Hans Lahlum - The Human Flies

A dreamy expression slipped over Kristian Lund’s face. For a few moments he sat behind his desk lost in his own thoughts. Then he smiled with momentary self-irony.

‘Even if one of us had wanted to, it was by then far too late to stop, both mentally and physically. Only brute force could have held me back, and it would have required handcuffs and a horde of constables. It was wrong, of course, thinking of my wife and baby son. But strangely enough, I have never regretted it either. She is far stronger than she appears, both physically and mentally. It was wilder than anything I had experienced in the bedroom before. To feel my tall, dark dream woman underneath me, minute after minute, until I finally collapsed exhausted with a loud groan, was truly the greatest love and triumph I have ever felt in my life. It felt as though I really was the first to be allowed in, and to scale such dizzy heights. Which is what she told me later, and I do believe it was true.’

I waited for a continuation that never came. Kristian Lund remained in his dream world for a while longer.

‘And then…’

He looked up, distracted, at once accusing and apologetic.

‘Then we lay there shamelessly naked for a few hours more. We smoked and talked about life and love, until I looked at my watch and discovered that I should have picked up my wife in Bygdøy five minutes earlier. Fortunately, Karen accepted my excuse that I had lain down for a while and lost track of time without question. Though in many ways, it was in fact true…’

He gave what I assumed was meant to be a disarming smile, but I would not be sidetracked.

‘But this was not on the day of the murder, was it?’

He immediately understood what I meant and shook his head with a grave expression.

‘No, not at all. It was on 12 November last year. I went to bed with my wife as normal that night, but slept very little. My mind was elsewhere. At first, I thought I could avoid Sara for a few days in the hope that it would pass, leaving nothing but a sweet memory. I tried getting up half an hour earlier than usual the next morning, but there she was again, waiting. I thought I might explain to her that we could not carry on meeting, but instead the opposite happened. In the course of the journey, I realized that she was the great love of my life, in both body and mind. It was the first time that I had not only fallen in love with and been physically attracted to a woman, but also felt that we shared a destiny. The love of my life was right there in front of me, living in the same building. Two days later, I was in her bed again. And since then I have bitterly regretted the fact that I was already married to someone else when I met her. Sara would of course like me to marry her, but understands that it is not easy to leave a wife and child.’

‘And in this case, you would also be leaving a rather large sum of money, would you not?’

I had expected an angry outburst, but instead he gave a crooked smile and gently shook his head.

‘A very large sum of money to be more precise. My wife is an only child and my father-in-law is a canny businessman who has used every opportunity given to him during and after the war effectively. And I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind. Those who say that money means nothing have not grown up poor. But now I have a well-paid job and good financial prospects. So, in fact, it is not something that weighs heavily in this case. In some ways, Karen’s father’s wealth makes it far simpler. She will never suffer financially, no matter what I do. Sara, on the other hand, lives on a student loan and what money her adoptive parents can afford. I have realized that if I am to let her go, I must at least give her a decent sum to help her on her way.’

Kristian Lund sat pondering for a while before carrying on. And I thought to myself that I could not recall having ever met such a romantic cynic before.

‘It is heaven and hell at the same time. I have everything – the great love of my life with Sara and domestic bliss with my wife and son. But every day I am torn between them, and live in constant fear of being discovered. It is an unbearable existence that cannot go on for much longer. In the meantime, I simply keep brushing the problem to one side. The greatest risk was that the caretaker’s wife would notice. She is always there, and is both alert and wise. But we understand each other well; she reminds me of my deceased mother. Things are tight and she is in constant need of money, like Mother. So I reached an agreement with her that would give me an alibi, should my wife, or anyone else for that matter, start prying. Of course, I had little idea then that it would be the police who came and asked the questions.’

So far, everything was in perfect accord with what the caretaker’s wife had told me, but Kristian Lund still had one more question to answer.

‘We have now confirmed that Harald Olesen was killed earlier in the evening than first assumed. The gunshot that was heard was from a cassette tape, and Olesen was killed at some point between eight and ten o’clock that evening. How does that sit with your alibi?’

Kristian Lund rolled his eyes and thought for a moment.

‘I declare myself guilty of adultery and lies, but absolutely innocent with regard to the murder of my neighbour. I guess I do still have an alibi of sorts. Not only the caretaker’s wife, but also Darrell Williams and Konrad Jensen saw me come in at eight, and Sara could also confirm that I was in her company from then until nine o’clock. I dare say that there was a minute or two between the time that I left Sara and came home to my wife. But surely it would not even be theoretically possible for me to have entered Harald Olesen’s flat, committed a murder and left again within that time?’

I nodded rather vaguely.

‘Hardly. But I am sure that you do understand the uncertainty here. And we cannot simply rely on the statements of two women who both have potential motives for helping you.’

He nodded in agreement.

‘I do understand that, and also that I do not appear to be entirely trustworthy. I should have told you about Mother and Sara. But even though I have lied to you, and even though I am not proud of some of the things that I have done in my life, I could never kill another person. And as far as the murder of Harald Olesen is concerned, I have a clean conscience. I was just as shocked and baffled as the others when I heard the shot. In addition, it must still be hard to see any motive for me to murder him?’

I had to agree with that, but his question reminded me of something I had almost forgotten.

‘That certainly seems to be the case. However, I must still ask that you and all the other residents let us check any bank accounts you have.’

Kristian Lund jumped and immediately looked more wary. He sounded exasperated and almost aggressive when he replied.

‘I am sorry – I do not understand why that is necessary. What could you find in my account that could be of any relevance whatsoever to the murder?’

I felt that I was getting very hot now. I gave him my most piercing look and replied curtly: ‘I am afraid that we cannot divulge that for technical reasons. All I can say is that we are routinely checking the accounts of all the residents.’

For a few seconds Kristian Lund looked deeply perplexed. Then he shook his head in irritation.

‘I must say that I feel that this is becoming too personal. And I have work to do, so I am afraid that I will not be able to answer any more questions this morning. I would just like to point out that I know nothing about Harald Olesen’s murder. And in my vulnerable position, it is hurtful that you do not believe me. I will consider the situation and discuss it with my wife, but for now I am afraid that I cannot give you access to our bank accounts. In the meantime, you may think whatever you like is the reason for this.’