Contents
Chapter 30 - Saturday. The Arrest.
Overview
Beate and Olaug wait for Sven’s return as Waaler sets up an arrest. When Sven arrives unarmed, Waaler aggressively issues warnings and prepares to shoot. Beate intervenes, preventing a wrongful shooting. Waaler regains composure and instructs Beate to handcuff Sven, cementing the arrest but exposing Waaler’s tactics.
Summary
Beate keeps watch with Olaug Sivertsen, reflecting on hands and on the stakes of the night. Olaug identifies her son’s approach by the rhythm of his steps, a habit she has known since his childhood. Tom Waaler moves through the house, instructing Olaug to stay put, and positions himself to confront the arrival.
As the door opens, Waaler shouts repeated police warnings at close range, escalating the encounter. Hearing the exchange, Beate arms herself while trying to calm Olaug, who insists there must be a mistake.
Beate steps into the hall and finds Waaler aiming at a man in a grey suit holding a suitcase. Seeing no weapon, Beate quietly addresses Waaler, telling him the man is unarmed. Time seems to freeze as Waaler, already braced to fire, holds back.
Beate’s intervention halts the shooting. Waaler, composed and controlled, abandons the immediate use of force. He instructs Beate to handcuff “our prisoner,” and the arrest proceeds with Sven taken into custody, leaving Beate acutely aware of Waaler’s calculated aggression and restraint.
Who Appears
- Beate LønnStakeout lead at Olaug’s; prevents Waaler from shooting unarmed Sven; carries out the arrest.
- Tom WaalerCommands the operation; escalates with shouted warnings; nearly shoots but then orders the handcuffing.
- Olaug SivertsenSven’s mother; recognizes her son’s steps; distressed, hopes there’s been a mistake.
- Sven SivertsenArrives in a grey suit with a suitcase; unarmed; is arrested after Beate stops a shooting.