Hidden in Snow (The ?re Murders, #1)(103)

He sends a quick reply, telling Lydia that he will try to get a hold of Hanna. Then he gets to his feet, looking longingly at the warm pizza. He cuts himself a big piece to take with him, then heads to the counter to pay.

OceanofPDF.com





113

The wind is whipping Hanna’s face, and it is difficult to make any progress. Snow gives way under her feet on every step as she plods along. Now she understands why the car wouldn’t move; there is far too much loose snow for the wheels to get any kind of purchase.

She hunches her shoulders against the icy blast and tries to walk in the tire tracks left by her car. Logically, they should lead her to the road.

The problem is that her surroundings are bewilderingly black and she can hardly see a thing.

The fear of getting lost grows stronger with every step.

Knowing where the car is makes her feel a little better.

She can always go back there if she doesn’t find the road.

But the Mitsubishi disappears from view alarmingly quickly.

The more she peers into the darkness, the more uncertain she is of the right direction.

She has spent enough time in the mountains to know how hard it is to retain any kind of composure in darkness and a snowstorm. It is easy to take a wrong turn; that is why people get lost and die in bad weather.

Her lips are stiff, the cold is nipping at her cheeks.

Hanna draws her scarf up higher, but it doesn’t help. It is already covered in a thin layer of ice as the moisture from her breath freezes.

She expects her eyes to get used to the gloom, but she still can’t see properly. As she doesn’t wear a wristwatch and normally relies on her phone to tell the time, she has no idea how long she has been walking.

With every minute she becomes more frightened that she is going the wrong way, heading deeper into the forest.

A car is bound to come along soon. The E14 is a major road; there must be some traffic even if it is late in the evening. She needs only one vehicle; the beam of the headlights will set her right.

She can’t hold back the tears; they freeze on her lashes.

She drops to her knees, checking if she is still following the tire tracks. Her face is only a couple of feet from the ground, but it’s hard to tell. She stretches out her hand to feel if the snow is flattened. She is so cold she is shaking, but it’s wonderful to stop moving for a little while.

Hanna decides to lie down, settles on her side. She can afford to rest for a minute or so; then she will continue.

An attempt to get to her feet is unsuccessful. She isn’t strong enough; she needs to rest for a little longer.

The pain in her head eases when she closes her eyes.

The snow is soft and welcoming beneath her legs. It wraps itself around her body like lovely cushions, tempts her to snuggle down farther into its embrace.

The part of her brain that is still functioning tells her that she must resist.

She cannot stay out here in the forest, and she absolutely dare not lie down. She needs to reach the E14, get help. Soon her face and fingers will succumb to frostbite.

Either that or she will fall asleep in the snow, never to wake up again.

“I will get going again,” she murmurs to herself. “Very soon. I just need a little rest first . . .”

OceanofPDF.com





114

The E14 is deserted as Harald drives to the Bergfors family home, his hands gripping the wheel.

By the time he is halfway there, his heart is pounding so hard that he has to pull off at a rest stop.

Air, he needs air.

He is sweating profusely, and the adrenaline is pumping as he presses the button to open the window. Ice-cold air pours in. He takes several deep breaths, and the pressure in his chest eases.

He feels a sudden desire for a cigarette, even though he hasn’t smoked for more than ten years.

The headlights of an approaching truck illuminate the roadway. Harald sees his own face in the rearview mirror.

The immeasurable depth of sorrow in his eyes. He has made his decision, and he knows that it is the right one. The police are not going to do anything about his daughter’s killer; he realized that after Daniel’s visit.

That was when he made up his mind.

He puts the car in gear and sets off.

He leaves the main road and parks a few hundred yards away from Fredrik and Mira’s property. The wind hits his face as soon as he gets out of the car. The snowstorm shows no sign of abating. He is pleased about the wind; it will fan the flames and make the blaze spread more quickly.

The weather is on his side.

He glances around before opening the trunk to retrieve the gas can. There isn’t a soul in sight; he is alone in the darkness.

The street leading to the house is deserted as Harald makes his way up the hill.

He is completely empty inside, he has shut down all his emotions. He was furious earlier on, but now he is calm and focused.

He has a single goal in mind, and that is to punish the man who has destroyed his life.

OceanofPDF.com





115

A powerful gust of wind catches Daniel as he leaves the restaurant, making the trees howl. He hurries to his car and sets off for Sadeln to check if Hanna is at home.

Presumably she is. Maybe she has fallen asleep with her phone on silent. Everything is fine.

At the same time, he can’t ignore the message from her sister. Her unease is infectious.