That’s all.’

‘ No problem. I can lose it in the routine postings and bang it through at departmental level. No one ever looks at that stuff. The only headache could be finding someone. When are we talking? ’

‘Now.’

‘ Shit. Look, I’ll have to think a bit. Let me get back to you.’

‘Today, though.’

‘ I’ll do my best.’

‘I appreciate it, Enrico. Give my best to Nicola.’

‘ And mine to Emanuela. Listen, why don’t we all get together some time? ’

‘Yes, we should. We really should.’

‘ Personnel.’

‘Mancini. I need someone we can send up to Perugia on a kidnapping. Who do you suggest?’

‘ No one.’

‘What do you mean, no one?’

‘ I mean there isn’t anyone available.’

‘What about Fabri?’

‘ In Genoa on that bank job.’

‘De Angelis?’

‘ Sardinia. Where there were three kidnappings last week alone, in case you haven’t seen the papers. This weekend we’ve got the visit of the President of France plus an English football team, God help us. Are you getting the picture? If not, I can go on.’

‘Calm down, Ciliani. I know things are difficult. But there’s always somebody. Look harder.’

‘ There’s no one except Romizi, and he’s going on leave.’

‘Well, tell him he’ll have to put it off.’

‘ Excuse me, dottore, but you tell him! He’s booked a flight to America.’

‘What’s he doing going to America?’

‘ How should I know? Got relatives there or something.’

‘Well, what about people outside Criminalpol?’

‘ You said this was operational.’

‘We could always stretch a point. Isn’t there anyone who’s had some experience? Couldn’t stand the sight of blood and requested a desk job, that sort of thing. Use your head, Ciliani! I mean we’re talking about a gesture here, not a new chief for the fucking Squadra Mobile.’