“She inherited both her brother’s and her mother’s shares. She controls about 33
percent of the corporation.”
“Is that enough?”
“I don’t know. Birger is trying to trip her up. Alexander has seen that he has a
chance to make an impact and has allied himself with Birger. My brother Harald has
cancer and won’t live much longer. He was the only remaining person with large
shareholdings of 7 percent, which his children will inherit. Cecilia and Anita will be
on Harriet’s side.”
“Then together you’ll control, what, 45 percent.”
“That kind of voting cartel has never existed within the family before. Plenty of
shareholders with one and two percent will vote against us. Harriet is going to
succeed me as CEO in February.”
“That won’t make her happy.”
“No, but it’s necessary. We have to take in some new partners and new blood. We
also have the chance to collaborate with her company in Australia. There are
possibilities.”
“Where’s Harriet today?”
“You’re out of luck. She’s in London. But she would very much like to see you.”
“I’ll see her at our board meeting in January if she’s going to take your place.”
“I know.”
“I think that she realises that I will never discuss what happened in the sixties with
anyone except for Erika Berger, and I don’t see why Erika needs to know.”
“She does. You’re a person with morals, Mikael.”
“But also tell her that everything she does from now on could end up in the
magazine. The Vanger Corporation won’t have a free pass from scrutiny.”
“I’ll warn her.”