disappearance. She glanced around at the tight faces confronting her. She shrugged. ‘So, back to business. I hold the same view of Peter Steiner as each of you. But the phone call was so … unexpected.And I have a feeling … well, I suspect there is a seething anger in the man which might be turned to our advantage. I intend meeting him for a private discussion.’
McMurtaghy glanced around the group, then shrugged. ‘It must be your decision, Carmela. I think it will be a waste of time. The man is scum. But, as we are each responsible for our own area of activity, so you must be. But I’m sure we’ll all be very keen to hear what you think you might achieve by talking to this man.’
There was a subdued murmur of agreement. Carmela rose, plump knuckles on the table and smiled somewhat tensely. ‘That remains to be seen. I think it is worth while listening to him. What do we have to lose? Meanwhile, I think we can bring this session to an end. As to other matters …’ Her glance flicked towards Arnold briefly. ‘I will be able to make a further report to each of you in due course.’
Each of the group shook hands with Arnold before they left. When he was alone with Carmela she gathered up her papers and smiled at him. ‘I believe you have managed to obtain several days’ leave?’
‘As you suggested, Carmela.’ Arnold frowned. ‘But why am I here? I found the meeting most interesting, and am amazed by the amount of valuable work you’re all doing. But what does it have to do with me?’
Carmela took a deep breath: her magnificent bosom swelled as she smiled at him. ‘Enough for the moment. I suggest that you accept my invitation to dinner this evening, and I will explain everything to you. Including the reason for my request that we have a … conversation.’
4
S HE CALLED FOR him at seven. The evening was warm so he was able to dress casually in light slacks and an open-necked shirt. Carmela wore a thin summer dress that was cut low over her magnificent breasts. As they entered the restaurant she had chosen, male heads swivelled in their direction: Arnold had the impression that several ankles were kicked under tables as female companions reminded their escorts of their social responsibilities. Carmela seemed unfazed by the attention.
They were led to a table in a secluded corner of the room, beside a window that gave them a view of the narrow street and the river beyond, glittering under the late evening sun. Arnold ordered a Bourgeuil red which Carmela sipped and pronounced delicious. She began her meal with
coquillages
, and ordered a steak
Bearnaise
to follow. Arnold followed her example: he was not particularly interested in the food anyway. He was still curious to know why Carmela had invited him to Albi.
‘So, this group,’ he said, ‘and this meeting. It seems to me you’ve pulled it together in order to pursue the
cordata
more efficiently. But Colonel Messi seemed to suggest that it’s supported by governments other than Italy. That’s quite an achievement bearing in mind the kind of blocks that’ve been put in your way over the years you’ve been hunting down the
tombaroli
.’
Carmela nodded, finished her shellfish, and leaned back in her chair. ‘Not just the tomb robbers,’ she murmured. ‘Today we were talking about their activities but the group, well, it isconcerned with much more than the
cordata
…’ She smiled warmly. ‘It is so good to see you again, Arnold.’
‘And I’m delighted to meet you again, Carmela,’ Arnold admitted. ‘But I’m still at a loss as to why you’ve paid for me to join you here in Albi, for the meeting of this committee.’
She smiled. ‘I thought perhaps if I explained over the phone you would be reluctant to come. So I have been … deliberately vague. But now I satisfy your curiosity,
n’est ce pas
, as they say in France?’
‘I compliment you on your command of languages,’ Arnold replied drily.
‘And my English is now so
McMurtaghy glanced around the group, then shrugged. ‘It must be your decision, Carmela. I think it will be a waste of time. The man is scum. But, as we are each responsible for our own area of activity, so you must be. But I’m sure we’ll all be very keen to hear what you think you might achieve by talking to this man.’
There was a subdued murmur of agreement. Carmela rose, plump knuckles on the table and smiled somewhat tensely. ‘That remains to be seen. I think it is worth while listening to him. What do we have to lose? Meanwhile, I think we can bring this session to an end. As to other matters …’ Her glance flicked towards Arnold briefly. ‘I will be able to make a further report to each of you in due course.’
Each of the group shook hands with Arnold before they left. When he was alone with Carmela she gathered up her papers and smiled at him. ‘I believe you have managed to obtain several days’ leave?’
‘As you suggested, Carmela.’ Arnold frowned. ‘But why am I here? I found the meeting most interesting, and am amazed by the amount of valuable work you’re all doing. But what does it have to do with me?’
Carmela took a deep breath: her magnificent bosom swelled as she smiled at him. ‘Enough for the moment. I suggest that you accept my invitation to dinner this evening, and I will explain everything to you. Including the reason for my request that we have a … conversation.’
4
S HE CALLED FOR him at seven. The evening was warm so he was able to dress casually in light slacks and an open-necked shirt. Carmela wore a thin summer dress that was cut low over her magnificent breasts. As they entered the restaurant she had chosen, male heads swivelled in their direction: Arnold had the impression that several ankles were kicked under tables as female companions reminded their escorts of their social responsibilities. Carmela seemed unfazed by the attention.
They were led to a table in a secluded corner of the room, beside a window that gave them a view of the narrow street and the river beyond, glittering under the late evening sun. Arnold ordered a Bourgeuil red which Carmela sipped and pronounced delicious. She began her meal with
coquillages
, and ordered a steak
Bearnaise
to follow. Arnold followed her example: he was not particularly interested in the food anyway. He was still curious to know why Carmela had invited him to Albi.
‘So, this group,’ he said, ‘and this meeting. It seems to me you’ve pulled it together in order to pursue the
cordata
more efficiently. But Colonel Messi seemed to suggest that it’s supported by governments other than Italy. That’s quite an achievement bearing in mind the kind of blocks that’ve been put in your way over the years you’ve been hunting down the
tombaroli
.’
Carmela nodded, finished her shellfish, and leaned back in her chair. ‘Not just the tomb robbers,’ she murmured. ‘Today we were talking about their activities but the group, well, it isconcerned with much more than the
cordata
…’ She smiled warmly. ‘It is so good to see you again, Arnold.’
‘And I’m delighted to meet you again, Carmela,’ Arnold admitted. ‘But I’m still at a loss as to why you’ve paid for me to join you here in Albi, for the meeting of this committee.’
She smiled. ‘I thought perhaps if I explained over the phone you would be reluctant to come. So I have been … deliberately vague. But now I satisfy your curiosity,
n’est ce pas
, as they say in France?’
‘I compliment you on your command of languages,’ Arnold replied drily.
‘And my English is now so
Similar Books
