You don’t think they’ll arrest him, do you?” Liz said, alarm in her voice

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 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. 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.”

Instructions

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 staring at Liz 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. When it came to his papers, Harry was like a bear with her cubs. I sighed. “He is.”

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

“I’ll go,” I said, getting to my feet. “But I’m not promising I can bring him back.”

I’d 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.”

Calculated

“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 all 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 Hallengren’s 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 in his room.

“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 away, 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. “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.”

“The soap dish?” said Mike. “What the hell’s going on?”

I knew even before Liz told him. “Whatever they’re looking for,” she said gloomily, “it isn’t Wilson’s diary.”

Silence

We left the restaurant and made our way towards the lounge. Hallengren’s men were still milling around the foyer. Their voices carried through the building.

“Who’d have thought tiny Kiruna had so many police?” Liz said.

“I suspect they’ve been drafted in,” I replied. Hallengren arrived and spoke in low tones to the manager, then turned to the men and jerked his thumb at the door.

They began to file out in silence. As he glanced back, his gaze met mine. He nodded briefly, and 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.”

More tomorrow. Icehotel, available on Amazon Kindle, is Hania Allen’s debut novel. Her second book, The Polish Detective (Constable, £8.99), is the first in her new series featuring DS Dania Gorska and is set in Dundee.