burned out; hers would have been if I hadnt gotten there on time. I believe the killer is looking for something they have and I believe he drowned Viola trying to get it out of her-
Thank you very much, Carlos barks. Thank you for your input. We have no, give me a minute here. I know that youre finding this hard to accept, but there are other police officers than you, Joona. And most of them are highly competent, I assure you.
I agree, Joona says slowly, a sharp edge to his voice. And you ought to look out for them, Carlos.
Joona studies the brown spots on his shirtsleeves. Erixsons blood.
What are you implying?
Ive met the killer. I think well lose some men before this is done.
I know he surprised you, Carlos says more softly. And I know this has been tough.
All right, then, Joona says gruffly.
Tommy Kofoed will be in charge of the investigation and Ill call Brittis at the Police Training Academy. She will welcome you as a guest teacher all next week, Carlos concludes.
As Joona leaves the police station, the heat hits him hard. Pulling off his jacket, he senses someone coming up behind him. Someone has emerged from the shadows of the park. Joona turns and sees that its Claudia Fernandez.
Joona Linna, she calls in a tense voice.
Claudia, how are you doing? he asks gravely.
Claudia Fernandezs eyes are bloodshot and her face looks tortured.
Find her. You must find my girl, she says, and thrusts a thick envelope at him.
Joona opens it. Its stuffed with money. He pushes it back to Claudia, but she refuses.