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    aslocked.Hethoughtforamoment,thentoldSandertositdownandwaitforhim.HewalkedovertoseeAnnaNygrenandknocked.Heexpinedthathewantedtohaveacloserlookatthefamilycrypt,andhewonderedwhereHenrikmightkeepthekey.Annalookeddoubtful,butshecollectedthekeyfromhisdesk.
    Assoonastheyopenedthedoor,theyknewthattheyhadbeenright.Thestenchofburnedcadaverandcharredremainshungheavyintheair.Butthecattorturerhadnotmadeafire.Inonecornerstoodablowtorch,thekindusedbyskierstomeltthewaxontheirskis.Sandergotthecameraoutofthepocketofherjeansskirtandtooksomepictures.Then,gingerly,shepickeduptheblowtorch.
    “Thiscouldbeevidence.Hemighthaveleftfingerprints,”shesaid.
    “Ohsure,wecanasktheVangerfamilytolineupandgiveustheirfingerprints.”Blomkvistsmiled.“IwouldlovetowatchyougetIsabel’s.”
    “Thereareways,”Sandersaid.
    Therewasagreatdealofbloodonthefloor,notallofitdry,aswelsaboltcutter,whichtheyreckonedhadbeenusedtocutoffthecat’shead.
    Blomkvistlookedaround.AraisedsarcophagusbelongedtoAlexandreVangeersad,andfourgravesinthefloorhousedtheremainsoftheearliestfamilymembers.MorerecentlytheVangershadapparentlysettledforcremation.Aboutthirtynichesonthewallhadthenamesofthecnancestors.Blomkvisttracedthefamilychronicleforwardintime,wonderingwheretheyburiedfamilymemberswhowerenotgivenspaceinsidethecrypt—thosenotdeemedimportantenough.
    “Nowweknow,”Blomkvistsaidastheywerere-crossingthebridge.“We’rehuntingforthepletelunatic.”
    “Whatdoyoumean?”
    Blomkvistpausedinthemiddleofthebridgeandleanedontherail.
    “Ifthiswassomerun-of-the-millcrackpotwhowastryingtofrightenus,hewouldhavetakenthecatdowntothegarageorevenoutintothewoods.Buthewenttothecrypt.There’ssomethingpulsiveaboutthat.Justthinkoftherisk.It’ssummerandpeopleareoutandaboutatnight,goingforwalks.TheroadthroughthecemeteryisamainroadbetweenthenorthandsouthofHedeby.Evenifheshutthedoorbehindhim,thecatmusthaveraisedCain,andtheremusthavebeenaburningsmell.”
    “He?”
    “Idon’tthinkthatCeciliaVangerwouldbecreepingaroundhereinthenightwithablowtorch.”
    Sandershrugged.
    “Idon’ttrustanystoneofthem,includingFrodeoryourfriendHenrik.They’reallpartofafamilythatwouldswindleyouiftheyhadthechance.Sowhatdowedonow?”
    Blomkvistsaid,“I’vediscoveredalotofsecretsaboutyou.Howmanypeople,forexample,knowthatyou’reahacker?”
    “No-one.”
    “No-oneexceptme,youmean.”
    “Whatareyougettingat?”
    “Iwanttoknowifyou’reOKwithme.Ifyoutrustme.”
    Shelookedathimforalongmoment.Finally,forananswer,sheonlyshrugged.
    “There’snothingIcandoaboutit.”
    “Doyoutrustme?”Blomkvistpersisted.
    “Forthetimebeing,”shesaid.
    “Good.Let’sgoovertoseeFrode.”
    ThiswasthefirsttimeAdvokatFrode’swifehadmetSander.Shegaveherawide-eyedlookatthesametimeasshesmiledpolitely.Frode’sfacelitupwhenhesawSander.Hestoodtowelethem.
    “Hownicetoseeyou,”hesaid.“I’vebeenfeelingguiltythatIneverproperlyexpressedmygratitudefortheextraordinaryworkyoudidforus.Bothstwinterandnow,thissummer.”
    Sandergavehimasuspiciousgre.
    “Iwaspaid,”shesaid.
    “That’snotit.ImadesomeassumptionsaboutyouwhenIfirstsawyou.Youwouldbekindtopardonmeinretrospect.”
    Blomkvistwassurprised.Frodewascapableofaskingatwenty-five-year-oldpiercedandtattooedgirltofivehimforsomethingforwhichhehadnoneedtoapologise!ThewyerclimbedafewnotchesinBlomkvist’seyes.Sanderstaredstraightahead,ignoringhim.
    FrodelookedatBlomkvist.
    “Whatdidyoudotoyourhead?”
    Theysatdown.Blomkvistsummedupthedevelopmentsofthepasttwenty-fourhours.AshedescribedhowsomeonehadshotathimoutneartheFortress,Frodeleapedtohisfeet.
    “Thisisbarkingmad.”HepausedandfixedhiseyesonBlomkvist.“I’msorry,butthishastostop.Ican’thaveit.IamgoingtotalktoHenrikandbreakthecontract.”
    “Sitdown,”saidBlomkvist.
    “Youdon’tunderstand…”
    “WhatIunderstandisthatLisbethandIhavegotsoclosethatwhoeverisbehindallofthisisreactinginaderangedmanner,inpanic.We’vegotsomequestions.Firstofall:howmanykeysaretheretotheVangerfamilycryptandwhohasone?”
    “It’snotmyprovince,andIhavenoidea,”Frodesaid.“Iwouldsupposethatseveralfamilymemberswouldhaveaesstothecrypt.IknowthatHenrikhasakey,andthatIsabelsometimesgoesthere,butIcan’ttellyouwhethershehasherownkeyorwhethersheborrowsHenrik’s.”
    “OK.You’restillonthemainboard.Arethereanycorporatearchives?Alibraryorsomethinglikethat,wherethey’vecollectedpressclippingsandrmationaboutthefirmovertheyears?”
    “Yes,thereis.AttheHedestadmainoffice.”
    “Weneedaesstoit.Arethereanyoldstaffnewslettersoranythinglikethat?”
    “AgainIhavetoconcedethatIdon’tknow.Ihaven’tbeentothearchivesmyselfinthirtyyears.YouneedtotalktoawomannamedBodilLindgren.”
    “CouldyoucallherandarrangethatLisbethhasaesstothearchivesthisafternoon?SheneedsalltheoldpressclippingsabouttheVangerCorporation.”
    “That’snoproblem.Anythingelse?”
    “Yes.GregerVangerwasholdingaHasselbdinhishandonthedaythebridgeaidentourred.Thatmeansthathealsomighthavetakensomepictures.Wherewouldthepictureshaveendedupafterhisdeath?”
