Hammett, Dashiell - Soimul Maltez

Dashiell Hammett
oimul maltez
(The Maltese Falcon, 1944)
I SPADE I ARCHER Falca l i Sam el S!a"e e#a !#el n$% &i osoas%, ia# '%#'ia n ()( !#oeminent s ' ()(* l mai mo'il al $ #ii+ ,%#ile c #'ate -o#ma n alt ()( mai mic+ .chii $al'en*cen &ii e#a o#i/ontali+ ()(* l, t#%s%t #a ca#acte#istic% a -e0ei, se #e$%sea &i 1n s!#2ncenele $#oase ce se 1n%l0a "in "o % c te $emene "e "eas !#a nas l i co#oiat3 !%# l castani *"esehis 1i at2#na !e t2m!lele 1nalte &i !late, a" n2n" *se !e -# nte+ Sem%na c n me-isto 'lon" &i sim!atic+ 4 Ce*i, sc m!o5 o 1nt#e'% el !e E--ie Pe#ine+ E--ie e#a o -at% '#on/at% &i "e&i#at%, !e ca#e #ochia c#em "e l2n% s '0i#e se li!ea "e !a#c% a# -i -ost "%+ A6ea ochi c%!# i, 6ioi !e -a0a l minoas% &i '%ie0oas%+ 7nchise 1n cele "in #m% &a, se s!#i8ini "e ea &i /ise9 4 A 6enit o -at% ca#e 6#ea s% te 6a"%+ . cheam% :on"e#l;+ 4 . client%5 4 A&a c#e"+ Me#it% s*o 6e/i, 1n o#ice ca/+ E nimicitoa#e+ 4 In6it*o s% int#e, sc m!o, #%s! nse S!a"e+ In6it*o s% int#e+ E--ie Pe#ine "eschise "in no &a, int#% 1n cel%lalt 'i#o &i, -%#% s% #i"ice m2na "e !e clan0%, s! se9 4 )#e0i s% int#a0i, "omni&oa#% :on"e#l;5 4 M l0 mesc, #%s! nse o 6oce, "a# at2t "e stins 1nc2t n se a /i "ec2t "ato#it% !#on n0iei -oa#te lim!e/i, &i o t2n%#% -emeie t#ec !#a$ l+ 7naint% lent, c !a&i !# "en0i, it2n" *se la S!a"e c ochii ei "e co'alt, timi/i &i ce#cet%to#i+ E#a 1nalt%, s '0i#e &i ml%"ioas%, -%#% nici o an$ lo/itate+ A6ea t# ! l "#e!t, s2nii -e#mi, $am'ele l n$i, m2inile &i !icioa#ele 1n$ ste+ Taio# l, 1n "o % n an0e "e al'ast# , i se aso#ta inten0ionat c ochii+ De s ' !%l%#ia al'ast#% ie&ea n !%# on" lat, #o& *1nchis3 ' /ele !line e#a "e n #o& a!#ins+ Din0ii al'i l cea 1n semil na n i /2m'et timi"+ S!a"e se #i"ic%, se 1nclin% &i 1i a#%t% c o m2n% 62n8oas% -otoli l "e ste8a# "e lin$% 'i#o + S!a"e a6ea n met# o!t/eci+ Din ca /a me#ilo# c%/ 0i &i c #'a0i, t# ! l 1i !%#ea a!#oa!e conic 4 n t# ! !e c2t "e lat !e at2t "e 1n"esat 4, ia# haina cen &ie, !#oas!%t c%lcat%, n *i 6enea !#ea 'ine+ 4 )% m l0 mesc, m #m #% 1ncet "omni&oa#a :on"e#l; &i se a&e/% !e ma#$inea "e lemn a -otoli l i+ S!a"e se c - n"% 1n sca n l s% #otati6, 1l 1ntoa#se cam n s-e#t s!#e ea &i 1i /2m'i !oliticos+ <2m'ea -%#% s%*&i "eschi"% ' /ele+ Toate ()(* #ile "e !e -a0% i se al n$i#%+ R%!%iala cla!elo#, s net l s '0i#e al clo!o0el l i &i h # it l 1n- n"at al ca# l i ma&inii "e sc#is a l i E--2e Pe#ine #%/'%t #% !#in &a 1nchis%+ =n"e6a, 1nt#* n 'i#o "in a!#o!ie#e, o ma&in% alimentat% "e n moto# 6i'#a s #"+ Pe 'i#o l l i S!a"e o 0i$a#% moale se cons ma 1nt#*o sc# mie#% "e a#am%, !lin% "e m c #ile alto# 0i$%#i moi+ >#%m%8oa#e st#2m'e "e sc# m cen &i , c%/ t "e la 0i$%#i, /%cea !e -a0a $al'en% a 'i#o l i, !e s $ati6a 6e#"e &i !e h2#tiile #%s!2n"ite+ . -e#east#% c !e#"ea c#em, "eschis% 6#eo "o %/eci sa "o %/eci &i cinci "e cen* timet#i, l%sa s% !%t# n"% "in c #te n c #ent a" c2n" n 6a$ mi#os "e amoniac+ Sc# m l "e !e 'i#o t#em #% &i al nec% 1ncet+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; #m%#i $#%m%8oa#ele cen &ii ca#e t#em #a &i al neca + A6ea o !#i6i#e nelini&tit%+ St%tea !e ma#$inea -otoli l i+ 7&i s!#i8inea !icioa#ele "e !o"ea, ca &i c m a# -i -ost $ata s% se #i"ice+ M2inile, 1nm%n &ate 1n ne$# , i se 1ncle&tase#% 1n !oal% "e o !o&et% nea$#% &i t #tit%+ S!a"e se l%s% !e s!ate 1n sca n l s% &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 Ei, ce !ot -ace !ent# " mnea6oast#%, "omni&oa#% :on"e#l;5 Fata 1l !#i6i &i 1&i 0in #%s -la#ea+ 7n$hi0i 1n sec &i s! se $#%'it9
4 A0i ! tea+++5 M*am $2n"it+++ M*am+++ C m s% 6% s! n++++ 7&i m &c% ' /a in-e#ioa#% c "in0ii ei st#%l cito#i &i t%c + Doa# ochii 1nt neca0i mai 6o#'ea , im!lo#2n" *l+ S!a"e /2m'i, "%" "in ca! ca &i c m a# -i 1n0eles*o, "a# ama'il, "e !a#c% n*a# -i -ost ce6a se#ios la mi8loc+ 4 Ce*a# -i s%*mi !o6esti0i tot l "e la 1nce! t, !e #m% 6e"em noi ce*i "e -%c t+ E mai 'ine s*o l a0i "e la 1nce! t l 1nce! t l i+ 4 S*a 1nt2m!lat la ,e? @o#A+++ 4 Da+ 4 , &ti n"e l*a 1nt2lnit+ )#ea s% s! n c% n &ti 1n ce loc an me l*a 1nt2lnit la ,e? @o#A+ E c cinci ani mai mic% "ec2t mine+++ a#e "oa# &a!tes!#e/ece ani+++ &i -#ec6entam alte ce#c #i+ , c#e" c*am -ost 6#eo"at% -oa#te a!#o!iate, a&a c m a# t#e' i s% -ie s #o#ile+ Tata &i mama s nt 1n E #o!a+ )estea a#e s%*i "ist# $%+ T#e' ie s*o a" c acas%, 1nainte "e #e1ntoa#ce#ea lo#+ 4 Da, s! se S!a"e+ 4 Se #e1nto#c 1n !#ima /i a l nii 6iitoa#e+ .chii l i S!a"e se l mina#%+ 4 At nci a6em "o % s%!t%m2ni la "is!o/i0ie+ 4 ,*am &ti t ce*a -%c t !2n% ce n*am !#imit sc#isoa#ea ei+ Am -ost "is!e#at%+ B /ele 1i t#em #a#%+ M2inile -#%m2nta !o&eta nea$#% "in !oal%+ 4 De -#ic% s% n -i -%c t 6#eo !#ostie, am e/itat s% an n0 !oli0ia, "a# la #m%, tem2n" *m% s% n i se -i 1nt2m!lat ce6a, mi*am /is c% e ca/ l s*o an n0+ ,*am a6 t c i s% ce# n s-at+ ,*am &ti t ce s% -ac+ Ce ! team s% -ac5 4 ,imic, -i#e&te, #%s! nse S!a"e, "a# a!oi a sosit sc#isoa#ea ei+ 4 Da, &i i*am tele$#a-iat, ce#2n" *i s% se 1ntoa#c% acas%+ Am tele$#a-iat aici, la !ost #estant E#a sin$ #a a"#es% !e ca#e mi*o "%" se+ Am a&te!tat o s%!t%m2n%, "a# n*am !#imit nici n #%s! ns, nici n c 62nt "e la ea+ Ia# "ata la ca#e #mea/% s% se 1ntoa#c% tata &i mama se a!#o!ie tot mai m lt+ A&a c*am 6enit la San F#ancisco s*o ca t+ I*am sc#is c% 6in+ ,*a# -i t#e' it s%*i sc#i , n *i a&a5 4 Poate c% n + , *i 1ntot"ea na &o# s% &tii ce*i "e -%c t+ A0i $%sit*o5 4 , + ,*am $%sit*o+ I*am sc#is c*am s% t#a$ la hotel l St+ Ma#A &i*am # $at*o s% 6in% s% st%m "e 6o#'%, chia# "ac% n a#e che- s% se 1ntoa#c% acas% c mine+ Da# n*a 6enit+ Am a&te!tat*o t#ei /ile, "a# "e$ea'a, n mi*a t#imis nici m%ca# n #2n"+ S!a"e 1&i cl%tin% ca! l "e me-isto 'lon", se 1nc# nt% !lin "e 1n0ele$e#e &i 1&i st#2nse ' /ele+ 4 A -ost o#i'il, s! se "omni&oa#a :on"e#l;, st#%" in" *se s% /2m'easc%+ ,*am mai ! t t #%'"a s% sta a&a, s*o a&te!t, -%#% s% &ti ce i se 1nt2m!lase, ce i s*a# -i ! t t 1nt2m!la+ Ren n0% la tentati6a "e a /2m'i+ . t#ec n -io#+ 4 Sin$ #a a"#es% !e ca#e mi*a "at*o a -ost la !ost #estant+ I*am sc#is o alt% sc#isoa#e &i ie#i " !