‘Well, despite the changes I’ve just referred to, we do have various contacts, of course. There’s one in particular I’m thinking of who may well be able…’

‘ I’m not interested in the details, Giorgio. I just want to know if you can help me. Or should I ring someone else? Perhaps you could recommend someone? ’

‘You must be joking, Senator. Anything that can be done, I’ll do for you. By this time tomorrow you’ll…’

‘ By this time tomorrow I’ll be in Turin. Make it this afternoon. I’ll be here till seven.’

‘Very well.’

‘ Excellent. I knew I did right to call you. I’ve got a nose for these things. Giorgio’s a man who can make things happen, I thought A million thanks. I’ll be expecting your call.’

‘ Yes? ’

‘Enrico?’

‘ Who’s that? ’

‘Giorgio Lapucci.’

‘ Christ, I thought it was his royal highness. Excuse me while I change my trousers.’

‘Why the panic?’

‘ He’s at a conference in Strasbourg, and every so often he phones me and demands a complete update on the situation here. All part of this new managerial style you’ve been reading about. Keeps us on our toes, he says. Anyway, what can I do for you? ’

‘I suppose this line is safe?’

‘ Giorgio, this is the Ministry of the Interior you’re talking to. Any phone tapping that goes on around here, we do it.’

‘Of course.’

‘ So what’s up? ’

‘Well, it’s the old story, I’m afraid. Someone’s leaning on someone who’s leaning on me.’

‘ And you want to lean on me.’

‘Isn’t that what friends are for? But it shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s a question of getting a senior police official transferred temporarily to Perugia to take over a kidnapping case.’

‘ That’s all? ’