cannot influence what is written in the press. The problem in this case is that Blomkvist knows only a fraction of the truth about Zalachenko, and much of what he thinks he knows is wrong."
"I see."
"What Blomkvist doesn't grasp is that if the truth about Zalachenko comes out, the Russians will swiftly identify our informants and sources in Russia. People who have risked their lives for democracy will be in danger of being killed."
"But isn't Russia a democracy now too? I mean, if this had been during the communist days - "
"That's an illusion. This is about people who spied formerly within the Soviet Union - no regime in the world would stand for that, even if it happened many years ago. And a number of these sources are still active."
No such agents existed, but Ekstrom could not know that. He was bound to take Nystrom at his word. And he could not help feeling flattered that he was being given information - off the record, of course - that was among the most secret to be found in Sweden. He was slightly surprised that the Swedish Security Police had been able to penetrate the Russian military to the degree Nystrom was describing, and he perfectly understood that this was, of course, information that absolutely could not be disseminated.
"When I was assigned to make contact with you, we did an extensive investigation of your background," Nystrom said.
The seduction always involved discovering someone's weaknesses. Prosecutor Ekstrom's weakness was his conviction as to his own importance. He was like everyone else, he appreciated flattery. The trick was to make him feel that he had been specially chosen.
"And we have been able to satisfy ourselves that you are a man who enjoys enormous respect within the police force... and of course in government circles."
Ekstrom looked pleased. That unnamed individuals in government circles had great confidence in him implied that he could count on their gratitude if he played his cards right.
"Simply stated, my assignment is to provide you with background as necessary, and as discreetly as possible. You must understand how improbably complicated this story has become. For one thing, a preliminary investigation is under way, for which you bear the primary responsibility. No-one - not in the government or in the Security Police or anywhere else - can interfere in how you run this investigation. Your job is to ascertain the truth and bring the guilty parties to court. One of the most crucial functions in a democratic state."
Ekstrom nodded.
"It would be a national catastrophe if the whole truth about Zalachenko were to leak out."
"So what exactly is the purpose of your visit?"
"First, to make you aware of the sensitive nature of the situation. I don't think Sweden has been in such an exposed position since the end of the Second World War. One might say that, to a certain extent, the fate of Sweden rests in your hands."
"And who is your superior?"
"I regret it, but I cannot reveal the name of anyone working on this case. But I can say that my instructions come from the very highest levels."
Good Lord. He's acting on orders from the government. But he can't say without unleashing a political firestorm.
Nystrom saw that Ekstrom had swallowed the bait.
"What I am able to do, however, is to provide you with information. I have been given the authority to use my own judgement in giving you sight of material that is, some of it, the most highly classified in this country."
"I see."
"This means that if you have questions about something, whatever it may be, then you should turn to me. You must not talk to anyone else in the Security Police, only to me. My assignment is to be your guide in this labyrinth, and if clashes between various interests threaten to arise, then we will assist each other in finding solutions."
"I understand. In that case I should say how grateful I am that you and your colleagues are willing to facilitate matters for me."
"We want the legal process to take its course even though this is a difficult situation."
"Good. I assure you that I will exercise the utmost discretion. This isn't the first time I've handled Top Secret information, after all."
"No, we are quite aware of that."
Ekstrom had a dozen questions that Nystrom meticulously noted, and then answered as best he could. On this third visit Ekstrom would be given answers to several of the questions