Chapter 45
Hanna is leaning against the highly polished reception desk at Copperhill. Two scented candles in dark glass holders are spreading a pleasing blend of musk and linen, and nearby, Daniel is speaking to Iris, the female receptionist, about Paul Lehto.
They still haven’t managed to get a hold of him. Admittedly he has called in sick, but he isn’t answering his phone and seems to be unreachable. His mysterious absence doesn’t exactly allay Hanna’s suspicions.
“I believe you saw your colleague arguing with Charlotte Wretlind on Sunday,” Daniel says. “Can you tell me more about that?”
Iris explains what happened, and Hanna recognizes the description from the account given to her by Erik, the concierge.
Iris purses her lips. “Paul was furious. He tore off his mask and yelled at the poor woman. The other guests were shocked—it was incredibly unprofessional.”
“Did you report his behavior?”
“I didn’t.” Iris gives an apologetic shrug. “Maybe I should have done.” She tugs at her sleeve; the question seems to bother her. “I felt uncomfortable,” she adds. “Paul has such a temper—I didn’t want to make an enemy of him. Although I don’t know how he’s kept his job.”
Daniel thanks her, and he and Hanna sit down in armchairs opposite the open fire to discuss their next move.
“It sounds as if there was a real set-to on Sunday,” Hanna begins. “What now? Should we bring in Lehto?”
“I think so.”
Hanna takes out her phone and calls the station, asking for a patrol car to go to Lehto’s home and bring him in for questioning. She has just finished when a message comes through.
“A dog handler is on the way,” she tells Daniel. “It’s Jarmo—he’ll be here in an hour.”
Jarmo M?kinen lives in J?rpen, not very far from ?re, which is a distinct advantage. Most of his colleagues are either in ?stersund, or even farther away in Stromsund, or even Sveg. Hopefully he will be able to help them secure the escape route.
The fire crackles merrily, its orange-and-violet flames dancing. It is almost two o’clock in the afternoon.
“How about some lunch while we’re waiting?” Hanna suggests. She glances around and points to the library, which is also a restaurant. There is an empty table by the window, with a stunning view over the valley. The sun is shining on the dark surface of the table, and the snow outside is sparkling.
“Good idea,” Daniel agrees, getting to his feet.
They both order a burger with fries. Hanna is shocked at the price, but it can’t be helped.
She is still thinking about what Iris said. The situation sounded really bad, as if Paul had completely lost his temper and she was a little scared of him.
Could it be a coincidence that Charlotte was murdered only a few hours after their very public quarrel?
“I’m wondering if Paul Lehto is the person we’re looking for?” she says. “I’d like to compare his fingerprints with the ones Carina found on the card holder in Charlotte’s suite.”
Daniel nods. “At the moment he’s our best lead. His coworker didn’t have much that was positive to say about him.”
The waitress arrives with their food, interrupting the discussion.
“I’m looking forward to this,” Daniel says warmly. He smiles at Hanna, and she notices the laughter lines around his eyes.
For a moment she forgets the investigation and all the terrible things they are dealing with.
And simply smiles back.