At the hospital where Vanger is recovering from surgery, Blomkvist meets Birger Vanger, Cecilia’s brother, for the first time. Birger is hostile and warns Blomkvist to stay out of the family’s affairs. Cecilia is also at the hospital, having returned from London with Anita when Vanger became ill. Concerned for Vanger’s health, she becomes angry when Blomkvist tries to discuss news about Harriet. Blomkvist retreats, not wishing to upset her.

Frode visits Blomkvist’s cabin and tells him that the family members are upset with his inquiries. However, he promises to uphold Vanger’s contract and support Blomkvist’s investigation. Later, Martin visits the guest house and reiterates the family’s wishes for him to stop his research. He also mentions that should Vanger pass away, he is next in line to handle the partnership with Millennium. He insinuates that he can damage the magazine if Blomkvist does not do as he wishes.

Salander visits her mother again at the nursing home and notices that she is even less engaged and lucid than before. She returns home and begins her research on the four other names on Harriet’s list: Magda, Sara, Mari, and R.L. On her first attempt, she discovers Magda’s identity as a woman who was murdered in 1960.