The Snowman ( PDFDrive )

Harry shuddered at the thought. But somewhere deep inside – no, not even that far – he was pleased
to hear this. Because he was a jealous bastard who would have liked to imprecate a mild curse on
Mathias’s attempts to win over Oleg.
Mathias fidgeted with a coat button. ‘It’s strange in these divorce-ridden times with children and
their deep awareness of their origins. The way a new father can never replace the real one.’
‘Oleg’s real father lives in Russia,’ Harry said.
‘On paper, yes,’ Mathias said with a crooked smile. ‘But not in reality, Harry.’
Oleg sped past and waved to the two of them. Mathias waved back.
‘You’ve worked with a doctor called Idar Vetlesen,’ Harry said.
Mathias eyed him with surprise. ‘Idar, yes. At Marienlyst Clinic. Goodness, do you know Idar?’
‘No, I was googling his name and found an old website listing doctors employed at the clinic. And
your name was there.’
‘That’s a few years ago now, but we had a lot of fun at Marienlyst. The clinic was started at a time
when everyone believed that private health enterprises were bound to make a lot of money. And
closed down when we saw things were not like that of course.’
‘You went bust?’
‘I think downsized was the term used. Are you a patient of Idar?’
‘No, his name came up in connection with a case. Can you tell me what kind of person he is?’
‘Idar Vetlesen?’ Mathias laughed. ‘Yes, I can say quite a bit about him. We studied together and
hung around in the same crowd for many years.’
‘Does that mean you no longer have any contact?’
Mathias shrugged. ‘I suppose we were quite different, Idar and I. Most people in our crowd saw
medicine as well, as a calling. Apart from Idar. He made no bones about it. He was studying
medicine because it was the profession that commanded most respect. At any rate, I admire his
honesty.’
‘So Idar Vetlesen was preoccupied with earning respect?’
‘There was money too, of course. No one was surprised when Idar took up plastic surgery. Or that
he ended up at a clinic for a select clientele comprising the rich and famous. He had always been
attracted by that sort of person. He wants to be like them, to move in their circles. The problem is
that Idar tries a bit too hard. I can imagine that these celebrities smile to his face, but behind his
back they call him a clinging, pretentious jackass.’
‘Are you saying he’s the kind who would go to great lengths to achieve his goals?’
Mathias mulled this over. ‘Idar has always searched for something that could bring him fame. Idar’s
problem is not that he isn’t energetic, but that he’s never found his mission in life. The last time I