"INSPECTOR MONTALBANO:" ""THE SPIDER'S PATIENCE"" "Hello?" "Are you awake, sir?" "Catarella..." "let's see..." "It's six in the morning!" "Actually, my watch says three minutes past six." "It's fast." " I'll put it back three minutes." " Good idea." " Thank you, sir." " You're welcome." "Sorry, but that discussion about the time made me forget to mention the reason I called." "Go ahead." "They sequestered a young girl's scooter." "Sequestered?" "Sequestered, sir!" "You call me at six in the morning to tell me they sequestered a scooter?" "If it's all right with you, I don't give shit!" "You don't need my permission to not give a shit, sir!" "But it wasn't sequestered by us, or the "Beneamata"." "The Benemerita." "Who then?" "It's a puzzle, sir." "No one knows." "They found the scooter, but the owner's vacated." "Vacated?" "I don't get it!" "You recovered a scooter, but you can't find the owner." "Ls that it?" "Exactly, sir." "Let me talk to Fazio." "He's at the scene." "Ls Augello there?" "No, he's at the scene too." "They're all at the scene?" "So, why did you call me?" "Augello told me to call you right away, sir." "Augello told you?" "Great!" "I'll take care of him." "Get a photo of this." "Mimi!" "Would you mind explaining what the hell's going on?" "Salvo, this looks tricky." "That's why I called you." " Where's Fazio?" " At the villa with the girl's father." " In case someone calls." " Who is this girl?" "Susanna Mistretta." "She disappeared yesterday." "She went to a friend's house and didn't return home." "Her father called her cell phone, but it was off." "He got in his car and drove along the road she usually takes, but he didn't see her." " Who found the scooter?" " Her boyfriend, Francesco." "He took the usual route too, but there was no sign of her so he tried this one... even if it takes longer to get to her house this way." "That's how he spotted the scooter." "It's in perfect condition." "There are no dents, it's just a bit dusty." " Did he leave it like that?" " No, he swears he didn't touch it." " Found anything here?" " No." "The girl's father said she had a backpack with her stuff in it." "Cell phone, keys, wallet, but we haven't found it." "What's up, Salvo?" " There's something I don't get." " What?" "The scooter's direction." "If she came from there and was on her way home, why is the scooter facing that way?" "The phone's in the room with the sofa." "Set everything up." "Good morning, Inspector." "This is the girl." "We found the photo in her room." "This is her father." "Dr. Mistretta, Det." "Montalbano." " Good morning." "Any news?" " Nothing." "Can we talk privately?" "Yes." "if you hear a bell ring upstairs would you let me know?" "You see, my wife..." " Yes, don't worry." " This way." " ls your wife sick?" " She's dying." " Does she know about this?" " No." "She's on tranquillizers and sleeping pills." " But..." " What?" "She keeps calling for Susanna." "It's as if she knows there's something going on." "Mr Mistretta, I have to inform the authorities... about this kidnapping." "Judges... the chief of police, my colleagues at Montelusa..." "Excuse me." "I haven't done so yet because I want to be sure." " Of what?" " That it really is a kidnapping." " What else could it be?" " I don't know." "We'll see." " Could you pay a ransom?" " No, Inspector." "We live on my pension." "The only thing we have is this house... me and my brother, Carlo, and we've had to mortgage it." " Your wife has to be looked after?" " Constantly, day and night." "Susanna and I take turns." "How long has this been going on?" "She started to go downhill six months ago." "What if your daughter had a breakdown and ran away?" "That's out of the question." "She's got a strong character and she's very giving." "She'd never do something like that." "Never!" "And where would she have gone to hide?" "Any friends or relatives she was particularly close to?" "She used to visit my brother, but not often." "And she'd see Francesco, the boy who helped me look for her." "She wasn't on close terms with anyone else." " And the girl she went to visit?" " They just studied together." "This Francesco, her boyfriend..." " Did they get on well together?" " I think so." "Sometimes they'd argue over the phone, but just the usual kids' stuff." "Could she have got involved with another boy who convinced her to run away with him?" "Inspector, my daughter is very honest." "If she'd been seeing anyone else, she'd have told Francesco and ended their relationship." "Excuse me." " I heard the bell ring." " I'll be right there." "Poor devil!" "I feel very sorry for Mistretta." "Weird that there's been no ransom demand, isn't it?" "I don't know, I'm not an expert on kidnapping." "Me neither." "We didn't find anything." "What now?" "Notify the chief of police and Jacomuzzi." "I need the number of Francesco, Susanna's boyfriend." "And the address of the girl she studied with." "Got them?" "Here they are." " What are you going to do?" " I'm going to headquarters." "If the kidnappers call soon, like I hope, let me know." "Why do you hope they call soon?" "Girls like Susanna get kidnapped for two reasons: money or rape." "If the kidnappers call, they want money." "That's better for everyone, especially the girl." " I'll call you later." " Okay." "Good morning." "Good morning." " Inspector Montalbano?" " Yes." "How fantastic!" "I never thought I'd meet you!" "Come in, Inspector." " Thanks." " You're welcome." "I know you, I've seen your photo in the papers." "I read a lot of thrillers, I'm a big fan." "But can I tell you something?" "You're better!" "You're better than Maigret, Poirot..." "Would you like a coffee?" "Yes, please, if it's no trouble." "Of course not!" "My mother's out shopping, it's the maid's morning off... and I'm all alone in the house." "I'll make coffee right away." "Come through." "Listen to me a minute." "Yes, I'm telling you..." "Wait a second." "Will you shut up?" "I'm telling you he's here." "Out of the blue..." "Inspector Montalbano!" "He's here, I tell you!" "He just turned up!" "He's making inquiries." "Sure, but hurry up or he'll be gone." "Yes, I'll expect you." "Tell Emanuela too, she'll definitely want to come." "Sandra, bring your camera." "What for?" "So we can have our photos taken with him!" " How much sugar?" " None, thanks." "Are you close friends with Susanna?" "I wouldn't say we're close." "We met at university in Palermo." "We're both from Vigata and we enrolled in the same faculty." "Susanna came here to study in the afternoons, from 3 to 6." " And Francesco, her