    “Withhiswidoworhisson,logically.LetmecallAlexanderandaskhim.”
    “WhatamIlookingfor?”Sandersaidwhentheywereontheirwaybacktotheisnd.
    “Pressclippingsandstaffnewsletters.Iwantyoutoreadthrougheverythingaroundthedateswhenthemurdersinthefiftiesandsixtiesweremitted.Makeanoteofanythingthatstrikesyou.Betterifyoudothispartofthejob.Itseemsthatyourmemory…”
    Shepunchedhimintheside.
    FiveminutesterherKawasakiwasctteringacrossthebridge.
    BlomkvistshookhandswithAlexanderVanger.HehadbeenawayformostofthetimethatBlomkvisthadbeeninHedeby.HewastwentywhenHarrietdisappeared.
    “Dirchsaidthatyouwantedtolookatoldphotographs.”
    “YourfatherhadaHasselbd,Ibelieve.”
    “That’sright.It’sstillhere,butno-oneusesit.”
    “IexpectyouknowthatHenrikhasaskedmetostudyagainwhathappenedtoHarriet.”
    “That’swhatIunderstand.Andthereareplentyofpeoplewhoaren’thappyaboutthat.”
    “Apparentlyso,andofcourseyoudon’thavetoshowmeanything.”
    “Please…Whatwouldyouliketosee?”
    “Ifyourfathertookanypicturesonthedayoftheaident,thedaythatHarrietdisappeared.”
    Theywentuptotheattic.IttookseveralminutesbeforeAlexanderwasabletoidentifyaboxofunsortedphotographs.
    “Takehomethewholebox,”hesaid.“Ifthereareanyatall,they’llbeinthere.”
    Asillustrationsforthefamilychronicle,GregerVanger’sboxheldsomerealgems,includinganumberofGregertogetherwithSvenOlofLindholm,thebigSwedishNazileaderintheforties.Thosehesetaside.
    HefoundenvelopesofpicturesthatGregerhadtakenoffamilygatheringsaswelsmanytypicalholidayphotographs—fishinginthemountainsandajourneyinItaly.
    Hefoundfourpicturesofthebridgeaident.Inspiteofhisexceptionalcamera,Gregerwasawretchedphotographer.Twopictureswereclose-upsofthetankertruckitself,twowereofspectators,takenfrombehind.HefoundonlyoneinwhichCeciliaVangerwasvisibleinsemi-profile.
    Hescannedinthepictures,eventhoughheknewthattheywouldtellhimnothingnehenhewenttoseeAnna.
    “DoyouthinkHenrikhadanyphotographalbumsotherthantheonesheassembledforhisinvestigationaboutHarriet?”
    “Yes,Henrikhasalwaysbeeninterestedinphotography—eversincehewasyoung,I’vebeentold.Hehaslotsofalbumsinhisoffice.”
    “Couldyoushowme?”
    Herreluctancewaspintosee.ItwasohingtolendBlomkvistthekeytothefamilycrypt—Godwasinchargethere,afterall—butitwasanothermattertolethimintoHenrikVanger’soffice.God’swritdidnotextendthere.BlomkvistsuggestedthatAnnashouldcallFrode.Finallysheagreedtoallowhimin.Almostthreefeetoftheverybottomshelfwastakenupwithphotographalbums.Hesatatthedeskandopenedthefirstalbum.
    Vangerhadsavedeverystfamilyphotograph.Manywereobviouslyfromlongbeforehistime.Theoldestpicturesdatedbacktothe1870s,showinggruffmenandsternwomen.TherewerepicturesofVanger’sparents.OneshowedhisfathercelebratingMidsummerwithargeandcheerfulgroupinSandhamnin1906.AnotherSandhamnphotographshowedFredrikVangerandhiswife,Ulrika,withAndersZornandAlbertEngstr?msittingatatable.Otherphotographsshowedworkersonthefactoryfloorandinoffices.HefoundCaptainOskarGranathwhohadtransportedVangerandhisbelovedEdithLobachtosafetyinKarlskrona.
    Annacameupstairswithacupofcoffee.Hethankedher.BythenhehadreachedmoderntimesandwaspagingthroughimagesofVangerinhisprime,openingfactories,shakinghandswithTageErnder,oneofVangerandMarcusWallenberg—thetwocapitalistsstaringgrimlyateachother.
    InthesamealbumhefoundaspreadonwhichVangerhadwritteninpencil“FamilyCouncil1966.”Twocolourphotographsshowedmentalkingandsmokingcigars.HerecognisedHenrik,Harald,Greger,andseveralofthemalein-wsinJohanVanger’sbranchofthefamily.Twophotographsshowedtheformaldinner,fortymenandwomenseatedatthetable,alllookingintothecamera.ThepicturesweretakenafterthedramaatthebridgewasoverbutbeforeanyonewasawarethatHarriethaddisappeared.Hestudiedtheirfaces.Thiswasthedinnersheshouldhaveattended.Didanyofthemenknowthatshewasgone?Thephotographsprovidednoanswer.
    Thensuddenlyhechokedonhiscoffee.Hestartedcoughingandsatupstraightinhischair.
    AtthefarendofthetablesatCeciliaVangerinherlight-coloureddress,smilingintothecamera.Nexttohersatanotherblondewomanwithlonghairandanidenticallight-coloureddress.Theyweresoalikethattheycouldhavebeentwins.Andsuddenlythepuzzlepiecefellintopce.Ceciliawasn’ttheoneinHarriet’swindow—itwashersister,Anita,twoyearsherjuniorandnowlivinginLondon.
    WhatwasitSanderhadsaid?CeciliaVangerisinalotofthepictures.Notatall.Thereweretwogirls,andaschancewouldhaveit—untilnow—theyhadneverbeenseeninthesameframe.Inthebck-and-whitephotographs,fromadistance,theylookedidentical.Vangerhadpresumablyalwaysbeenabletotellthesistersapart,butforBlomkvistandSanderthegirlslookedsoalikethattheyhadassumeditwasoneperson.Andno-onehadeverpointedouttheirmistakebecausetheyhadneverthoughttoask.
    Blomkvistturnedthepageandfeltthehairsonthebackofhisneckstandonend.Itwasasifacoldgustofwindpassedthroughtheroom.
    Therewerepicturestakenthenextday,whenthesearchforHarriethadbegun.AyoungInspectorMorellwasgivinginstructionstoasearchpartyconsistingoftwouniformedpoliceofficersandtenmenwearingbootswhowereabouttosetout.Vangerwaswearingaknee-lengthraincoatandanarrow-brimmedEnglishhat.
    Ontheleftofthephotographstoodayoung,slightlystoutyoungmanwithlight,longishhair.Hehadonadarkpaddedjacketwitharedpatchattheshoulder.Theimagewasveryclear.Blomkvistrecognisedhimatonce—andthejacket—but,justtomakesure,heremovedthephotographandwentdowntoaskAnnaifsherecognisedtheman.
