Goddess of Death by Roy Lewis

investigations.
    Finally, some two hours later, Carmela leaned back in her chair and placed her hands on the table in front of her. ‘I think that concludes the reports on current activity.’ Almost instinctively , she glanced towards the silent figure of Colonel Messi, as though expecting that at this point he would take his leave. Buthe seemed distracted, gazing out of the window, and after a few moments she turned back to face the group. ‘Thank you for the discussion, and the reports. I think we are all now up to date with progress.’ She paused, glanced at Arnold. ‘As I explained to you all before we convened today I invited Mr Landon to join us as an observer in order that he should become acquainted with our existence and the range of the work that we have undertaken. It’s my intention to have a further discussion with him in private, after this meeting, but meanwhile, before we bring an end to business, I need to inform you on matters on which I shall be concentrating personally during the next period. It involves Peter Steiner.’
    There was a rustle, a movement among the group members. It was clear the name was well known to everyone there. Arnold caught a movement out of the corner of his eye: Colonel Messi had given up his window gazing.
    ‘Peter Steiner has been in contact with my office at Piazza Sant’Ignazio. I have spoken to him. He was not explicit in the phone call, but it seems he has some information that he would like to transmit. I have arranged a meeting with him, in two days’ time.’
    There was a short silence, then McMurtaghy leaned forward, his mouth twisting in distaste. ‘I can’t imagine what Steiner might have to say that would assist us in our work.’
    Carmela shrugged an expressive shoulder. ‘That remains to be seen. The fact is, it was he who contacted me. And it seems he wants to discuss some kind of terms.’
    ‘Terms about what?’ McMurtaghy almost exploded. ‘The man was a thief! He was arrested, found guilty, and was sentenced to imprisonment! You are now telling me he has been released? And he wants to talk to you? Do we really need to deal with scum like him? When we’ve more than enough to absorb our time and energy already?’
    Heads nodded around the table. All eyes were on Carmela.The committee members were all clearly in agreement regarding an opinion about Peter Steiner.
    Carmela remained calm, unflustered. ‘The call I took was a curious one. We all know that during his trial Steiner denied vehemently all the charges levelled against him.’
    ‘But was found guilty!’ Alienor Donati snapped. There was an unforgiving contempt in her voice.
    ‘That is so. But while he was not exactly forthcoming during the phone call he insisted that I would find what he has to say of interest.’
    ‘And what is he asking in return?’ McMurtaghy demanded harshly.
    Carmela hesitated. ‘Nothing, it seems.’
    There was a brief silence. It was at that point, in an atmosphere that was beginning to crackle with intensity, that Colonel Messi rose to his feet. He came forward, leaned over Carmela’s shoulder. ‘You will forgive me, Miss Cacciatore. May I tender my thanks to you for allowing me to sit in on this meeting. Most instructive. I am delighted to hear of the progress that is being made with regard to so many initiatives. I congratulate all members of this group. I shall be able to report to my department , and the government thereafter, on the wisdom of their financing this activity. And meanwhile I would also like to ask the representatives here to thank their respective governments for the support they are providing in this important endeavour. We work together for the benefit of all. So, meanwhile, if you will permit me I shall withdraw at this point, and attend to the other duties that demand my attention.’
    He bowed, rather stiffly, and walked out of the room. The door closed quietly behind him.
    Carmela took a deep breath, as though she was relieved at his