ICEHOTEL (23 page)

He took me to the reception, and exchanged words in Swedish
with the young man. ‘I have arranged for a car to take you to the Excelsior,
Miss Stewart,’ he said.

Our eyes met briefly. Then he walked
away.

The first stars were appearing in
the sky as we sped out of Kiruna. I sat back in the car and thought through my
conversation with Hallengren.

He’d not said it in so many words, but he was thinking the
same as I – Wilson’s key had been removed after his death. But why, and by
whom? What was so important about those pages, specially the last one, that
would make someone remove a key from the wrist of a dead man in order to steal them?

Who knew that Wilson would be coming to the Icehotel?

Obviously Aaron and Marcellus. Both had the opportunity to
take the key. Aaron had been in Kiruna the night Wilson died, but he could have
hired a car. Yet whatever the two of them were involved in in Stockholm, it
didn’t seem to have anything to do with the diary: Marcellus had raised the
subject almost as an afterthought.

Mike had known Wilson would be at the Icehotel:
One of
the Yanks I was drinking with is working with Bibby. He told me.
Could that
Yank have told Mike something about Bibby’s dealings that would make him want
to steal pages from his diary? Unlikely. What could possibly interest Mike?

I leant back, weary from the day’s events. Who cared about
Wilson’s diary anyway? How important was it in the grand scheme of things? If
Hallengren had nothing better to do than chase missing diary pages, he was
welcome to it. What intrigued me more was what Marcellus and Aaron were up to
in Stockholm. Perhaps it involved the Bibby Foundation, and would be to Harry’s
benefit. His research funding might come through after all. I pictured his
happiness at discovering he could continue with his work.

I sat up slowly. Harry had also known, from the Foundation’s
newsletter, about Wilson’s movements. He’d known Wilson would be in Stockholm,
if not the Icehotel.

Yes, Harry had known. Harry, whom I’d spied in the corridor
the night Wilson had died, who’d denied being up, saying he’d slept through
without waking. Had he been on his way to the lockers, having crept into
Wilson’s room and taken his key? If so, he must have known what was in that
diary. Something to do with the Foundation? Marcellus had said that the
decision to stop funding pure research wasn’t definite. Perhaps Harry had
wanted to remove all trace of that decision, carbons and all, hoping that
Marcellus, who was better disposed towards academics, would continue that
funding.

I sank back into the upholstery. If Harry was the thief, he
must have been desperate to take such a chance. What would Wilson have done if
he’d woken to find Harry looming over him? Yelled for Marcellus. The scenario
didn’t bear thinking about. No, I couldn’t see Harry taking the risk, research
funding or not.

Unless, of course, Harry had known that Wilson was already
dead.

Leo Tullis was waiting for me as I
entered the Icehotel.

‘You got a moment, Maggie?’ He sounded anxious.

‘Of course,’ I said, squeezing his arm. ‘Shall we go into
the lounge?’

‘We need somewhere private. The manager lets me use his office.’

I followed him down the corridor, wondering what could have
happened now.

‘Have you been to see the Inspector?’ I said, after we’d sat
down.

‘I went straight after breakfast.’

‘And you told him about the brakes?’

‘He already knew, Sven had reported it. But he had a few
questions for me.’ He pushed his hands through his hair. ‘He asked if I knew
who’d been near the machines.’

‘What did you tell him?’ I said slowly.

‘I’d been inside when the snowmobiles toppled, and I didn’t
go down to the path till I heard the noise and everyone ran out of the chalet.’
He stared hard at the floor. ‘Then I remembered I’d seen Mike and Jonas
standing at the edge. I assumed they’d been there the whole time, so I gave him
their names.’ His eyes came up to mine. ‘Did I do the right thing?’

The directness of the question surprised me. ‘What was the
Inspector’s reaction?’

‘He seemed cool. I asked him what he thought was going on.
He said he didn’t know, and that it could have been a prank. Or an accident.’

‘But you told him what Sven said about the brakes?’

‘The way the Inspector talked, he sounded as much of an
expert on snowmobile brakes as Sven. I don’t know who to believe now.’

I’d believe Sven, I was tempted to say. But I kept quiet.
Leo seemed a man at the end of his resources, grateful for a mandate to carry
on with his job. I wondered what Hallengren would do with this new knowledge
about Mike and Jonas. If he believed it was an accident, he’d do nothing.

