Contents
Chapter 40 - Monday. Rain.
Overview
As the long drought breaks, Toya visits Wilhelm Barli and discovers Lisbeth’s body hidden inside his waterbed. Simultaneously, Harry risks the storm to infiltrate Barli’s apartment and confronts Barli mid-shower. Olaug is unexpectedly reunited with Ina, who returns with a fiancé, providing a poignant counterpoint to the unfolding revelation.
Summary
At dusk, Fru Danielsen watches a man and his dog foul the pavement; moments later a rushing woman steps into the mess while hailing a taxi, giving the widow material for a letter. Elsewhere, Olaug Sivertsen wanders into her garden, lost in memories of Ernst and Randi, when a dog and a man appear. Then Ina arrives, embraces Olaug, and introduces her fiancé, Terje Rye, and their dog, Thea.
Toya Harang, fresh from press acclaim, rides to Wilhelm Barli’s flat, musing on her troubled past and her sister Lisbeth. Barli has demanded secrecy and silence. After sex, Barli showers downstairs while Toya rests on his waterbed. Irritated by a persistent lump beneath her, she investigates and realizes the mattress holds a submerged body—Lisbeth—her blue, pupil-less face rising beneath the rubber.
Meanwhile, Harry Hole enlists neighbors Ruth and the Trondheim Eagle to access the roof to reach Barli’s terrace without alerting him. As a violent storm breaks, Harry nearly falls but claws back, then slips into Barli’s apartment, drawn by the sound of the shower. He enters the dark bedroom, sees the exposed waterbed, and is discovered by a naked, startled Wilhelm Barli, who recognizes him.
Who Appears
- Harry HoleInspector; scales Barli’s roof in a storm, enters the flat, and confronts a naked, startled Barli.
- Wilhelm BarliDirector and Lisbeth’s husband; hosts Toya, showers as she discovers a body in his waterbed; confronts Harry.
- Toya HarangSinger and Lisbeth’s sister; visits Barli, reflects on her past, and discovers Lisbeth’s corpse in the waterbed.
- Olaug SivertsenElderly neighbor; drifts through memory before reuniting with Ina and meeting Terje and Thea.
- InaReturns unexpectedly, reassures Olaug, and introduces her fiancé, Terje.
- Terje RyeIna’s fiancé; arrives with Ina and their dog, Thea, meeting Olaug.
- RuthNeighbor; lets Harry access the balcony, alarmed as the storm hits.
- The Trondheim EagleNeighbor; assists Harry’s rooftop approach and questions the lack of a warrant.
- Fru DanielsenWidow who witnesses a dog fouling and a woman stepping in it; resolves to write a letter.
- André ClausenPasses with his dog Truls; their mess indirectly trips up a rushing woman.
- Thea (dog)Ina and Terje’s English setter; obeys commands and delights in the reunion.
- Truls (dog)Golden retriever; fouls the pavement, sparking Fru Danielsen’s complaint.