The Exception (67 page)

‘The thing is that whoever wrote the confession must have been someone who had a key. Key or no key, you’ve got to be very cool about breaking and entering a flat under regular police
surveillance, especially if the next thing you do is settle down to a bit of computer work.’

They talk for a little longer, but Dorte begins to look tired. She gets up to leave and puts her CD away.

‘I’m sorry to have disturbed you. Hopefully it wasn’t too uncomfortable for you?’

‘No, not at all. I mean, you obviously must investigate every possible lead. We owe that to Malene and Rasmus. Please feel free to call any time.’

Iben escorts Dorte to the door and then goes to the kitchen where Gunnar is pottering about making lots of delicious dishes for a buffet-style supper. The girls are preparing a big bowl of salad.

Gunnar asks how it went. Iben mutters non-committally.

She goes to stand behind her man, who is frying little slices of pork fillet in butter. She puts her arms round him and leans her head against his back, sensing the warmth of his chest against her cheek.

The two girls smile at her. Iben’s ear is pressed in between Gunnar’s shoulder blades and she can hear the beating of his heart.

This is exactly how I wanted it to be, she thinks. Like this.