boyfriend?" " Lipari?" " Why?" "Are there any others?" " No!" "I've never met him, but she mentioned him sometimes." "We girls talk about boyfriends!" "For example, a boyfriend is something... I haven't got." "Did Susanna and Francesco get on well?" "I think so." "Did Susanna ever mention another boy?" "No!" "She's a good girl, kind, honest..." "like me." "But she's not very outgoing." "Did she get any phone calls before leaving yesterday?" "No, no one called her." "She left at the usual time and should have come back at 3 today." "Inspector, can I tell you what I think's happened to Susanna?" " Of course." " Yes?" "Heavens!" "Inspector, I definitely don't think she's been kidnapped." "I think she wanted to go and that she'll come back soon." "She needed a break because she couldn't stand seeing her mother like that." "Every day, every night..." "Thanks, you've been very helpful." "Now I must go." "Already?" "Wait five minutes!" "I want a photo with you, some friends are coming!" " I'm sorry..." " You're not going to summons me?" " I'll summons you." " I'll see you out." " Didn't you like the coffee?" " it was delicious." " Can't you spare five minutes?" " Not a even second." " Goodbye." " See you soon." " Catarella!" " Sir..." "No, me first." "Call the second number, Francesco Lipari's." " Francesco Lipari." " Call him down to headquarters." " Now you." " I've got to call Lipari." "No!" "What did you want to say?" "To you?" "Nothing, sir!" "But..." "Okay, forget it!" "Oh, sir!" "Excuse me, I was forgetting." "The chief of police wanted to speak to you urgently!" "Call him and put him through to my office." "Good morning, sir!" " Good morning to you." " How may I help you?" " You heard about the kidnapping?" " Yes, I heard." " Terrible, isn't it?" " Awful." "I wanted to inform you that Valente's handling this." "Being from Calabria, let's say he's... ..an expert on kidnapping like everyone from Calabria!" "And don't tread on other people's toes like you usually do." "No, of course not!" "Your actions must be supportive and converge with those of Valente." "Of course!" "Can you give me an example?" "Of what?" "Of what..." "of how I can converge." " You really want me to explain?" " No, I'm sorry!" "I understand." ""To converge" means that if I'm the River Dora," "Valente is the River Po, right?" "Exactly!" "See you soon." "Thank you, sir." "Converge..." "Con..." "Me and my big mouth..." "Converge my ass!" " Hello, Inspector." " Hello!" " Here's your fish." " it looks marvellous." " Shall I serve you?" " Yes, thank you." "Thanks." " Thanks a lot." " Shall I leave it here?" "No, keep it warm." "Inspector, there's a phone call for you." "For me?" "Thanks." "Hello?" "Montalbano speaking." "Hello, it's Valente." "Fifi!" "Just a second." " What is it?" " I'm calling about Fazio." "Can I borrow him?" "The chief won't give me any men." "All I've got is some telephone surveillance technicians." " He says I'm enough." " Because you're from Calabria!" "Who's from Calabria?" "You're a kidnapping expert because you're from Calabria." "I've got nothing against Calabria, but I'm from Messina." "Exactly!" "But he thinks you're from Calabria, what can I do?" "Can I borrow Fazio till tonight?" "If he lasts that long." "Isn't it strange that the kidnappers haven't made contact?" "No, it's normal." "I handled a case where they waited a week." "See, you really are the expert from Calabria!" " The chief of police is right!" " Go to hell, both of you!" " Bye, Fifi." " Bye, Montalbano." "Hello, Inspector." "Hello, sir." "Inspector?" "You wanted to see me?" "Me?" "No." "Catarella!" "You told me to call him." "You even gave me a note." " I'm Francesco Lipari." " Of course, come through." " Thanks, Catarella." " Always at your service, sir." " Did Valente question you?" " No, no one's questioned me." "I called Susanna's father to see if there was any news." "But he's heard nothing." "This silence makes me fear the worst." " Meaning?" " Someone kidnapped her... so they could sexually abuse her." "What makes you think that?" "Everyone knows that Susanna's father is broke." "And there's something else that worries me." "Susanna took a different route home yesterday, one that's longer than her usual one." "I don't know why, but that road seems perfect for a kidnapping." " How old are you, Mr Lipari?" " 23." "Call me Francesco, please." " Do you study or work?" " I study law." " I graduate next year." " Then what do you want to do?" " The same thing as you." " Join the police?" " Why?" " Because I like it." "Did Susanna ever mention getting obscene phone calls, indecent proposals?" "She got lots of compliments." "She's a beautiful girl." "But if anything weird had happened, I'm sure she'd have told me." "Tina is convinced that Susanna wanted to go away." "Why?" "Her mother's illness was taking its toll on her nerves." "She was worn out from taking care of her." "No, Inspector." "I'm sure Susanna's nerves will give out one day." "But I'm also sure it won't happen till after her mother dies." "What's wrong with her mother?" "To be honest, I don't really know." "Susanna told me her mother has an incurable illness." "She's lost the will to live:" "it's a kind of terminal depression." " How did you meet Susanna?" " We met in a bar." " And you hit it off immediately?" " Hit it off?" "It was love at first sight." "When you're a policeman, you'll have to ask embarrassing questions too." "Did you do it with her?" "What?" "Francesco, what..." "Did you make love?" "No." "But..." "But we met before she went to Tina's yesterday... she asked if she could come to my place." "I said yes." "That's how we made love for the first time." "I'm Carlo Mistretta, Susanna's uncle." "Hello." "Montalbano." "I was informed about the kidnappers' phone call." "I rushed over here because my brother felt unwell." "How is he?" "I hope I've given him a chance to get some sleep." " His wife knows what's going on?" " No, of course not!" "My brother told her that Susanna is sitting exams in Palermo." "My poor sister-in-law isn't very lucid." "She often lapses into complete confusion." "Valente!" " Where did the call come from?" " it was over too quickly." "We'll discuss it when you've heard the tape." "Fazio!" " Excuse me..." " Don't worry." "Let me hear it." "There." "Hello?" "Who's speaking?" " Listen and don't interrupt." " This is Mistretta." "Who's calling?" " Recognize this voice?" " Who is this?" "Dad, please!" "Help me!" "Get me out of here!" "Dad, please!" "Hear that?" "The girl's with us and she's fine for now." "Have plenty of cash ready." "I'll be in