Chapter 8 - Tuesday and Wednesday. Chow Chow.

On a sweltering Tuesday, Oslo slows while tabloids feast on the Ullevålsveien murder. Crime reporter Roger Gjendem, juggling heartbreak and workload, drafts a feature highlighting the victim’s severed finger and the red diamond star, emblematic of a stalled but sensational case.

That night, Harry Hole calls Beate Lønn. He asks about forensic leads and proposes the red diamond as a symbolic “coin for the ferryman,” suggesting ritual or message rather than theft or sex crime. He also confirms the Chief Superintendent’s three-week holiday, implying no immediate resolution to his own status.

Wednesday morning, Bjarne Møller reviews headlines and checks with Tom Waaler, who reports no suspects, no familiar patterns, and limited forensic traction. Møller then spots Harry approaching HQ.

In Møller’s office, Harry announces he will work until his unsigned dismissal takes effect. Møller makes the termination explicit and withdraws Harry’s gun license, yet allows him to help as needed. Harry accepts without protest.

Harry returns to Room 605, removes an investigative wall map tied to earlier cases, and takes a pull from his flask, settling in despite his impending exit.

Late afternoon, the control room alerts Møller: with patrols tied up, a caller insists a missing person is the victim of a crime. Despite resources focused on Camilla’s case, Møller pauses to consider this potential new development.