What did you say? Joona looks up.
I just said, I thought its a nightmare come true, Pollock says, wondering why Joonas face is suddenly alive. He does everything he can for his sons future and then it turns out that his son survives him by only three days. His son never even knew who he was.
60
Beverly is already in his bed when Axel enters the bedroom. Hes gotten only two hours of sleep the night before and now feels a little dizzy with fatigue.
How long does it take for Evert to drive here? she asks in a small, clear voice.
It would take about six hours to get here, he replies succinctly.
She gets up and starts to the door.
What are you doing? Axel asks.
She turns around.
I thought maybe hes sitting in the car waiting for me.
You know that he doesnt drive to Stockholm, Axel says.
I just want to look out the window and make sure.
We can give him a call-should we call him?
Ive already tried, she says.
Axel reaches out and brushes her cheek with his hand and she sits back down on the edge of the bed.
Are you tired? she asks.
So tired Im feeling sick, he replies.
Do you want me to sleep in your bed tonight?
Yes, that would be nice.
I believe that Pappa would like to talk to me tomorrow, she says softly.
Axel nods. Im sure itll go well tomorrow.
Her large shining eyes make her look younger than ever.
Come lie down, she says. Lie down so you can sleep, Axel.
He blinks tiredly at her and then watches her lie down on her side of the bed. Her nightgown smells like freshly washed, pure cotton. As he lies down beside her, he wants to cry. He wants to tell her that hell arrange psychiatric help for her. Hell help her out of this mess. Everything will get better. Everything always gets better.
He slowly clasps one of her upper arms and lays his other arm over her stomach. He hears her squeak as he pulls her closer to him. He presses his face into her neck, breathes moistly against her skin, and holds her tight. After a while, he hears her breathing soften. They lie completely still as their body warmth together brings sweat to their skin, but he does not let go of her.
He slowly clasps one of her upper arms and lays his other arm over her stomach. He hears her squeak as he pulls her closer to him. He presses his face into her neck, breathes moistly against her skin, and holds her tight. After a while, he hears her breathing soften. They lie completely still as their body warmth together brings sweat to their skin, but he does not let go of her.
The next morning Axel is up early. Hes slept for only four hours and his muscles ache. He stands awhile at the window looking out over the dark outlines of the lilac hedge.
When he comes into his new office, hes still feeling frozen and tired. Yesterday hed been one second away from signing his name to a dead mans contract. He would have put his personal honor into the hands of a man whod hanged himself-trusted the judgment of a suicide and not his own.
Hes glad he decided to wait, but regrets drawing the cartoon on the contract.
He knows hes obligated to approve the export of ammunition to Kenya in the next few days. He opens the report folder and begins to learn about Swedens trade there.
One hour later, the door to Axel Riessens office opens and Jorgen Grunlicht comes in. Without a word, he pulls a chair up to the desk and sits down. He opens the folder, takes out the contract, flips to the page where Axels signature was supposed to be, and then meets Axels eyes.
Hi, Axel says quietly.
Jorgen Grunlicht cant help smiling. The cartoon face with spiky hair does resemble Axel Riessen and in the dialogue bubble from the figures mouth the word Hi! had been written.
Hello, Jorgen says.
It was just too soon, Axel explains.
I understand. I didnt want to pressure you, even if were in a bit of a hurry, Jorgen says. The trade minister was on my case again and Silencia Defense is ringing the phone off the hook. Still, I get you, you know. This responsibility is totally new to you and you want to be especially thorough.
Thats right.
And thats a good thing, he continues. But you can send the agreement to the government instead if youre unsure about it.
Im not unsure, Axel replies. Im just not finished. Thats all there is to it.
Its just from their perspective, things are going unreasonably slowly.
Im putting everything else aside for the moment and so far I can say that everything looks good, Axel replies. Im not telling Silencia Defense to wait before loading the freighter, but Im just not finished yet.
Ill let all parties involved know you are positive.
Go ahead. I mean, if I dont find anything unusual, its just-
You wont. Ive done all the research myself.
Well, then, Axel says softly.
I wont disturb you anymore, Jorgen says. He gets up from the chair. Any hint when you think youll be ready?
Axel glances down at the paperwork.
Count on at least a few days. Maybe Ill have to look a little more into Kenya first.
Of course. Jorgen Grunlicht smiles as he leaves the room.
61
Axel leaves the ISP office at ten oclock in the morning to work from home. He puts all the paperwork needed into his briefcase. He still feels cold from being so tired, and now hes hungry as well. He drives to the Grand Hotel and picks up brunch for two people.