When Lars Danielson arrived twenty minutes later, he was slightly concerned. He had called ahead from his mobile as he left Kastellet, but the call had not been picked up. Had he had a change of heart? He parked in front of the house and noted no lights were on. Tautly, he walked up the garden path to the front door. Holger had sounded like he was reeling, so my timing could hardly be better, he thought and pushed the doorbell.

When Holger finally opened the door, barefooted, in a T-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms with his hair wet, Lars Danielson relaxed as he realised why his call had not been answered. But not even a quick shower can do away with the stubble and the black lines under the eyes, Lars thought as he entered the hall. Instantaneously, Holger led him into the living room and gestured towards the couch while he headed for the drinks cabinet. Lars noted that a copy of Jyllands-Posten lay front side up on the coffee table and turned towards Holger, who was pouring each of them a healthy amount of Jack Daniel’s.

‘Actually, we shouldn’t use glasses. If we were doing this properly,’ Holger said as he handed Lars Danielson a glass and sat opposite him.

‘Uh, what do you mean?’

‘Jack Daniel’s should be drunk from the bottle,’ Holger replied 249with a tense grin. ‘Maybe I’m not thinking straight at the moment, but if I understood you correctly, FE could help me. What is it exactly that FE can do to help; make sure that I don’t end up in solitary confinement and make this ordeal disappear?’ Holger demanded as his tired eyes tried to fix Lars Danielson’s gaze.

‘We believe you’re the victim of a malicious campaign based on lies. One could call it a misinformation campaign,’ Danielson replied calmly, weighing the drink in his hand.

Holger eyeballed him suspiciously but stayed silent.

‘We can most likely help you get to the bottom of this. As you know, we have good contacts within the police, the Ministry of Justice, and certain elements of the press, for that matter.’

‘Then why haven’t you done it yet?’ Holger sputtered out.

‘We have some issues of our own that need sorting, and naturally, they have priority. Russia is one, but…’ Danielson said evasively as he searched for words.

Holger did nothing to help him but just stared at him over the rim of his glass.

‘But… what?’ he snorted, finally breaking the silence.

‘But maybe we can help each other. You know Russia, and maybe you could help us on that one, and then we could help you here; I mean quid pro quo, as they say.’

Holger leaned over the table, bringing his eyes inches from Danielson’s face:

‘What the hell are you saying? Is this a set-up?’ he snarled and noticed Lars’s face grimace as his whiskey breath hit.

‘You can call it whatever you want. We have a hostage in Russia, and you’re mired in quicksand here. You and I have already discussed the situation in Russia, and you know very well that 250there’re no official resolutions. At least not acceptable ones. Thus, an unofficial one must be found. And time is not on our side…’ Lars Danielson hissed and leaned back on the couch, sipping his whiskey.

‘Have you completely lost it, man? It’s bloody extortion, this is. Do you think this is an American movie? This is fuckin’ serious,’ Holger roared as he jumped to his feet and grabbed Danielson’s collar with both hands.

‘Is this staged by FE to pressure me into doing your dirty work, is it? Answer me, goddammit!’

Lars Danielson was unaccustomed to physical violence, and stared at Holger in horror: ‘Let go of me! Being angry doesn’t help anyone. If we help you get your life and business back, you have to help us get Kaare Strand back. Capisce?’ he stuttered and wrestled free of Holger’s grip.

The words sounded more like a plea than a threat, and Holger let him fall heavily back onto the couch. Lars Danielson scuttled to the end of the couch and tried to mend his crumbled collar. Holger ignored him and walked to the window, staring emptily into the darkness.

‘Pro Rege et Grege.’

‘What?’ squeaked Lars Danielson, his eyes still bright with fear.

‘PRO REGE ET GREGE. That’s the motto of the Royal Life Guard: for King and People. That’s essentially what you’re asking me to do, right?’

Holger turned, sending Lars Danielson a stiff gaze. ‘Those days are over as far as I’m concerned. Doing something foolish would still be foolish, even if it was to stop those bastards from spreading 251their lies about me. And if I were to do something, I’d have to do it fast to make sure too much damage isn’t done.’

‘For King and People sounds a bit old-fashioned. I guess King and Country are more contemporary, but yes, that is not that far off the mark. I’m asking you to act in the service of the greater good. Sit down, and let’s talk about it. And let’s have another round. I think we both need it.’

‘Hell yeah, I’m so up for getting totally pissed!’ Holger spouted. ‘But if, and I mean if, I were to play along with your mind games, then I’d need more training, not more whiskey,’ Holger said, feeling suddenly sober as a judge.

‘Let’s just have another round for King and Country,’ Lars Danielson said with a smile and patted the couch seat beside him. I know people that can provide all the training you need, he thought as he handed his empty glass to Holger.