Leo looked at me searchingly. ‘The Inspector said that the
excursions could continue, which is why we were at the
Sami
village today. That’s something, I suppose. Perhaps now everything’ll be
okay.
’ He said it as though he didn’t believe it.

‘Yes,’ I said, taking his hand.
‘Perhaps now everything’ll be
okay.
’ But I didn’t believe
it either.

With the arrival of the reporters,
the restaurant was crowded.

Jane was sitting with the Danes, who seemed to have taken
her under their wing. The Ellises were wedged between Denny Hinckley and
another reporter, who were talking across them. I wondered how long it would be
before Robyn lost it and smacked one of them. Marcellus and Aaron were missing.

Liz and Mike were so absorbed in one another that they
hardly noticed my conversation with Harry.

‘So how was the trip to the
Sami
village?’ I said.

‘My dear, it’s such a shame you didn’t come. It was a
scream. We met the village head honcho. And he was dressed the part, leather
trousers and striped tunic, and a funny cap. He described how the
Sami
live, tending their deer the way they have for generations.
I must say they were splendid specimens.’

‘The deer?’

He peered at me over his soup spoon. ‘The
Sami.
’

‘And where did this big chief live?’

‘In a huge tent with rugs and skins over the ground. In the
centre, there was a log fire which was smoking so badly I thought we’d all
suffocate. He had to open a flap in the top to let the smoke out. Then he
became serious, and started to tell us about his ancestors, and how this way of
living and these old traditions are so important.’ His eyes were gleaming. ‘And
do you know what happened?’

When Harry was in comic mode, he could hardly contain
himself. ‘Tell me, Harry,’ I said, laughing in anticipation.

‘His mobile phone went off. I nearly burst myself trying not
to laugh. Maggie, I wish you’d been there.’ He sat up straight, staring over my
shoulder. ‘My goodness. An Inspector calls.’

I turned round. Hallengren had entered with the hotel
manager, who hovered nervously at his side.

The manager raised his voice. ‘Could I have everyone’s
attention, please?’

The conversations tailed off into silence.

‘Inspector Hallengren has something to say.’ He looked up
expectantly at the detective.

‘I am sorry to disturb you at dinner, but I have come on
police business.’ Hallengren spoke with his customary slowness. ‘My men are
here to search the Excelsior. That includes your rooms. Please be assured that
we will do this rapidly and efficiently, with the minimum of inconvenience.’

Harry broke the stunned silence. ‘And what are you looking
for, Inspector? Perhaps if you told us, we might be able to help.’

‘I am not at liberty to say, Professor Auchinleck.’

Jonas shouted something in what could have been Danish or
Swedish and which, from the tone, sounded like a question. Hallengren was
unfazed. He replied quickly and firmly, and Jonas turned his attention back to
his food.

Robyn stood up, ignoring her husband who was trying to pull
her back down. ‘This is preposterous.’ She raised her voice so the room could
hear. ‘I know the law. You can’t do this without a warrant. I intend to file a
complaint with the embassy.’

Hallengren smiled. ‘Be assured, madam, that I have all the
documents I need.’ He scanned the room. ‘Please continue with your dinner,
ladies and gentlemen. By the time you have finished, we will be gone. My men are
under strict instructions not to disturb your rooms more than is necessary.’
Ignoring the sudden commotion, he left, the manager following gratefully.

The reporters had pulled out their notebooks, and were
conferring with each other. Denny Hinckley was watching Liz, his eyes crawling
over her as though this must somehow be her doing.

‘What’s that all about then, Maggie?’ said Mike. ‘You reckon
it has something to do with this diary?’

My mind was in a whirl. Why had Hallengren chosen this
moment to turn the Excelsior upside down? He’d known about the missing pages
since yesterday.

‘I’ve no idea,’ I said slowly.

Harry pushed his chair back, his expression grim. ‘I can’t
have them disturbing my papers. No, I can’t have that.’ He rose and made for
the door.

‘Oh Harry, do come and finish your dinner,’ Liz called after
him. ‘You heard what he said, sweetheart, they’re not going to mess up your
papers.’

But Harry had disappeared.

‘They won’t let him into his room, Liz,’ I said.