touch." "Hello?" "Let me hear it again." " Listen and don't interrupt." " This is Mistretta." "Who's calling?" " Recognize this voice?" " Who is this?" "Dad, please!" "Help me!" "Get me out of here!" "Dad, please!" "Hear that?" " The message was recorded." " I agree." " The voice was disguised." " Obviously." "There's at least two of them." "I'll tell you why." "Susanna's voice was some distance away from the tape recorder." "When the kidnapper said:" ""Recognize this voice?"" "there was a brief silence while his accomplice took the girl's gag off." "I think he could be operating alone." "He said, "Recognize this voice?" and went to remove the gag." "The silence would have been longer in that case." "You know, they're not following the standard procedure." "Meaning what?" "How is a kidnapping usually carried out?" "They use thugs to handle the actual kidnapping." "The hostage is then handed over to the keepers, who are responsible for hiding and guarding him." "Only then do the ringleaders communicate their demands." "Therefore the ransom demand comes a few days after the kidnapping." "Here, it's only been a matter of hours." "So?" "I think the people that kidnapped Susanna are the same ones who are holding her prisoner." "The same ones who made that phone call." "It's not a big set up." "It's more like a cottage industry." "If so, they're not professionals and that makes it more complicated." "And it's riskier for the girl." "ls that clear?" "Perfectly." "This could mean that she's being held close by." "They're not in a hurry either." "The price for the victim's release is usually established right away." "They don't have time to lose." "Listen, was it standard procedure to let Susanna speak on the phone?" "Not usually." "You only see it in films." "If you're not willing to pay, they get the hostage to write to you or they send a piece of his ear to your house." "These are the only forms of contact between hostages and families." "Did you notice anything about that man's voice?" " Like what?" " Standard Italian, no accent." "You're right." "Catarella, make sure we're not disturbed." "Yes, sir." "Sit down." " Got anything to tell me?" " Nothing in particular." "There is something I didn't tell you, but I don't know if it's important." "Go ahead, it could be useful." "When I found her scooter, I didn't call her dad right away." "I followed the path down to Vigata and back." " Why?" " An instinctive reaction." "I thought she might have fallen, or fainted and lost her memory." "So I hunted up and down for her." " On the way back, I..." " You looked for her helmet." " You thought of that too?" " Yes, but we haven't found it." "I can't see the kidnappers driving around with Susanna..." " ..still wearing her helmet." " Me neither." "You've got no idea what could've happened?" "There are a lot of things that don't add up." "First of all, why did Susanna take a route she'd never taken before?" "Maybe she knows someone who lives around there." "No, she didn't." "And no one saw her either." "It could all stem from a chance meeting..." " ..but I don't think so." " Why not?" "The kidnappers seem to be quite well organized." "They're not in a hurry to release their hostage because they've got a safe place to keep her." "But you need to find a safe place, then you have to plan, organize etc." "So you think Susanna was kidnapped by someone... ..who knew she'd take that route home?" "No, wait." "We can speculate as much as you want, but the more we examine details that seem essential, the more blurred they become." "For example, you came to talk about Susanna's helmet." " Yes." " We didn't mention it again." "Did you notice?" "it slipped into the background." "The problem isn't figuring out how they kidnapped her, but why." "Sorry about the noise, I lost control of my hand." "What is it?" "You said you didn't want to be disturbed by any disturbers." " So I'm here to ask a question." " Well then, go ahead!" "Does Zito, that journalist, belong to the disturbers category or vice versa?" "I say so." "No." "He's on the line?" "I'll take the call here, thanks." "Okay, sir." " Excuse me." " No problem." " Hi, Salvo." "It's Niccolò." " Hi, Niccolò." "Listen, I've just got into the office." "What do I care about your timekeeping?" "Salvo, I've got to talk to you." " What is it?" " No, you've got to come here." "Montalbano!" "Come in." "Come in!" "Excuse me a moment, guys." "Hi, Niccolò." "What's happened?" "We got an anonymous phone call this morning." "I recorded it and I wanted you to hear it." "Hello?" "Who's speaking?" " Listen and don't interrupt." " This is Mistretta." "Who's calling?" " Recognize this voice?" " Who is this?" "Dad, please!" "Help me!" "Get me out of here!" "Dad, please!" "Stop it." " Why?" "What is it?" " I've already heard it." "Where?" "At Mistretta's house, yesterday." "Why do they want to get us involved too?" "I'm convinced they want everyone to know they've got the girl." " Why?" " That's the big mystery." "It's in a kidnapper's interests to keep things as quiet as possible, but this lot want to make as much noise as they can." "I don't get it." "What do I do now?" "If you broadcast it, you're playing their game." "My dear Montalbano, I don't play along with crooks." "Good for you!" "I'll get them to write those noble words on your tombstone." "You bastard!" "If you want to be a credit to your profession, hand the recording over to the judge and the chief of police." "I'll do it right away... ..or my name's not Zito!" "Bloody hell!" "Look at this." "We will now broadcast a disturbing message we received this morning." "What?" "Hello?" "Who's speaking?" "Listen and don't interrupt." "Damn, they even sent it to them!" "And those buggers are broadcasting it!" " Having second thoughts?" " No, but they beat me to the scoop." "You're either a credit to your profession or a disgrace." "I'm a credit!" "But to lose a scoop like that..." "We were very uncertain about transmitting the phone call you just heard." "The terrified, distressing voice of Susanna Mistretta... I can't stand watching this jerk anymore, I'm off!" "I'll see you out, I don't want to watch either." "Franco, speed things up we're running late." "What do you think these kidnappers want?" "I don't know, but it isn't cash." "The Mistrettas can't even pay for their groceries." "They haven't even got any handkerchiefs left to cry into." "How come they lost everything?" "I'm don't really know." "I heard they had to sell off practically everything six years ago." "So, they urgently needed cash six years ago too." "But there