“Erika and I have a...our relationship is...”
“Please, I really don’t give a toss about what sort of relationship you have. But you
haven’t answered my question: what do you plan to do about my hacking into your
computer?”
“Lisbeth, I’m not here to blackmail you. I’m here to ask you to help me do some
research. You can say yes or no. If you say no, fine, I’ll find someone else and you’ll
never hear from me again.”
CHAPTER 19
Thursday, June 19–Sunday, June 29
While he waited for word on whether Vanger was going to pull through or not,
Blomkvist spent the days going over his materials. He kept in close touch with
Frode. On Thursday evening Frode brought him the news that the immediate crisis
seemed to be over.
“I was able to talk to him for a while today. He wants to see you as soon as
possible.”
So it was that, around 1:00 on the afternoon of Midsummer Eve, Blomkvist drove to
Hedestad Hospital and went in search of the ward. He encountered an angry Birger
Vanger, who blocked his way. Henrik could not possibly receive visitors, he said.
“That’s odd,” Blomkvist said, “Henrik sent word saying that he expressly wanted to
see me today.”
“You’re not a member of the family; you have no business here.”
“You’re right. I’m not a member of the family. But I’m working for Henrik Vanger,
and I take orders only from him.”
This might have led to a heated exchange if Frode had not at that moment come
out of Vanger’s room.