    “Yes,ofcourse,that’sMartin.”
    Sanderploughedthroughyearafteryearofpresscuttings,movinginchronologicalorder.Shebeganin1949andworkedherwayforward.Thearchivewashuge.Thepanywasmentionedinthemedianearlyeverydayduringtherelevanttimeperiod—notonlyinthelocalpressbutalsointhenationalmedia.Therewerefinancianalyses,tradeunionnegotiations,thethreatofstrikes,factoryopeningsandfactoryclosings,annualreports,changesinmanagers,newproductsthatwereunched…Therewasafloodofnews.Click.Click.Click.Herbrainwasworkingathighspeedasshefocusedandabsorbedthermationfromtheyellowingpages.
    Afterseveralhoursshehadanidea.SheaskedthearchivesmanageriftherewasachartshowingwheretheVangerCorporationhadfactoriesorpaniesduringthefiftiesandsixties.
    BodilLindgrenlookedatSanderwithundisguisedcoldness.Shewasnotatallhappygivingatotalstrangerpermissiontoentertheinnersanctumofthefirm’sarchives,beingobligedtoallowhertolookthroughwhateverdocumentssheliked.Andbesides,thisgirllookedlikesomesortofhalf-wittedfifteen-year-oldanarchist.ButHerrFrodehadgivenherinstructionsthatcouldnotbemisinterpreted.Thisslipofagirlwastobefreetolookatanythingshepleased.Anditwasurgent.ShebroughtouttheprintedannualreportsfortheyearsthatSanderwantedtosee;eachreportcontainedachartofthefirm’sdivisionsthroughoutSweden.
    Sanderlookedatthechartsandsawthatthefirmhadmanyfactories,offices,andsalesoutlets.Ateverysitewhereamurderwasmitted,therewasalsoareddot,sometimesseveral,indicatingtheVangerCorporation.
    Shefoundthefirstconnectionin1957.RakelLunde,Landskrona,wasfounddeadthedayaftertheV.&C.Constructionpanyclinchedanorderworthseveralmilliontobuildagalleriainthetown.V.&C.stoodforVangerandCarlénConstruction.ThelocalpaperhadinterviewedGottfriedVanger,whohadetotowntosignthecontract.
    SanderrecalledsomethingshehadreadinthepoliceinvestigationintheprovincialrecordofficeinLandskrona.RakelLunde,fortune-tellerinherfreetime,wasanofficecleaner.ShehadworkedforV.&C.Construction.
    At7:00intheeveningBlomkvistcalledSanderadozentimesandeachtimehermobilewasturnedoff.Shedidnotwanttobedisturbed.
    Hewanderedrestlesslythroughthehouse.HehadpulledoutVanger’snotesonMartin’sactivitiesatthetimeofHarriet’sdisappearance.
    MartinVangerwasinhisstyearatthepreparatoryschoolinUppsain1966.Uppsa.LenaAndersson,seventeen-year-oldpreparatoryschoolpupil.Headseparatedfromthefat.
    Vangerhadmentionedthisatonepoint,butBlomkvisthadtoconsulthisnotestofindthepassage.Martinhadbeenanintrovertedboy.Theyhadbeenworriedabouthim.Afterhisfatherdrowned,IsabelhaddecidedtosendhimtoUppsa—achangeofscenewherehewasgivenroomandboardwithHaraldVanger.HaraldandMartin?Ithardlyfeltright.
    MartinVangerwasnotwithHaraldinthecargoingtothegatheringinHedestad,andhehadmissedatrain.Hearrivedteintheafternoonandsowasamongthosestrandedonthewrongsideofthebridge.Heonlyarrivedontheisndbyboatsometimeafter6:00.HewasreceivedbyVangerhimself,amongothers.VangerhadputMartinfardownthelistofpeoplewhomighthavehadanythingtodowithHarriet’sdisappearance.
    MartinsaidthathehadnotseenHarrietonthatday.Hewaslying.HehadarrivedinHedestadearlierinthedayandhewasonJ?rnv?gsgatan,facetofacewithhissister.Blomkvistcouldprovetheliewithphotographsthathadbeenburiedforalmostfortyyears.
    HarrietVangerhadseenherbrotherandreactedwithshock.ShehadgoneouttoHedebyIsndandtriedtotalktoHenrik,butshewasgonebeforeanyconversationcouldtakepce.Whatwereyouthinkingoftellinghim?Uppsa?ButLenaAndersson,Uppsa,wasnotonthelist.Youcouldnothaveknownaboutit.
    ThestorystilldidnotmakesensetoBlomkvist.Harriethaddisappearedaround3:00intheafternoon.Martinwasunquestionablyontheothersideofthewateratthattime.Hecouldbeseeninthephotographfromthechurchhill.HecouldnotpossiblyhavehurtHarrietontheisnd.Onepuzzlepiecewasstillmissing.Anacplice?AnitaVanger?
    FromthearchivesSandercouldseethatGottfriedVanger’spositionwithinthefirmhadchangedovertheyears.Attheageoftwentyin1947,hemetIsabelandimmediatelygotherpregnant;MartinVangerwasbornin1948,andwiththattherewasnoquestionbutthattheyoungpeoplewouldmarry.
    WhenGottfriedwastwenty-two,hewasbroughtintothemainofficeoftheVangerCorporationbyHenrikVanger.Hewasobviouslytalentedandtheymayhavebeengroominghimtotakeover.Hewaspromotedtotheboardattheageoftwenty-five,astheassistantheadofthepany’sdevelopmentdivision.Arisingstar.
    Sometimeinthemid-fiftieshisstarbegantoplummet.Hedrank.HismarriagetoIsabelwasontherocks.Thechildren,HarrietandMartin,werenotdoingwell.Henrikdrewtheline.Gottfried’scareerhadreacheditszenith.In1956anotherappointmentwasmade,anotherassistantheadofdevelopment.Twoassistantheads:onewhodidtheworkwhileGottfrieddrankandwasabsentforlongperiodsoftime.
    ButGottfriedwasstilVanger,aswelscharmingandeloquent.From1957on,hisworkseemedtoconsistoftravellingaroundthecountrytoopenfactories,resolvelocalconflicts,andspreadanimagethatpanymanagementreallydidcare.We’resendingoutoneofourownsonstolistentoyourproblems.Wedotakeyouseriously.
    Sanderfoundasecondconnection.GottfriedVangerhadparticipatedinanegotiationinKarlstad,wheretheVangerCorporationhadboughtatimberpany.Onthefollowingdayafarmer’swife,MagdaLovisaSj?berg,wasfoundmurdered.
