An Elderly Lady is up to No Good

Richard W. Bergh, an elderly retired journalist, tells the story of meeting his second wife, Mary, 27 years ago. He was taking a walk in Stockholm, feeling a bit lonely. His first wife died two years earlier, and he “had almost given up hope of finding a new partner,” when a beautiful woman with a Gothenburg accent asked him for directions (99). Six months later, they married, and Richard moved to Gothenburg, where Mary worked. Mary inherited an apartment in the same building where Maud lives, and this is where Richard and Mary are living when the story opens.

It is summer, and the facade of the building is shrouded in scaffolding and protective sheeting because it is being cleaned. The noise is irritating, and Mary and Richard decide to take a day trip out to some nearby islands. When they try to exit the elevator, however, their progress is blocked by police crowding the landing. Richard can see that Maud’s door is ajar, and several more officers are inside her apartment.

Richard taps a young female officer on the shoulder. He introduces himself and asks whether there is anything he can do to help. He is surprised when a taller officer turns around, revealing herself to also be a woman.