“So you don’t think I should do anything?”
“It wouldn’t be any use. Karlman would kick up a fuss and in the worst case you’d
be painted as a villain who, in his capacity as owner, is trying to stamp on the
freedom of expression.”
“Pardon me, Mikael, but I don’t agree with you. As a matter of fact, I also have the
right to express my opinion. My view is that this article stinks—and I intend to
make my own point of view clear. However reluctantly, I’m Henrik’s replacement
on Millennium’s board, and in that role I am not going to let an offensive article like
this one pass unchallenged.”
“Fair enough.”
“So I’m going to demand the right to respond. And if I make Karlman look like an
idiot, he has only himself to blame.”
“You must do what you believe is right.”
“For me, it’s also important that you absolutely understand that I have nothing
whatsoever to do with this vitriolic attack.”
“I believe you,” Blomkvist said.
“Besides—I didn’t really want to bring this up now, but this just serves to illustrate
what we’ve already discussed. It’s important to re-install you on Millennium’s
editorial board so that we can show a united front to the world. As long as you’re
away, the gossip will continue. I believe in Millennium, and I’m convinced that we
can win this fight together.”
“I see your point, but now it’s my turn to disagree with you. I can’t break my
contract with Henrik, and the fact is that I wouldn’t want to break it. You see, I really
like him. And this thing with Harriet...”
“Yes?”
“I know it’s a running sore for you and I realise that Henrik has been obsessed with
it for many years.”
“Just between the two of us—I do love Henrik and he is my mentor—but when it
comes to Harriet, he’s almost off his rocker.”