    Sanderdiscoveredthethirdconnectionjustfifteenminutester.Uddeval,1962.ThesamedaythatLeaPerssondisappeared,thelocalpaperhadinterviewedGottfriedVangeraboutapossibleexpansionoftheharbour.
    WhenFruLindgrenhadwantedtocloseupandgohomeat5:30,Sanderhadsnappedatherthatshewasalongwayfromfinishedyet.Shecouldgohomeaslongassheleftthekey,andSanderwouldlockup.BythattimethearchivesmanagerwassoinfuriatedthatagirllikethisonecouldbossheraroundthatshecalledHerrFrode.FrodetoldherthatSandercouldstayallnightifshewantedto.WouldFruLindgrenpleasenotifysecurityattheofficesothattheycouldletSanderoutwhenshewantedtoleave?
    Threehourster,gettingonfor8:30,SanderhadconcludedthatGottfriedVangerhadbeenclosetowhereatleastfiveoftheeightmurdersweremitted,eitherduringthedaysbeforeoraftertheevent.Shewasstillmissingrmationaboutthemurdersin1949and1954.Shestudiedanewspaperphotographofhim.Aslim,handsomemanwithdarkblondhair;helookedratherlikeCrkGableinGonewiththeWind.
    In1949Gottfriedwastwenty-twoyearsold.Thefirstmurdertookpceinhishometerritory.Hedestad.RebeckaJacobsson,whoworkedattheVangerCorporation.Wheredidthetwoofyoumeet?Whatdidyoupromiseher?
    Sanderbitherlip.TheproblemwasthatGottfriedVangerhaddrownedwhenhewasdrunkin1965,whilethestmurderwasmittedinUppsainFebruary1966.ShewonderedifshewasmistakenwhenshehadaddedLenaAndersson,theseventeen-year-oldschoolgirl,tothelist.No.Itmightnotbethesamesignature,butitwasthesameBibleparody.Theymustbeconnected.
    By9:00itwasgettingdark.Theairwascoonditwasdrizzling.Mikaelwassittinginthekitchen,drumminghisfingersonthetable,whenMartinVanger’sVolvocrossedthebridgeandturnedouttowardsthepoint.Thatsomehowbroughtmatterstoahead.
    Hedidnotknowwhatheshoulddo.Hiswholebeingwasburningwithadesiretoaskquestions—toinitiateaconfrontation.ItwascertainlynotasensibleattitudetohaveifhesuspectedMartinVangerofbeinganinsanemurdererwhohadkilledhissisterandagirlinUppsa,andwhohadalsoverynearlysueededinkillinghimtoo.ButMartinwasalsoamag.AndhedidnotknowthatBlomkvistknew;hecouldgoandseehimwiththepretextthat…well,hewantedtoreturnthekeytoGottfriedVanger’scabin.Blomkvistlockedthedoorbehindhimandstrolledouttothepoint.
    HaraldVanger’shousewaspitchdark,asusual.InHenrik’shousethelightswereoffexceptinoneroomfacingthecourtyard.Annahadgoobed.Isabel’shousewasdark.Ceciliawasn’tathome.ThelightswereonupstairsinAlexander’shouse,buttheywereoffinthetwohousesoupiedbypeoplewhowerenotmembersoftheVangerfamily.Hedidnotseeasoul.
    HepausedirresolutelyoutsideMartinVanger’shouse,tookouthismobile,andpunchedinSander’snumber.Stillnoanswer.Heturnedoffhismobilesothatitwouldnotstartringing.
    Therewerelightsondownstairs.Blomkvistwalkedacrossthewnandstoppedafewyardsfromthekitchenwindow,buthecouldseeno-one.Hecontinuedonaroundthehouse,pausingateachwindow,buttherewasnosignofMartin.Ontheotherhand,hediddiscoverthatthesmallsidedoorintothegaragewasslightlyopen.Don’tbeadamnfool.Buthecouldnotresistthetemptationtolook.
    Thefirstthinghesawonthecarpenter’sbenchwasanopenboxofammunitionforamooserifle.Thenhesawtwogasolinecansonthefloorunderthebench.Preparationsforanothernocturnalvisit,Martin?
    “ein,Mikael.Isawyouontheroad.”
    Blomkvist’sheartskippedabeat.SlowlyheturnedhisheadandsawMartinVangerstandinginthedarkbyadoorleadingintothehouse.
    “Yousimplycouldn’tstayaway,couldyou?”
    Hisvoicewascalm,almostfriendly.
    “Hi,Martin,”Blomkvistsaid.
    “ein,”Martinrepeated.“Thisway.”
    Hetookastepforwardandtotheside,holdingouthislefthandinaninvitinggesture.Heraisedhisrighthand,andBlomkvistsawthereflectionofdullmetal.
    “IhaveaGlockinmyhand.Don’tdoanythingstupid.AtthisdistanceIwon’tmiss.”
    Blomkvistslowlymovedcloser.WhenhereachedMartin,hestoppedandlookedhimintheeye.
    “Ihadtoehere.Therearesomanyquestions.”
    “Iunderstand.Throughthedoor.”
    Blomkvistenteredthehouse.Thepassageledtothehallnearthekitchen,butbeforehegotthatfar,MartinVangerstoppedhimbyputtingahandlightlyonBlomkvist’sshoulder.
    “No,notthatway.Toyourright.Openthedoor.”
    Thebasement.WhenBlomkvistwashalfwaydownthesteps,MartinVangerturnedaswitchandthelightswenton.Totherightofhimwastheboilerroortinguidedhimtotheleft,intoastorageroomwitholdfurnitureandboxes,atthebackofwhichwasasteelsecuritydoorwithadeadboltlock.
    “Here,”Martinsaid,tossingakeyringtoBlomkvist.“Openit.”
    Heopenedthedoor.
    “Theswitchisontheleft.”
    Blomkvisthadopenedthedoortohell.
    Around9:00Sanderwenttogetsomecoffeeandapstic-wrappedsandwichfromthevendingmachineinthecorridoroutsidethearchives.Shekeptonpagingthrougholddocuments,lookingforanytraceofGottfriedVangerinKalmarin1954.Shefoundnothing.
    ShethoughtaboutcallingBlomkvist,butdecidedtogothroughthestaffnewslettersbeforeshecalleditaday.
    Thespacewasapproximatelytenbytwentyfeet.Blomkvistassumedthatitwassituatedalongthenorthsideofthehouse.
    MartinVangerhadcontrivedhisprivatetorturechamberwithgreatcare.Ontheleftwerechains,metaleyeletsintheceilingandfloor,atablewithleatherstrapswherehecouldrestrainhisvictims.Andthenthevideoequipment.Atapingstudio.Inthebackoftheroomwasasteelcageforhisguests.Totherightofthedoorwasabench,abed,andaTVcornerwithvideosonashelf.