%*amia/% m*am " s la o-ici l !o&tal+ Am a&te!tat acolo !2n% ce s*a 1nt necat, "a# n*am "at ochii c ea+ M*am " s "in no a/i*"iminea0%, "a# tot n*am 6%/ t*o !e Co#inne+ C*am 6%/ t, 1n schim', !e Flo;" Th #s';+ S!a"e "%" "in no "in ca!+ 7nc# nt%t #a "is!%# + 7n loc l ei a!%# o eD!#esie "e aten0ie 1nco#"at%+ 4 ,*a 6# t s%*mi s! n% n"e se a-l% Co#inne, contin % ea "is!e#at%+ ,*a 6# t s%*mi s! n% "ec2t c% so#a mea e#a 'ine &i m l0 mit%+ C m s%*l c#e"5 A# -i t#e' it s% m% a&te!t la n asemenea #%s! ns "in !a#tea l i, n 5 4 Desi$ #, con-i#m% S!a"e+ S*a# ! tea s% -ie 1ns% a"e6%#at+ 4 S!e# s% -ie a"e6%#at+ S!e# "in tot s -let lE eDclam% ea+ Da# n m% !ot 1ntoa#ce acas%, -%#% ca m%ca# s*o -i 6%/ t, -%#% ca m%ca# s%*i -i 6o#'it la tele-on+ Flo;" n*a 6# t s% m% " c% la ea, A !#etins c% so#a mea n 6#ea s% m% 6a"%+ , *mi 6ine s% c#e"+ Mi*a !#omis c*a#e s%*i s! n% c% m*a 6%/ t &i o s*o a" c% 4 "ac% ea 6a acce!ta 4 ast% sea#%, la hotel+ A mai s! s c% e#a si$ # c% n*a6ea s% 6in%+ A !#omis, !e "e alt% !a#te, c*a#e s% 6in% el "ac% ea n*a#e s% 6#ea+ Flo;"+++ Se 1nt#e# !se &i 1&i " se '# sc m2na la $ #% 1n cli!a c2n" se "eschise &a+ B%#'at l ca#e o "eschisese -%c n !as 1n% nt# &i s! se9 4 ., ie#ta0i*m%E
7&i scoase $#%'it !%l%#ia ca-enie &i "%" s% se #et#a$%+ 4 Po0i s% #%m2i, Miles, 1i s! se S!a"e+ Int#%+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l;, 6i*l !#e/int !e asociat l me , "omn l A#che#+ Miles A#che# int#% "in no 1n 'i#o , 1nchise &a, o sal t% !e "omni&oa#a :on"e#l; c o 1nclina#e a ca! l i &i 1i /2m'i 1nso0in" *&i $est #ile c o mi&ca#e 6a$ !oliticoas% c !%l%#ia+ A#che# e#a "e o 1n%l0ime mi8locie, 'ine cl%"it, lat 1n me#i, c cea-a $#oas%3 -a0a*i #o&ie &i 8o6ial%, c -%lci masi6e, e#a 1nc n nat% "e n !%# t%iat sc #t &i 1nc%# n0it+ A#%ta "e !este !at# /eci "e ani, c /ece ani mai 1n 62#st% ca S!a"e+ 4 So#a "omni&oa#ei :on"e#l; a - $it "e la ,e? @o#A c n oa#eca#e Flo;" Th #s';, s! se S!a"e+ Pe#echea se a-l% aici, 1n o#a&+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; l*a 6%/ t !e Th #s'; &i a#e 1nt2lni#e c el ast%*sea#%+ Flo;" !oate c*a#e s*o a" c% c el !e so#a "omni&oa#ei :on"e#l;+ P#o'a'il c% n*a#e s*o -ac%+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; 6#ea s%*i $%sim so#a, s*o l %m "e la Flo;" &i s*o a" cem acas%+ Se it% la "omni&oa#a :on"e#l;+ 4 , *i a&a5 4 Da, #osti ea con- /+ Fena ei, ca#e se to!ise t#e!tat 1n #ma /2m'etelo#, a asentimentelo# &i asi$ #%#ilo# 'ine6oitoa#e ale l i S!a"e, #e6eni 1m' 8o#2n" *i -a0a+ Se it% la !o&eta "in !oal% &i o ci !i ne#6os c "e$etele 1nm%n &ate+ S!a"e -%c asociat l i s% n semn c ochi l+ Miles A#che# 1naint% &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e l2n$% col0 l 'i#o l i+ 7n tim! ce -ata se ita la !o&et%, o m%s #% "in !#i6i#i+ .chii l i mici &i c%!# i al neca#% a"mi#ati6 &i 1n"#%/ne0 "e la chi! l ei !lecat, s!#e !icioa#e, a!oi "in no s!#e chi!+ Se it% la S!a"e &i sim l% n -l ie#at "e a"mi#a0ie+ S!a"e s%lt% "o % "e$ete "e !e '#a0 l sca n l i, 1nt#* n $est sc #t "e !#e6eni#e &i s! se9 4 ,*o s% a6em nici o ne!l%ce#e c a-ace#ea asta9 . s% t#imitem ! # &i sim!l !e cine6a ast%*sea#% la hotel s%*l #m%#easc% !e Flo;" la !leca#e &i s% se 0in% scai "e el !2n% ne con" ce la so#a " mnea6oast#%+ Dac% 6ine 1nso0it "e ea, &i o con6in$e0i s% se 1ntoa#c% acas% 1m!#e n% c " mnea6oast#%, c at2t mai 'ine+ Dac% n 4 "ac% n*o s% 6#ea s%*l lase nici " !% ce*a 6%/ t c*am "esco!e#it*o 4 ei 'ine, at nci $%sim noi o cale s% #e/ol6%m sit a0ia+ 4 M"a, /ise A#che#+ A6ea o 6oce as!#%, $#oas%+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; #i"ic% #e!e"e !#i6i#ea s!#e S!a"e &i 1&i 1nc#e0i -# ntea 1nt#e s!#2ncene+ 4 .h, "a# s% -i0i !# "en0iE )ocea 1i t#em #a &o#, ia# ' /ele a#tic la ne#6os c 6intele 4 Mi*e o -#ic% "e moa#te "e Th #s';, e 1n sta#e "e o#ice+ Co#inne e at2t "e t2n%#%, ia# -a!t l c*a a" s*o aici "e la ,e? @o#A mi se !a#e n $est at2t "e $#a6+++ E 1n sta#e+++ E 1n sta#e++++ s%*i -ac% ce6aE S!a"e /2m'i &i lo6i 1ncet '#a0ele sca n l i+ 4 C%sa0i asta !e seama noast#%+ tim noi c m s% ne ! #t%m c el+ 4 Da# 1l c#e"e0i 1n sta#e5 insist% ea+ 4 EDist% 1ntot"ea na o ast-el "e !osi'ilitate, #%s! nse S!a"e c n ton 8 "icios+ Da# ! te0i a6ea toat% 1nc#e"e#ea c*o s% ne oc !%m+ 4 )% #o$ s% m% c#e"e0i c% am toat% 1nc#e"e"e#ea 1n " mnea6oast#%, #%s! nse ea $#a6, "a# 6#ea s% 6% !#e6in c% e n om !#ime8"ios+ )% s! n since# c%*i 1n sta#e "e o#ice+ , c#e" c*a# e/ita s*o+++ s*o omoa#e !e Co#inne, "ac% 1&i 1nchi! ie c% 1n acest chi! se sal6ea/%+ 7l c#e"e0i 1n sta#e5 4 S!e# c% n l*a0i amenin0at5 4 I*am s! s "oa# at2t, c% n 6#ea "ec2t s*o ia acas% !e Co#inne 1nainte s% se 1ntoa#c% !%#in0ii &i s% a-le "e - $a ei+ I*am !#omis c% n*am s% le s -l o 6o#'% "es!#e ce s*a 1nt2m!lat, c con"i0ia 1ns% "e*a m% a8 ta, &i c% "ac% n*a#e s% m% a8 te, o s% ai'% tata, "esi$ #, $#i8% ca Flo;" s%*&i !#imeasc% !e"ea!sa+ , +++ n c#e" c% mi*a "at !#ea ma#e c#e/a#e+ 4 Poate 1m!ie"ica scan"al l "ac% se c%s%to#e&te c ea5 1nt#e'% A#che#+ Fata #o&i &i #%s! nse 8enat%9 4 Flo;" a#e ne6ast% &i t#ei co!ii 1n An$lia+ Co#inne mi*a sc#is, ca s%*mi eD!lice "e ce*a - $it c el+ 4 In"i6i/ii "e tea!a l i a 1ntot"ea na ne6ast% &i co!ii, /ise S!a"e, "e&i n 1ntot"ea na 1n An$lia+ Se a!lec%, l % n c#eion &i n 'loc "e h2#tie+ 4 C m a#at% Flo;"5 4 .h, a#e 6#eo t#ei/eci &i cinci "e ani, e 1nalt ca " mnea6oast#% &i '# net "e la nat #%,
