‘No, not really. Although we’re friends, close friends, I don’t like to pry. We usually have a good time when we meet up for coffee and we try to stick to cheerful topics.’
‘Was she busy with anything in particular at the time, that you can remember?’
‘No, she’s given up work. She’s retired, like me. I think she mainly enjoys reading books these days. Just living her life.’
‘Does she travel much?’ Helgi asked, careful to switch to the present tense.
‘Not as much as she used to, but yes, she loves travelling. Though, you know, sometimes I think she holidays in hot countries just so she can read in the sun, rather than do any sightseeing. No doubt it’s a pleasant way to spend your time.’
‘There are many worse things than reading in the sun.’
Again, Lovísa smiled, but he thought she was beginning to look tired.
‘I understand that the two of you were planning a trip to the mountains about a month ago. Where did you go?’ he asked, mindful of what Thor had said.
‘A trip to the mountains?’ Lovísa paused. ‘Oh, we just did a little hike close to Reykjavík. We climbed Esja, up to the top and back. There’s really nothing to tell.’
‘When was that?’
She appeared to be thinking.
‘Er, it was two weeks ago. The weekend before we last met up.’
‘And was she on good form then?’
‘Elín’s always on good form in the countryside. The fresh air agrees with her.’
‘About Elín’s private life…’
‘Yes…’
‘She kept it to herself, but…’
‘Keepsit to herself, yes.’
‘Nevertheless, I need to try and get a sense of who she was close to.’
‘You put it very tactfully, Helgi.’
‘Could you tell me something about that side of her life?’
‘She’s never been married, as you’re no doubt aware.’
‘Has she been involved with anyone – male or female?’
‘I can’t be sure, of course.’ Lovísa leaned back on the sofa, then forwards, as if she was getting momentum to rise to her feet. Yet she remained sitting. ‘I simply don’t know how much I should tell you. I know you’re investigating this as a missing-persons case – of course, I do understand that. But Elín’s my friend; I can’t forget my loyalty to her.’
Helgi sighed. ‘You know as well as I do that it’s your duty to help me.’
‘I feel awkward about sharing sensitive secrets with you. You see, I feel in my bones that she’s alive. And I don’t know whether you can be trusted to keep what I say confidential.’
Her choice of words roused his interest:sensitive secrets.
‘Is there something in her personal life that, well, that she believes wouldn’t stand the light of day?’
Once again, Lovísa hesitated.
‘No, not really. I think maybe you misunderstand me.’