    Assoonastheyenteredtheroom,MartinVangeraimedthepistotBlomkvistandtoldhimtolieonhisstomachonthefloor.Blomkvistrefused.
    “Verywell,”Martinsaid.“ThenI’llshootyouinthekneecap.”
    Hetookaim.Blomkvistcapituted.Hehadnochoice.
    HehadhopedthatMartinwouldrexhisguardjustatenthofasecond—heknewhewouldwinanysortoffightwithhim.HehadhadhalfachanceinthepassageupstairswhenMartinputhishandonhisshoulder,buthehadhesitated.AfterthatMartinhadnoteclose.Withabulletinhiskneecaphewouldhavelosthischance.Heydownonthefloor.
    Martinapproachedfrombehindandtoldhimtoputhishandsonhisback.Hehandcuffedhim.ThenhekickedMikaelinthecrotchandpunchedhimviciouslyandrepeatedly.
    Whathappenedafterthatseemedlikeanightmare.Martinswungbetweenrationalityandpurelunacy.Foratimequitecalm,thenextinstanthewouldbepacingbackandforthlikeananimalinacage.HekickedBlomkvistseveraltimes.AllBlomkvistcoulddowastrytoprotecthisheadandtaketheblowsinthesoftpartsofhisbody.
    ForthefirsthalfhourMartindidnotsayaword,andheappearedtobeincapableofanysortofmunication.Afterthatheseemedtorecovercontrol.HeputachainroundBlomkvist’sneck,fasteningitwithapadlocktoametaleyeletonthefloor.HeleftBlomkvistaloneforaboutfifteenminutes.Whenhereturned,hewascarryingalitrebottleofwater.HesatonachairandlookedatBlomkvistashedrank.
    “CouldIhavesomewater?”Blomkvistsaid.
    Martinleaneddownandlethimtakeagoodlongdrinkfromthebottle.Blomkvistswallowedgreedily.
    “Thanks.”
    “Stillsopolite,KalleBlomkvist.”
    “Whyallthepunchingandkicking?”Blomkvistsaid.
    “Becauseyoumakemeveryangryindeed.Youdeservetobepunished.Whydidn’tyoujustgohome?YouwereneededatMillennium.Iwasserious—wecouldhavemadeitintoagreatmagazine.Wecouldhaveworkedtogetherforyears.”
    Blomkvistgrimacedandtriedtoshifthisbodyintoamorefortableposition.Hewasdefenceless.Allhehadwashisvoice.
    “Iassumeyoumeanthattheopportunityhaspassed,”Blomkvistsaid.
    MartinVangerughed.
    “I’msorry,Mikael.But,ofcourse,youknowperfectlywellthatyou’regoingtodiedownhere.”
    Blomkvistnodded.
    “Howthehelldidyoufindme,youandthatanorexicspookthatyoudraggedintothis?”
    “YouliedaboutwhatyouweredoingonthedaythatHarrietdisappeared.YouwereinHedestadattheChildren’sDayparade.Youwerephotographedthere,lookingatHarriet.”
    “WasthatwhyyouwenttoNorsj??”
    “Togetthepicture,yes.ItwastakenbyahoneymooncouplewhohappenedtobeinHedestad.”
    Heshookhishead.
    “That’sacrasslie,”Martinsaid.
    Blomkvistthoughthard:whattosaytopreventorpostponehisexecution.
    “Where’sthepicturenow?”
    “Thenegative?It’sinasafe-depositboxatHandelsbankenhereinHedestad…Youdidn’tknowthatIhaveasafe-depositbox?”Heliedeasily.“Therearecopiesinvariouspces.Inmyputerandinthegirl’s,ontheserveratMillennium,andontheserveratMiltonSecurity,wherethegirlworks.”
    Martinwaited,tryingtoworkoutwhetherornotBlomkvistwasbluffing.
    “Howmuchdoesthegirlknow?”
    Blomkvisthesitated.Sanderwasrightnowhisonlyhopeofrescue.Whatwouldshethinkwhenshecamehomeandfoundhimnotthere?HehadputthephotographofMartinVangerwearingthepaddedjacketonthekitchentable.Wouldshemaketheconnection?Wouldshesoundthearm?Sheisnotgoingtocallthepolice.ThenightmarewasthatshewouldetoMartinVanger’shouseandringthebell,demandingtoknowwhereBlomkvistwas.
    “Answerme,”Martinsaid,hisvoiceice-cold.
    “I’mthinking.SheknowsalmostasmuchasIdo,maybeevenalittlemore.Yes,IwouldreckonsheknowsmorethanIdo.She’sbright.She’stheonewhomadethelinktoLenaAndersson.”
    “LenaAndersson?”Martinsoundedperplexed.
    “ThegirlyoutorturedandkilledinUppsain1966.Don’ttellmeyou’vefotten?”
    “Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”Butforthefirsttimehesoundedshaken.Itwasthefirsttimethatanyonehadmadethatconnection—LenaAnderssonwasnotincludedinHarriet’sdate.
    “Martin,”Blomkvistsaid,makinghisvoiceassteadyashecould.“It’sover.Youcankillme,butit’sfinished.Toomanypeopleknow.”
    Martinstartedpacingbackandforthagain.
    Ihavetorememberthathe’sirrational.Thecat.Hecouldhavebroughtthecatdownhere,buthewenttothefamilycrypt.Martinstopped.
    “Ithinkyou’relying.YouandSanderaretheonlyoneswhoknowanything.Youobviouslyhaven’ttalkedtoanyone,orthepolicewouldhavebeenherebynow.Anicelittlebzeintheguestcottageandtheproofwillbegone.”
    “Andifyou’rewrong?”
    “IfI’mwrong,thenitreallyisover.ButIdon’tthinkitis.I’llbetthatyou’rebluffing.AndwhatotherchoicedoIhave?I’llgivethatsomethought.It’sthatanorexiclittlecuntwho’stheweaklink.”
    “ShewenttoStockholmatlunchtime.”
    Martinughed.
    “Bluffaway,Mikael.ShehasbeensittinginthearchivesattheVangerCorporationofficesallevening.”
    Blomkvist’sheartskippedabeat.Heknew.He’sknownallong.
    “That’sright.ThepnwastovisitthearchiveandthengotoStockholm,”Blomkvistsaid.“Ididn’tknowshestayedtheresolong.”
    “Stopallthiscrap,Mikael.ThearchivesmanagerrangtotellmethatDirchhadletthegirlstaythereasteassheliked.Whichmeansshe’llcertainlybehome.Thenightwatchmanisgoingtocallmewhensheleaves.”
