'So?'

Caputo sighed.

'Look, chief, you made it very clear that you didn't want anything happening here which might compromise you and provide an opening for your enemies in Rome, right?'

'Mmm?'

'Well, this is shaping up to become just that, I'm afraid.

One of the Greek sailors was badly injured, and he's still in critical condition. The Greek consul has lodged an official complaint, and the Americans aren't too happy that we allowed someone masquerading as one of their personnel into a supposedly secure area. I've already fielded three calls from the Questore this morning…'

'Damn! What did you tell him?' "I said you were out of the office conducting further enquiries in person. But he didn't sound pleased. I think you'd better get back to him as soon as possible.' "I don't even know the number.'

Caputo told him. Zen picked up the phone.

'Stay here/ he told Caputo, who was heading discreetly for the door. "I may need back-up.'

Despite his alleged impatience to discuss the case, the police chief of the provincia di Napoli kept Zen waiting on the line for over ten minutes before deigning to speak to him.

When he did, however, he left Zen in no doubt that Caputo had not exaggerated the gravity or urgency of the situation.

"I understand that you're new to the city/ the Questore remarked in a quiet, suave voice more effective than any hectoring. 'We naturally have to make allowances for that. I remember wondering at the time whether it was a wise appointment. Naples is a unique city, and one which in many ways is difficult if not impossible for an outsider to understand.'

Zen sat there gripping the receiver tightly and wishing that he had not given up smoking.

'But then I told myself that this was after all simply a matter of policing the port area, a relatively minor and routine operation. I assumed that a man of your apparent experience would be able to handle it, even allowing for your lack of local knowledge.