‘Well…’

‘ Or is it too much to ask?’

‘It’s not…’

‘ Don’t you think Ruggiero deserves the best? ’

‘Naturally.’

‘ Senator, I wouldn’t have bothered to call you if I thought you were one of those people with short memories. There are enough of them about, God knows! But no, I thought, Rossi’s not like that. He hasn’t forgotten what the Miletti family has meant to him. Senator, I beg you, think of them now! Think what they are going through. Think what it will mean to them to know that thanks to you one of the top policemen in Italy has been sent to Perugia to inspire the hunt for their beloved father! And then think that you can arrange all that with a single phone call, as easily as ordering a taxi.’

‘You overestimate my power.’

‘ I hope not. I sincerely hope not. Because I have always thought of you as a friend and ally, and it would sadden me to feel that I could no longer count on your support. And you on mine, Senator, and on that of the Miletti family and their many friends.’

‘For heaven’s sake, Commendatore! What are you talking about? Do not please permit ourselves to be misled into imagining that…’

‘ Perfect! There is no more to say, then. When can I expect to hear? ’

‘Well, in a situation of this type one would perhaps be wise to avoid imposing rigid deadlines. Nevertheless, broadly speaking, I would by no means rule out the possibility of being in a position to

…’

‘ I’d like to know by this afternoon.’

‘Oh, you would, would you?’

‘ Or perhaps you have more important business to attend to? ’

‘Look here, Crepi, it’s no good your expecting miracles, you know! Excuse me saying so.’

‘ I’m not asking for miracles, Senator. I’m asking for justice. Or does that take a miracle in this country? ’

‘Lapucci.’