‘You don’t think they’ll arrest him, do you?’ she said,
alarm in her voice.

‘Only if he misbehaves.’

‘That’s lovely now,’ said Mike, looking up. ‘And is he likely
to?’

I exchanged a glance with Liz. Harry’s attitude to his
papers was like that of a bear towards her cubs. I sighed. ‘He is.’

‘Then hadn’t someone better go after him?’ Mike said
angrily.

‘I’ll go,’ I said. ‘But I’m not promising I can bring him
back.’

I made for the stairs, but Harry had disappeared. I reached
the foyer, and was passing the lounge, when I felt a strong grip on my arm.

‘And where do you think you are going, Miss Stewart?’ The
voice was cold.

I swung round. Hallengren raised an eyebrow, waiting for my
response.

‘I was running after Harry. He’s gone back to his room.’

‘I see.’ He released my arm. ‘May I suggest you return to
the restaurant?’

‘But Harry – ’

‘My men will deal with Professor Auchinleck.’

‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’ I looked at him pleadingly.
‘Harry’s writing a book, Inspector. He spreads hundreds of papers over the room
in what is a cleverly calculated system. He’s afraid your officers will muddle
them up.’

‘My men will be careful.’

‘Then promise me you won’t arrest him.’

He inclined his head. ‘I will do my best, Miss Stewart, but
I cannot promise.’

‘What if Harry brings a book down on an officer’s head?’ I
said, seeing the scene unfold.

The corners of his lips lifted. ‘My officer will have to
restrain him.’

He didn’t believe Harry would do it. I imagined the mayhem
that would be taking place upstairs.

‘None of my officers will use unnecessary force,’ he added.

I found myself smiling. ‘You’re not taking me seriously.’

He moved his face closer to mine, returning the smile. ‘On
the contrary, I am taking you very seriously. And now, Miss Stewart, shall I
escort you to the restaurant?’

‘There’s no need, Inspector. I know the way.’

‘I will bid you goodnight then.’ He gave an exaggerated bow.

I walked up the stairs, resisting the urge to look back at
him.

The restaurant was still buzzing.

‘Where’s Harry?’ said Liz, as I took my seat.

‘I didn’t get past the lounge. The police were there. Harry
must have slipped past.’

She beckoned to a waiter, who brought a tray of venison.

‘What do you think he’s doing?’ she said, watching me eat.

‘Probably decking one of Hallengren’s men. Can you pass me
the vegetables?’

Minutes later, Harry returned, his face flushed. He resumed
his seat without a word.

Mike handed him a glass of wine. ‘So you’ve not been clapped
in irons, then.’

‘They wouldn’t let me into my room,’ he said, his voice a
child’s.

‘Could you see what they were doing?’ I said.

‘It’s strange. I had books and papers everywhere but they
didn’t touch them. One policeman was searching the pockets of my waistcoat,
while another was examining the soap dish.’

‘Well, what does it mean?’ said Mike.

I knew, even before Liz told him.

‘Whatever they’re looking for,’
she said gloomily, ‘it isn’t Wilson’s diary.’

We left the restaurant. From the top
of the stairs, we saw Hallengren’s men milling around the foyer. Their voices
carried through the building.

Liz leant over the bannister. ‘Golly, who’d have thought
tiny Kiruna had so many police?’

‘I suspect they’ve been drafted in,’ I said.

Hallengren arrived, and spoke in low tones to the manager.
Then he turned to the men and jerked his thumb at the door. They filed out in
silence. He glanced up, and his eyes met mine. He nodded briefly, then left.

‘The bar?’ said Mike.

Liz glanced at her watch. ‘I can’t. I’ve arranged to talk to
the twins.’

‘And I need to look through my papers,’ Harry said sombrely.
‘I’ll see you children later.’

In the lounge, Mike left me to fetch our drinks.

Denny Hinckley peeled away from his friends and ambled over.
He lowered himself into a chair. ‘What’s this about, Maggie?’ His licked his
lips. ‘What was Sherlock looking for?’

‘I don’t know,’ I said quietly.

‘I saw you talking to him in the foyer,’ he said in a
provocative tone.

I wondered where he’d been when I was with Hallengren, and
what he’d overheard. Nothing, I decided, or he wouldn’t be needling me now.