Contents
Chapter 44 - Monday Night. The Mumbling.
Overview
In the rain-soaked aftermath, Harry ensures Oleg’s safe return, sees Øystein released, and faces mounting media attention. Bjarne Møller triggers an internal inquiry, while the Kripos chief apologizes and offers Harry his job back. Harry withholds details, reveals Waaler begged for mercy, and spends a sleepless night parsing lingering clues.
Summary
After escaping the student block, Harry, Sven, and Oleg shelter under a birch as Harry alerts the press and Bjarne Møller. Police and media flood the scene. Sven is taken into custody with round-the-clock guards at Harry’s insistence; a patrol car is arranged to drive Oleg home.
Møller reports Øystein Eikeland was held on a DUI by Waaler but is now released without charge, and Beate has found cycling gear at Barli’s. On the drive to Rakel’s, the rain clears. Harry delivers Oleg; Rakel and Harry share an emotional reunion. He says the danger is over for now and mentions plans to take a taxi-driver exam through Øystein, then leaves for a meeting.
At the Boxer bar, the Kripos chief congratulates Harry, probes his intuition about Sven’s innocence, and apologizes for misjudging Waaler. He rescinds Harry’s dismissal and offers full confidence and a return to duty. Harry, declaring he’s an alcoholic, declines a beer and withholds specifics about recordings and accomplices, but notes Waaler said one thing: he asked for mercy.
Harry walks through the cemetery in the night rain, hearing the murmur of the dead. Back home, he showers and lies awake, the “mumbling” persisting. He recalls a kiosk worker nicknamed Solo describing Waaler’s abused childhood and a suspicious accident involving Waaler’s father. Harry notices yellow chisel dust from Barli’s devil’s star carving, tasting bitter with a metallic, egg-like note, and waits for dawn.
Who Appears
- Harry HoleProtagonist; secures Oleg’s return, orchestrates follow-up, rebuffs press control, weighs job offer, and reflects on Waaler and lingering clues.
- Bjarne MøllerHarry’s boss; arranges custody, frees Øystein, initiates internal inquiry, manages media and evidence updates.
- RakelHarry’s partner; reunites with Oleg, shares a vulnerable, hopeful exchange with Harry about their future.
- OlegRakel’s son; rescued and returned home, reassured by Harry’s presence.
- Head of KriposApologizes for misjudging Waaler, rescinds Harry’s dismissal, offers full confidence and job return.
- Sven SivertsenHeld in custody; Harry orders strict guard to prevent harm, underscoring ongoing risks.
- Øystein EikelandTaxi driver friend; released from custody, potential path to Harry’s taxi exam opportunity.
- "Griever" GrothCustody officer; unusually compliant in releasing Øystein after Møller’s order.
- Beate LønnForensics lead; reports finding a bag of cycling equipment at Barli’s property.
- Tom WaalerCorrupt officer and antagonist; posthumously discussed; reportedly begged for mercy before death.
- Solo (kiosk worker)Gives Harry background on Waaler’s youth, abuse, and a suspicious accident involving Waaler’s father.