hadn't been a kidnapping." "So?" "There could have been lots of reasons." "I get what you mean!" "You're too much, Montalbano!" "We have our humble logic yet you use intuition, just like that!" "I won't tell you where to go in front of your colleagues!" " I'll say goodbye." " Bye." "Don't worry, sir." "Right away!" "I'm going for a coffee." "Sir, the chief of police is on the line." "Can you speak to him?" "Yes, give me the phone." "Thanks." " Good morning, sir." " Good morning." "Get onto this immediately." "Yes sir!" "What have I got to do?" "I just heard that Augello had an accident." "What happened?" "Nothing serious, he had a fall and hurt himself." "He must be substituted right away." "Someone's got to coordinate the men working under him." "You go, but don't take any initiatives." "I'll send another replacement as soon as I can." "All right, thanks." " Where's Galluzzo?" " He's around somewhere." "Galluzzo!" " Seen Galluzzo?" " No." "Where did he go?" "Galluzzo!" "Yes, sir?" "Augello's hurt, we're standing in for him." " Jesus Christ!" " No, it's nothing serious." " I was speaking for myself." " What've you done?" "I don't know what I ate, but I keep running to the bathroom." " Well, you'll just have to hold it." " Good morning, sir." " What's up?" " I can't do it anymore, sir." "What do you mean?" "I can't hold it in any longer!" " We're nearly there." "It's only 3 km." " I can't go any further." "FRESH EGGS." "I'm almost done, sir!" " Galluzzo!" " I'm coming!" "Come here." " Here I am." " I think this is the girl's helmet." " What luck!" " You bet your ass!" "This could mean she's nearby." "Shall I call for backup?" "No, I think they want us to believe that." " It's a false lead." " What'll we do?" "Tell Augello to send someone to keep an eye on it." "In the meantime, you stay here." " Where are you going?" " To see if there are any fresh eggs." "Good morning." "Why did you park so far away?" "You could have parked here." "Don't worry, it's fine." "Eggs or something else?" "Something else?" "Something else." "Come with me then." " Stop." "I'm Inspector Montalbano." " Holy Mary!" " You have a license to sell eggs?" " Yes, I'll show you." "Don't worry, but my colleagues will want it." " Why?" "What's happened?" " Tell me first." " Do you live alone?" " No, with my husband." " Where is he?" " In the barn." " Go and get him." " He can't come." "Why not?" "He's got no legs." "They were amputated after the accident." " What accident?" " He was on his tractor... and it overturned." " When did it happen?" " Three years ago." "We'd been married two years." "I want to see him." "At night, the pain is terrible." "Why don't you take him to hospital?" "I do a better job looking after him." "Dr. Mistretta told me to give him an injection when it gets too bad." "But medicines cost money and he can't go without." "I'd sell my eyes if I had to." "That's why I do what I do." "Well!" "You heard about the girl who got kidnapped?" "Yes, on television." "Noticed anything strange around here recently?" "Nothing, Inspector." "You're sure?" "Well, maybe the other night, but it could've been nothing." "Try me." "The other night, I was in bed when I heard a car coming." "I got up thinking it was someone for me." "But the car pulled up here then drove off." "Because there's room to turn the car around here." "I found something here which may belong to the girl." "No, Inspector..." "we've got nothing to do with this... I know, but you'll be questioned." "Tell them about the car." "But don't tell them you..." "don't let them see you like this." "All made up, with those shoes on." "You just sell eggs, is that clear?" "Yes, Inspector." "Thanks." "Thanks, Inspector." " Hello, Catarella." " Always at your service, sir." "Are you leaving?" "No, I'm going back to the villa." "Valente wants me to tap the phone." "This is clean underwear and stuff." "Inspector, there's something I must tell you." "After the programme on TeleVigata, they got lots of calls at the villa." "Requests for interviews, supportive calls, prayers and so on." "But a couple of calls were slightly different." "The first one was from the manager of Peruzzo." " What's that?" " No idea." "It's just what he said." "He said the name didn't count, but wanted me to tell Mistretta that pride is good, but too much brings trouble." " What about the other call?" " it was an elderly lady who wanted to speak to Mrs. Mistretta." "When she realized that she couldn't come to the phone, she begged me to say the following to her:" ""Your daughter's life is in your hands." "Get rid of everything and make the first move."" " Meaning?" " I don't know." " Did you tell Valente?" " No." " Why not?" " I didn't think he'd be interested." "But perhaps they'll get you thinking." "Good work, Fazio." "Thanks." "See you, Inspector." " Bye, Catarella." " Goodbye, sir." "May I come in?" "Good morning, Inspector." "Come in, won't you?" "Follow me." "I've just finished eating." "Would you like a coffee?" "Yes, thanks." "This country house may seem too big for just one person." "It used to be, but that's all changed now." "There were vineyards and olive trees all around here." "The house, the building next door, has an oil press, millstones... wine cellars that are no longer used." "And the top floor's been off limits for years." "I came here to ask... if you'd care to tell me anything about your sister-in-law's illness." "Inspector, there's no... breach of confidence." "My sister-in-law was poisoned." "An irreversible poisoning which makes her death unavoidable." "They poisoned her?" "Why do you say "they"?" "It was just one man." " Do you know his name?" " Of course." " Why didn't you report him?" " He can't be legally prosecuted." "Why not?" "What was she poisoned with?" "Life." "Or rather, somebody cruelly forced her... to enter into one of life's worst areas." "At a certain point, Giulia refused to continue." "She gave up her fight and let herself go completely." "Sorry, I don't understand." "Can you be more specific?" "Her brother." " Whose brother?" " Giulia's." " She has a brother?" " Yes." "Antonio." "Why hasn't he been here..." "You're right." "Why hasn't he been here considering the tragic situation?" "You see, they haven't seen each other for a long time." "Let's say, six years?" "You already know, Inspector." "Yes, it all began about six years ago." "Giulia and her brother were orphaned at an early age." "They grew up, like most orphans do, very close to each other." "When Giulia married my brother, Salvatore, they moved to Uruguay for work and Giulia took her