'Things are going well with Seja,' he said. He smiled as he bent down to pick up the cards.
'There - you see - now you're laughing too,' she said, prodding him playfully in the side.
After they had laughed together, a restful reflective silence settled over the room. They watched Gustav Ostergren push a lawnmower around the side of the house and park it in front of the cellar steps. The sound of screaming gulls rose as he opened the veranda door. A chilly gust of wind hit their faces. Ann-Christine shivered.
'The wind's getting up,' commented her husband, pouring himself a cup of coffee. 'Blowing inland.'
Tell could actually smell the sea now, through the exhaust fumes from the rush-hour traffic. As a child he had always loved walking by the sea when it was windy.
'And how's the violin?' he asked.
'Let me just finish my coffee, and you can come and have a look.'
Gustav dunked a piece of cake in his coffee, popped it in his mouth and reached for a blanket lying by the door. He passed it to his wife, and she spread it gratefully over her knees.
Tell stood up. 'Another time, Gustav. I need to make a move.'
He took his leave of Ann-Christine Ostergren simply and without drama. His heart felt lighter than it had when he had arrived just an hour ago.
Outside the wind was strong and the cypress trees were swaying violently. He decided to take a walk by the sea. After all, he had the time
* * *
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Stefan Ceder (and the rest of the family) for tireless
commitment, encouragement and inspiration during the journey.
Thanks also to Asa, Gustaf and everyone else at Wahlstrom
Widstrand and Bonnier Group Agency who believed in Frozen Moment.
* * *
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Frozen Moment Page 45