“Well, not really. But we leaked a story that Wennerström is organising the boycott
of Millennium. That must have made him look petty. A reporter at DN is said to have
reached him and got a surly reply.”
“You are enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Enjoy isn’t the word. I should have devoted myself to this years ago.”
“What is it between you and Wennerström, anyway?”
“Don’t even try. You’ll find out at the end of your year.”
When Blomkvist left Vanger around 9:00 there was a distinct feeling of spring in the
air. It was dark outside and he hesitated for a moment. Then he made his familiar
circuit and knocked on the door of Cecilia Vanger’s house.
He wasn’t sure what he expected. Cecilia opened her eyes wide and instantly
looked uncomfortable as she let him into the hall. They stood there, suddenly
unsure of each other. She too asked if he had escaped, and he explained the
situation.
“I just wanted to say hello. Am I interrupting something?”
She avoided his eyes. Mikael could sense at once that she wasn’t particularly glad
to see him.
“No...no, come in. Would you like some coffee?”
“I would.”
He followed her into the kitchen. She stood with her back to him as she filled the
coffeemaker with water. He put a hand on her shoulder, and she stiffened.
“Cecilia, you don’t look as if you want to give me coffee.”