Contents
Chapter 25 - Friday. Speaking in Tongues.
Overview
Harry and Beate warn Olaug Sivertsen, but Waaler insists she stay put to avoid spooking the killer, effectively making her bait. The team prepares surveillance at the student building. Aune supports Harry’s view that the killer seeks capture. Vibeke reveals troubling details about Anders and is gently rejected by Harry.
Summary
Harry and Beate visit Olaug Sivertsen at Villa Valle, where Harry is struck by her warmth and composure. Beate steers the conversation gently to avoid alarming Olaug, while Harry struggles with bluntness and detachment. They leave having alerted her without details.
At the evening briefing, Harry reports Olaug’s reaction. Waaler rejects moving her, arguing unusual activity could scare off the killer, effectively using her as bait. Plans proceed to confine students in the Kampen building and secretly install surveillance overnight; Special Forces are ready.
Harry, Aune, and Møller debate the killer’s motives. Harry suggests the killer is guiding them to stop him; Aune agrees many serial killers subconsciously want capture. Harry explains the “five” insight came from a hypnopompic moment and notes the code’s unresolved “why.”
Later, Vibeke Knutsen intercepts Harry near his flat. She confides that her fiancé, Anders, is distant and controlling, and recalls a disturbing call—likely from Anders’s father—ranting in religious “tongues.” Tension escalates when Vibeke propositions Harry, but he refuses, admitting his heart is elsewhere, leaving her hurt and him resolute.
Who Appears
- Harry HoleLead detective; warns Olaug, debates killer’s motives, reports plans, and refuses Vibeke’s advance.
- Vibeke KnutsenConfides troubles with fiancé Anders, recalls disturbing ‘speaking in tongues’ call, and propositions Harry.
- Beate LønnSupports Olaug with tact, opposes using her as bait, and drives operational planning details.
- Tom WaalerInsists Olaug remain to avoid spooking the killer; advances stakeout and Special Forces readiness.
- Ståle AuneEndorses theory the killer seeks capture; probes Harry’s insight about the code.
- MøllerChairs briefing, fields media calls, and questions the killer’s motives over beers.
- Olaug SivertsenPotential target at Villa Valle; receives warning calmly and remains at home.