“I don’t know. But if this keeps up, it’ll mean a significant shift in our subscriber
profile. We had an editorial conference two weeks ago and decided to start running
new types of material in the magazine. I want more articles on professional matters
associated with TCO, the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees, and
also more investigative reporting on women’s issues, for instance.”
“Don’t change too much,” Blomkvist said. “If we’re getting new subscribers then it
means that they like what we’re running already.”
Cecilia had also invited Vanger to dinner, possibly to reduce the risk of troublesome
topics of conversation. She had made a venison stew. Berger and Vanger spent a
good deal of the time discussing Millennium’s development and the new
subscribers, but gradually the conversation moved on to other matters. Berger
suddenly turned to Blomkvist at one point and asked him how his work was
coming along.
“I’m counting on having a draft of the family chronicle complete in a month for
Henrik to look at.”
“A chronicle in the spirit of the Addams family,” Cecilia said.
“It does have certain historical aspects,” Blomkvist conceded.
Cecilia glanced at Vanger.
“Mikael, Henrik isn’t really interested in a family chronicle. He wants you to solve
the mystery of Harriet’s disappearance.”
Blomkvist did not say a word. Ever since he had begun his relationship with Cecilia
he had talked fairly openly about Harriet with her. Cecilia had already deduced that
this was his real assignment, even though he never formally admitted it. He had
certainly never told Henrik that he and Cecilia had discussed the subject. Vanger’s
bushy eyebrows drew together a bit. Erika was silent.
“My dear Henrik,” Cecilia said. “I’m not stupid. I don’t know what sort of agreement
you and Mikael have, but his stay here in Hedeby is about Harriet. It is, isn’t it?”
Vanger nodded and glanced at Blomkvist.