The Torso: A Detective Inspector Huss Investigation, Vol. 2 by Helen Tursten Read Free Book Online

had his usual Friday off and she knew that meant good food and good wine. It would have to compensate for his having to work the rest of the weekend. That was the way it went when you were married to someone in the restaurant business. And, for that matter, to someone who worked as a police officer.
     
    “ DEAR , COULD you take Sammie out for a walk? The food isn’t quite ready yet.” Krister’s voice could be heard from the kitchen.
    Judging by the smell, the food was coming along nicely. Irene suddenly realized how hungry she was. Sammie came down the stairs calmly. He had taken a nap before supper and, just to be different, had slept so deeply he hadn’t heard his mistress come in. But he woke up when he heard the words “out” and “Sammie.” Then he knew it was time for a walk.
    Irene put on her rain clothes since it was bucketing down outside. Even when it poured in the spring it never got dark. Despite that, Irene didn’t see anyone until the woman and her dog were almost on top of her. She suddenly became aware of movement out of the corner of her eye. Before she had the chance to turn, she heard a piercing voice say, “Have you found a home for the puppies yet?”
    Sammie became excited and threw himself at his black girlfriend. She was reserved but nothing compared with her mistress. The elderly woman looked as though she had just drunk a bottle of vinegar.
    Furious, Irene didn’t make any attempt at being friendly. “No. I’ve worked late every evening this week. Police officers usually don’t have time to have a dog, and the others I meet in my line of work aren’t allowed to have them. They are forbidden both in holding cells and prisons.
    “Actually, it takes two people to care for a child and that goes for dogs as well. We’ll get in touch if we hear of anyone who is thinking about getting a dog, but you also need to do your part. Put in an ad, for example.”
    “That costs money. If you had any idea what I’ve had to pay for the vet and food . . .”
    “Even if they’re mixed breed, you’ll still be paid for them. We aren’t going to request a stud fee. A healthy mixed-breed puppy costs fifteen hundred SEK.”*
    The pursed look on the neighbor lady’s face lessened a bit.
    “That much?”
    “Yes. Purebred wheaten terriers cost about seven thousand SEK.”
    “That much!”
    She was a really boring person to talk with. Irene had to end this conversation before her entire Friday evening was ruined.
    “You’ll have to excuse me but I have food in the oven. We’ll get in touch as soon as someone who is interested shows up,” she said.
     
    THE .FOOD was exquisite. Salmon filet baked on a bed of coarse salt, saffron sauce, lightly steamed sugar peas, and a green salad put Irene in a good mood again. Krister had bought a new wine that they were trying.
    “Somerton. Australian. Comes in red as well,” he said.
    “Fantastic with the salmon.” Irene was no expert but she had learned a great deal from Krister over the years.
    “Where are the girls?” she asked.
    “Jenny was going to a try out with a band. Katarina was picked up by that kid, Micke. Apparently, he was allowed to borrow his father’s car.”
    “As long as he drives carefully. Where were they going?”
    “To a party in Askim. A classmate of Micke’s has a birthday.”
    “Did Jenny want to be picked up somewhere?”
    “No. Pia’s parents were going to drive them.”
    “Good. Then we can open another bottle.”
     
    THE PHONE rang just before three o’clock. Half awake, Irene heard Krister answer. Then he sat up straight and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
    “I understand. I’ll come as soon as I can.”
    Heavy with sleep, Irene mumbled, “What was that about?”
    “It was Sahlgren Hospital. Katarina and Micke were in an accident. They aren’t seriously hurt but they had to be patched up at the emergency room. It was Katarina herself who called. She wants to be picked up. Micke has to stay overnight