sa -oa#te '#on/at+ A#e !%# ne$# &i s!#2ncene "ese+ )o#'e&te cam ta#e, chia# st#i"ent &i e o -i#e i#ita'il% &i ne#6oas%+ Cas% im!#esia c%*i+++ 1n sta#e "e acte 6iolente+ S!a"e, ca#e nota !e 'loc l "e h2#tie, o 1nt#e'% -%#% s% #i"ice ca! l9 4 Ce ochi a#e5 4 Al'a&t#i*cen &ii, a!o&i, "a# asta n *i semn "e sl%'ici ne+ i+++ a, "a, mai a#e o $#o!i0% a"2nc% 1n '%#'ie+ 4 E s '0i#el, "e talie o'i&n it% sa -oa#te 6oinic5 4 Atletic+ E lat 1n me#i, me#$e "#e!t &i a#e, c m se /ice, o al #% hot%#2t milita#%+ C2n" l*am 6%/ t a/i*"iminea0% ! #ta n cost m $#i*"eschis &i !%l%#ie $#i+ 4 C ce se oc !%5 1nt#e'% S!a"e &i l%s% c#eion l 8os+ 4 , &ti + ,*am nici cea mai 6a$% i"ee+ 4 Ca ce o#% 6ine s% 6% 6a"%5 4 D !% o#a o!t+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, "omni&oa#% :on"e#l;, o s% -ie cine6a acolo+ ,e*a# a8 ta "ac%+++ 4 Domn le S!a"e, n*a0i ! tea 6eni chia# " mnea6oast#% sa "omn l A#che#5 7ntinse m2inile 1nt#* n $est "e im!lo#a#e+ 4 ,*a0i ! tea s% 6% oc !a0i chia# n l "in " mnea6oast#%5 , 6#ea s% s! n c% cel !e ca#e l*a0i t#imite n*a# -i ca!a'il, "a# 4 6aiE mi*e -oa#te team% "e ce i s*a# ! tea 1nt2m!la Co#innei+ Mi*e team% &i "e Flo;"+ )#e0i s% 6% oc !a0i " mnea6oast#%5 ti +++ &ti c% a#e s% coste mai m lt, -i#e&te+ Deschise c $est #i ne#6oase !o&eta &i ! se !e 'i#o l l i S!a"e "o % 'ancnote "e o s t% "e "ola#i+ 4 A8 n$e5 4 Da, #%s! nse A#che#+ Am s% m% oc ! chia# e + Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; se #i"ic% &i 1i 1ntinse im! lsi6 m2na+ 4 )% m l0 mescE )% m l0 mescE eDclam% ea+ A!oi "%" m2na &i c S!a"e &i #e!et%9 )% m l0 mescE 4 ,*a6e0i !ent# ce, 1i #%s! nse S!a"e+ C !l%ce#e+ ,e*a0i 6eni oa#ec m 1n a8 to#, "ac% 6*a0i 1nt2lni c Th #s'; la !a#te#, sa 6*a0i l%sa 6%/ t% 1n to6%#%&ia l i 1n hol, la n moment "at+ 4 Am s*o -ac, le !#omise ea &i m l0 mi "in no celo# "oi asocia0i+ 4 i n 6% ita0i " !% mine, o !#e6eni A#che#+ Fi0i -%#% $#i8%, am s% 6% /%#esc+ S!a"e o 1nto6%#%&i !e "omni&oa#a :on"e#l; !2n% la &a "e la co#i"o#+ C2n" se 1ntoa#se 1n 'i#o , A#che# "%" satis-%c t "in ca! s!#e 'ancnotele "e o s t% "e "ola#i &i m2#2i 1nc2ntat9 4 Ca" 'ine, s! se el+ C % na, o 1m!%t #i &i o 62#1 1n ' / na# l 6estei+ 4 Mai a6ea s #o#i 1n !o&et%+ S!a"e '%$% &i el 1n ' / na# cealalt% 'ancnot%, a!oi se a&e/%+ 4 ,*o /%!%ci !#ea #% , /ise el+ Ce !%#e#e ai "es!#e ea5 4 ,ostim%E i*mi s! i s% n*o /%!%cescE A#che# chicoti, "a# e#a o chicoteal% t#ist%+ 4 Poate c*ai 6%/ t*o t , !#im l, Sam, "a# e am 6o#'it cel "int2i c ea+ )2#1 m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !antalonilo# &i se s ci !e c%lc2ie+ 4 Ai s% "ai "e "#ac c -ata asta, asc lt%*m% !e mine+ S!a"e /2m'i c# ", "e/6elin" *&i "in0ii !2n% 1n - n" l $ #ii+ 4 E&ti "e&te!t, n 5 7nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ II M.ARTEA 7, CEAGH Tele-on l s n% 1n 1nt ne#ic+ D !% ce s n% "e t#ei o#i, a#c #ile !at l i sc2#02i#%, "e$ete mo&moni#% !e no!tie#%, n o'iect mic &i ta#e c%/ c /$omot 1n- n"at !e co6o#, a#c #ile sc2#02i#% "in no &i o 6oce '%#'%teasc% s! se9 4 Alo+++ Da, e s nt la tele-on+++ Mo#t5+++ Da+++ 7nt#* n s-e#t "e o#%+ M l0 mesc+ =n 1nt#e# !%to# !%c%ni &i o l st#% al'%, at2#nat% "e t#ei lan0 #i a #ite 1n mi8loc l ta6an l i in n"% c l min% 1nc%!e#ea+ 7n !icioa#ele $oale &i 1m'#%cat 1nt#*o !i8ama c ca#o #i 6e#/i &i al'e, S!a"e se a&e/% !e ma#$inea !at l i+ Se st#2m'% la tele-on l "e !e no!tie#% &i l % "e al%t #i n !achet "e -oi0e ca-enii &i o ! n$% c t t n B ll D #ham+ =n c #ent "e ae# #ece &i ce0os s -l% !#in cele "o % -e#est#e "eschise, a" c2n" "e &ase o#i !e
min t $eam%t l s #" al si#enei "e la 1nchisoa#ea Alcat#a/+ =n "e&te!t%to# st#i"ent 4 coco0at nesi$ # !e n col0 al 6ol m l i Cazuri criminale celebre din America, "e D Ae, ! s c co!e#ta 1n 8os !e no!tie#% 4 a#%ta o#a "o % &i cinci min te+ De$etele $#oase ale l i S!a"e #%s ci#% c aten0ie o 0i$a#%, ce#n #% n st#at s '0i#e "e -i#e ca-enii 1n -oi0a 1n"oit%, 1l nete/i#% !ent# a -i ni-o#m la ca!ete &i l%sa#% o mic% sco'it #% la mi8loc3 a!oi, "e$etele ma#i #%s ci#% ma#$inile -oi0ei 1n s s &i 1n 8os &i le a!%sa#% c a#%t%toa#ele3 " !% ca#e, at2t "e$etele ma#i c2t &i celelalte al neca#% s!#e ca!etele cilin"# l i "e -oi0% !ent# a*l 0ine "#e!t3 !e #m%, S!a"e linse ma#$inea -oi0ei3 st#2nse c "e$et l ma#e &i c a#%t%to# l "e la m2na st2n$% ca! l 0i$%#ii, 1n tim! ce "e$et l ma#e &i a#%t%to# l "e la m2na "#ea!t% nete/ea li!it #a me"%3 a!oi "e$et l ma#e &i a#%t%to# l "e la m2na "#ea!t% #%s ci#% la #2n" l lo# 62#- l 0i$%#ii &i o #i"ica#% c cel%lalt ca!%t s!#e ' /ele l i S!a"e+ Detecti6 l l % '#icheta "e nichel 1m'#%cat% 1n !iele "e !o#c, ca#e c%/ se 8os, o a!#inse &i se #i"ic% "in !at c 0i$a#a a#/2n" 1n col0 l $ #ii+ 7&i scoase !i8ama a+ B#a0ele, !icioa#ele, t# ! l 4 toate nete"e &i soli"e 4 me#ii ! te#nici, #ot n8i0i &i c%/ 0i -%cea ca t# ! l s%*i semene c al n i #s+ C t# ! l n i #s '%#'ie#it+ S!a"e n*a6ea !%# !e !ie!t, ia# !ielea 1i e#a moale &i t#an"a-i#ie ca a n i co!il+ Se sc%#!in% la cea-% &i 1nce! s% se 1m'#ace+ 7&i ! se n t#ico *chilot al', s '0i#e, cio#a!i $#i, 8a#tie#e ne$#e &i !anto-i ma#on*1nchis+ D !% ce*&i 1nno"% &i#et #ile, #i"ic% #ece!to# l, chem% >la"stone 4IJJ &i coman"% n taDi+ 7m'#%c% o c%ma&% al'% c " n$i 6e#/i, 1&i ! se n $ le# al', moale, o c#a6at% 6e#"e, cost m l $#i ! #tat 1n aceea&i /i, n !a#"esi la#$ "e t?ee" &i o !%l%#ie $#i*1nchis+ Sone#ia "e la st#a"% s n% 1n tim! ce 1&i 62#a 1n ' / na# t t n l, cheile &i 'anii+ 7n ! nct l n"e B sh St#eet "omin% StocAton St#eet, 1nainte "e a 1nce!e s% co'oa#e c%t#e Chinato?n, S!a"e !l%ti c #sa &i se "%" 8os "in taDi+ Cea0a s '0i#e, li!icioas% &i !%t# n/%toa#e a no!0ilo# "in San F#ancisco estom!a st#a"a+ Ca c20i6a met#i "e loc l n"e S!a"e co'o#2se "in ma&in%, n $# ! mic "e oameni se ita !e o alee+ Do % -emei &i n '%#'at !#i6ea &i ei !e alee "e !e cel%lalt t#ot a#+ Ca -e#est#e se 6e"ea chi! #i+ S!a"e t#a6e#s% st#a"a, t#ec !#int#e !o#0ile c $#ila8e ce se "eschi"ea s!#e ni&te sc%#i #2te &i ! stii, se a!#o!ie "e !a#a!et, 1&i l%s% m2inile !e ma#$inea l i me"% &i se it% 1n 8os, !e StocAton St#eet+ Din t nel l "e "e"es 't 02&ni n a tomo'il h # in" as #/ito#, ca t#as "in ! &c%, &i "is!%# + , "e!a#te "e $ #a t nel l i, 1n -a0a n i !ano c #eclame "e -ilme &i "e 'en/in%, !este "# m "e n int#2n" "int#e "o % ma$a/ine, st%tea !e 6ine n '%#'at+ 7&i a!lecase ca! l !2n% a!