‘No, I just wanted to meet Baldur.’
‘Oh? Why?’
‘I’ve got something for him. Are you and your friends in the habit of giving each other expensive presents?’
‘No, not at all. I only brought flowers. Why do you ask?’
‘Could you introduce me to him?’
Lovísa looked a little flustered. The former judge had seemed much more self-assured the first time they met.
‘Er, yes, of course.’
She scanned the room.
‘There he is. Come on.’ The firmness had returned to her voice. Helgi got the feeling yet again that Lovísa wasn’t the type to let herself be disconcerted for long.
Baldur was tall, with thick grey hair and unusually large glasses. He wore a pale grey suit that appeared to be bespoke, and a dark blue tie.
‘Baldur, do you have a moment? There’s someone I’d like you to meet.’
Baldur looked at Lovísa, then at Helgi, and for a second Helgi was afraid the lawyer would misinterpretthe situation and think that Lovísa was bringing her new toyboy to meet him.
But Lovísa quickly prevented any misunderstanding.
‘This is Helgi Reykdal, from the police. He was hoping for a quick word with you.’
‘From the police? Has something happened?’ Baldur studied Helgi owlishly through his outsize glasses.
‘Nothing serious,’ Helgi assured him, though it was a claim he couldn’t really justify. ‘Is there somewhere we could maybe have a quiet chat, just for a couple of minutes?’
‘Yes, of course.’
Baldur showed him the way, and at first it looked as if Lovísa meant to come too, but then she changed her mind.
‘My study is in here,’ Baldur said, opening a door and switching on the light.
Yet again the setting was very different from what Helgi was used to. His late father used to have a study at home in Akureyri. It had been lined with books, like Baldur’s study, but here somehow the effect seemed more contrived. The shelves were made of beautiful wood, most of the books were leatherbound, the lighting was perfect, there was a handsome armchair and an antique desk, all in the same style.
‘Obviously, I have only a limited amount of time. Helgi Reykdal, is that right?’
‘Yes. It relates to your friend, Elín.’
‘Elín? Has something happened? She’s at home ill; she couldn’t come to my party.’
‘That’s the point. She’s not at home ill. May I talk to you in confidence?’
‘I’m a lawyer, my friend. My entire life is spent talking to people in confidence.’
‘Elín is missing.’
‘Missing?’
‘No one’s heard from her for nearly two weeks.’
‘Good grief. Is this true?’
‘I’m afraid so, yes,’ Helgi said. ‘Have you heard from her at all?’
