Suddenly he understood Hirtmann’s words: ‘Let’s just say that her liver is not available.’ Of course not: the drugs, the alcohol – how could it have been?
Marianne – alive …
His heart plummeting, in his chest – an endless fall.
Acknowledgements
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who saved this vessel from shipwreck and brought it to a safe harbour. In order of appearance: Caroline Ripoll, Amandine Le Goff and Virginie Plantard from XO, and Christelle Guillaumot. All through the writing of this book, Caroline steered it clear of the reefs it was headed for: she was my compass.
And then, as always, I must express my gratitude towards two people who have been with me from the very first day: my editors Édith Leblond and Bernard Fixot. And with them the entire team from Éditions XO: Valérie Taillefer, Jean-Paul Campos, Bruno Barbette, Catherine de Larouzière, Isabelle de Charon, Stéphanie Le Foll, Renaud Leblond – it is impossible to name them all. Working with you is a privilege, the coffee is good, and the view from up there is far-reaching. There is nothing like it, for gaining height.
I must also thank Marie-Christine Conchon, François Laurent and Carine Fannius for their indefatigable enthusiasm, as well as everybody at Pocket/Univers Poche.
As usual, this book could not have been written without the precious help of my contacts at the regional crime unit in Toulouse – they know who they are. If there are mistakes, they are in no way responsible. Take it out on the author; blame him, that gentle dreamer, that teller of stories, who has to juggle a thousand and one balls.
Many thanks to the staff at Air France who provided me with an abundance of information during a flight from Paris to Mexico City. They will be surprised not to have found it here. But circumstances, and the writing, decreed otherwise. It will be for another time, though – definitely, my friends.
Finally, Laura Muñoz – she took this book and its author far away from the shadows.
Ah yes, I nearly forgot: there is one last person I would like to thank. His name is Martin Servaz.
Footnote
Prelude
1 Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service, in charge of combatting organised crime and other ‘serious’ crimes.
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