‘What’s the hurry? If they’re going to default, they can do it any time.’

‘Because it’s just possible that this whole project is some sort of scam.’

‘What?’

‘Some clever tax dodge, or maybe money laundering. What I’ve heard is that the film may never get made. But there’s a quick way to find out, which is to get the cameras rolling. On that day they are contractually obligated to move a significant sum out of escrow and into our account. If they don’t, we’ll start looking for alternative financing. If they do, you can forget all this and get down to crafting the great work of art that I know you still have it in you to make, Luciano, whatever your detractors may say. But my professional advice is to fast-track the shoot and force these people to get real or get out.’

Luciano Aldobrandini turned off the phone and hollered for Pippo.

‘Another cocktail, darling.’

‘The doctor said — ’

‘I know what the doctor said. I also know that I need to get drunk right now. Where’s the Narcisso?’

‘Last I heard, she was having her bottom scraped.’

‘Don’t be smutty, Pippo. Call the boatyard, tell them to get her seaworthy, then whistle up some matelots. I feel an urge for southern climes.’

‘So you won’t tell me what you discussed.’

‘I don’t remember every detail! In any case, it was all business matters relating to the film project. Nothing that could have the slightest bearing on this tragic event.’

Zen strolled to the window, looked out for some time, then lit a cigarette. The official ban on smoking in government buildings added a particular piquancy to this gesture, virtually making it part of the interrogation.