Anna and the Lost Zorn by Hans M Hirschi

Author:Hans M Hirschi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

– 18 –

October 11, 2022

“Anna Svensson?”

Anna didn’t recognize the voice nor the government 010-number from where the call came. “Yes, this is she.”

“This is Peter Gustavson, Gothenburg police.”

“Peter. What can I do for you?”

“I have news. And it is important.”

“Oh?” She wasn’t sure what to make of that. First of all, she hadn’t heard from the police in weeks, and with her pa still missing and likely drowned, what they were all waiting for was just the official pronunciation of death, which she’d learned would take years. So what did he want?

“We may have a lead in finding your father.” The statement was matter of fact, but to Anna, it was earth-shattering.

“Is he a-alive?”

“No. I’m afraid not. A couple of fishermen found a finger in a lobster pot a couple of weeks ago. I just received the DNA results and need to make sure it matches a relative’s DNA. You are his biological daughter, aren’t you? Would you please come to Gothenburg so we can do a test on you?”

A finger? That’s all that was left of Pa? Anna wailed and screamed into the phone. While she had accepted that her father was dead a long time ago, the absurdity of this call was overwhelming. Not only did it reopen a barely cauterized wound but it also drove a stick into her heart, twisting and turning it for good measure. Ali, who was still in the bathroom, came running out.

“Habeebti? What happened?” He took her into his arms and picked up the phone she’d dropped on the floor.

“Hello?” he said into the device.

“Yes, hello? This is Peter Gustavsson from the police in Gothenburg. Is Anna all right?”

“No, she’s not. What did you tell her?”

“We found a body part, but we need to do a DNA comparison to make sure it’s Anna’s father. We have no other missing people in the area. Therefore, there’s a strong likelihood this is Lennart Svensson. I’m sorry I can’t bring better news. Do you think I can speak to her?”

Crouching on the floor, phone in one hand, his arm around a heap of flesh, Ali tried to get the police officer on speaker. “Habeebti? Please can you talk to him?”

Sniveling, Anna nodded. Ali extricated himself and pushed the speaker button on Anna’s phone. Sitting on the floor together, Ali put his arm around his partner again. “Okay, Peter, we’re listening. You’re on speakers.”

“Thank you. Ali, I presume?”

“Yes, it is.” He’d met the police officer back on Styrsö during the extensive search for his now likely dead almost father-in-law. He had an excellent memory. Probably part of the job description as a good police officer.

“Please allow me to apologize for not bringing better news. Do you think you can come to Gothenburg any time soon?”

Weakly, Anna responded, “Are you going to dive at the spot where you found the finger to see if the rest of the body is down there?”

“Not right away, no. The weather in the coming days is not suitable. Let us first find out whose finger it was.

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