Chapter 17 - Tuesday. Profiles.

At an early-morning briefing, Tom Waaler assumes command of the investigation and names Harry Hole as his assistant. Psychologist Ståle Aune delivers a rapid seminar on serial killers, stressing the rarity, likely sociopathic profile, and cyclical phases that can lead to escalating brutality. He cautions that capture can take a long time, particularly with integrated sociopaths.

Discussing the case, Aune asserts there are three murders with matching intervals and rituals: a severed finger replaced by a diamond. He initially reads the precision as early-phase control. Prompted by Harry, Aune acknowledges that the selection of locations—from a private flat to a public restroom—signals increasing risk-taking, suggesting acceleration toward loss of control despite ritual consistency.

Waaler briskly assigns re-interviews and checks on prior violent offenders, while Harry, drained, moves to interviews. Speaking with businessman André Clausen, a witness at the law office scene, Harry learns of an unregistered “courier” exiting just before Clausen sought the solicitor. No courier deliveries were logged, making the sighting suspicious.

On re-questioning, Clausen describes a typical bike courier outfit, helmet and sunglasses, with a white mouth covering. Harry infers the killer could gain access and anonymity by posing as a courier—mask acceptable on camera, swift entry and exit, minimal notice, and an agile bicycle getaway. He presents this to Waaler, who agrees to probe courier sightings near all scenes and to weigh a public warning.

Waaler praises Harry’s deduction, and within minutes the squad buzzes with word that Harry has produced a significant lead: the killer’s likely courier disguise and method of approach.