    PART4
    HostileTakeover
    JULY11TODECEMBER30
    Niy-twopercentofwomeninSwedenwhohavebeensubjectedtosexuassaulthavenotreportedthemostrecentviolentincidenttothepolice.
    CHAPTER24
    Friday,July11–Saturday,July12
    MartinVangerbentdownandwentthroughMikael’spockets.Hetookthekey.
    “Smartofyoutochangethelock,”hesaid.“I’mgoingtotakecareofyourgirlfriendwhenshegetsback.”
    BlomkvistremindedhimselfthatMartinwasanegotiatorexperiencedfrommanyindustrialbattles.Hehadalreadyseenthroughonebluff.
    “Why?”
    “Whywhat?”
    “Whyallofthis?”Blomkvistgesturedvaguelyatthespacearoundhim.
    MartinbentdownandputonehandunderBlomkvist’schin,liftinghisheadsotheireyesmet.
    “Becauseit’ssoeasy,”hesaid.“Womendisappearallthetime.Nobodymissesthem.Immigrants.WhoresfromRussia.ThousandsofpeoplepassthroughSwedeneveryyear.”
    HeletgoofBlomkvist’sheadandstoodup.
    Martin’swordshitBlomkvistlikeapunchintheface.
    ChristAlmighty.Thisisnohistoricalmystery.MartinVangerismurderingwomentoday.AndIwanderedrightintoit…
    “Asithappens,Idon’thaveaguestrightnow.ButitmightamuseyoutoknowthatwhileyouandHenriksataroundbabblingthiswinterandspring,therewasagirldownhere.IrinafromBerus.Whileyousatandatedinnerwithme,shewaslockedupinthecagedownhere.ItwasapleasanteveningasIremember,no?”
    Martinperchedonthetable,lettinghislegsdangle.Blomkvistshuthiseyes.Hesuddenlyfeltacidinhisthroatandheswallowedhard.Thepaininhisgutandinhisribsseemedtoswell.
    “Whatdoyoudowiththebodies?”
    “Ihavemyboatatthedockrightbelowhere.Itakethemalongwayouttosea.Unlikemyfather,Idon’tleavetraces.Buthewassmarttoo.HespreadhisvictimsoutalloverSweden.”
    Thepuzzlepieceswerefallingintopce.
    GottfriedVanger.From1949until1965.ThenMartinVanger,startingin1966inUppsa.
    “Youadmireyourfather.”
    “Hewastheonewhotaughtme.HeinitiatedmewhenIwasfourteen.”
    “Uddeval.LeaPersson.”
    “Aren’tyouclever?Yes,Iwasthere.Ionlywatched,butIwasthere.”
    “1964.SaraWittinRonneby.”
    “Iwassixteen.ItwasthefirsttimeIhadawoman.Myfathertaughtme.Iwastheonewhostrangledher.”
    He’sbragging.GoodLord,whatarevoltinglysickfamily.
    “Youcan’thaveanynotionofhowdementedthisis.”
    “Youareaveryordinarylittleperson,Mikael.Youwouldnotbeabletounderstandthegodlikefeelingofhavingabsolutecontroloversomeone’slifeanddeath.”
    “Youenjoytorturingandkillingwomen,Martin.”
    “Idon’tthinksoreally.IfIdoanintellectuanalysisofmycondition,I’mmoreofaserialrapistthanaserialmurderer.Infact,mostofallI’maserialkidnapper.Thekillingisanaturalconsequence,sotospeak,becauseIhavetohidemycrime.
    “Ofcoursemyactionsaren’tsociallyaeptable,butmycrimeisfirstandforemostacrimeagainsttheconventionsofsociety.Deathdoesn’teuntiltheendofmyguests’visitshere,afterI’vegrownwearyofthem.It’salwayssofascinatingtoseetheirdisappointment.”
    “Disappointment?”
    “Exactly.Disappointment.Theyimagihatiftheypleaseme,they’lllive.Theyadapttomyrules.Theystarttotrustmeanddevelopacertaincamaraderiewithme,hopingtotheveryendthatthiscamaraderiemeanssomething.Thedisappointmenteswhenitfinallydawnsonthemthatthey’vebeenwelndtrulyscrewed.”
    Martinwalkedaroundthetableandleanedagainstthesteelcage.
    “Youwithyourbourgeoisconventionswouldnevergraspthis,buttheexcitementesfrompnningakidnapping.They’renotdoneonimpulse—thosekindsofkidnappersinvariablygetcaught.It’sasciencewiththousandsofdetailsthatIhavetoweigh.Ihavetoidentifymyprey,mapoutherlife,whoisshe,wheredoessheefrom,howcanImakecontactwithher,whatdoIhavetodotobealonewithmypreywithoutrevealingmynameorhavingitturnupinanyfuturepoliceinvestigation?”
    Shutup,forGod’ssake,Blomkvistthought.
    “Areyoureallyinterestedinallthis,Mikael?”
    HebentdownandstrokedBlomkvist’scheek.Thetouchwasalmosttender.
    “Yourealisethatthiscanonlyendoneway?WillitbotheryouifIsmoke?”
    “Youcouldoffermeacigarette,”hesaid.
    MartinlittwocigarettesandcarefullypcedoneofthembetweenBlomkvist’slips,lettinghimtakealongdrag.
    “Thanks,”Blomkvistsaid,automatically.
    MartinVangerughedagain.
    “Yousee.You’vealreadystartedtoadapttothesubmissionprinciple.Iholdyourlifeinmyhands,Mikael.YouknowthatIcandispatchyouatanysecond.Youpleadedwithmetoimproveyourqualityoflife,andyoudidsobyusingreasonandalittlegoodmanners.Andyouwererewarded.”
    Blomkvistnodded.Hisheartwaspoundingsoharditwasalmostunbearable.
    At11:15LisbethSanderdranktherestofthewaterfromherPETbottleassheturnedthepages.UnlikeBlomkvist,whoearlierinthedayhadchokedonhiscoffee,shedidn’tgetthewaterdownthewrongway.Ontheotherhand,shedidopenhereyeswidewhenshemadetheconnection.
    Click!
    Fortwohoursshehadbeenwadingthroughthestaffnewslettersfromallpointsofthepass.Themainnewsletterwaspanyrmation.ItboretheVangerlogo—aSwedishbannerflutteringinthewind,withthepointforminganarrow.Thepublicationwaspresumablyputtogetherbythefirm’sadvertisingdepartment,anditwasfilledwithpropagandathatwassupposedtomaketheemployeesfeelthattheyweremembersofonebigfamily.
