Postcard killers

Chapter 56

"Okay, then," the superintendent said a few minutes later.

"We'l meet again at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. You're al working hard. We'l get these people."

He stood up and walked quickly from the shop without looking back. The two detectives on his team fol owed close on his heels.

Dessie was left standing by the pawnbroker's desk together with Jacob and Gabriel a. On a shelf next to the computer was a copy of that day's Aftonposten. Her own words screamed out its battle cry: "Accept My Chal enge – If You Dare."

She turned the paper over to avoid having to see it. Gabriel a noticed her doing it.

"I agree that publishing the letter wasn't very smart," she said, nodding toward the paper.

Dessie took a deep breath and pul ed on her knapsack.

"See you tomorrow," she said abruptly, heading for the door.

"I've got the car," Gabriel a cal ed after her. "I can give you a lift."

Dessie kept walking.

"It's okay," she said. "I've got my bike at police headquarters. It's close.

I'm fine."

She opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

"I'l walk with you," Jacob Kanon cal ed, catching up with her.

"I can put the bike in the back," Gabriel a said, jogging after them.

Dessie spun around.

"It's okay," she said. "I'l be fine. Thanks, anyway."

It was evening. The air was damp and cool, and the sun was low in the sky.

"Whatever you want," Gabriel a said, getting into the Saab and speeding off, sour as hel.

With a sense of melancholy, Dessie watched the car drive away.

"You were the one who finished it, weren't you?" Jacob said.

She gave a deep sigh.

"Hungry?" the American asked.

She thought for a moment. Then she nodded. "Strangely, I am."