It also dawned on him that there had never been any reason for him and Berger to
keep their distance in Vanger’s presence; he already knew of their long-standing
relationship. The report came up with a disturbingly precise appraisal
of Millennium’s financial position; Vanger knew just how shaky things were when
he first contacted Berger. What sort of game was he playing?
The Wennerström affair was merely summarised, but whoever wrote the report had
obviously been a spectator in court during part of the trial. The report questioned
Blomkvist’s refusal to comment during the trial. Smart woman.
The next second Mikael straightened up, hardly able to believe his eyes. Salander
had written a brief passage giving her assessment of what would happen after the
trial. She had reproduced virtually word for word the press release that he and
Berger had submitted after he resigned as publisher of Millennium.
But Salander had used his original wording. He glanced again at the cover of the
report. It was dated three days before Blomkvist was sentenced. That was
impossible. The press release existed then in only one place in the whole world. In
Blomkvist’s computer. In his iBook, not on his computer at the office. The text was
never printed out. Not even Berger had a copy, although they had talked about the
subject.
Blomkvist put down Salander’s report. He put on his jacket and went out into the
night, which was very bright one week before Midsummer. He walked along the
shore of the sound, past Cecilia Vanger’s property and the luxurious motorboat
below Martin Vanger’s villa. He walked slowly, pondering as he went. Finally he sat
on a rock and looked at the flashing buoy lights in Hedestad Bay. There was only
one conclusion.
“You’ve been in my computer, Fröken Salander,” he said aloud. “You’re a fucking
hacker.”
CHAPTER 18
Wednesday, June 18