False Note

William grew up as the son of a beloved opera singer, a man Stockholm adored and William learned to fear. Charisma, drink, women, and a talent for cruelty came in the same package, and William's childhood was spent managing all four.

When he falls in love with Ebba, he believes he has finally found a way out of his father's orbit. He is wrong about how easily that grip lets go.

A short story from David Lagercrantz, translated by Elizabeth DeNoma, and part of the Alibis collection of short fiction about lies, truth, and deception. It reads in a single sitting.