#oa!e "e t#ot a# ca s% se !oat% ita !e s ' !ano + Se s!#i8inea c o m2n% !e !a6a8, ia# cealalt% o 1ncle&tase "e #ama 6e#"e a !ano l i 1nt#*o !o/i0ie ca#a$hioas%+ Al0i "oi '%#'a0i st%tea st2n8eni0i la cel%lalt ca!%t al !ano l i &i t#%$ea c ochi l !#int#e cei c20i6a centimet#i "int#e !ano &i cl%"i#ea al%t #a0%+ Cl%"i#ea "in cealalt% !a#te a !ano l i a6ea n calcan al'*cen &i &i "%"ea !e te#en l "in "osi l !ano l i+ Pe calcan cli!ea l mini &i !#int#e el se mi&ca m'#e "e oameni+ S!a"e se 1n"e!%#t% "e !a#a!et &i o l % !e B sh St#eet !2n% la aleea n"e se a-la $# ! l "e '%#'a0i+ =n !oli0ist 1n ni-o#m% mesteca $ m% a&e/at s ' o !lac% emailat% !e ca#e e#a sc#is9 Buritt Street c lite#e al'e !e -on" al'ast# *1nchis+ Ri"ic% '#a0 l &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce ca 0i aici5 4 S nt Sam S!a"e+ Mi*a tele-onat Tom Polha s+ 4 A, "a+ Poli0ist l co'o#1 '#a0 l+ 4 , te*am #ec nosc t la 1nce! t+ Ei 'ine, ite*l colo+++ A#%t% c "e$et l ma#e !este m%#+ 4 =#2t% a-ace#e+ 4 Dest l "e #2t%, #ec nosc S!a"e &i o l % !e alee+ Pe la 8 m%tatea ei, n "e!a#te "e int#a#e, se a-la o am' lan0% 1nt necat%+ 7n s!atele am' lan0ei, la st2n$a, aleea e#a 'locat% "e n $a#" 1nalt !2n% la !ie!t, -%c t "in stin$hii $#osolane, '%t t o#i/ontal+ Dincolo "e $a#", sol l 1nt necat co'o#a a'# !t, !2n% la !ano l "e 8os, "e !e StocAton St#eet+ . !o#0i ne "e 6#eo t#ei met#i "in $a#" - sese # !t% la n ca! &i at2#na '%l%'%nin" *se+ Ca cinci met#i 1n 8os l !antei ie&ea "in !%m2nt n 'olo6an t #tit+ 7nt#*o sco'it #% "int#e 'olo6an &i !ant% /%cea !e s!ate Miles A#che#+ Doi oameni e#a a!leca0i as !#a l i+ =n l 0inea 1n"#e!tat% s!#e mo#t o lante#n%+ Al0i oameni c lante#ne #ca &i co'o#a !anta+ =n l "int#e '%#'a0i 1l sal t% !e S!a"e9 4 Sal t, SamE &i se #ni 1n s s, s!#e alee, 1n tim! ce m'#a 1l !#ece"a !e !ant%+ E#a n
ti! 1nalt, ' #tos, c ochi mici &i "e&te!0i, c ' /e $#oase &i at2t "e !#ost '%#'ie#it 1nc2t o'#a8ii !%#ea 1nt neca0i+ Panto-ii, $en nchii, m2inile &i '%#'ia 1i e#a !line "e no#oi ca-eni + 4 Mi*am 1nchi! it c% 6#ei s%*l 6e/i 1nainte "e*al l a "e aici, s! se el &i t#ec !este $a#"+ 4 70i m l0 mesc, Tom, /ise S!a"e+ Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 S!a"e 1&i s!#i8ini n cot "e st2l! l $a#" l i &i se it% la oamenii "e "e"es 't, #%s! n/2n" c o 1nclina#e a ca! l i celo# ca#e 1l sal ta + Tom Polha s se '%t !e !a#tea st2n$% a !ie!t l i c n "e$et m #"a#+ 4 C*a 0intit "#e!t 1n inim%+++ c %sta+ Scoase n #e6ol6e# $#os "in ' / na# l hainei &i 1l 1ntinse l i S!a"e+ 7n c#est%t #ile "e !e -a0a #e6ol6e# l i se in-ilt#ase no#oi+ 4 =n :e'le;+ . a#m% en$le/easc%, n 5 S!a"e 1&i l % cot l "e !e st2l! l $a#" l i, se a!lec% s% !#i6easc% a#ma, "a# n*o atinse+ 4 Da+ =n #e6ol6e# a tomat :e'le;*Fes'e#;+ EDact+ Cali'# l KL, t#a$e o!t $loan0e+ , se mai -a'#ic% ti! l %sta+ C2te s*a t#as5 4 . sin$ #% !il l%+ Tom se '%t "in no !e !ie!t+ 4 T#e' ie s% -i -ost mo#t c2n" a c%/ t !este $a#" &i l*a # !t+ Ri"ic% a#ma !lin% "e no#oi+ 4 C no&ti #e6ol6e# l5 4 Am mai 6%/ t a#me :e'le;*Fos'e#;, #ec nosc S!a"e, -%#% s% mani-este 6#e n inte#es "eose'it, a!oi 6o#'i #e!e"e9 A -ost 1m! &cat aici s s, n 5 7n tim! ce st%tea n"e stai t , c s!atele la $a#"+ Cel ca#e l*a 1m! &cat st%tea aici+ 7l ocoli !e Tom !2n% a8 nse 1n -a0a l i, a!oi #i"ic% '#a0 l c "e$et l a#%t%to# 1n"#e!tat s!#e !ie!t l !oli0ist l i+ 4 1l 1m! &c%, Miles ca"e !e s!ate, se lo6e&te "e $a#", t#ece !#in el &i se #osto$ole&te !2n% 1l o!#e&te 'olo6an l+ 4 EDact, #%s! nse Tom 1ncet, st#2n$2n" *&i s!#2ncenele+ Flac%#a a#mei i*a !2#lit haina+ 4 Cine l*a $%sit5 4 Shillin$, !oli0ist l ca#e 1&i -%cea #on" l+ Co'o#a !e B sh St#eet &i tocmai c2n" a a8 ns aici, a 1nto#s o ma&in%, -a# #ile a l minat !2n% s s &i Shillin$ a 6%/ t 62#- l # !t al $a#" l i+ At nci s*a s it s% se ite &i l*a $%sit+ 4 Ce*i c ma&ina ca#e 1nto#cea5 4 ,ici cea mai mic% in-o#ma0ie 1n !#i6in0a ei, Sam, Shillin$ n i*a "at aten0ie, ne&tiin" c%*i ce6a 1n ne#e$ l%+ S! ne c% n*a ie&it nimeni "e aici 1n tim! ce #ca "e !e Po?ell St#eet, c%ci a# -i 6%/ t+ A# mai -i o ie&i#e, sin$ #a, !e s ' !ano , !#in StocAton St#eet+ ,imeni n*a ie&it nici !e acolo+ Cea0a a 1nm iat !%m2nt l &i n se 6%" "ec2t #mele l%sate "e Miles c2n" a al necat !e !ant% &i cele ale #e6ol6e# l i ca#e s*a #osto$olit+ 4 A a /it cine6a 1m! &c%t #a5 4 Pent# n mele l i D mne/e , Sam, "e*a'ia am 6enit+ T#e' ie s*o -i a /it cine6a, #%m2ne 1ns% s%*l $%sim+ Se 1ntoa#se &i 1&i t#ec n !icio# !este $a#"+ 4 )ii 8os s%*l 6e/i !2n% n *l ia5 4 , , #%s! nse S!a"e+ Tom se o!#i c%la#e !e $a#" &i se it% 1n"%#%t ia S!a"e c ochi mici &i mi#a0i+ 4 C*ai 6%/ t, s! se S!a"e+ Ai 6%/ t tot ce*a& -i ! t t s% 6%" &i e + Tom, c !#i6i#ea a0intit% as !#a l i S!a"e, "%" sce!tic "in ca! &i t#ec !este $a#"+ 4 A6ea #e6ol6e# l la &ol", s! se el+ ,*a t#as c el+ Pa#"esi l e#a 1ncheiat+ 7n ' / na#e am $%sit !este o s t% &ai/eci "e "ola#i+ A6ea o misi ne, Sam5 D !% o cli!% "e e/ita#e, Sam #ec nosc + 4 Ce misi ne5 4 A6ea 1ns%#cina#ea s% #m%#easc% n ti! n mit Flo;" Th #s';, /ise S!a"e, &i 1l "esc#ise !e Th #s'; a&a c m i*l / $#%6ise "omni&oa#a :on"e#l;+ 4 De ce*l #m%#ea5 S!a"e '%$% m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !a#"esi l i &i cli!i a!atic s!#e Tom+ Tom #e!et% ne#%'"%to#9 4 De ce*l #m%#ea5 4 Poate -iin"c% e#a en$le/+ , &ti ce 1n62#tea eDact+ Am 1nce#cat s% "esco!e#im n"e loc ie&te+ S!a"e #2n8i 6a$, scoase o m2n% "in ' / na# &i 1l '%t !e Tom !e m%#+ 4 , *mi ce#e !#ea m lte+ )2#1 "in no m2na 1n ' / na#+ 4 Am s*o an n0 e !e so0ia l i Miles+ Se 1ntoa#se &i !lec%+ Tom se st#2m'%, "eschise $ #a, o 1nchise -%#% s% 6o#'easc%, 1&i "#ese $las l, #en n0% s%
