Page 28 of Psychic Obsession
Nikolai did his best to sound calm."They have been in someone's home.You said so yourself.The victims most likely went to the murderer's home and picked up the rug."
"How would the murderer know where they lived if they went to him?"
Point."Maybe he delivered them."
"Delivered them and then came back?And the women let him into their home?I find it hard to believe someone would open the door if a guy they'd bought a rug from came knocking."
"Maybe he didn't give them a choice."The killer was most likely male, so he could overpower the women, especially if they weren't expecting an attack.
Frode dipped his head in a maybe-gesture.
"You're gonna run away?There is a serial killer out there, and you're too fucking scared to touch the same rugs he has."Nikolai scowled at him."Fucking pussy."
The cool look Frode gave him could've given him a frostbite."Once a bully, always a bully, I see."
The air froze in Nikolai's chest.He wasn't a bully.He'd looked out for Frode in school.Most of the time.
* * * *
Frode calmly turned toward the door.Nikolai fucking Nesterova.Why didn't he ever learn?He'd been in his presence and had been thinking maybe Hjalmar was right.Maybe he was a good guy.Maybe he'd grown up.
And then he'd let his true colors show.
"If we can figure out where the rugs have been, would you do it then?"Elmore sent him a hopeful look.
"If you manage to figure it out, you don't need my help.Then you have the guy, right?"
He looked so dejected; Frode wanted to wince.
"There's no way you'll do it?"
No way."How old are the rugs?"
He wanted to snarl at himself, but if they were new rugs, then maybe he could do it.It would be a risk.If the rugs had been in a hallway of a high-traffic building, he'd be screwed.But maybe being knocked out for a bit would be worth it to catch a killer."How sure are you the rugs are the connection?"
Fuck, he didn't want to do this.
"It makes sense.It's the only thing that has changed in the victims' lives.They all got new rugs shortly before they were killed, and they were all sprawled on those rugs."Nikolai motioned at the photos.
Frode breathed in deeply and looked into Elmore's eyes.He must've seen some of Frode's fears because his expression softened."It'll be all right."
"You can't promise that."
"No, I know.But what are the chances of these rugs having been in a place too busy for you to handle?"
"Relatively small, but I don't like to gamble.If I end up being a vegetable for the rest of my life, I can't come back and kill you for making me do this."
"Dramatic much."Nikolai's mocking tone made Frode want to stomp out of the room and never come back.
Before he could say something in return, Elmore was talking."You and me.Nesterova doesn't have to be there."
"Hey!"Nikolai's voice was like a whip.
"We'll do it in one of the interview rooms, and he can look at the recording afterward if he's curious."
Frode had never watched a recording of what he looked like when he slipped under.He didn't think much happened, or Hjalmar would've told him."Okay.Let me call Hjalmar first, just in case.And if my brain melts and leaks out of me, I want it on record that Nesterova bullied me into doing this."
Elmore swallowed audibly."Sure.I need to check the rug out of evidence anyway, so it'll take some time.Go to room one, and I'll meet you there as soon as I can."
