NINA RUSKA ENDS the call. She snaps a few shots of the painting and then hurries back into the corridor. The name Camilla Adlerkreutz sounds vaguely familiar, as if someone has mentioned it during the investigation, but no matter how she racks her brain, she can’t remember the context.
She strides toward Luoma’s office, but slows down when she hears voices inside. Luoma is talking to a woman.
She knocks on the open door, pushes it wide, and discovers a woman in a heavy coat and a beanie sitting across from Luoma. She looks like she’s been crying. A shock of sorts is also blazing from Luoma’s face.
Luoma hurries to explain: “I’m sorry. This is . . . from the police—”
“Ruska. Nina Ruska.”
“That’s right. This is my wife, Emma Luoma.”
“Hello,” Nina says anxiously, and shifts her gaze to the list of names; it’s still on the desk, in front of the woman, where Nina left it a moment ago. Then she looks at the woman blowing her nose. Her red cheeks are covered in freckles.
“Emma works here as a doctor too,” Daniel says awkwardly.
“What about Camilla Adlerkreutz? Is she also a doctor?”
“Yes, but she retired ages ago. Maybe fifteen years ago.”
“Was she ever Roger Koponen’s doctor?”
“Yes. Camilla founded this clinic.”
Nina watches Luoma rub his forehead. She doesn’t know what to make of all this. “I have to get going.” She’s already taking a step toward the door when she realizes she’s neglected the crying woman. “I’m sorry. Did you have something you wanted to tell me?”
“This might be my fault—,” the woman says softly.
“What?”
“Koponen getting his hands on those medications.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s extremely persuasive.”
“What happened?” Nina asks, returning to the desk. So much is happening right now that it’s hard to keep her thoughts straight.
Emma Luoma turns her bloodshot eyes to Nina. “Some time ago, Roger showed up and said he needed something. That I should open the door to the dispensary and look the other way for a second.”
“‘Something’?”
“I thought he was talking about sedatives. Roger took them in addition to alcohol. He knew what he was looking for. And I trusted he would just take a few pills for his own use. But never in a million years did I suspect—”
“I don’t understand. Why didn’t you just write him a prescription?”
“Because they were having an affair,” Daniel interjects abruptly. He buries his face in his hands, then sighs deeply and continues more steadily. “There. It’s out now. My wife and Roger Koponen were seeing each other. Contrary to every damn professional code of conduct, moral stricture, and marriage vow.”
“Daniel . . . ,” Emma wails softly.
“Telling half-truths isn’t going to fly, Emma. We have to be honest with the police.”
Nina draws the stuffy air into her lungs. She should head back to the station and take Emma Luoma with her. The doctor needs to be interrogated thoroughly.
“I know where he’s hiding,” Emma blurts out.
“What? Where?”
“Roger has a hideout in Laajasalo. Another house—it’s not in his name. He writes there. And meets women.”
“Do you know the address?”
“No . . . but I’ve been there a few times.”
“Would you be able to show us where it is?”
“Of course.” Emma reaches across the desk and tries to take her husband’s hand, but he doesn’t respond. “You said it yourself, darling. No half-truths.”
For a moment, the couple holds back their tears.
“Is Roger mixed up in those murders? Did he kill his wife?” Emma finally asks.
Nina doesn’t respond; she is furiously considering her next move. “OK. I want you to show me the other house. Right now.” She starts wrapping her scarf around her neck.
“Now?”
“Now.”
“All right,” Emma says, wiping her eyes on her sleeve.
Daniel rises from his chair. “I’m coming with you.”
“Fine. Put on your coats,” Nina says as she brings up Erne’s number.