mai se st#2m'e &i s! se c 6oce 'l2n"% &i #%$ &it%9 4 >#oa/nic, s% te#mine a&a+ Miles a6ea !%catele l i, ca noi to0i, "a# a6ea, "esi$ #, &i m lte calit%0i+ 4 A&a e, #ec nosc S!a"e c 6oce ineD!#esi6% &i 1&i contin % "# m l !e alee+ S!a"e "%" n tele-on "int#* n drugstore "eschis toat% noa!tea, la col0 l l i B sh St#eet c Ta;lo# St#eet+ 4 Sc m!o, s! se el " !% ce com nic% tele-onistei n m%# l ce# t, Miles a -ost 1m! &cat+++ Da, e mo#t+++ , te ene#6a+++ Da+++ )a t#e' i s%*i com nici I6ei+++ , + S% m% ia "#ac "ac*am s*o -ac e + . las !e seama ta+++ Fii a&a "e "#%$ 0%+++ i s! ne*i s% n 6in% !e la 'i#o + S! ne*i c*am s*o 6%"+++ Hm+++ 1n c #2n"+++ Da, "a# n m% an$a8a c nimic+++ B#a6o 0ie+ E&ti n 1n$e#+ Ca #e6e"e#eE De&te!t%to# l st#i"ent al l i S!a"e a#%ta o#a !at# -%#% "o %/eci c2n" a!#inse l st#a+ A# nc% !%l%#ia &i !a#"esi l !e !at, int#% 1n ' c%t%#ie, a!oi se 1ntoa#se 1n "o#mito# c n !aha# "e 6in &i o sticl% ma#e "e #om Baca#"i+ 7&i t #n% n !aha# &i*l '% 1n !icioa#e+ P se sticla &i !aha# l !e mas%, se a&e/% !e ma#$inea !at l i 1n -a0a lo# &i 1&i #%s ci o 0i$a#%+ B% se al t#eilea !aha# "e Baca#"i &i tocmai 1&i a!#in"ea a cincea 0i$a#% c2n" #%s n% sone#ia "e la st#a"%+ A#%t%toa#ele "e&te!t%to# l i e#a la !at# &i 8 m%tate+ S!a"e s s!in%, se sc l% "e !e !at &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e a!a#at l tele-onic "e l2n$% &a came#ei "e 'aie+ A!%s% ' ton l ca#e "eschi"ea &a "e la st#a"%+ Mo#m%i9 (Ca "#ac E( R%mase 1n !icioa#e, se st#2m'% la c tia nea$#% a tele-on l i, #es!i#2n" ne#e$ lat, 1n tim! ce o #o&ea0% #2t% i se 1ntin"ea !e o'#a8i+ A /i h2#2it l &i /"#%n$%nit l &ii li-t l i, a!oi c m se "eschi"e &i se 1nchi"e !e co#i"o#+ S!a"e s s!in% "in no &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e &a ca#e "a !e co#i"o#+ Pa&i $#ei, c%lc2n" 1n- n"at #%s na#% !e !o"ea a aco!e#it% "e co6o#, !a&ii a "oi '%#'a0i+ Sam se l min% la -a0%+ Deschise #e!e"e &a+ 4 Sal t, Tom, s! se el "etecti6 l i 1nalt &i ' #tos, c ca#e "isc tase !e B ##itt St#eet3 a!oi9 Sal t, locotenente 4, cel i "e l2n$% Tom+ Int#a0i+ Cei "oi 1l sal ta#% "in ca!, -%#% s% 6o#'easc% &i int#a#%+ S!a"e 1nchise &a &i 1i con" se 1n "o#mito#+ Tom se a&e/% la ca!%t l so-alei, l2n$% -e#est#e+ Cocotenent l se a&e/% !e n sca n l2n$% mas%+ Cocotenent l e#a n ti! 6oinic, c ca! #ot n", c !%# c%# nt, t%iat sc #t &i c -a0a !%t#at%, c m sta0% c%# nt%, t%iat% &i ea sc #t+ A6ea 1n-i!t% 1n c#a6at% o mone"% "e a # "e cinci "ola#i, ia# la #e6e# o em'lem% mic% &i com!licat%, '%t t% c "iamante, insi$nele an mito# societ%0i sec#ete+ S!a"e a" se "o % !aha#e "e 6in "in ' c%t%#ie, le m!l c Baca#"i, le 1m!%#0i celo# "oi &i se a&e/% !e ma#$inea !at l i+ Pe -a0a l i !laci"% n se citea c #io/itate+ Ri"ic% !aha# l &i s! se9 4 S cces la c#imeE A!oi 1l $oli !2n% la - n"+ Tom $oli &i el !aha# l, 1l ! se !e !o"ea, l2n$% !icio# &i se &te#se la $ #% c "e$et l a#%t%to#, !lin "e no#oi+ Se it% l n$ la !icio# l !at l i, 1nce#c2n" !a#c% s%*&i aminteasc% ce*i s $e#a 6e"e#ea l i+ Cocotenent l 1&i !#i6i !aha# l 6#eo /ece sec n"e, so#'i, a!oi se it% la Tom c ochi " #i &i aten0i+ Tom se -oi 8enat !e so-a &i, -%#% s% #i"ice !#i6i#ea, 1nt#e'%9 4 Ai an n0at*o !e so0ia l i Miles, Sam5 4 M"a, #%s! nse S!a"e+ 4 C m a !#imit 6estea5 4 , &ti c m #eac0ionea/% -emeile, s! se S!a"e &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 Ca "#ac , n &tiiE #%s! nse 1ncet Tom+ Cocotenent l 1&i l%s% m2inile !e $en nchi &i se a!lec%+ .chii l i 6e#/i 1l !i#oni#% !e Sam c o eD!#esie ci "at "e #i$i"%, ca &i c m -oca# l lo# a# -i -ost o !#o'lem% "e mecanic%, ! t2n" -i mo"i-icat "oa# !#in a!%sa#ea nei !2#$hii sa a n i ' ton+ 4 Ce -el "e a#m% ai la tine5 1nt#e'% el+ 4 ,*am a#m%+ , *mi !lac !#ea m lt a#mele+ Fi#e&te, am c2te6a la 'i#o + 4 A& 6#ea s% 6%" na, s! se locotenent l+ ,*ai "in 1nt2m!la#e 6#e na !e aici5 4, + 4 E&ti si$ #5
4 Ca t%+ S!a"e /2m'i &i -l t #% !aha# l $el+ R%scole&te toat% ha#" $hia, "ac% 6#ei+ ,*am s% !#oteste/+++ "ac% ai o#"in "e !e#che/i0ie+ 4 .h, ce "#ac , SamE !#otest% Tom+ S!a"e 1&i ! se !aha# l !e mas% &i se #i"ic%, 1n-# nt2n" *l !e locotenent+ 4 Ce !o-te&ti, D n";5 1nt#e'% el c o 6oce la -el "e as!#% &i "e #ece ca &i ochii l i+ Cocotenent l D n"; 1&i "e!las% !#i6i#ea !ent# a*l men0ine !e Sam 1n -oca# l ei+ Doa# !#i6i#ea i se mi&c% 1ns%+ Tom 1&i m t% ia# $#e tatea !e so-a, #%s -l% a"2nc !e n%#i &i se smio#c%i+ 4 , 6#em s%*0i -acem neca/ #i, Sam+ S!a"e, i$no#2n" *l !e Tom, se a"#es% l i D n";9 4 Ei, ce !o-te&ti5 S! ne !e -a0%+ Cine "#ac te c#e/i, int#2n" aici &i 1nce#c2n" s% m% t#a$i "e lim'%5 4 7n #e$ l%, s! se D n"; 1n- n"at, stai 8os &i asc lt%+ 4 Am s% sta 8os sa 1n !icioa#e, c m "#ac mi*o !l%ceaE /ise S!a"e -%#% s% se clinteasc%+ 4 Pent# D mne/e , -ii "e 1n0eles, 1l # $% Tom+ Ce sens a#e s% ne ce#t%m5 Dac% 6#ei s% &tii "e ce n*am 6o#'it !e -a0%, e -iin"c% at nci c2n" te*am 1nt#e'at cine e Th #s'; %la, m*ai #e!e/it &i mi*ai s! s c% n m% !#i6e&te+ , te !o0i ! #ta a&a c noi, Sam+ ,*ai "#e!t l &i nici n*ai ce c2&ti$a+ T#e' ie s% anchet%m+ Cocotenent l D n"; s%#i 1n !icioa#e, se a!#o!ie "e "etecti6 &i 1&i 1n%l0% -a0a !%t#at% s!#e cea a l i Sam+ 4 Te*am !#e6enit c% 1nt#*o ' n% /i ai s% calci !e*al%t #i, /ise el+ S!a"e /2m'i "is!#e0 ito# &i #i"ic% "in s!#2ncene+ 4 Fieca#e calc% neo#i !e al%t #i, #%s! nse el c 'l2n"e0e 'at8oco#itoa#e+ 4 Gi*a 6enit #2n" l+ S!a"e s #2se &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 , + Mie 1mi me#$e "e min ne, m l0 mesc+ 7ncet% s% mai s #2"%+ B /a s !e#ioa#% 1i t#es%#i 1n !a#tea st2n$%+ .chii i se 1n$ sta#% &i "e6eni#% !osaci+ )ocea 1i #%s n% la -el "e 1n- n"at ca a locotenent l i+ 4 , *mi !lace t#ea'a asta+ Ce c% ta0i aici5 .#i 1mi s! ne0i, o#i ie&i0i a-a#% &i m% l%sa0i s% m% c lc+ 4 Cine*i Th #s';5 1nt#e'% locotenent l+ 4 I*am s! s l i Tom tot ce &tiam "es!#e el+ 4 I*ai s! s l i Tom al "#ac l i "e ! 0in+ 4 Fiin"c% &ti al "#ac l i "e ! 0in+ 4 De ce*l #m%#eai5 4 , *l #m%#eam e , ci Miles+ Pent# sim!l l moti6 c% ne*a ce# t n client, ca#e ne*a !l%tit c 'ani ' ni, ame#icani, s%*l #m%#im+ 4 Cine*i client l5 )ocea &i chi! l l i S!a"e "e6eni#% "in no !laci"e+ <ise !e n ton "e #e!#o&9 4 tii c n *0i !ot s! ne, !2n% ce n "isc t mai 1ntii c client l+ 4 .