Part 53 (2/2)

After work she goes to Gunnars place. Every second week his daughters are there too. Iben has liked them immensely from the very first time they met. It seems that they like her too. At a stroke Iben belongs to a family a brand-new one, but a family all the same.

Its incredible that less than half a year ago Iben and Gunnar met for the first time. At Sophies party. Three days later, she and Malene received threatening e-mails.

She is sitting on the bed in the oldest daughters room, listening to music, looking at the girls latest download of pop-star photos from the Internet.

When the intercom rings Iben answers. It is Dorte Jrgensen.

I hope Im not disturbing you?

Iben pulls herself together and smiles even though no one is there to watch her.

Not at all, Dorte. Come straight up.

All in all, Iben is happy. During the last few weeks she has discovered how much shes capable of. Although shes felt close to the edge once or twice, shes realized that its best to stay in her own apartment during those moments. She doesnt want Gunnar or the girls to notice anything odd about her.

Whenever Dorte turns up, her feeling of being in control begins to slip. Lurking at the back of Ibens mind is the fear that one of these visits will provoke an anxiety attack and the agonizing fear that she might give things away about herself.

Iben says h.e.l.lo and welcome, calls Gunnar, and offers to make coffee. The daughters wander in too and they all gather around the coffee table. Gunnars bloodstained sofa has been thrown out and replaced by Malenes elegant designer one, which her mother insisted that Iben should inherit although she has no room for it in her apartment.

Dorte looks around with an expression that seems to suggest that Ibens staying here is suspect. Iben serves coffee and asks Dorte what is on her mind this time. They will try to help in every way.

Keeping an eye on Iben, Dorte explains that she has been examining Malenes confessional letter to Rasmus. Everything about it is consistent with her other letters to Rasmus. With one exception. All the other letters have been saved repeatedly. It seems that Malene was a nervous writer and kept hitting Save every five minutes. But, if you check the Statistics option under File Properties for this particular letter, it has been revised only once.

I see. What does that mean?

The significance is that the letter might have been written by someone else. Not by Malene and, therefore, possibly after her death. Its easy to add a false Save date.

Really? Do you think Well, weve been wondering about it. Interestingly, we established that someone did boot up the computer and use it after the police had sealed Malenes apartment.

So it could only have been one of you or ?

Thats always possible, of course. Given that there seems to have been no break-in, its the likeliest answer, I suppose.

Iben feels that shes still herself. But the girls look worried. Maybe shes more transparent than she imagines. Iben glances at Gunnar, who understands at once.

Hey, its time to start fixing supper. Off to the kitchen we go.

Dorte begins from where she left her interrogation of Iben last time, renewing her verbal attacks from every angle. With regard to the e-mail you received, whoever wrote it called you self-righteous. Did that person know you? What do you think?

I really couldnt say.

You must have an idea. However vague it might be.

Malene has confessed to it, but its Ibens heart is beating hard. The pressure is on now. It will make her focus. Make her mind clear and calculating, like in Kenya. And in Anne-Lises house. And when Zigic caught her. Im changing now, becoming a survivor, she thinks.

But somehow it doesnt happen. Is it because Malene is dead? She cant focus. She cannot save herself.

Dorte continues: Iben, you have to live with your past. Your actions will affect you. And affect your husband too. The first month might be easy for you. And the next one, and the next one but sooner or later what you have done will catch up with you. Why do you think Im so certain of that?

Iben doesnt want to answer but replies as she must: I dont know.

Because were responsible. We have to take responsibility for what we do. In the end, you alone decide how to act. Look at Malene. No one would have predicted that shed sacrifice Malene was mentally ill. She wrote that herself.

Thats what you say.

Iben leans back and sighs. I must say, you do check everything thoroughly. Its very rea.s.suring. Id be happy to help in any way.

Dorte nods. Her eyes dont leave Iben for a second. Thats good to know.

Iben gets up. She walks over to Gunnars wall of pine shelving and then back.

Look, would you like to examine my computer? You can look for Rasmuss spyware, or e-mailed threats or drafts of Malenes confession.

Dorte has it in her to smile at this. Thank you! Ill accept your offer, thank you.

Your theory is a bit far-fetched, if you dont mind me saying so. I doubt whether its convincing enough to get you a search warrant. I just hope you realize that Ive nothing to hide.

Of course. Do you use any other computers?

No. I take my laptop to work.

Ill have to get independent confirmation of that.

I understand.

Maybe Iben leaves the room a little too eagerly. When she returns from the bedroom carrying the computer, Dorte sounds kind.

Both of you must miss Malene a great deal?

Yes, we do. And what she did was extraordinary.

When Iben hands over the laptop, Dorte produces a CD from her pocket and asks permission to install the useful little search program she has brought along.

Iben agrees, noting that Dorte expected to be given access to the computer.

As they wait, the program searches through the items on the hard disk. Dorte breaks the silence. Do you feel that your work affects you a lot?

Iben thinks that this might be another attempt to get at her when her guard is down. I dont know. But we are constantly reminded of how frail the bonds are that restrain our instincts and prevent us from doing terrible things.

Perhaps working day in, day out on such things might blunt your sensibility?

That could be true. Yes.

The search program has stopped. Dorte keys in a few commands, narrows her eyes, and leans toward the screen.

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