‘Is it already agreed?’ Henrik asked, sharply. ‘What does Nina say about it?’
Bjorn sighed. ‘Less convinced but taking some time to think it through. It’s a lot of money, Henny.’
‘How much? Fifty pieces of silver?’ Tore shot back and Bjorn went quiet. ‘I didn’t think our family legacy was for sale.’
‘Don’t be an old dinosaur about it, my friend. None of us are getting any younger and it might be nice to retire before we’re dead, don’t you think?’
I sat quietly watching Tore’s face as it dawned on him what was happening. I couldn’t let Mark do this. It would break all three Nilsen hearts at once and ruin their family wedding.
‘Is there anything we can do at this stage to change your mind?’ I asked, gently. ‘Even if it’s just a chance for us all to discuss the situation in person, before any firm decisions are made.’
‘It isn’t all down to me of course. Nina needs time to consider the proposal as well.’
‘Can we at least all get together and talk face to face?’ I said, desperately trying to buy some time.
‘You know where we are, Tore. You are always welcome. Let me know when.Farvel.’ The phone went dead.
Tore put his head in his hands. ‘I always feared something like this might happen.’
‘There will be a way,Pappa. Don’t be upset.’ Henrik hugged him tight. ‘Nina will never agree to it. We’ll make Bjorn see sense together.’
Tore shook his head. ‘Not if he’s made up his mind. He can be a stubborn old goat. Money does strange things to people, Henrik. It changes them.’ I thought of the glint in Mark’s eye when he’d offered me a finder’s fee. As if that would make it OK.
‘This is all my fault,’ I said, miserably. ‘If I hadn’t come here, Mark would never have known it existed.’
‘There is no blame, Sara,’ Tore said. ‘Money-grabbers always find a way.’
‘Let me see what I can do – please. I have a lawyer friend in Bergen who might be able to help.’
Tore shrugged. ‘I imagine it’s too late, but you can try.’
‘Thanks Sara, but we’ll take it from here,’ Henrik said. ‘We just need some time on our own to figure out what’s going on. You understand.’
I nodded. I understood only too well.