brother along." "Hello?" "Yes, it's me." "When?" "I'll be right there." "Inspector Montalbano's here." "Do you want a word?" "Hello?" "Fazio." " Where's my brother?" " Upstairs with the nurse." "He heard the phone call and fainted." "I'm going up to see him." "Fazio, let me listen." "Hello?" "Who is it?" "Listen to me, Susanna is fine." "But she wants to be with her mother." "Get six billion ready." "I repeat, six billion." "You know where to get it." "Speak soon." "They didn't get Susanna to speak." " No." " And they're talking about billions." " What else should they talk about?" " Euros." " isn't it the same thing?" " No." "Whoever left that message is used to doing things the old way." "It's easier for them to calculate the money in liras." "Or maybe they want to fool us, like with the helmet and the bag." "I'm going to get some fresh air." "if anyone calls, you get it." "Off you go." "This call contains an important new element." "The kidnapper says he knows the Mistrettas don't have the money but claims they know where to get it." "Whereas we don't have a clue." " But we could have one." " How?" "We have to persuade the Mistrettas to take the necessary action to get the six billion." "If they do that, we'll find out a lot." " The judge knows about this call?" " Not yet." "You could ask for Mr. and Mrs. Mistretta's bank accounts to be frozen and inform the press of this." "What for?" "To force them to take action to get the money, to put them under pressure from public opinion." "And as soon as he's better..." "I'm going to question Susanna's father." "Good idea." "Is it true they want six billion?" "Unfortunately, yes." "My poor niece!" " Doctor, can I have a word?" " Of course." "You see, the phone call my brother told me about gets to the heart of the matter I was telling you about." "You said the Mistrettas went to Uruguay and that Giulia took her brother along." "Antonio has an engineering degree." "He found work right away in Uruguay thanks to my brother." "He made a fortune in five years." "Antonio, I mean." "Not as an engineer but thanks to his expertise regarding tax evasion." "There was a lot of that in Uruguay." "In other words, he found a sort of legal way to evade taxes and help others evade them." "So after five years, with all the money he'd made, he came back to Sicily and got various contracts for the public sector." "Don't ask me how." "I don't know and I don't want to, even though I can guess." "Eventually, Antonio was investigated for these contracts." "In order to save himself he needed to get rid of some documents." "One evening, about six years ago, he went to Giulia's house and with tears in his eyes he asked... for two billion liras." "At that moment, he had no cash and didn't want to ask his bank." "Inspector, the Mistrettas sold everything they had in a month." "We managed to raise one billion, 750 million liras." "But Antonio Peruzzo needed two billion liras." "Who put up the rest of the money?" "Must I tell you, Inspector?" "Yes." "I did." "You?" "And then?" "A year or so later, Giulia decided to send her daughter, Susanna, to study in Florence." "So she asked her brother for some of the money she'd lent him." "But he said it wasn't the right time." "To put it simply, it was never the right time." "You mean this debt still hasn't been settled?" "Exactly." "He got off scot-free at his trial and then mysteriously his engineering firms started to go bankrupt, one after the other." "Everyone lost out." "Creditors, suppliers, workmen, employees, everyone." "He fell out with his sister." "And Giulia got ill." "She lost the will to live." "How's Antonio Peruzzo's business doing now?" "Marvellously, Inspector." "What are you doing here?" "I like coming to hospital and strolling down the corridors, back and forth!" " You miss me?" "You're here for me?" " Don't be stupid." "How are you?" "Two broken ribs and aches and pains all over." "You fell into a ditch!" "Forget it!" "How's the investigation going?" "Nothing definite, but I have a theory." "What is it?" "These men didn't want to kidnap Salvatore Mistretta's daughter but rather, Peruzzo's niece." " Who's this Peruzzo?" " That building contractor..." " He's involved in politics too now." " I've not heard of him." "He's Susanna Mistretta's uncle, the very wealthy one." "I don't think this kidnapping is about money, it's about getting revenge on Peruzzo." " What makes you think that?" " The kidnapper's method." "They're slowly getting Peruzzo involved in the matter, without anyone realizing that he was the target from the start." "Revenge?" "Now we know the motive, it's easy to find the culprit." "I wish!" "When Peruzzo's businesses collapsed a few years ago, lots of people lost out." "Lots of people are after him." " What shall we do?" " Nothing, we wait for the next move." "How are you, Mimi?" "I told you, I've got two broken ribs!" " Has her father seen this?" " You're kidding?" "I didn't let him see this or the television." "I told the nurse to keep him in his room." " Did you inform her uncle?" " Yes, he'll be here in a few hours." "They may be hiding her in one of those unused reservoirs." " In the countryside?" " Yes." "Without a gag, if she screams, she'll be heard where there are people." " She's not blindfolded either..." " Yes, but that's, you know..." "When they go to her, they can just cover themselves up." "Well!" "What are you thinking?" "I don't know." ""To whom it may concern"." "The first thing we must do is speak to Antonio Peruzzo." " What do you say?" " Let's go." " Do you have the number?" " Yes, here it is." "Thanks." "This is Inspector Montalbano." "I'd like to speak to Mr. Peruzzo." "Mr. Peruzzo is out." "Out of the office?" "Out of town?" "Out of town." " When will he be back?" " I don't know." " Do you know where he is?" " In Palermo." " What hotel is he staying at?" " At the Hotel Excelsior." "May I have the number?" "091 -7 7357 7" "Thank you." "Does Mr. Peruzzo have a cell phone?" "Yes." " Can you give me the number?" " Well, actually, I'm not sure if..." "Must I come to ask for it in person?" "No, I'll give it to you right away." "8333555060." "Thanks for your help." " Hotel Excelsior.." " This is Inspector Montalbano from Vigata." "I'm looking for Mr. Peruzzo." "I'm afraid he's not here." "When will he be back?" "Actually, Mr. Peruzzo didn't come back last night." " I see, thank you." " Goodbye." "The person you are calling is not available." "I knew it!" "You know what I'm going to do?" "I'm going to tap Mr. Peruzzo's telephone and those of his firm." " Inspector!" " What is