“I know. But we can’t say anything without destroying Harriet...I’m glad I’m not the
one who has to make the decision about this.”
“Damn it, Dirch, you won’t be able to bury the fact that Martin was a serial killer.”
“Mikael, I’m in a...very uncomfortable position.”
“Tell me.”
“I have a message from Henrik. He thanks you for the outstanding work you did
and says that he considers the contract fulfilled. That means he is releasing you
from any further obligations and that you no longer have to live or work here in
Hedestad, etc. So, taking effect immediately, you can move back to Stockholm and
devote yourself to your other pursuits.”
“He wants me to vanish from the scene, is that the gist of it?”
“Absolutely not. He wants you to visit him for a conversation about the future. He
says he hopes that his involvement on the board of Millennium can proceed
without restrictions. But...”
Frode looked even more uncomfortable, if that was possible.
“Don’t tell me, Dirch...he no longer wants me to write a history of the Vanger
family.”
Dirch Frode nodded. He picked up a notebook, opened it, and pushed it over to
Mikael.
“He wrote you this letter.”
Dear Mikael,
I have nothing but respect for your integrity, and I don’t intend to insult you by trying to
tell you what to write. You may write and publish whatever you like, and I won’t exert
any pressure on you whatsoever.
Our contract remains valid, if you want to continue. You have enough material to finish
the chronicle of the Vanger family.