    InassociationwiththewintersportsholidayinFebruary1967,HenrikVanger,inamagnanimousgesture,hadinvitedfiftyemployeesfromthemainofficeandtheirfamiliestoaweek’sskiingholidayinH?rjedalen.Thepanyhadmaderecordprofitsduringthepreviousyear.ThePRdepartmentwenttooandputtogetherapicturereport.
    Manyofthepictureswithamusingcaptionswerefromtheslopes.Someshowedgroupsinthebar,withughingemployeeshoistingbeermugs.TwophotographswereofasmallmorningfunctionwhenHenrikVangerprocimedUl-BrittMogrentobetheBestOfficeWorkeroftheYear.Shewasgivenabonusoffivehundredkronorandagssbowl.
    Theceremonywasheldontheterraceofthehotel,clearlyrightbeforepeoplewerethinkingofheadingbacktotheslopes.Abouttwentypeoplewereinthepicture.
    Onthefarright,justbehindHenrikVanger,stoodamanwithlongblondhair.Hewaswearingadarkpaddedjacketwithadistinctivepatchattheshoulder.Sincethepublicationwasinbck-and-white,thecolourwasn’tidentifiable,butSanderwaswillingtobetherlifethattheshoulderpatchwasred.
    Thecaptionexpinedtheconnection.…farright,MartinVanger,whoisstudyinginUppsa.Heisalreadybeingdiscussedassomeonewithapromisingfutureinthepany’smanagement.
    “Gotcha,”Sandersaidinalowvoice.
    Sheswitchedoffthedeskmpandleftthenewslettersinpilesalloverthedesk—somethingforthatslutLindgrentotakecareoftomorrow.
    Shewentouttothecarparkthroughasidedoor.Asitclosedbehindher,sherememberedthatshehadpromisedtotellthenightwatchmanwhensheleft.Shestoppedandlethereyessweepoverthecarpark.Thewatchman’sofficewasontheothersideofthebuilding.Thatmeantthatshewouldhavetowalkallthewayroundtotheotherside.Letsleepingdogslie,shedecided.
    Beforesheputonherhelmet,sheturnedonhermobileandcalledBlomkvist’snumber.Shegotamessagesayingthatthesubscribercouldnotbereached.Butshealsosawthathehadtriedtocallhernofewerthanthirteentimesbetween3:30and9:00.Inthesttwohours,nocall.
    Sandertriedthecottagenumber,buttherewasnoanswer.Shefrowned,strappedonherputer,putonherhelmet,andkick-startedthemotorcycle.TheridefromthemainofficeattheentrancetoHedestad’sindustrialdistrictouttoHedebyIsndtooktenminutes.Alightwasoninthekitchen.
    Sanderlookedaround.HerfirstthoughtwasthatBlomkvisthadgooseeFrode,butfromthebridgeshehadalreadynoticedthatthelightswereoffinFrode’shouseontheothersideofthewater.Shelookedatherwatch:11:40.
    Shewentintothecottage,openedthewardrobe,andtookoutthetwoPCsthatshewasusingtostorethesurveilncepicturesfromthecamerasshehadinstalled.Ittookherawhiletorunupthesequenceofevents.
    At15:32Blomkvistenteredthecabin.
    At16:03hetookhiscoffeecupouttothegarden.Hehadafolderwithhim,whichhestudied.Hemadethreebrieftelephonecallsduringthehourhespentoutinthegarden.Thethreecallscorrespondedexactlytocallsshehadnotanswered.
    At17:21Blomkvistleftthecottage.Hewasbacklessthanfifteenminutester.
    At18:20hewenttothegateandlookedinthedirectionofthebridge.
    At21:03hewentout.Hehadnoteback.
    Sanderfast-forwardedthroughthepicturesfromtheotherPC,whichphotographedthegateandtheroadoutsidethefrontdoor.Shecouldseewhohadgonepastduringtheday.
    At19:12Nilssoncamehome.
    At19:42theSaabthatbelongedto?sterg?rdendrovetowardsHedestad.
    At20:02theSaabwasonitswayback.
    At21:00MartinVanger’scarwentby.ThreeminutesterBlomkvistleftthehouse.
    At21:50,MartinVangerappearedinthecamera’sviewfinder.Hestoodatthegateforoveraminute,lookingatthehouse,thenpeeringthroughthekitchenwindow.Hewentuptotheporchandtriedthedoor,takingoutakey.Hemusthavediscoveredthattheyhadputinanewlock.Hestoodstillforamomentbeforeheturnedonhisheendleftthehouse.
    Sanderfeltanice-coldfearinhergut.
    MartinVangeronceagainleftBlomkvistalone.Hewasstillinhisunfortablepositionwithhishandsbehindhisbackandhisneckfastenedbyathinchaintoaneyeletinthefloor.Hefiddledwiththehandcuffs,butheknewthathewouldnotbeabletogetthemoff.Thecuffsweresotightthathishandswerenumb.
    Hehadnochance.Heshuthiseyes.
    HedidnotknowhowmuchtimehadpassedwhenheheardMartin’sfootstepsagain.HeappearedinBlomkvist’sfieldofvision.Helookedworried.
    “Unfortable?”hesaid.
    “Very,”saidBlomkvist.
    “You’veonlygotyourselftobme.YoushouldhavegonebacktoStockholm.”
    “Whydoyoukill,Martin?”
    “It’sachoicethatImade.IcoulddiscussthemorandintellectuaspectsofwhatIdo;wecouldtalkallnight,butitwouldn’tchangeanything.Trytolookatitthisway:ahumanbeingisashellmadeofskinkeepingthecells,blood,andchemicalponentsinpce.Veryfewendupinthehistorys.Mostpeoplesuumbanddisappearwithoutatrace.”
    “Youkillwomen.”
    “Thoseofuswhomurderforpleasure—I’mnottheonlyonewiththishobby—weliveapletelife.”
    “ButwhyHarriet?Yourownsister?”
    InasecondMartingrabbedhimbythehair.
    “Whathappenedtoher,youlittlebastard?Tellme.”
    “Whatdoyoumean?”Blomkvistgasped.Hetriedtoturnhisheadtolessenthepaininhisscalp.Thechaintightenedroundhisneck.
    “YouandSander.Whathaveyoueupwith?”
    “Letgo,forheaven’ssake.We’retalking.”
    MartinVangerletgoofhishairandsatcross-leggedinfrontofBlomkvist.Hetookaknifefromhisjacketandopenedit.HesetthepointagainsttheskinjustbelowBlomkvist’seye.BlomkvistforcedhimselftomeetMartin’sgaze.
    “Whatthehellhappenedtoher,bastard?”
    “Idon’tunderstand.Ithoughtyoukilledher.”
    MartinVangerstaredatBlomkvistforalongmoment.Thenherexed.Hegotupandwanderedaroundtheroom,thinking.HethrewtheknifeonthefloorandughedbeforehecamebacktofaceBlomkvist.