it?" " There's a big ruckus in town!" " What do you mean?" "Everyone's talking about Peruzzo." "Even though they didn't say his name on TV, he was recognized." "Public opinion's split." "Some people say he should pay up, others say he's got no obligation towards his niece." "But there's less of them." "They nearly came to blows at Café Constantine." "Peruzzo's screwed!" " Catarella!" " At your service, sir!" "What's that friend of yours called?" "The one who enlarges photos." "The tall, skinny one?" "Cicco de Cicco!" " ls he still in Montelusa?" " That's right, sir!" "Take this photo to him and get him to enlarge it." " Get the switchboard covered." " Right away." "Spata, take over the switchboard." "I've got a job to do." "Oh, sir!" "I forgot." "That young man wants to speak to you." " Who?" " His name's Francesco Lipari." " Where is he?" " In your office. ls that okay?" " Good work." " I'll go right away." " Francesco!" "How are you?" " Fine." "Have a seat." "Well?" "ls there something you want to tell me?" " You've seen the photo?" " Yes." " How did she look?" " Well..." "Considering the situation, I'd say not bad." " Can I see it?" " I've just sent it to Montelusa." " Why?" " To have it analysed." " What for?" " To see where it was taken." "Can you tell if she's been mistreated or hurt?" "I wouldn't say so." " Could you see her face?" " Yes." "What was her expression like?" "I'm smiling because it's the first thing that struck me." "Susanna's got a strange expression, I'd say..." " Determined." " Right." "I know her, that means she won't give up in this situation, that she'll try to get away." "We ought to be careful." "You think Mr. Peruzzo will pay up?" "Look, as things stand now," "Mr. Peruzzo has no choice but to pay the ransom." "I hope so." "Good morning, Fazio." " Any news?" " Nothing." " Good morning." " Hello, Montalbano." "We were going to search the place." "Go ahead." "Listen, Salvo?" "Did you want to say something?" "Yes, there's to be no shooting." "No shooting." "Inspector, excuse me." " Can I ask you why?" " Because..." "Once a person like you shot and killed some loser who'd kidnapped a girl." "They couldn't find her anywhere." "The man who knew her whereabouts was dead." "She was found a month later." "She'd starved to death." "Okay?" "Good luck." "All right, where were we?" "You're in charge of the first group." "You heard what Montalbano said?" "No guns.." "May I come in?" " Of course." " I wanted a glass of water." " Come in, please." " Thanks." " I'll get it myself." " All right." "Are you Inspector Montalbano?" "Yes." " Are you the nurse?" " Yes." " Where's Mr. Mistretta?" " He's sleeping." "Doctor's orders." "I give him sleeping pills and tranquillizers as he told me to." " And Mrs. Mistretta?" " What do you mean?" "Is she better?" "ls she worse?" "Any improvement?" "The only improvement for her would be if she died." " Conscious?" " Me?" "No, not you!" "I meant Mrs. Mistretta." "At times, yes." "At times, no." "But even when it seems like she understands, I don't think she does." " Excuse me." " Of course." " Listen..." " Yes?" " Can I see her?" " Of course." "Follow me." "I understand, you want to report something." "You have to come here." "Hello, sir." "Wait!" "Hold on one second!" "The photo enlargements came in this morning." "Good, you were fast!" "Thank Cicco de Cicco." "As you wish." "What I thought was a crack is actually a thick string." "Someone had hung up a wort thermometer." "The girl had been thrown into an old wort tank." "Maybe in a fermenting house." "We have to find an old farm." "One of those old feudal homes that had barns, stables..." "By the way, did you see TeleVigata this morning?" "No, I don't watch TV in the morning." "What happened?" "The kidnappers called." "The usual disguised voice saying..." ""You've got until tomorrow night or you'll never see her again."" "A multimedia kidnapping!" "What else?" "Nothing, that was all." "They should bring the tape if we want to hear it together..." "No." "This whole thing is starting to worry me." "Well, I'm starting to enjoy it." "Let's go and tell the guys to follow this lead." "Mimi, what's wrong?" "I got sick of the hospital, I signed my release and left." "What did they do to you?" "I even dislocated my shoulder." "The doctor said it will be a month before my ribs are in place." "Did you hear about Peruzzo's wife?" "No, what happened?" "Three women recognized and surrounded her." "They started pushing her until she fell." "They even spat on her." "They told her to be ashamed and to have her husband pay the ransom." "The police had to intervene to save her, she had a rough time." " Are you serious?" " Yes, I saw her in hospital." "Her face was swollen, battered." "And two trucks from her husband's company were set on fire..." "They wrote on the wall:" ""Pay now, loser!"" "It's going to end badly for him." "No!" " Why not?" " He'll pay." "The attorney is expecting you, follow me." "Have a seat." " My good friends!" " Oh, respected attorney!" " Attorney..." " Relax..." " Can I get you anything?" " No, thanks." "Rosa, you may leave." "So shall I talk or are you asking questions?" " Go ahead." " Can I take notes?" "No, why would you need to?" "All right." " So where were we?" " We haven't even started." "Oh, right..." "As I said on TV this morning, my client, Peruzzo, ever since the day after the kidnapping, is willing to collaborate with the kidnappers who are well aware of the financial state of the Mistretta family." "When was the first contact made?" "The morning after the kidnapping he received an anonymous phone call." "When?" "Around 1 0 am the next morning." "Fourteen hours later?" "That's right, a male voice." "It said that since the kidnappers knew that the Mistretta family couldn't afford the ransom," "they considered him the only person who could comply with their request." "The were going to call back at 3 pm." "So my client came over immediately." "We quickly came to the conclusion that my client had been tricked into taking part and the kidnappers had the upper hand." "Backing out from that responsibility would be a major blow to his reputation and would definitely compromise his political ambitions." "Which is what happened, I believe." "His win was supposed to be guaranteed in the next elections." " I can imagine which party..." " Yes, it's futile to ask." "Indeed!" "As you all know, the kidnappers requested 6 billion liras and my client was forced to accept." "In record time he withdrew the six billion." "But so far, he has yet to receive as I said on TV this