Contents
Chapter 3 - Friday. The Awakening.
Overview
Harry wakes hungover and haunted by nightmares, then answers Møller’s summons to a building where Camilla Loen lives. He discovers Tom Waaler is leading the case, reigniting their conflict. Beate Lønn arrives and defends Waaler, while Harry battles rising panic, avoiding the lift and forcing himself toward the scene.
Summary
Harry Hole wakes on his living room floor, hungover and shaken by recurring nightmares in which the faces of his sister, Ellen Gjelten, his mother, and Rakel merge into a single, silent scream. He notes the empty Jim Beam bottle and the dead answering machine, emblematic of isolation and stalled connections.
A vibrating phone rouses Harry; after rinsing his face and taking a small drink, he walks to the address Bjarne Møller gave him near St. Hanshaugen. On Ullevålsveien, he surveys the decaying facade and rings the top bell for Camilla Loen’s apartment. Tom Waaler answers via intercom, confirming Harry’s dread that Waaler is running the case.
Harry meets forensic officer Beate Lønn arriving with equipment. They exchange updates: Harry claims he won’t stay on the case, citing Waaler’s leadership and their conflict. Beate urges him to move on, briefly admitting a past fling with Waaler and defending him, while Harry hints at Waaler’s capacity to hurt people.
At the lift, Harry’s anxiety spikes; the old cage gate triggers the echo of his dream-scream and creeping panic. Rejecting the lift, he opts for the stairs, forcing himself toward the active crime scene upstairs where Waaler waits, despite dread and withdrawal gnawing at him.
Who Appears
- Harry HoleHungover detective haunted by nightmares; summoned to Camilla Loen’s building; dreads Waaler’s leadership and avoids the lift in panic.
- Beate LønnForensic officer arriving with equipment; defends Tom Waaler; recalls working with Harry; urges him to move on.
- Tom WaalerCase lead, heard via intercom; source of Harry’s mistrust and tension at the scene upstairs.
- Bjarne MøllerChief Inspector who gives Harry the address and pulls him back into the case.
- Camilla LoenName on the top bell at the scene building; apparent focus of the investigation.
- RakelFigure in Harry’s nightmares and memories, symbolizing loss and strained personal ties.
- Ellen GjeltenMurdered colleague whose death haunts Harry’s dreams and fuels his obsession with Waaler.