    “Harriet,Harriet,alwaysHarriet.Wetried…totalktoher.Gottfriedtriedtoteachher.Wethoughtthatshewasoneofusandthatshewouldaeptherduty,butshewasjustanordinary…cunt.Ihadherundercontrol,orsoIthought,butshewaspnningtotellHenrik,andIrealisedthatIcouldn’ttrusther.Soonerortershewasgoingtotellsomeoneaboutme.”
    “Youkilledher.”
    “Iwantedtokillher.Ithoughtaboutit,butIarrivedtoote.Icouldn’tgetovertotheisnd.”
    Blomkvist’sbrainwaswithdifficultytryingtoabsorbthisrmation,butitfeltasifamessagehadpoppedupwiththewordsRMATIONOVERLOAD.MartinVangerdidnotknowwhathadhappenedtohissister.
    AllofasuddenMartinpulledhismobiletelephoneoutofhispocket,gncedatthedispy,andputitonthechairnexttothepistol.
    “It’stimetostopallthis.Ihavetodisposeofyouranorexicbitchtonighttoo.”
    HetookoutanarrowleatherstrapfromacupboardandslippeditaroundBlomkvist’sneck,likeanoose.Heloosenedthechainthatheldhimshackledtothefloor,hauledhimtohisfeet,andshovedhimtowardsthewall.HeslippedtheleatherstrapthroughaloopaboveBlomkvist’sheadandthentighteneditsothathewasforcedtostandontiptoes.
    “Isthattootight?Canyoubreathe?”Helooseneditanotchandlockedtheotherendofthestrapinpce,furtherdownthewall.“Idon’twantyoutosuffocatealtonce.”
    ThenoosewascuttingsohardintoBlomkvist’sthroatthathewasincapableofutteringaword.Martinlookedathimattentively.
    AbruptlyheunzippedBlomkvist’strousersandtuggedthemdown,alongwithhisboxershorts.Ashepulledthemoff,Blomkvistlosthisfootholdanddangledforasecondfromthenoosebeforehistoesagainmadecontactwiththefloor.Martinwentovertoacupboardandtookoutapairofscissors.HecutoffBlomkvist’sT-shirtandtossedthebitsonthefloor.ThenhetookupapositionsomedistanceawayfromMikaendregardedhisvictim.
    “I’veneverhadaboyinhere,”Martinsaidinaseriousvoice.“I’venevertouchedanotherman,asamatteroffact…exceptformyfather.Thatwasmyduty.”
    Blomkvist’stempleswerepounding.Hecouldnotputhisweightonhisfeetwithoutbeingstrangled.Hetriedtousehisfingerstogetagripontheconcretewallbehindhim,buttherewasnothingtoholdonto.
    “It’stime,”MartinVangersaid.
    Heputhishandonthestrapandpulleddown.Blomkvistinstantlyfeltthenoosecuttingintohisneck.
    “I’vealwayswonderedhowamantastes.”
    HeincreasedthepressureonthenooseandleanedforwardtokissBlomkvistonthelipsatthesametimethatacoldvoicecutthroughtheroom.
    “Hey,youfuckingcreep,inthisshitholeI’vegotamonopolyonthatone.”
    BlomkvistheardSander’svoicethrougharedfog.Hemanagedtofocushiseyesenoughtoseeherstandinginthedoorway.ShewaslookingatMartinVangerwithoutexpression.
    “No…run,”hecroaked.
    HecouldnotseethelookonMartin’sface,buthecouldalmostphysicallyfeeltheshockwhenheturnedaround.Forasecond,timestoodstill.ThenMartinreachedforthepistolhehadleftonthechair.
    Sandertookthreeswiftstridesforwardandswungagolfclubshehadhiddenatherside.TheironflewinawidearcandhitMartinonthecolrbonenearhisshoulder.Theblowhadaterribleforce,andBlomkvistheardsomethingsnap.Martinhowled.
    “Doyoulikepain,creep?”Sandersaid.
    Hervoicewasasroughassandpaper.AslongasBlomkvistlived,hewouldneverfetherfaceasshewentontheattack.Herteethwerebaredlikeabeastofprey.Hereyeswereglittering,bckascoal.Shemovedwiththelightningspeedofatarantuandseemedtotallyfocusedonherpreyassheswungtheclubagain,strikingMartinintheribs.
    Hestumbledoverthechairandfell.ThepistoltumbledtotheflooratSander’sfeet.Shekickeditaway.
    Thenshestruckforthethirdtime,justasMartinVangerwastryingtogettohisfeet.Shehithimwithaloudsmackonthehip.AhorriblecryissuedfromMartin’sthroat.Thefourthblowstruckhimfrombehind,betweentheshoulderbdes.
    “Lis…uuth…”Blomkvistgasped.
    Hewasabouttopassout,andthepaininhistempleswasalmostunbearable.
    Sheturnedtohimandsawthathisfacewasthecolourofatomato,hiseyeswereopenwide,andhistonguewaspoppingoutofhismouth.
    Shelookedaboutherandsawtheknifeonthefloor.ThenshesparedagnceatMartinVanger,whowastryingtocrawwayfromher,onearmhanging.Hewouldnotbemakinganytroubleforthenextfewseconds.Sheletgoofthegolfclubandpickeduptheknife.Ithadasharppointbutadulledge.Shestoodonhertoesandfranticallysawedattheleatherstraptogetitoff.IttookseveralsecondsbeforeBlomkvistsanktothefloor.Butthenoosewaspulledtighterroundhisneck.
    SanderlookedagainatMartinVanger.Hewasonhisfeetbutdoubledover.Shetriedtodigherfingersunderthenoose.Atfirstshedidnotdarecutit,butfinallysheslippedthepointoftheknifeunderneath,scoringBlomkvist’sneckasshetriedtoexpandthenoose.AtstitloosenedandBlomkvisttookseveralshaky,wheezingbreaths.
    ForamomentBlomkvisthadasensationofhisbodyandsouluniting.Hehadperfectvisionandcouldmakeouteveryspeckofdustintheroom.Hehadperfecthearingandregisteredeverybreath,everyrustleofclothing,asiftheywereenteringhisearsthroughaheadset,andhewasawareoftheodourofSander’ssweatandthesmellofleatherfromherjacket.Thentheillusionburstasbloodbeganstreamingtohishead.
    SanderturnedherheadjustasMartinVangerdisappearedoutthedoor.Shegotup,grabbedthepistol,checkedthemagazineandflickedoffthesafety.Shelookedaroundandfocusedonthekeystothehandcuffs,whichyinpinsightonthetable.
    “I’mgoingtotakehim,”shesaid,runningforthedoor.Shegrabbedthekeysasshepasse