#i 1mi s! i ac m, o#i "e n , ai s% s! i la t#i' nalE se #%sti D n"; - #ios+ E o c#im% la mi8loc, n ita+ 4 Se !oate+ Da# s%*0i mai s! n ce6a &i s% n i0i, sc m! le+ Am s% 6o#'esc sa n , "oa# "ac% am che-, ce "#ac E ,*am mai !l2ns "e m lt -iin"c% m% #%sc !oli0aii+ Tom se sc l% "e !e so-a &i se a&e/% la !icio# l !at l i+ Fa0a l i ne$li8ent '%#'ie#it% &i m #"a#% "e no#oi e#a o'osit% &i !lin% "e #i" #i+ 4 Fii 1n0ele$%to#, Sam, 1l # $% el+ D%*ne o m2n% "e a8 to#+ C m 6#ei s% a-l%m ce6a "es!#e asasina#ea l i Miles, "ac% n ne s! i ce &tii5 4 Cas*o !e seama mea, 1i #%s! nse S!a"e+ Am s%*mi 1n$#o! sin$ # mo#0ii+ Cocotenent l D n"; se a&e/% "in no &i 1&i ! se m2inile !e $en nchi+ .chii 1i e#a "o % "isc #i -ie#'in0i &i 6e#/i+ 4 A&a m*am $2n"it &i e + <2m'i e o satis-ac0ie s m'#%+ 4 Chia# "*asta am 6enit s% te 6e"em+ , *i a&a, Tom5 Tom m2#2i, "a# n #osti nici n c 62nt+ S!a"e 1l #m%#i !#eca t !e D n";+ 4 Chia# asta i*am s! s &i l i Tom, contin % locotenent l+ I*am s! s9 (Tom, mi se !a#e c% Sam S!a"e e 1n sta#e s%*&i s!ele # -ele m #"a#e 1n -amilie(+ Chia# a&a i*am s! s+
P# "en0a "in !#i6i#ea l i S!a"e se to!i+ .chii i se !osomo#2#% "e !lictiseal%+ Se 1ntoa#se s!#e Tom &i*l 1nt#e'% c ne!%sa#e e6i"ent%9 4 Ce*l #oa"e !e amic l t% 5 D n"; s%#i 1n s s &i 1l '%t !e S!a"e 1n !ie!t c "o % "e$ete+ 4 Asta m% #oa"e, s! se el, st#%" in" *se s% a#tic le/e c2t mai lim!e"e -ieca#e c 62nt &i s 'liniin" *le im!o#tan0a cioc%nin" 1n !ie!t l l i S!a"e c 62#- l "e$etelo#+ 4 Th #s'; a -ost 1m! &cat 1n -a0a hotel l i s% la t#ei/eci &i cinci "e min te " !% ce*ai !%#%sit B ##itt St#eet+ S!a"e 1i #%s! nse, st#%" in" *se &i el s% -ie la -el "e lim!e"e9 4 Ia*0i la'ele 'lestemate "e !e mineE D n"; 1&i #et#ase "e$etele c ca#e cioc%nea, -%#% s% se simt% 1ns% 6#eo schim'a#e 1n $las l s% 9 4 Tom s! ne c% e#ai a&a "e $#%'it, 1nc2t nici m%ca# n te*ai o!#it s*a# nci o !#i6i#e asociat l i t% + Tom 'om'%ni "#e!t sc /%9 4 Ce "#ac , Sam, ai &te#s*o 1n ma#e $#a'%+ 4 i nici n te*ai " s acas% la A#che# s*o an n0i !e so0ia l i, s! se locotenent l+ Am tele-onat, &i*am nime#it !este -ata "e la 'i#o l t% ca#e ne*a s! s c*ai t#imis*o !e ea+ S!a"e #ec nosc !#int#*o mi&ca#e a ca! l i+ Fa0a 1i e#a at2t "e calm%, 1nc2t !%#ea st !i"%+ Cocotenent l D n"; #i"ic% s!#e S!a"e cele "o % "e$ete 1n"oite, le co'o#1 #e!e"e &i /ise9 4 7n /ece min te ai a6 t tim! s -icient s% "ai n tele-on &i s% 6o#'e&ti c -ata+ 7n alte /ece min te te*ai " s acas% la Th #s'; 4 st% !e >ea#; St#eet, a!#oa!e "e Cea6en?o#th, a6eai 6#eme "est l%, n *0i t#e' ia mai m lt "e n s-e#t "e o#%+ 7nseamn% "eci c% ai "is! s "e /ece sa cincis!#e/ece min te !2n% s% a!a#%+ 4 De n"e &tiam e n"e st%5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ i c m ! team s% &ti c% s*a " s "i#ect acas% " !% ce l*a omo#2t !e Miles5 4 tiai ce &tiai, #e!lic% D n"; 1nc%!%02nat+ Ca ce o#% ai a8 ns acas%5 4 Ca !at# -%#% "o %/eci+ M*am mai !lim'at, #e-lect2n" la sit a0ie+ Cocotenent l 1&i cl%tin% ca! l #ot n"+ 4 tim c% n e#ai acas% la o#a t#ei &i 8 m%tate+ Am 1nce#cat s% te $%sim la tele-on+ Pe n"e te*ai !lim'at5 4 P2n% "incolo "e B sh St#eet &i 1n"%#%t+ 4 Te*a 6%/ t cine6a c2n" te+++ 4 , , n*am nici n ma#to#, s! se S!a"e &i #2se 1nc2ntat+ Stai 8os, D n";+ , 0i*ai '% t 1nc% !aha# l+ D%*mi*l !e*al t% , Tom+ 4 , , m l0 mesc, Sam, s! se Tom+ D n"; se a&e/%, -%#% s% "ea aten0ie !aha# l i c #om+ S!a"e &i*l m!l !e*al l i, 1l '% , ! se !e mas% !aha# l $ol &i 1&i #el % loc l !e ma#$inea !at l i+ 4 7mi "a seama 1n ce sit a0ie m% a-l , s! se el !#i6in" !#ietenos "e la n !oli0ai la cel%lalt+ 4 7mi !a#e #% c% m*am ene#6at, "a# a0i "at ' /na !este mine, a0i 1nce#cat s%*mi sm l$e0i o "ecla#a0ie &i m*a0i scos "in s%#ite+ Moa#tea l i Miles m*a a-ectat, ia# 6oi, "e&te!0ilo#, mai -ace0i &i !e ne' nii+ E 1n #e$ l%, &ti c m sta l c# #ile+ 4 Cas% asta, /ise Tom+ Cocotenent l n 6o#'i+ 4 Th #s'; a m #it5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 7n 6#eme ce locotenent l e/ita, Tom s! se9 4 Da+ 4 i*ai ! tea s% &tii la -el "e 'ine 4 !#es ! n2n" c% n &tii 4 c% 1nainte "e*a m #i n*a a! cat s% s! n% nimic, /ise D n";+ S!a"e 1&i #%s ci o 0i$a#%+ 7nt#e'% -%#% s% #i"ice ochii9 4 Ce 6#ei s% s! i5 C#e/i c% am &ti t5 4 )#ea s% s! n eDact ce*am s! s, 1i #e!lic% D n"; '# tal+ S!a"e #i"ic% !#i6i#ea s!#e el &i 1i /2m'i, c 0i$a#a #%s cit% 1nt#*o m2n% &i c '#icheta 1n
cealalt%+ 4 , e&ti 1nc% $ata s% m% a#este/i, D n";5 1nt#e'% el+ D n"; se it% la el c ochi " #i &i 6e#/i, "a# n *i #%s! nse+ 4 At nci, /ise S!a"e, n*am nici n moti6 s!ecial ca s%*mi !ese "e !%#e#ea ta+ , *i a&a, D n";5 4 Ca "#ac , -ii om 1n0ele$%to#, Sam, /ise Tom+ S!a"e " se 0i$a#a la ' /e, o a!#inse, ! -%i &i #2se+ 4 Bine, am s% -i om 1n0ele$%to#, Tom, 1i !#omise el+ C m l*am omo#2t !e acest Th #s';5 Am itat+ Tom 'om'%ni "e/$ stat+ Cocotenent l D n"; /ise9 4 A -ost 1m! &cat 1n s!ate "e !at# o#i, c o a#m% "e cali'# l 44 sa 4I, "e !e t#ot a# l "e 6i/a6i, c2n" se !#e$%tea s% int#e 1n hotel+ ,imeni n*a 6%/ t, "a# a&a se '%n ie&te+ 4 i ! #ta n C $e# 1nt#*o teac% la s 's oa#%, a"% $% Tom+ , s*a t#as c el+ 4 Ce &ti cei "e la hotel "es!#e Th #s';5 1l 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 Doa# c*a stat acolo o s%!t%m2n%+ 4 Sin$ #5 4 Sin$ #+ 4 i ce*a0i $%sit as !#a l i5 Sa la el 1n came#%5 D n"; 1&i s !se ' /ele &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce c#e/i c% ! team $%si5 S!a"e "esc#ise n ce#c ne!%s%to# c 0i$a#a l i moale+ 4 Ce6a ca#e s% 6% s! n% cine e#a, ce 1n62#tea+ A0i $%sit5 4 Am c#e/ t c% ne !o0i s! ne t + S!a"e se it% la locotenent3 ochii l i $al'en*cen &ii t#%"a o can"oa#e a!#oa!e eDa$e#at%+ 4 , l*am 6%/ t 1n 6ia0a mea !e Th #s';, nici 6i , nici mo#t+ Cocotenent l D n"; se #i"ic%, 6%"it nem l0 mit+ Tom se #i"ic% &i el c%sc2n" &i 1ntin/2n" *se+ 4 Am 1nt#e'at ce*a6eam "e 1nt#e'at, /ise D n";, 1nc# nt2n" *se+ A6ea ochi " #i, ca ni&te !iet#icele 6e#/i "e #2 + 7&i 1ntinse ' /a c m sta0%, a#tic l2n" c 6intele c ' /a in-e#ioa#%+ 4 Gi*am s! s mai m lte "ec2t ne*ai s! s t + E "est l "e co#ect+ M% c no&ti, S!a"e+ Fie c% l*ai cis sa n , am s% m% !o#t co#ect c tine, &i*am s% te a8 t+ , c#e" c% te*a& 1n6in i !