Contents
Chapter 7 - Tuesday. Dismissal.
Overview
Harry, adrift and drinking, runs into Vibeke at a grocery store, then faces Bjarne Møller, who says Harry’s dismissal papers await the Chief’s signature. A flashback reveals Kripos’s Chief Superintendent warned Harry off pursuing Tom Waaler after a witness recanted. The ultimatum catalyzed Harry’s bender and collapse.
Summary
In sweltering Oslo, Harry shops aimlessly, focused on getting enough food down to keep drinking. He spots Vibeke Knutsen, exchanges strained small talk, and learns police have been up and down their stairwell all weekend, with no news. Harry deflects, admitting it’s not his case.
Outside his flat, Bjarne Møller confronts Harry about vanishing during assigned weekend assistance and recent absences. Inside Harry’s foul, bottle-strewn apartment, Møller says he can no longer protect him: dismissal papers are drafted, awaiting the Chief’s signature. He accuses Harry of spitting on both Rakel and his job and leaves, pained but resolute.
Harry dozes and recalls a meeting four weeks earlier at the Boxer bar with the Chief Superintendent of Kripos and Roy Kvinsvik. The Chief keeps it unofficial and learns Harry’s key witness has changed his story, no longer identifying Tom Waaler with Sverre Olsen.
The Chief concludes the Ellen Gjelten case is closed and orders Harry to drop his accusations against Waaler. He threatens immediate suspension and referral to sefo if Harry persists, framing it as necessary for police morale. Realizing he’s now seen as a liability, Harry abandons his mineral water, orders alcohol, and starts the binge that has undone him.
Who Appears
- Harry HoleProtagonist; disheveled and drinking, meets Vibeke, is warned of imminent dismissal, recalls Kripos ultimatum after witness recants.
- Bjarne MøllerHarry’s superior; visits Harry’s flat, says dismissal papers await signature, ends his attempts to protect Harry.
- Chief Superintendent (head of Kripos)In flashback, orders Harry to drop accusations against Waaler after witness recants; threatens suspension and sefo.
- Vibeke KnutsenNeighbor; chats with Harry at the shop, mentions police activity in their building and media silence.
- Roy KvinsvikPresent at the Boxer meeting; silent participant as the Chief delivers the ultimatum to Harry.