The Caller

Chapter 34

Sometimes Johnny Beskow seemed indifferent and detached, sometimes childish and playful — only in the next second to appear very mature. No one had taught him how to interact with others. He understood neither written nor unwritten laws. But other times he grew sentimental, like when he talked about old Henry. Time and again, Mai Sinok confirmed his concern for the old man. Regularly and faithfully he had visited the house on Rolandsgata, both eager and attentive. Sejer thought the justice system would let him off easy, because he was young and had no prior convictions, and because his upbringing had been of the unfortunate variety.

Justice for Theo was another matter.

Schillinger was interrogated on multiple occasions. But regardless of how hard they pressed him, he stuck to his story with the same intensity Johnny Beskow stuck to his.

No, I have never forgotten to close the gate, not once. I’m not trying to wriggle out of my responsibility, but there should be some justice here. I refuse to shoulder blame for another’s crime. Should some young brat be allowed to destroy my entire life?

The rumour spread quickly: a teenage boy from Askeland was behind the acts of terror which had beset the community for weeks.

October arrived, and Matteus auditioned for the part of Siegfried in Swan Lake, a unique opportunity to get noticed by important people in the world of ballet. Late that same afternoon, he stood at Sejer’s door with his Puma bag slung over his shoulder. Something in his smile and in his eyes seemed promising.

‘How’d it go?’ Sejer asked. ‘Come on. Did you get the part? I need to know this minute. Don’t make me wait.’

Matteus entered his flat. He dropped his bag on the floor with a little thump.

‘The part went to Robert Riegel,’ he said.

Sejer looked at him in exasperation. ‘Robert who? What did you say?’

‘Riegel,’ Matteus repeated.

He squatted down to stroke Frank’s head. He seemed oddly unmoved by it all. When he petted the dog his brown hands had a special sensitivity.

‘And who is that?’

‘Well, he’s a phenomenal dancer,’ Matteus said simply, without looking at his grandfather’s eyes.

‘Hm. Is he better than you? Are you telling me he’s better than you?’

‘Clearly,’ Matteus said, getting to his feet. ‘In any case, Robert Riegel is the one who gets to throw himself in the lake with Odette in the fourth act.’

‘So that’s how it ends?’ Sejer said, slightly perplexed.

‘Yep. They throw themselves in the lake.’

He moved into the living room and did so with the self-assurance of someone with a strong, athletic body. Sejer followed. When it came down to it, he felt old and a little stiff in the knees.

‘Can’t you be a bit more indignant? You seem so indifferent. I mean, can’t you at least swear?’

‘I’m not indifferent. But self-control is a virtue.’ He sat down. Searched his pockets for a packet of mints, plucked one out and put it on his tongue like a communion wafer. It melted instantly. ‘I’ve learned from you. You’re always so calm. I can’t waste energy, I have to go on. To new heights, if you will.’

Sejer plopped down in a chair. Frank lay at his feet. ‘I thought Riegel was a chocolate bar,’ he mumbled. ‘When I was a boy, it cost no more than thirty øre.’

‘You’ve got to stop pouting now,’ Matteus said. ‘How’s it going with Johnny Beskow?’

‘His mother’s in custody, but he’s at home until his trial. His only company is a hamster. He has to report to the station three times a week. He’s a smart kid. A little twisted, of course, but I like him well enough. Others could learn to like him too, if they just gave him the chance — if anyone bothered to teach him some basic rules.’

‘What about the dogs?’ Matteus said. ‘Did you find out about that?’

Sejer shook his head. His disappointment — at Matteus’s not being considered good enough to land the role of prince — festered in him, and he had to strain to change the topic.

‘He denies it.’

‘Do you believe him?

‘Actually, I do.’

‘Why do you believe him?’ Matteus’s brown eyes were almost black in the lounge light.

‘Well, it’s mostly a feeling.’

‘You trust this feeling? He tricked everyone for a long time. Why should you trust him now?’

Sejer shrugged. ‘Intuition is important. And I believe that mine is especially well developed. After many years on the police force, after meeting so many people from all walks of life. I believe people use their gut feelings more than they realise. That’s what carries us through life.’

‘But the police have to assess facts and clues and things like that?’

‘Of course. And we haven’t found anything at the crime scene which would indicate sabotage. So it’s word against word.’

Matteus looked hard at his grandfather.

‘I think he’s trying to pull one over on you.’

‘Is that so? Why do you think that?’

‘Because it’s his biggest talent. It’s what he’s done the whole time. It’s what he’s good at.’

‘Come on, I’m not clueless,’ Sejer protested. ‘I think I know a lie when I hear one. It sort of has its own tone.’

‘You think so? Its own tone?’

‘Like a rusty nail in an empty tin can.’ Sejer said. ‘That’s just an image, but you know what I mean.’

‘Right,’ Matteus said. ‘Now you’re beginning to sound really unprofessional. Listen to this. The part in Swan Lake — of course it’s mine. I’m just pulling your leg.’

‘What are you saying? Is that true?’ Still seated, Sejer gawped in surprise.

‘If you like someone, you’ll believe anything they say,’ Matteus said. ‘Think about that for a while. When you sit in your office talking to Johnny Beskow.’