Chapter 119
When Karin reproached her husband for criticizing the neighbors in front of the police, it struck a false note to Hanna’s ears. She noticed how surprised ?ke was, as if he suddenly didn’t recognize his wife.
That was when she decided to ask some control questions.
By this stage Karin has tied herself in knots.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like a freshly brewed cup of coffee? Or maybe a glass of water?” she offers.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
Hanna pretends to study her notes to give herself some extra time. She needs to think. Choose her route.
Karin is lying, that’s obvious. But why? Is this about protecting her son?
Or maybe her husband?
Could one of the men in the family be involved in Filippa’s murder, since Karin has come up with this story?
But then surely ?ke wouldn’t openly show his contempt for the neighbors in front of the two detectives. Nobody can be that dumb. It would be tantamount to self-harm.
Unless he’s doing it for that very reason.
To make it appear even more unlikely that he could be guilty.
Or maybe it’s about Peter, their son.
There are more and more question marks. Hanna would like to speak to Daniel alone. She can’t make sense of Karin’s statement.
?ke is growing impatient. He has finished his coffee and pushes the cup away.
“Was there anything else, or are we done here? I don’t want to be rude, but I need a shower after skiing.”
Hanna isn’t usually unsure of which way to go in an interview situation, but today she is finding it hard to make up her mind.
How should they deal with Karin’s lies?
Is it better to put their cards on the table, tell her they know her story is pure invention, or should they continue to let her fantasize even more?
Suddenly she knows exactly what to do. This can’t be resolved in the Carlsson family kitchen.
They need to carry out a formal interview at the police station.