#ea m lt !ent# +++ "a# asta n*o s% m% 1m!ie"ice s% te "a !e m2na 8 sti0iei+ 4 Dest l "e co#ect "in !a#tea ta, #%s! nse calm S!a"e+ Da# m*a& ' c #a, "ac% 0i*ai 'ea !aha# l+ Cocotenent l D n"; se 1ntoa#se la mas%, #i"ic% !aha# l &i 1l $oli 1ncet+ A!oi s! se9 4 ,oa!te ' n%, &i 1i 1ntinse m2na+ i*o st#2nse#% ce#emonios+ Tom &i S!a"e &i*o st#2nse#% &i ei ce#emonios+ S!a"e 1i con" se !2n% la &%+ A!oi se "e/'#%c%, stinse l mina &i se c lc%+ III TREI FEMEI C2n" S!a"e a8 nse la a$en0ie a "o a /i "iminea0a la o#a /ece, E--ie Pe#ine st%tea la 'i#o l ei &i "eschi"ea co#es!on"en0a+ De&i '#on/at%, -a0a ei '%ie0oas% e#a !ali"%+ C%s% 8os teanc l "e !lic #i &i c 0it l "e t%iat h2#tia &i s! se9 4 E acolo+ )o#'i 1ncet &i !#e6enito#+ 4 Te*am # $at s% n 6in% !e aici, 1i #e!#o&% S!a"e+ )o#'i &i el c $las sc%/ t+ E--ie Pe#ine "eschise la#$ ochii ei c%!# i &i 1i #%s! nse la #2n" l ei i#itat%9 4 Da, "a# n mi*ai s! s c m s*o -ac+ 7&i st#2nse ! 0in $enele &i me#ii 1i c%/ #%+ , -i nes -e#it, Sam, s! se ea o'osit%+ Am stat c ea toat% noa!tea+ S!a"e se a!#o!ie &i o m2n$2ie !e !%#, nete/in" *i*l "e la c%#a#ea "e !e c#e&tet 1n 8os+ 4 Ia#t%*m%, 1n$e#a& le+ ,*am+++ Se 1nt#e# !se c%ci &a "e le$%t #% "int#e came#e se "eschise+ 4 B n%, I6a, s! se el -emeii ca#e o "eschisese+ 4 .h, SamE eDclam% ea+
E#a o 'lon"% ! 0in t#ec t% "e t#ei/eci "e ani+ C cinci ani 1n #m% -# m se0ea chi! l i ei - sese "es%62#&it%+ T# ! l, "e&i $#eoi, e#a 'ine mo"elat &i !l%c t la 1n-%0i&a#e+ E#a 1m'#%cat% "in ca! &i !2n% 1n !icioa#e 1n ne$# + At2t !anto-ii c2t &i !%l%#ia l%sa im!#esia n i "oli im!#o6i/at+ )o#'i, a!oi se t#ase "in !#a$ &i #%mase 1n a&te!ta#ea l i S!a"e+ Detecti6 l 1&i #i"ic% m2na "e !e !%# l l i E--ie Pe#ine &i int#% 1n cel%lalt 'i#o , 1nchi/2n" &a 1n #m%+ I6a se a!#o!ie c !a&i #e!e/i &i 1&i 1n%l0% -a0a t#ist% !ent# a -i s%# tat%+ 7l 1m'#%0i&% mai 1nainte ca el s% schi0e/e n $est+ D !% ce se s%# ta#%, S!a"e 1nce#c% s% se sm l$% "in '#a0ele ei, "a# I6a 1&i 1n$#o!% -a0a la !ie!t l l i &i 1nce! s% !l2n$%+ S!a"e 1i m2n$2ie me#ii #ot n/i &i 1i s! se9 4 Biata "e tine+ )o#'ea tan"# + Se it% !ie/i& &i - #ios la 'i#o l l i Miles a&e/at -a0% 1n -a0% c al s% + 7&i 1ntinse ' /ele 1nt#* n #2n8et "e ne#%'"a#e &i 1ntoa#se '%#'ia ca s% e6ite contact l c 62#- l !%l%#iei ei+ 4 C*ai an n0at !e -#atele l i5 4 Da, a sosit a/i*"iminea0%+ C 6intele #%s na 1n- n"at "in ca /a hohotelo# &i a hainei l i S!a"e li!it% "e ' /ele I6ei+ S!a"e se st#2m'% "in no &i 1&i s ci ca! l ca s% se ite !e - #i& la ceas l "e m2n%+ . 0inea c '#a0 l st2n$, st#2n$2n" *i m%# l st2n$+ Man&eta se t#%sese "est l ca s% se 6a"% ceas l+ E#a /ece &i /ece+ Femeia se -oi 1n '#a0ele l i &i 1&i #i"ic% ia# chi! l+ .chii ei al'a&t#i e#a me/i, #ot n/i &i c cea#c%ne al'e+ > #a 1i e#a me"%+ 4 .h, Sam, $em ea+ T l*ai omo#2t5 S!a"e o !#i6i c ochi ma#i+ B%#'ia osoas% i se l%s% 1n 8os+ 7i "%" "# m l I6ei &i se sm lse "in '#a0ele ei+ Se st#2m'% la ea &i 1&i "#ese $las l+ I6a #%m%sese c '#a0ele #i"icate, c m o l%sase S!a"e+ D #e#ea 1i 1m!%ien8eni !#i6i#ea3 -%c ochii mici s ' s!#2ncenele #i"icate+ S!a"e #2se as!# &i monosila'ic9 (HaE( &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e -e#east#a c !e#"ea a c#em+ R%mase neclintit, c s!atele la I6a, !#i6in" !#in !e#"ea 1n c #te, !2n% c2n" -emeia se a!#o!ie "e el+ At nci se 1ntoa#se '# sc &i se " se la 'i#o + Se a&e/%, 1&i ! se coatele !e 'i#o , 1&i !#inse '%#'ia 1nt#e ! mni &i se it% la I6a+ .chii l i $%l' i st#%l cea 1nt#e !leoa!ele st#2nse+ 4 Cine 0i*a 62#2t 1n ca! i"eea asta $#o/a6%5 o 1nt#e'% el c o 6oce #ece+ 4 M*am $2n"it+++ I6a " se o m2n% la $ #% &i i/' cni "in no 1n !l2ns+ Se a!#o!ie "e 'i#o , c%lc2n" si$ #, &o# &i $#a0ios 1n !anto-ii ei ne$#i mici, "a# c toc #i -oa#te 1nalte+ 4 Fii ' n c mine, Sam, 1i s! se ea mil+ S!a"e #2se "e ea, c ochii 1nc% sc2ntein"+ 4 (Mi*ai cis so0 l, Sam, -ii ' n c mine5( 7&i st#2nse ! mnii &i s! se9 S-inte D mne/e leE I6a 1nce! s% !l2n$% ta#e, c -a0a 1n- n"at% 1nt#*o 'atist% al'%+ S!a"e se #i"ic% &i se a!#o!ie "e ea !e la s!ate+ . l % 1n '#a0e+ . s%# t% !e cea-%, 1nt#e #eche &i $ le# l !alton l i+ 4 Asc lt%, I6a, n mai !l2n$e+ Fi$ #a l i S!a"e n t#%"a nici n sentiment+ C2n" I6a 1ncet%, S!a"e 1&i li!i $ #a "e #echea ei &i 1i &o!ti9 4 ,*a# -i t#e' it s% 6ii ast%/i aici, i 'ito+ ,*a -ost n $est 1n0ele!t+ , !o0i s% #%m2i+ A# t#e' i s% -ii acas%+ I6a se 1ntoa#se 1n '#a0ele l i, c -a0a s!#e el &i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 )ii ast%*sea#%5 4 , , #%s! nse S!a"e &i cl%tin% 1ncet "in ca!+ 4 Ai s% 6ii 1n c #2n"5 4 Da+ 4 C2t "e c #2n"5 4 De 1n"at% ce*am s% !ot+ . s%# t% !e $ #%, o con" se la &%, "eschise &a &i 1i s! se9 (Ca #e6e"e#e, I6a(, o 1m!inse a-a#%, 1nchise &a &i se 1ntoa#se la 'i#o + Scoase "in ' / na# l 6estei t t n &i !achet l "e -oi0e, "a# n *&i #%s ci nici o 0i$a#%+ R%mase c -oi0ele 1nt#*o m2n%, c t t n l 1n cealalt%, !#i6in" melancolic s!#e 'i#o l asociat l i mo#t+ E--ie Pe#ine "eschise &a &i int#%+ .chii ei c%!# i e#a nelini&ti0i+ 7l 1nt#e'% ne!%s%toa#e9 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 S!a"e n *i #%s! nse+ P#i6i#ea l i melancolic% n se "e/li!i "e 'i#o l l i Miles+ Fata se 1nc# nt%, ocoli 'i#o l &i se a!#o!ie "e S!a"e+ 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5
