Page 120 of Hidden in Memories
I can do what I want,she thinks.I don’t have to inform my colleague about my love life.However, the very fact that she had been alone withHenry late at night, in the middle of an investigation in which he is involved, is a sign of poor judgment.
She can’t imagine any of the team being so reckless, especially not Daniel.
Or Anton.
“I’m sorry,” she says wearily. “Of course I should have brought this up earlier. It’s all been ... a bit much.”
Daniel looks unconvinced.
“Why don’t I try calling Leffe, the site supervisor at the Storlien mountain hotel?” she offers in an attempt to shift focus. “He might be able to help us dig out more information—maybe he knows the name of the woman Charlotte’s father assaulted?”
She takes out her phone, finds the number. Sends up a little prayer that Leffe will answer and have something useful to contribute.
If there is another person who is related to Charlotte, they can’t let him or her fall victim to the unknown perpetrator.
Suddenly Anton appears in the doorway.
“Bengt Hedin is missing.”
Hanna looks up. “What do you mean?”
“I just spoke to the patrol who went over to his house. According to his wife, he hasn’t been home for the last few nights. He’s not answering his phone when she calls or texts. She is out of her mind with worry.”
Hanna catches Daniel’s eye.
Filip has been kidnapped. Bengt Hedin is gone, impossible to reach.
It can’t be a coincidence.
Then
New Year’s Eve 1973
Monica glances over her shoulder before knocking on room 505. She can’t risk being seen when she is meeting a guest for a romantic encounter.
The thought makes her smile as Sean opens the door and pulls her close.
After a long embrace, she gazes around with delight. The décor is enchanting, a million miles from anything she has experienced until now, especially her own home. The suite is divided into two sections, an outer area with a mustard-yellow sofa and armchairs, then an archway leading to the bedroom with its double bed.
Sean wraps both arms around her and clasps her to him.
“Oh,” he moans. “You are completely irresistible, little girl. You drive me crazy.”
He kisses her, thrusting his hard tongue into her mouth. It takes up all the space. His hand finds its way inside her blouse, as urgent as the other day in the staff bar. In no time he is touching her breast, determinedly kneading one nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
He is so rough that it hurts.
Monica tries to push him away, but Sean doesn’t seem to notice.
“Wait,” she mumbles, but he won’t stop.
Instead he pushes her skirt up above her hips, revealing her tights and knickers before yanking them down to her knees. Monica is embarrassed; it feels weird standing in front of him with the lower half of her body naked.
Exposed.
“Wait,” she says again, louder this time.
This wasn’t how she had imagined their date. She had pictured something more romantic. He would tell her he had fallen madly in love with her, whisper sweet nothings in her ear. Tell her she was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.
