Free Still Waters (Sandhamn Murders Book 1) by Viveca Sten

conclusions from that.”
    Nora tried to think. “Do we know anyone with those initials?”
    Thomas shrugged. “I don’t know if it’s all that important. I mean, the net could belong to just about anyone who fishes in this part of the archipelago. Most indications still suggest that we’re looking at an accident.”
    “What does that mean?” Nora asked.
    “The case will be closed. There are no suspicious circumstances, so we’ll wrap up the investigation.”
    “So will you get to take a vacation?” Nora asked as she poured the last of the wine.
    Thomas nodded. “Very soon, I’m happy to say. I just have to finish this off next week, then I’ll be heading straight for Harö.”
    “Are your parents there?”
    “Of course. They went over at the end of April. Since they retired I think they spend more time on the island than in town.” Thomas’s face lit up at the thought of his parents. “They keep nagging me to take my vacation earlier, but I enjoy being there as the high season comes to an end. I’ll be there when it suits me.”
    He raised his glass to Nora in a gesture of appreciation.
    “Thank you for a wonderful dinner.”

S ATURDAY, THE SECOND WEEK

C HAPTER 16
    The evening had been a success, Nora thought as she made coffee. They had all been in good form and seemed to have enjoyed themselves. They had sat outside until midnight without feeling cold.
    Since it was Saturday, they had a blessed reprieve from swimming lessons. They had even managed to sleep in, as much as possible with a lively six-year-old in the family.
    “Come on, boys,” she called to Adam and Simon, who were playing in the garden. “Let’s go down to the jetty to surprise Daddy.”
    Henrik had gone down to sort out the fishing nets, a task that could take quite some time, so a cup of coffee would no doubt be appreciated.
    She and the boys had spent almost fifteen minutes in line to buy cakes. It seemed as if half the population of Stockholm had decided to head out to the islands to make the most of this beautiful summer’s day.
    On the other hand, it was no great sacrifice to stand chatting in line outside the picturesque bakery, where white wrought-iron chairs and tables were set out for those customers who wanted to enjoy their purchases right away.
    Henrik was very busy down by the water. Tall poles with hooks at the top lined both sides of the jetty. The nets were hung from these hooks, then poles were used to remove any seaweed—an ancient method that was still in use throughout the archipelago.
    Henrik had finished cleaning approximately half of the nets, and the seaweed he had removed lay in small piles at his feet. He had taken off his shirt and was wearing only his shorts, but still the sweat was pouring down his back.
    Adam dashed over to help out. Henrik would often take him along to lay the nets and would let him steer the boat a bit. Adam loved going with his dad, and Henrik was happy to spend time with him.
    Where the jetty joined the land there was a small area that belonged to Henrik and Nora’s house. It wasn’t very big, but there was just enough room for a bench, two chairs, and a table, so they could sit by the water.
    The family’s boat was moored there. It was a small launch with an outboard motor and went by the name Snurran . It was just three yards long and had served them well for many years. It was exactly the right size to go off and find the perfect spot to swim or sunbathe or pick someone up if they were stranded in Stavsnäs after the last ferry had gone.
    “Coffee time,” Nora shouted to Henrik.
    She sat down at the table and began to set out coffee cups and cakes. For the boys there was juice in colorful plastic mugs. Her thoughts turned to the call she had received the previous day. Her cell phone had rung while she was sitting by the pool, waiting for Simon’s swimming lesson to end. The human resources director from the bank wanted to speak to her. The latest reorganization within