Det som göms i snö kommer fram vid tö.

(What is hidden in snow is revealed at thaw.)

To say that the high ceilinged apartment was sparsely furnished was an understatement. Hanssen had shown Serena to a room with a large mahogany bed, a wardrobe, dressing table and chair. A thick rug covered the wooden floor and long white drapes surrounded the windows. After freshening up she made her way to the kitchen passing what appeared to be the living-room which contained only a couch, two armchairs and a coffee table. The kitchen also contained only the bare essentials, although she noticed as Hanssen opened the refrigerator door that it was fully stocked. Someone had obviously been shopping.

'Does anyone live here?' she asked.

'No.' Hanssen replied. 'Is your room satisfactory?' he asked.

'Yes, it's… lovely. Thanks.'

Hanssen gave a nod and removed some food. 'I thought we could have something light to eat here and then go for dinner somewhere later. If that suits you?'

'Yes.' Serena nodded. 'Sounds good.'

They weren't meeting Andersson until tomorrow morning and she couldn't imagine how they were going to fill the time until then. She didn't normally struggle to make conversation with people but Hanssen appeared oblivious to her usual tactics of charm and wit which worked on everyone else. She had seen brief flashes of his dry humour when she attempted to joke with him but he had stonewalled her few attempts at flirting so she didn't bother with that ploy anymore.

The doorbell went and Hanssen paused in his preparation of the food. He looked mildly puzzled before going to answer the door. Serena waited in the kitchen until she heard voices, another man and a woman speaking Swedish.

'Det är så härligt att se dig min kära Henrik.' A woman's voice.

She could hear Hanssen's softly spoken reply but could not make out any words. Serena stood up and walked into the living-room where Hanssen stood with an elderly woman who appeared to be hugging him and a middle-aged man, not as tall as Hanssen but at least 6 foot, with a pleasant smile when he noticed Serena.

'Hej.' He said.

'Hello.' Serena replied. The elderly woman looked at her in surprise and then broke into a wide grin.

'Henrik, har du en fru? she exclaimed.

'Nej, nej' Hanssen replied hurriedly. 'Ms Campbell is a work colleague. We are here on business for a few days.' He explained.

'Colleague?' the elderly woman asked sounding confused.

'Yes, we work together.' Hanssen turned to Serena. 'Ms Campbell, this is Alma and Ivar Backlund. Ivar takes care of the apartment for me.'

'It's nice to meet you.' Serena replied, shaking Ivar's proffered hand.

Alma walked over to her and gripped both her hands, looking at her intently.

'What is your name?' she asked.

'Uh Serena. Serena Campbell.' Serena smiled, though the woman's proximity and intsense gaze made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

'You are not married?' Alma asked, searching Serena's hand for a ring.

'No.' Serena shook her head.

'Mamma!' Ivar said in warning tone.

Alma smiled brightly at her. 'Henrik is handsome, yes?'

Serena raised her eyebrows in surprise. Hanssen twitched nervously.

'Yes...' Serena replied, what else could she do but agree she reasoned. She noticed Hanssen appeared to be blushing.

'Mamma, you are making Henrik and his friend uncomfortable.' Ivar said sternly.

'Now she is a "friend"? A moment ago she was a "colleague"!' Alma's eyes twinkled mischeviously.

'Friend is my word.' Ivar replied, throwing Hanssen an apologetic look.

'What is to be uncomfortable about?' Alma asked stubbornly. She threw Hanssen a quick look over her shoulder and then turned smiling to Serena again. 'Henrik is embarrassed because he likes you,' she told Serena, 'I have known Henrik since he was a little boy and if I was wrong he would be wearing his cross face not blushing. You know his cross face?'

Serena smiled, enjoying the deepening blush rising on Hanssen's cheeks. 'Yes, I know the cross face.' She replied.

Alma nodded knowingly. 'He is not wearing it now. Now he is blushing.'

'Mamma! Stop!' Ivar insisted. 'We must go.'

Alma relented, shaking Serena's hand again and turning to Hanssen. She gripped his arm.

'She is nice Henrik. No one is getting any younger. I would like to see you settled.' She gave him a hug which he returned gently. 'I would like to see your children,' she continued and then threw Serena another look, 'You must hurry or there will be no time left!'

Serena raised her eyebrows wondering if that had been a dig at her age. Ivar and Alma said another goodbye and Hanssen lead them out. When he returned, his blush had subsided but he still looked embarrassed.

'I must apologise Ms Campbell…' he began.

'It's fine. My mother has always been the same.' Serena told him. 'Ever since I divorced she has been on a mission to get me remarried. The one good thing to come from her stroke is that it slowed down her matchmaking attempts.' Then she remembered. 'Although she did try to set me up with her occupational therapist last week.' She grinned and Hanssen smiled back in relief that she was not affronted.

'Is she a relative?' Serena asked.

Hanssen shook his head. 'She was housekeeper for… my parents.' He turned and walked back to the kitchen before the conversation could go any further.

It was late afternoon when Hanssen and Serena emerged from the tunnelbana again. Rather than remaining at the apartment Hanssen had suggested they go out and Serena could see some of the city.

Serena checked her phone again, it had not been working since she arrived in Sweden.

'Any network yet?' Hanssen asked.

'No.' she shook her head. 'Bloody thing. I'm complaining to the network provider as soon as I get home. This is simply unacceptable.'

'You may use my phone to call your daughter if you wish.' He offered.

Serena smiled gratefully. 'Thank you. I'll give her a call this evening. I know what her first question will be – have I bought her anything?' she rolled her eyes.

Henrik smiled. 'This is Gamla Stan. The Old Town.' He told her indicating to their location. 'I thought perhaps we could have a wander around here. It's quite touristy but if you know which streets to avoid it can be peaceful.'

'Whatever you think is best. I'm in your hands!' Serena grinned.

After walking for a little while they passed the Royal Palace and reached a bridge.

'That is Sweden's Parliament.' Hanssen said nodding towards a building on the other side. They paused and took in the view from the bridge. The sky had begun to darken as the sun went down and cast a golden shadow on the water. The temperature had dropped and Serena shivered and rubbed her hands together. She had realised leaving the apartment that she had forgotten to bring gloves.

Hanssen watched her with a touch of amusement. Observing the rosy glow on her cheeks and the big fluffy hat and scarf. Suddenly he took her hands and rubbed them between his own gloved hands to warm them.

'We really must buy you some gloves.' He said with a smile.

Serena stared at their hands speechlessly. Hanssen paused. He had done that without thinking and he could tell from her expression she was shocked. He dropped her hands and turned stiffly towards the Parliament buildings.

'There are shops down this way. You can get some gloves and buy your daughter something.' He told her.