Stalker

99

Joona stops District Prosecutor Sara Nielsen in the middle of the steps outside the district court on Scheelegatan. Because he can’t take Erik with him into the prison, he needs to persuade the prosecutor to release Rocky on bail in advance of his trial.

‘I called you about Kyrklund,’ he says, standing in front of her. ‘He can’t stay in prison.’

‘That’s for the district court to decide,’ she replies.

‘But I don’t understand why,’ Joona persists.

‘Buy a book on Swedish law.’

A strand of blonde hair blows across Sara’s face, and she brushes it aside with one finger and raises her eyebrows as Joona starts to speak.

‘According to chapter twenty-four, paragraph twenty,’ he says, ‘a prosecutor can revoke the decision to remand a suspect in custody if that decision is no longer justified.’

‘Bravo,’ she smiles. ‘But there’s a clear risk that Kyrklund will evade the course of justice, and a tangible danger that he would commit further offences.’

‘But we’re only talking about minor narcotics offences, punishable by a year’s imprisonment at most… and it’s extremely doubtful that possession could even be proven.’

‘You said it wasn’t his jacket over the phone,’ she says in a bright voice.

‘And that the reason for holding him in custody in no way warrants this degree of intrusion into his life.’

‘Suddenly it feels like I’m standing on the steps of the City Court holding fresh custody negotiations with a former police officer…’

‘I can arrange for supervision,’ Joona says, following her down the steps.

‘It doesn’t work like that, as you well know.’

‘I understand that, but he’s ill and needs constant medical attention,’ Joona says.

She stops and lets her eyes roam over his face.

‘If Kyrklund needs a doctor, the doctor can come to prison.’

‘But if I were to say that this is a particular treatment that can’t be carried out in prison…’

‘Then I’d say you were lying.’

‘I can get a medical certificate,’ Joona persists.

‘Go ahead, but I’m pressing charges next Tuesday.’

‘I’ll appeal.’

‘Nice try,’ she smiles, and starts walking again.