Chapter 93
Anton flaps his arms to try to get warm. He feels as if he has been standing outside the garage waiting for backup forever. He is running out of patience. He is worried that Pontus might spot him and make a run for it, plus his feet feel like lumps of ice.
Approximately nine hours have passed since Pontus disappeared. If he really is hiding in there, he must be both hungry and thirsty by now.
And desperate.
Someone who can start a fire in a house where his friends lie sleeping is presumably capable of anything. Emil and Olivia could have died, if she hadn’t woken up and gotten them out in time.
Pontus is ruthless, that much is clear.
Anton doesn’t know how cunning he might be. Maybe he intends to stay put until he believes the danger is over, then make an attempt to leave ?re.
Or launch a fresh attack on his friends.
Anton checks his watch yet again and makes a decision. He can’t wait any longer. He places a tentative hand on the door handle. There is no sign of a break-in; maybe the owner forgot to lock it.
Slowly, with the utmost care, he pushes down the handle. He doesn’t want to give himself away in case Pontus is lurking inside, waiting for him. He opens the door very slowly and draws his gun. He has no intention of taking any risks; he could be dealing with a murderer and arsonist.
He peers into the garage, which seems pretty large. A red Jeep is parked next to a snow scooter, and rows of skis are hung on racks beneath the ceiling. The walls are lined with shelving, providing storage for ski suits and other equipment.
Then Anton spots something worrying. At the far end is a wooden workbench, with a collection of tools displayed above it: hammers, axes, and saws of different sizes.
But there is an empty space in the middle. He stares at it.
Has Pontus armed himself?
Anton tightens his grip on his gun. He must be prepared; he can’t risk letting himself be taken by surprise.
Should he change his mind, wait until backup arrives?
He stands still, decides to hang on a little longer, but time passes, and there is still no sign of anyone down the road.
He feels sweat break out on the back of his neck. What should he do? He mustn’t miss the chance of catching Pontus, not now he’s so close.
An almost imperceptible sound from inside the garage settles the matter.
And Anton steps into the darkness.