There was an air of mystery over the whole affair; riddles on every side.
As a child, all he’d had to do was listen and everything would come right in the end; in a few short weeks the solution would be revealed.
This time, though, it was up to him to solve the mystery.
2005
[hissing]
I’m happiest in that vague borderland between daylight and shadows; that’s where I go in search of stories to tell, particularly stories about crimes. I used to read all kinds of books before I began writing myself, and what I noticed was that the ones that really held my attention, that made the most indelible impression on me, were the ones that were concerned with justice and punishment. That’s the theme of most novels, one way or another; crime is the driving force of the narrative…
2012
Tuesday, 6 November
Kristín turned over the tape.
Helgi couldn’t tell how long they’d been sitting there listening, as he had been transported to another world. For a while, he’d had to struggle against drowsiness despite the atmosphere of suspense and was grateful for the open window admitting a little fresh air.
‘This is the last part,’ Kristín said. ‘It’ll be quite an interview when I finally get it down on paper…’ Although she spoke flippantly, there was a hint of sadness in her voice.
Elín had talked about her writing, her career, her studies and teaching, her pseudonym – everything apart from her private life. Helgi was still none the wiser about that side, as she kept it hidden in the shadows she had mentioned.
She still hadn’t revealed any startling secrets, apart from the one about Marteinn Einarsson’s identity.
There was nothing that could explain her disappearance, nothing to suggest she could have been murdered…
2005
[hissing]
I think I’ve about run out of questions, Elín. I’ve kept you far too long, but it’s been so enjoyable, and fascinating to hear about the extraordinary life you’ve led.
Extraordinary… yes, sometimes, I suppose. But isn’t it the same for everyone – that we all have extraordinary experiences at one time or another? It may be a cliché, but life is always a mixture of sunshine and showers.
I’ll let you read the interview when I’ve written it up. There’s no rush, I assume? I can’t quite see where it would be best placed. It won’t necessarily…
We can talk about that at the end. You’ll recall that I mentioned two conditionswhen we first spoke? I haven’t brought up the second one yet.
Oh, yes, OK. I remember. That… that’s fine.
First, I wanted to tell you a story, Kristín, if you have time.
Yes, of course. Shall I turn off the recording?
No, please don’t. This will all belong in the interview, when the time comes. I have a crime story for you, to finish off with. It’s a story that’s never found its way into any of my books and never will. But you’ll get to tell it.
I’m intrigued…
The story begins in 1965 with a group of friends, three law students, one of whom has a brilliant idea. The brilliant… well, that’s debatable… idea of how to commit the perfect crime. I don’t really know why. Perhaps it was just for the thrill of it – that’s my suspicion. As a way of spicing up their life, or simply because it was possible. Sometimes people do things just because they can. Do you know what I mean?
Yes, I suppose so.
Well, anyway, the law students discuss the idea, initially as a joke, I believe, but gradually it becomes apparent that they’re serious. There’s money at stake too, and of course that can be a big motivating factor. Eventually it turns out that there is an actual plan to commit a serious crime, but a victimless crime, as it was described in my hearing.
Hang on, what was the crime?
To rob a bank. A local branch on a quiet street, not much security in evidence – an easy target, in other words. Lots of businesses deposited their money there – that was the justification I heard. That it would be a piece of cake; the perfect crime, in other words. Although I got wind of it, I had no intention of taking part. All I was interested in at the time was finishing my degree. I was still aiming to become a lawyer. But they were my friends, so I watched from the sidelines; saw it become a reality, little by little, saw the idea taking shape. But I didn’t say a word, didn’t lift a finger, perhaps because I thought it was all a big joke. Though perhaps on some level I knew better. But then, how well do we know our friends whenit comes down to it? And when do we stop standing by them? When do we stop trying to step in and save them from danger?
