The Age Of Doubt

clandestinely.”

“I see. But where does the U.N. come in?”

“The U.N.’s role is to make sure the diamonds on the illegal circuit don’t become war diamonds.”

War diamonds? What on earth could that mean? The young woman noticed his puzzlement.

“By that I mean diamonds that come illicitly from areas controlled by forces opposed to legitmate governments-guerrilla forces, rebels, tribal or political factions, adversaries of any kind… With the proceeds they can buy all the weapons they like.”

“And what sort of situation are we dealing with here and now, in your opinion?”

“Well, I think we’ve been presented with an incredible, perhaps unique opportunity.”

“Why do you say that?”

“The Ace of Hearts, which must certainly have a cargo of diamonds aboard, has been stuck in your port with engine trouble. I am sure they summoned Lannec to pass him the diamonds, probably so he could take them back to Paris. But then Lannec got killed.”

“Why, in your opinion?”

“I think Zigami will tell us that after we’ve arrested him.”

“Any hypotheses?”

“I think Zigami has only been following orders. After the murder, I requested some more information from people who know more than I do. Apparently other elements at the top of the organization no longer had much confidence in him. Or it might have been some sort of internal struggle, I don’t know. So the present situation is the following: The diamonds are still aboard the Ace of Hearts. Not only, but there must also be some aboard the Vanna, since the cruiser was unable to meet them out on the open sea to effect a transfer. I think they’re desperately looking for someone to get them out of this fix.”

Montalbano suddenly got an idea so outlandish that he gave a start in his chair.

“What’s wrong?” asked Roberta Rollo.

“I think they’ve already found their man.”

“Who?”

“His name is Mimi Augello. He’s my second-in-command.”

The young woman seemed completely bewildered.

“He managed to infiltrate their group? How did he do that?”

“He has… let’s just say he’s endowed with… well, he has some extraordinary qualities.”

“In what sense?”

Montalbano preferred to change the subject.

“First explain to me what you want to do.”

“Fine, but then you must bring me up to date on your investigation.”

“All right.”

“What I want to do is rather simple: I’ve already managed to get search warrants for both boats. I’ve already spoken to the local commander of the Customs Police, and if they find diamonds, they’ll arrest them all, with your help. And this has to be done by this evening. Otherwise we risk having them leave the port tonight or early tomorrow morning.”

“There is one problem,” said Montalbano. “What if the people on the Ace of Hearts notice too much activity on the wharf, get suspicious, and head out to sea? That boat’s got some powerful engines, and it’s unlikely one of our boats could keep up with it.”

“You’re right. What do you suggest?”

“That we make it impossible for them to leave the port.”

“How?”

“We put two of the Harbor Office’s motor patrols at the mouth of the port. They’re armed and wouldn’t have any problem blocking the cruiser’s path.”

“Will you see to that, or should I?”

“I think it’s better for you to go and make the arrangements with the Harbor Office. You have more authority.”

“All right. Now tell me about your second-in-command.”

“He succeeded in infiltrating the Vanna with the help of someone from the Harbor Office, Lieutenant Belladonna, who introduced him to the Vanna as a representative of the wholesaler that furnishes the fuel.”

Roberta Rollo screwed up her face.

“Sounds a little flimsy to me.”

“Wait. The excuse was that the fuel they’d bought to restock was defective and contained sediment that could damage the engines. And so my man took samples from their tanks for examination. And in the meantime he’s made friends with La Giovannini.”

“What kind of friends?”

“Intimate. And he’s led her to believe that he’s the kind of person who’s willing to do anything to make money. Giovannini has asked him to work for her.”

“Where?”

“First in South Africa, and then in Sierra Leone.”

“Sierra Leone has been and continues to be a nerve center of the illegal diamond trade. And what did your man do?”

“He accepted.”

“And is he going to leave with them?!” the young woman asked, alarmed.

“He wouldn’t dream of it! This afternoon, at five, he has one last meeting with Giovannini and Sperli, during which he’s going to try to extract as much information as possible.”

The girl sat silent for a moment, then said:

“Maybe it’s better to wait and hear what he has to say, before taking action.”

“I agree.”

“And how’s your man going to get out of there?”

“He’s going to get arrested. By me. The way Shaikiri did for you.”

Roberta Rollo started laughing.

“Sounds like a good idea.”

She stood up.

“All right, then we’ll meet back up here around four,” she continued. “I’m going to go first to the Harbor Office and talk with the commander, and then back to the Customs Police to work out a few details.”

Montalbano envied her eyes, which would get to see Laura.

Once she had left, he called Fazio.

“Have a seat.”

Then he noticed that Fazio was wearing a face fit for the Day of the Dead.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“When you said we might have to arrest Inspector Augello, were you joking?”

“No.”

“Why, then? What’s he done? Look, it’s not as if Augello and I are all that fond of each other, but I don’t think he’s the kind of person who-”

“We have to arrest him for his own good.”

Fazio threw up his hands, resigned.

“Where?”

“At the port. And you have to make as much noise as possible.”

“But can’t you arrest him yourself? Here at the station? Without creating a sensation? Whatever he may have done, the man doesn’t deserve-”

“If you would just let me speak, I’ll tell you why and how we have to arrest him.”

***