Page 90 of Hidden in Memories
Lehto swiped his card at one forty-five on Sunday afternoon. Espen came in at about four, and Aada’s arrival was registered at ten to six.
Hanna sips her hot drink from the machine, which consists of milk and coffee in almost equal parts. She has never liked black coffee.
She thinks about the background checks that Nisse in Östersund was supposed to take care of. She doesn’t trust him to be thorough, andwould really like to check out the employees for herself. However, first of all she needs to go through the forensic reports on yesterday’s homicide.
Her phone rings, but she doesn’t recognize the number.
“Hi, it’s Henry,” says the voice in her ear.
Hanna frowns. Why is he calling her at this hour?
“I just want to thank you for your text about the newspaper article yesterday,” he goes on. “It’s kind of you to think about Filip.”
Hanna feels embarrassed. With hindsight it seems over the top to have messaged Henry about the interview—it was done on impulse. Although Filip looks so lost; he needs an adult by his side to support him.
She knows she should keep her distance. As a police officer she isn’t supposed to get involved on a personal level, but it’s difficult when she sees what a hard time Filip is having.
This isn’t the first time she has felt too strongly for the victim of a crime. She does her best to hold back, but the situation often touches her deeply.
“How is he?” she asks.
“Not great. We’re all going back to Stockholm together on Sunday.”
“I understand.”
Hanna’s thoughts turn to Aada Kuus. It must have been painful for Filip to hear about another murder at Copperhill so soon after his mother’s death.
“It’s probably best for Filip to get away from here, from all the reminders of what’s happened,” she says. “I imagine the latest death must have been hugely upsetting for him.”
“It was.” There is a pause, then Henry continues. “I’m so grateful for your concern. Not many police officers care so much.”
“I’m just trying to do my job.”
Hanna glances at the list of reports. She needs to get on with her work.
“How’s the investigation going? Do you have a suspect yet?”
Henry should know better than to ask. She can’t comment on an ongoing inquiry.
“We’re making progress. Thanks for calling. Take care of your godson, and give him my best wishes.”
“I will.”
Hanna is about to end the call when she changes her mind. “By the way, if you think of anything, any small detail that could be relevant, please contact me.”
A couple of hours later her back is aching, and she pushes the mouse away. It is almost ten o’clock, when the team is due to meet for another briefing.
As if by magic Daniel appears in the doorway.
“Ready?” His hair is standing on end as if he has just pulled off his woolen hat. A few snowflakes shimmer in his beard. He is surrounded by an aura of far more energy than the previous day.
Hanna is pleased that he told her about seeing a therapist, that he trusted her with such a sensitive matter.
“I saw my psychologist yesterday,” he says without her having to ask. “You were right—I needed to prioritize a visit. Sometimes this pressure is hard to handle. It seems to bring out the worst in me.” His smile is both grateful and embarrassed. “I feel so much better now—and that’s down to you.”
Hanna feels much better too.
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