Hakan Nesser - Borkmann's point

They fell silent again. Walked side by side down to the water’s edge and let their summaries sink in. The wind was growing stronger. It came in gusts, which you could almost lean into at times, Munster felt. Bart came running up with some new finds for his collection of stones. He off-loaded them into his father’s pockets and raced ahead again. When the low whitewashed cottage came into view once more, Van

Veeteren cleared his throat.

“In any case,” he said, “he’s the most likable murderer I’ve ever come across. It’s not often you have an opportunity of mixing so much with them either-before you put them behind bars, that is.”

Munster looked up. There was a new tone in Van

Veeteren’s voice, a totally surprising hint of self-irony. Some thing he’d never detected before, and could barely imagine. It was suddenly hard to hold back a smile.

“How did the chess go?” he asked.

“I won, of course,” said Van Veeteren. “What the hell do you think? It took some time, that’s all.”

A few hours later he went to the water’s edge one last time. He lit his last cigarette as well, and stood there all alone until it was finished, contemplating the agitated breakers rolling in toward the shore.

Things were breathing again. Both sky and sea-the same threatening gray-violet combination, the same irresistible force; and when he felt the first drop of rain in his hand, he turned his back on it all and made his way up toward his car.

Time to get away from here, he thought.

The curtain has fallen. The tragedy is over.

Exit Oedipus. Exit Van Veeteren.

He started the car. Switched on the headlights as darkness fell rapidly, and set off inland.

And yet, it might not be for good. Perhaps Kaalbringen would have the pleasure of entertaining his presence again…

For even retired Axmen must eventually be allowed time out on parole. And even the narrowest of leads at chess must allow a challenge.

What wouldn’t one do for a decent glass of wine?

Thought Detective Chief Inspector Van Veeteren as he started groping in the glove compartment for Penderecki.