The Inspector and Silence by Håkan Nesser Page A

pâté and a substantial swig of beer before switching on the tape recorder and starting to listen to the fruits of his afternoon exertions.
    Yellinek first.
VV:
Your name, please.
OY:
Oscar Yellinek, of course. Why so formal all of a sudden?
VV:
Could you speak a little more clearly please, Mr Yellinek? The more turgid the contents, the more important the formalities. I thought we were in agreement on that.
OY:
Words, Chief Inspector. You live in a world of empty words.
VV:
Rubbish. Anyway, my requirements are simple. I want a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all the participants in this camp. I want to talk to your three assistants and with two of the girls. Unless I find anything that needs following up, I promise to leave you in peace after that.
 
[Silence for five seconds.]
VV:
May I ask you to confirm that you have understood the requirements, Mr Yellinek? I trust you are not intending to continue your non-cooperation, like an itching mule?
 
[Where do I get it all from? Van Veeteren wondered, feeling pleased with himself. He took another chunk of pâté.]
OY:
You are the instrument of power, Chief Inspector, not of justice. You are the one holding the sword, not I. One day you will—
VV:
That’s enough, thank you. Save your preaching for your flock. Let me ask you a few questions first, in your capacity as the person responsible for the Waldingen camp and the spiritual leader of the Pure Life. Is it true that you indulge in sexual relationships with all three of your assistants?
 
[No reply]
VV:
Would you like me to repeat the question?
OY:
I would like you to gather up your shame and leave the premises immediately. You have no idea what—
VV:
Would such relationships be consistent with the moral values of your church and its attitude towards women?
OY:
You represent a perverted and decadent society, Chief Inspector, and allow me to finish what I’m saying this time. If you want insight and guidance regarding another way of living, you can write to our church in Stamberg and your application will be treated in exactly the same way as everybody else’s.
VV:
I wouldn’t dream of it.
OY:
I’m not insisting you do.
VV:
There are many people who consider you to be a charlatan, Mr Yellinek.
OY:
The masses and the righteous speak different languages, Chief Inspector. I am guided by the voice of God, nothing else. If you want to insult me further, I am at your service. Otherwise I have duties to attend to.
VV:
How many girls are taking part in the camp?
OY:
Twelve, as I’ve already said.
VV:
How many were there to start with?
OY:
Twelve.
VV:
Thank you. I think you are lying, but that’s another matter. Please go and attend to whatever it is you have to do, and make sure your assistants come to see me one after the other.
OY:
My conscience is clear, Chief Inspector. Yours will haunt you. Believe you me.
VV:
Crap. One more thing, incidentally. In connection with the law suit against you in 1990, did you undergo any kind of mental examination?
OY:
Of course not.
VV:
Oh, excuse me – if you had done, it’s clear, you wouldn’t be sitting here now.
OY:
You are exceeding your authority, Chief Inspector.
VV:
I have an inner voice that guides me.
OY:
Remember that I have warned you.
VV:
Go away. But make sure the people I want to speak to come to see me.
OY:
On the Day of Judgement you—
VV:
Thank you, that’s all for now.
    The chief inspector switched off the tape recorder and took two more garlic cloves with pâté. Washed it all down with beer, which he first swilled round and round inside his mouth; the aftertaste of Oscar Yellinek was not something to be taken lightly. Then he fast-forwarded for a few seconds before pressing the play button again.
VV:
Your name?
UF:
Ulriche Fischer.
VV:
Age, place of residence and occupation?
UF:
Forty-one. I live in Stamberg and work in the Pure Life church.
VV:
Doing what?
UF:
Various things, mostly practical chores.
VV:
Are you married?
UF:
No.
VV:
What are