morning, unexplainably, any instructions." "You think that he will call you as soon as he's told where to deliver the ransom?" "Why would he call me?" "You know very well that in this case, you are obliged by law to inform us immediately." "Yes, and I'd do it straight away." " In what form?" " What do you mean?" "What kind of bills?" "500 euro bills." "Ls your client able to record the serial numbers?" "I don't know." "Okay." " And that's that." " Goodbye." "Thank you, Attorney." "Poor man, he was protecting his ass." "He was hoping for a quick resolution so people wouldn't find out." "It really is an unusual kidnapping." "They immediately called Peruzzo." "Six hours before calling us!" "They treat us like puppets." "Right!" "If they'd been in control of the situation from the start, they could've just called Peruzzo and he'd have paid." "Why didn't they?" "I don't know, to draw things out a bit more..." "The more time goes by, the riskier it is for them." "I think Susanna will be home soon." "What?" "You said the opposite this morning." "That lawyer hadn't been on TV at that point and he hadn't used that adverb he used so often with us." " What adverb?" " Unexplainably." " What does that mean?" " He can explain anything." "I don't understand shit about this thing." " What are you going to do now?" " inform the judge." " Inspector, they freed Susanna." " When?" "An hour ago, you weren't answering so I came here." " How's the girl?" " Fine, a bit drained, as expected." "Her uncle examined her and gave her the okay." " Did they treat her well?" " There was no abuse, actually..." "How many were there?" "She said she only ever saw two and they wore hoods." "They woke her up last night, put a hood on her, tied her hands and threw her in a car." "They drove for two hours and the car stopped, they got out and walked for 30 minutes." "They sat her down, loosened the knots and left." "Then she got loose and headed towards Vigata." " All according to script." " What?" "We only see the fake performance." "The real one was performed for one person, Peruzzo." "And then they called him to take part." " Go and get some rest." " That would be nice." "Valente wants me with him for another day." "Tell him he's got his own men!" "I know, but it's only one day." "I'll call him." "You can't kill yourself." "Don't worry." " Inspector!" " What is it?" "Someone's on the phone, he says his name's Luna." "I thought he was kidding and I said you are a lunatic!" "Then he got mad, I think he's crazy." " Put him through." " Right away." "Mr Lunatic, here's the Inspector." " Hello, Inspector." " Attorney Luna." "First of all, nice receptionist!" " What do you mean?" " Forget it." "Sounds like a good idea." "What is it?" "I'm calling to remind you of your pointless and offensive sarcasm last night towards me and my client." "Can you explain yourself?" "When you came over with your colleague, you thought my client wouldn't pay." "No, I was sure he would pay, willing or not." "Did you contact him?" "He called me last night after doing what was asked, what was expected by the people..." " Can we finally talk to him?" " He's not ready." "He's been through a terrible experience." "Sure, he had to fork out six billion liras!" "Yes, and then put it in a briefcase or bag." " Where did he leave it?" " They called him at 9 pm." "They described the road he'd have to take to reach that paleochristian necropolis along..." "Yes, I know which one." "He was to leave the bag in a tomb and leave." "My client went there just before midnight, executed the order and left quickly." "I have to go now." "I have a favour to ask you." "What is it?" "That you collaborate honestly, with restoring Peruzzo's reputation which has been severely damaged." "Who are the other "restorers"?" "Me, Dr Valente, the party members, anyone who's ever met... if the occasion arises, I will." " Thank you." " Goodbye." " Catarella!" " Yes, sir!" "Do you have a cell phone?" "Give it to me." "If Valente or Fazio want me, have them call me here." "Okay." "Hello?" "It's Fazio." "What's wrong?" "Valente wanted me to tell you something." "What is it?" "Valente called Attorney Luna to find out about Peruzzo." "Luna told him he paid the ransom last night and explained where he left the money." "Valente's going there, it's on the road to Brancato, the necropolis, to inspect it." "Unfortunately some reporters are following him." "They're coming here..." "I mean going there?" "Yes, they are." "Francesco, what's wrong?" " Sorry to bother you." " What is it?" "Susanna said..." "You saw her?" "No, I called her several times after she was released." "Her father or uncle kept answering saying she couldn't talk." "Then I found out her mother died and I called back, this time Susanna answered." "And..." "Relax." "Follow me." "Well?" "What did she say?" "She doesn't want to see me anymore." " She met someone else?" " Worse." "What could be worse?" "There's no one else." "It's a vow." "A decision she made during the kidnapping." " She's religious?" " No... not excessively." "She made this vow to herself if she got out and saw her mother alive." " She's leaving in a month." " Where?" "To Africa." "She's giving up university, marriage, children, everything." " To do what?" " To be useful." "That's what she said." "She wants to be useful." "She's going with a humanitarian organization." "She applied two months ago and didn't tell me." "The whole time she knew she was leaving me!" "What got into her?" "It's just a phase..." "She'll change her mind." "No, Inspector." "I know her too well." "She's hard-headed." "What does all this mean?" "They attacked Peruzzo from all sides." "TeleVigata broadcast a phone call from the kidnappers saying he didn't pay the ransom and that he'd tricked them." "But then they decided to free the girl anyway so they wouldn't have a death on their conscience." "So Peruzzo tried to trick them, risking the girl's life?" "I don't know, I think Attorney Luna's telling the truth." " Attorney Luna?" " Yes, he called last night." "After the news that the bag of paper was found." "Luna says Peruzzo left a bag containing six billion liras in a well." "Peruzzo just has to prove he withdrew that money." "That's what I say, but Luna says he didn't go to a bank but can't say who lent him the money." "I can only imagine where that money came from!" "So much for a guaranteed win in the elections." "I suspect Peruzzo isn't going to get a seat in Parliament, he'll get one in a jail cell." " Why?" " An investigation will be started." "They're searching his offices." "It seems they've