Page 33 of Hidden in Memories
“I understand,” Hanna says. “Can you think of anyone who might have been so upset that they didn’t want her to live?” Once again she chooses her words carefully. There is something about Filip that triggers her protective instincts.
“I’ve no idea. I didn’t have anything to do with her business associates. The only one I know is Henry.”
“You mean Henry Sylvester?”
“Yes—he’s my godfather.”
The news takes Hanna by surprise. She exchanges a glance with Daniel; they knew Charlotte and Henry were childhood friends, but not that they were close enough for him to be Filip’s godfather.
Why hadn’t he mentioned it yesterday?
Filip checks his phone, then notices Hanna’s inquiring look.
“Henry is coming here to meet me and Emily in a little while,” he explains. “We’re going to have dinner together.”
They ask a few more questions, but Filip doesn’t have much more to give them. It is time to round things off.
“Will you be staying in Åre for the next few days?” Daniel wants to know.
“That’s the plan.” Filip looks at Emily, who seems to be his rock.
“Are you okay for money?” Hanna asks on an impulse. “This place doesn’t exactly have the cheapest rooms in the area.”
“We’re fine.”
Filip smiles faintly for the first time. He has a lovely smile, open and honest. He seems to be a decent young man.
“Mom had her faults, but she wasn’t mean. The credit card she gave me still works, and Henry will help out if necessary. He was the one who fixed the room here, even though they were fully booked. He wasworried that it would be too hard for me to stay in the hotel where ... where my mom ...”
He swallows. He doesn’t need to say any more. Hanna understands perfectly.
“That was kind of him,” she says to help out.
She wouldn’t necessarily have associated that sort of consideration with the successful financier.
They are about to get to their feet when Filip makes eye contact.
“I was wondering if I could ... see her?”
He looks up at the ceiling as if he is struggling to hold back the tears.
Hanna realizes that he doesn’t know the body has been sent to Umeå, where it will remain. It could be several weeks, even months before it is released for burial.
For his sake it is best if he remembers his mother as she was.
“I’m so sorry, your mom isn’t in Åre any longer.”
“There has to be a forensic examination,” Daniel explains. “That takes place in Umeå.”
“Okay.”
Filip’s voice sounds small. Emily edges even closer. Hanna is more moved than she should be. She takes out her card and hands it to Charlotte’s son.
“My number is on there. Call me anytime.”
Then
December 24, 1973
