Contents
Chapter 4 - Friday. Statistics
Overview
Harry investigates Camilla Loen’s murder: shot in the shower, her index finger severed pre-mortem, and the flooding revealing the crime. Evidence suggests a close-range, downward shot and a killer likely admitted by Camilla. Harry’s tense dynamic with Tom Waaler continues, while Vibeke’s quick deduction triggers the police response.
Summary
Harry enters Camilla Loen’s attic flat, where Tom Waaler oversees the scene and Beate Lønn photographs the bathroom. Camilla lies in the shower, bathrobe blocking the drain, with the shower having caused a leak below. Harry and Waaler estimate time of death around five o’clock based on the downstairs report at 5:20.
Examining the body, Harry notes a small forehead bullet wound with close-range burn marks angled downward, suggesting the shooter stood over Camilla, possibly while Camilla knelt. There is no exit wound, indicating a short‑barrel handgun. Harry discovers Camilla’s severed index finger; the clean cut and heavy bleeding in water indicate it was removed before the shooting.
After Waaler leaves to speak with the caretaker, Harry and Beate discuss lost trace evidence due to flooding. Harry, dulled by a hangover, pushes through observations, inferring the killer’s proximity and deliberate actions.
Harry interviews neighbors Vibeke Knutsen and Anders Nygård, prodding them with “statistics” that such killings often involve lovers. He challenges the unlocked-door assumption, noting Camilla’s double locks and chains, implying the killer was admitted or already inside. Vibeke explains she called police after identifying blood in their pan by its egg-like coagulation, embarrassing Anders.
Who Appears
- Harry HoleDetective; examines Camilla’s body, infers close-range downward shot, notes severed finger, interviews neighbors, and questions door security.
- Tom WaalerLead investigator on scene; establishes timeline from the leak, manages officers, and maintains composed control.
- Beate LønnCrime Scene Unit photographer; documents the bathroom, consults with Harry on shot distance and lost trace evidence.
- Camilla LoenVictim; found in shower, shot in the forehead, index finger severed before death, causing significant bleeding.
- Vibeke KnutsenDownstairs neighbor; identifies blood by coagulation in the pan and calls police, offers limited background on Camilla.
- Anders NygårdDownstairs neighbor; challenges Harry’s assumptions, assists with caretaker, embarrassed by Vibeke’s blood deduction.
- Uniformed police officerPosted at the flat; disputes instructions until Waaler intervenes.