I have no idea, Bjorn whispers.
We havent even seen his face. What does he want from us? What the hell does he want? Why is he after us? Why does he want to hurt us?
She jerks the sleeve of her sweater across her face.
I think, she says, I mean what if what if Viola has done something bad, something stupid? You know her boyfriend, Sergei, the guy she broke up with, he must be connected to something criminal maybe all I know is that he worked as a bouncer.
Penny-
Im just saying, Viola, shes so maybe shes done something wrong.
No, its not her, Bjorn whispers.
What do you mean? We dont know anything! You dont have to comfort me.
Theres something I have to-
He the man who was after us maybe he just had something to tell us. No, I know, thats ridiculous I mean, I dont know what I mean.
Penny, Bjorn says seriously. Everything thats happened is my fault.
He looks at her. His eyes are bloodshot, and his cheeks burn red against his pale skin.
What are you saying now? she asks in a deadly quiet voice.
He swallows awkwardly before he explains.
Ive done something incredibly stupid, Penny.
What? What have you done?
That photograph, he answers. Its all because of that photograph.
Which photograph? The one of Palmcrona and Guidi?
Thats the one. I got in touch with Palmcrona, Bjorn answers honestly. I told him I wanted money for the picture, but-
You didnt, she whispers.
Penelope stares at him and instinctively steps backward, managing to knock over the bedside table with its water glass and clock radio.
Penny-
No! No! No! Just shut the hell up! shes screaming. I dont get it! What the fuck are you trying to tell me? You cant mean it you couldnt have have you lost your mind? You tried to blackmail Palmcrona? Where was your mind?
Listen to me! I regretted it at once. I know it was wrong! He got the picture. I mailed him the picture.
The room falls silent. Penelope tries to comprehend what Bjorn has told her. Confused thoughts circle through her mind, and she fights to understand Bjorns confession.
That picture belonged to me, she says slowly. Shes still trying to control her thoughts. It might be extremely important. Maybe an incredibly important photograph. I was given it in confidence. Someone may be able to explain-
That picture belonged to me, she says slowly. Shes still trying to control her thoughts. It might be extremely important. Maybe an incredibly important photograph. I was given it in confidence. Someone may be able to explain-
I needed money. I didnt want to have to sell my boat, Bjorn whispers. He looks like hes about to cry.
I still dont get it-you mailed the picture to Palmcrona?
But I had to, Penny. I know it was yours and that it was wrong to send it, but I had to give him the picture.
But Ive got to get it back! she says desperately. Dont you understand? What if the person who sent it to me wants it back? This is big. Its dealing with Swedish arms exports. This isnt about your money or lack of it this has nothing to do with you or me this is way beyond just us, Bjorn.
Penelope looks at him in despair. Her voice rises until shes practically shrieking.
This is about the lives of human beings! You betrayed me. With those words her voice falls heavily. I am so angry with you, I could hit you. This is something I just cant deal with now.
But, Penny, I didnt know, he whines. How was I supposed to know? You never tell me anything. All you said was this picture would embarrass Palmcrona. You never said-
She interrupts him. What does that matter?
I only thought-
Shut the fuck up! she screams. I dont want to listen to your idiotic excuses! You tried to blackmail someone-youre a greedy little bastard! I dont know you at all. And you sure as hell dont know me!
She falls silent and they stand facing each other. A seagull screams as it flies over the water and then there are other seagulls adding their screams as complaining echoes.
We have to get out of here soon, Bjorn says without energy.
Penelope nods and then they hear the click as the outer door opens. Instinctively they move together deeper into the bedroom. They hear the heavy footsteps of a man. Bjorn tries to open the French doors, but theyre locked. Penelope tries unlatching the windows, but she already knows its way too late.
51
What the hell are you doing here? the man in the doorway demands in a hoarse voice.
Penelope understands immediately that hes the owner of the house-not their pursuer. Hes short, broad, slightly chubby. His face seems familiar, as if hes someone she once knew.
Are you drug addicts? he asks with interest.
His face clicks into place. Theyve broken into Ossian Wallenbergs house. He was a beloved television celebrity, last on the air ten years ago. He hosted many popular variety shows: Golden Friday, Up the Wall, Lion Evening. And he had contests on his shows: games, and prizes, and special guests. Every Golden Friday ended the same way. Ossian would lift up his guest. Hed be smiling and his face would turn red. Penelope remembered that as a child, shed once seen him pick up Mother Teresa. The delicate old woman had looked completely terrified. Ossian Wallenberg was known for his golden hair, his extravagant clothes-and his studied viciousness.