The Fire Witness

52

The Swedish Prosecution Authority for cases concerning police officers and the Internal Review Board of the National Police both have their offices at Kungsbro 21. Joona is sitting in a small room there with Mikael Båge, who is the head of internal investigations, and his secretary, Helene Fiorine.

“At this time, the security police cracked down on an extremist left-wing group called the Brigade,” Båge is saying. “The report states that Detective Inspector Linna from the National Police was at the address at the same time or right before.”

“It’s true,” says Joona. He’s looking out of the window at the railroad tracks and the Bay of Barnhusvik.

Helene Fiorine puts her pen and notebook down. “Joona, I must ask that you take this inquiry seriously,” she says.

“I am,” he says, though his voice makes it clear his thoughts are elsewhere.

Helene waits until Joona looks at her before she nods and picks up her pen.

“Before we conclude,” Mikael Båge says, “there is the matter of the main charge against you.”

“Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding,” Helene says quickly. “Two investigations happened to cross paths at the same time.”

“In the report, the charge against you is that the crackdown on the Brigade by Säpo failed because you’d warned the inner circle.”

“Yes, I did,” Joona says.

Helene gets up from her chair but does not know what to say. She stares at Joona with sad eyes.

Båge smiles. “You warned the group about the crackdown?”

“They were just kids,” Joona says. “They weren’t dangerous.”

“Säpo thought otherwise,” Båge says.

“I know,” Joona says quietly.

“This is the end of the preliminary investigation,” Helene says, and collects her papers.