Chapter 128: The Shadow Of Obsession, Part 16, Twenty-Six Years Ago, The Gift

KLEMPNER

I step out, feeling bright. Everything is going perfectly.

Bech's done well...

Nothing like a little competition to get the prices up

Another shipment like that and I can open the east wing at Blessingmoors...

So Yakovlevski wants a mix...

A couple of leggy Russian types ought to fit in well...

Back to Helsinki...

But first I want to see the apartment. Keys jingling in my pocket, I head out.

Will she like it?

But as the lock turns smoothly and the door clicks open, my doubts settle.

What's not to like?

The space is bright and airy, morning sunshine spilling through panes and onto, as I requested, new flooring and walls painted in cool neutral colours.

Much better than what she has...

And she can soon put her own stamp on it...

The carpets are deep and thick. Nonetheless, my footsteps echo in the empty rooms.

To furnish or not to furnish...?

Let her choose from the start?

Or furnish first then she can change it to suit herself?