The Fire Witness

40

Joona and Susanne walk back to the elevator in silence, but she laughs when they both hit the button simultaneously.

“When can we question Daniel Grim?” asks Joona as they ride down.

“The doctor thought it was too early yesterday, which is understandable,” Susanne says, giving him a brief glance. “This is not an easy case, this one. I’ll give them a reminder call and let’s see what they say.”

Gunnarsson is waiting for them on the ground floor.

“Oh, right, I got a text message while you were talking to Caroline. The autopsy is under way,” Susanne says to Joona.

“Good. When will we have the first report?” asks Joona.

“Go home,” says Gunnarsson angrily. “You are not supposed to be here. You are not supposed to read any reports, you are not to-”

“Calm down,” says Susanne, surprised.

“We’re so damned slow on the uptake that we’ve let a damned observer come and take over the entire investigation just because he’s from Stockholm!”

“I’m only trying to help,” says Joona. “Since there’s-”

“Shut up!”

“This is my preliminary investigation,” Susanne says, glaring at Gunnarsson.

“Then I have to inform you that Joona Linna has the Internal Review Board after his ass-”

“Is it true? Have you been reported to the Internal Review Board?” Susanne asks.

“Yes, but my case hasn’t gone to any prosecutor-”

“And I let you into the investigation?” She purses her lips. “This is about trust. You lied to me.”

“I’m still formally on duty, and I don’t have time for this,” says Joona. “I have to question Daniel Grim.”

“That’s my job,” Gunnarsson says.

“You have to understand how important it is,” Joona says. “Daniel Grim may be the only person who-”

“I am not going to work with you,” Susanne interrupts.

“We’re cutting you off from the investigation,” says Gunnarsson.

“I’ve lost all trust in you,” Susanne says, and turns on her heels and heads for the exit.

Gunnarsson takes off after her.

“If you talk to Daniel, you have to ask him about Dennis!” Joona calls after them. “Ask Daniel if he knows who Dennis is, and ask if he knows where Vicky would go. We need a name or a place. Daniel is the only person Vicky talked to and he-”

“Go home!” Gunnarsson waves without turning back.