already found enough evidence to send him to jail." "Good!" "Well done, Peruzzo!" "Any information from the girl?" "No, she's still upset about the kidnapping and hasn't said much." "And she's always been a mama's girl." "I'll question her after the funeral." "By the way, Salvo..." "I'd like you to be at the questioning." "But the chief says he doesn't want to take advantage of your kindness anymore." "In laymen's terms, he wants me off his back." " Guess so." " All right." "Bye, Montalbano." " Thanks for everything." " Thank you." "Inspector!" "Hello." "Hello." " Just one second." " Of course." "How's your husband?" "How do you expect?" "I gave him a shot of morphine so he'd sleep." "Here we are." "I'm ready." " How about some coffee?" " No, don't trouble yourself." "It's no trouble!" "Follow me." "You're hardly a cop to me." "Thank you." " My colleagues questioned you?" " Inspector!" "I did what you said, but it was pointless." "I dressed normally, I changed, but it didn't matter." "They searched the whole house." "They let all the chickens out of the coop and broke three baskets of eggs." "Then they went back inside and looked under my husband's bed." "I kept saying we had nothing to do with Dr Mistretta's niece." "That doctor gave us the medicine for free!" "Look, I'm here to ask you to think hard." "Anything for you." "You told me that one night after Susanna's kidnapping, you heard a car outside and thought it was a customer, but it just turned around and took off." "Yes." " What did you do?" " I turned on the light." " Which one?" " The one outside." "It lights up the whole area." "When my husband was healthy, we'd eat out here." "Then what?" "I looked outside but the car was leaving and I could barely see it." " Do you know about cars?" " Me?" "No way!" " But you saw it from behind." " Yes." "Do you remember the colour?" "I don't know, I don't remember." "It could have been green, beige, white..." "But I am sure it wasn't a dark colour." "Like Dr Mistretta's car?" "That's true, but what does that matter?" "It doesn't, I'm looking for a car like Dr Mistretta's." "Thanks for the coffee, Angela." "No problem, goodbye." "Inspector!" "Don't you want a fresh egg?" "I'd love one." "Thanks." "It's delicious, thank you." "Thank you, Inspector!" " Inspector..." " Hello, Doctor." "What are you doing here?" "I need to speak to you." "Have a seat." "Where are Susanna and your brother?" "In the room, with the body." "What is it?" "First of all, I need to clarify something." "I'm not here officially, though I could be." " I don't understand." " it depends on your answers." "Then ask me the questions." "You have a patient who lives just off the road to Gullotta." " The tractor accident patient." " Yes." "Okay." "Have you heard of the Good Shepherd Clinic?" "Ls that the question?" "I go there often." "Do you want a list of my patients?" "No." "I just want you to know that Susanna's helmet was on the path leading to that patient's house while her bag was found near the gate of the Good Shepherd Clinic." "Right." "How did you know that?" "The papers, television..." "I don't remember." "No, the papers and the TV never mentioned it." "Now I remember, you told me during one of our talks." "No, Doctor." "I told you they were found, but not where." "Do you know why?" "You never asked." "Look, there could be plenty of explanations why I never asked." "Do you realize what state of mind I was in?" "You're trying to reconstruct who knows what on the thread of a spider web." "The thread of a spider web..." "You don't know how appropriate that metaphor is." "Actually, at first my logic was based on something... something more fragile than a spider web." "You niece's behaviour." "Something Francesco told me, her ex-boyfriend." "By the way, did you know she broke up with him?" "Yes, she told me." "It is a very delicate matter that I'm reluctant to discuss." "Francesco and Susanna, despite being together, had no sexual relationship." "What does this have to do with the investigation?" "It does because Francesco told me the day of the kidnapping," "Susanna asked to meet up and they made love for the first time." "I honestly cannot see what her sexual behaviour has to do with all this." "Let me ask again..." "what does this matter?" "It does... because Francesco told me that Susanna might have had a sort of premonition." "I don't believe in premonitions, it was something else." "What do you think it was?" "A sort of farewell." "She applied to go to Africa two months earlier." "Two months..." "Probably ever since the other idea came to mind." "What other idea?" "You're going too far!" "Doctor, I'm warning you... you're choosing the wrong questions and the wrong answers." "I'm here to lay my cards on the table, to tell you my suspicions." "Actually... my hopes." " Did you say hopes?" " Yes." "That an extreme capacity to hate... can turn into an extreme capacity to love." "Susanna, that night... you took a different route home." "But you forgot one detail in that meticulous performance." " One detail?" " Yes." "In the Polaroid picture, right under the tank, there is a crack." "I zoomed in on that detail and it's not a crack." "It isn't?" "What is it?" "It's a wort thermometer." "it's covered with spider webs." "You didn't notice it, but it's there." "And it's irrefutable evidence." "I just have to request a warrant to search your villa." "That would really advance your career!" "Once more you're wrong and you're pissing me off." "I'm not doing this for you, me or my career." "For me?" "The nurse said you wanted to see mother." "I wanted to understand why for me the idea of getting revenge on your uncle started in there, on one of those terrible nights spent watching over your mother." "Your plan was developed in there night after night and then you asked your uncle for help." " Why..." " Say it." "Because Susanna realized I've always loved Giulia." "A hopeless love... that prevented me from living my own life." "And so you were overjoyed to take part in the plan to destroy Peruzzo's image." "The final blow was using paper instead of money." "I'm leaving now, but I can't allow you to keep that 6 billion." "Us?" "The money's no longer here." "We didn't even take the money mother lent and never got back." "The money was divided and transferred abroad." "It's on its way to about 50 humanitarian organizations." "I can show you the list." "It's not necessary." "I'm going now." "Inspector!" "Are you coming to the funeral tomorrow?" " I'd like you to." " No." "I just hope that you, Susanna... don't betray my hope."