1nt#e'% ea mai ta#e+ C m te*ai 1n0eles c 6%" 6a5 4 7&i 1nchi! ie c% e l*am cis !e Miles, /ise el mi&c2n" "oa# ' /ele+ 4 Ca s% te !o0i c%s%to#i c ea5 S!a"e n *i #%s! nse+ E--ie 1i l % !%l%#ia "e !e ca! &i o ! se !e 'i#o + A!oi se a!lec% &i*i l % ! n$a c t t n &i -oi0ele "in m2inile ine#te+ 4 Poli0ia c#e"e c% e l*am 1m! &cat !e Th #s';, /ise el+ 4 Cine*i Th #s';5 1nt#e'% E--ie "es-%c2n" o -oi0% "in !achet &i m!l2n"*o c t t n+ 4 Pe cine c#e/i c% l*am 1m! &cat5 C m E--ie 1i i$no#% 1nt#e'a#ea, S!a"e contin %9 4 Th #s'; e ti! l !e ca#e t#e' ia s%*l #m%#easc% Miles, la ce#e#ea "omni&oa#ei :on"e#l;+ De$etele ei s '0i#i te#mina#% "e #%s cit 0i$a#a+ . li!i, o nete/i, e s ci la ca!ete &i o 62#1 1nt#e ' /ele l i S!a"e+ 4 M l0 mesc, "#a$a mea, /ise el &i o c !#inse "e talia ml%"ioas%, o"ihnin" *&i o'osit o'#a/ l !e &ol" l ei3 a!oi 1nchise ochii+ 4 Ai "e $2n" s% te c%s%to#e&ti c I6a5 1l 1nt#e'% E--ie, it2n" *se la !%# l l i &aten*"eschis+ 4 , -i ca#a$hioas%, m2#2i el+ Gi$a#a nea!#ins% se mi&c% "e 8os 1n s s, e "at% c ' /ele+ 4 I6a n c#e"e c%*i ca#a$hios+ De ce s% c#ea"%+++ " !% -el l c m te*ai 1nc #cat c ea5 4 A& 6#ea s% n*o -i c nosc t nicio"at%, /ise el &i s s!in%+ 4 Ai 6#ea ac m+ . not% "e #% tate se st#ec #% 1n 6ocea -etei+ Da# !e 6#em #i 0i*a !l%c t+ 4 , &ti c m s% m% !o#t c -emeile &i nici ce s% le s! n, 'om'%ni "etecti6 l+ i !e #m%, n *mi !l%cea Miles+ 4 Min0i, Sam, /ise -ata+ tii c% &i e o consi"e# o t2#-%, "a# c n t# ! ca al ei a& a8 n$e &i e t2#-%+ S!a"e 1&i -#ec% ne#%'"%to# -a0a "e &ol" l ei &i n #%s! nse+ E--ie 1&i m &c% ' /a, 1nc#e0i -# ntea, se a!lec% s%*l 6a"% mai 'ine, &i /ise9 4 . c#e/i 1n sta#e s%*l omoa#e5 S!a"e se 1n"#e!t%, 1&i l % m2na "e !e &ol" l ei, &i 1i /2m'i+ <2m'et l l i E--ie n t#%"a "ec2t am /ament+ S!a"e 1&i scoase '#icheta &i 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a+ 4 E&ti n 1n$e#, 1i s! se el a-ect os !#in #oto$oalele "e - m, n 1n$e# ca#e $2n"e&te 1ns% cam ana!o"a+ E--ie /2m'i st#2m'9 4 A, "a5 Ce*ai /ice "ac% 0i*a& s! ne c% sc m!a ta I6a tocmai sosise acas% "e c2te6a min te c2n" m*am " s s*o an n0 la o#a t#ei "iminea0a5 4 )o#'e&ti se#ios5 .chii "etecti6 l i se concent#a#%+ S!a"e contin % s% /2m'easc% "oa# c ' /ele+ 4 M*a 0in t la &% !2n% s*a "e/'#%cat sa a te#minat c "e/'#%cat l+ I*am 6%/ t hainele, acolo n"e le*a a# ncat, !e n sca n+ S ' ele a6ea !%l%#ia &i manto l+ B#asie#a e#a "eas !#a, cal"% 1nc%+ Mi*a s! s c% "o#mea, "a# min0ea+ Mototolise a&te#n t #ile, "a# c tele n se !#esase#% 1nc%+ S!a"e l % na "in m2inile -etei &i o m2n$2ie+ 4 Sc m!a mea, e&ti o a"e6%#at% "etecti6%, s! se el &i cl%tin% "in ca!, "a# n l*a cis ea+ E--ie Pe#ine 1&i sm lse m2na+ 4 T2#-a asta 6#ea s% se m%#ite c tine, Sam, /ise E--ie c am%#%ci ne+ S!a"e -%c n $est "e ne#%'"a#e c ca! l &i c m2na+ E--ie se 1nc# nt% la el &i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 Ai 6%/ t*o c m6a asea#%5 4, + 4 Since#5 4 Since#+ , te ! #ta ca D n";, sc m!o+ , *i $en l t% + 4 Te*a c% tat D n";5 4 M"a+ El &i Tom Polha s a !icat la mine acas% ca s% 'ea ce6a !e la !at# "iminea0a+ 4 7&i 1nchi! ie, 1nt#*a"e6%#, c% t l*ai 1m! &cat !e+++ c m*1l*cheam%5 4 Th #s';+ D%" "# m l la chi&toc 1n sc# mie#a "e a#am% &i 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% alt% 0i$a#%+
4 i chia# 1&i 1nchi! ie c% t l*ai omo#2t5 insist% ea+ 4 D mne/e &tie+ 7&i !i#oni ochii !e 0i$a#a !e ca#e o #%s cea+ 4 i*a -o#mat o ast-el "e !%#e#e+ , &ti c m am s% #e &esc s%*i con6in$ s% #en n0e la ea+ 4 =it%*te la mine, Sam+ S!a"e se it% la ea &i #2se, a&a c% o cli!% !e -a0a ei se amesteca#% 6eselia &i nelini&tea+ 4 M% 1n$#i8o#e/i, s! se ea, ia# chi! l 1i "e6eni ia# se#ios 1n tim! ce 6o#'ea+ 4 70i 1nchi! i 1ntot"ea na c% &tii ce -aci, "a# "e&te!t%ci nea a#e s%*0i 8oace o -est% &i, 1nt#*o ' n% /i, ai s%*0i "ai sin$ # seama+ S!a"e s s!in% i#onic &i 1&i -#ec% o'#a/ l "e '#a0 l ei 4 Asta s! ne &i D n";3 sc m!o, 0ine*o !e I6a la "istan0% &i #e &esc e s% ies sin$ # "in celelalte 1nc #c%t #i+ Se sc l% 1n !icioa#e &i 1&i ! se !%l%#ia, 4 te#$e "e !e &% an n0 l c (S!a"e &i A#che#( &i ! ne la loc n l c (Sam el S!a"e(+ M% 1nto#c 1nt#*o o#%, sa am s%*0i tele-one/+ S!a"e t#ec !#in hol l l n$, / $#%6it 1n ! #! #i al hotel l i St+ Ma#A &i 1nt#e'% !e n "an"; c !%# #o&cat "ac% "omni&oa#a :on"e#l; e#a 1n came#a ei+ Dan";* l #o&co6an !lec%, a!oi se #e1ntoa#se &i s! se, cl%tin2n" "in ca!9 4 A !lecat "e-initi6 a/i*"e*"iminea0%, "omn le S!a"e+ 4 M l0 mesc+ S!a"e t#ec "e 'i#o l "e !#imi#e &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e o ni&% "in hol n"e, la n 'i#o c ca!ac "e mahon, &e"ea n t2n%# $#%s 0, 1m'#%cat 1n haine 1nchise+ Ca ma#$inea 'i#o l i "ins!#e hol se a-la o !#ism% t#i n$hi la#% "e mahon &i "e a#am% c insc#i!0ia9 Domnul Freed. T2n%# l $#%s 0 se sc l%, ocoli 'i#o l &i 6eni c m2na 1ntins%9 4 7mi !a#e eDt#em "e #% , S!a"e, "e ce*am a /it c*a !%0it A#che#, s! se el c o 6oce o'i&n it% s%*&i mani-este sim!atia ime"iat &i -%#% ostenta0ie+ Tocmai am citit 1n /ia# l Call. A -ost aici asea#%, &tii5 4 M l0 mesc F#ee"+ Ai 6o#'it c el5 4 , + St%tea 1n hol c2n" am sosit asea#%, "e6#eme+ , m*am o!#it+ M*am $2n"it c% e#a 1n eDe#ci0i l - nc0i nii &i &ti c% 6o % 6% !lace s% -i0i l%sa0i 1n !ace c2n" a6e0i t#ea'%+ )i/ita l i "e aici a a6 t c m6a 6#eo le$%t #% c +++5 4 , c#e", n &ti 1nc%+ .#ic m, n*o s% amestec%m hotel l 1n !o6estea asta, "ac% e c ! tin0%+ 4 70i m l0 mesc+ 4 ,*ai !ent# ce+ Po0i s%*mi "ai ni&te in-o#ma0ii as !#a nei -oste cliente, &i a!oi s% i0i c% te*am 1nt#e'at5 4 Desi$ #+ 4 . an me "omni&oa#% :on"e#l; a !lecat "e la 6oi "e-initi6 a/i*"iminea0%+ A& 6#ea s% c nosc nele am%n nte+ 4 Hai s% 6e"em ce ! tem a-la, /ise F#ee"+ S!a"e n se clinti &i "%" "in ca!+ 4 , 6#ea s% se 6a"% c% m% inte#ese/+ F#ee" consim0i &i ie&i "in ni&%+ A8 ns 1n hol, se o!#i '# sc &i se 1ntoa#se la S!a"e+ 4 Asea#% a -ost "e se#6ici Ha##iman, ca "etecti6 al hotel l i+ C*a 6%/ t c si$ #an0% !e A#che#+ S%*l !#e6in s% n 6o#'easc%5 S!a"e 1l !#i6i !e F#ee" "in col0 l ochi l i+ 4 Mai 'ine n + , a#e nici o im!o#tan0% at2t tim! c2t n se sta'ile&te o le$%t #% 1nt#e !#e/en0a l i aici &i aceast% "omni&oa#% :on"e#l;+ ,*am nimic 1m!ot#i6a l i Ha##iman, "a# 1i !lace s% t#%nc%neasc%, &i n*a& 6#ea s% c#ea"% c% e ce6a la mi8loc ca#e t#e' ie 0in t sec#et+ F#ee" 1i "%" "#e!tate &i !lec%+ Se 1ntoa#se !este n s-e#t "e o#%+ 4 A sosit ma#0ea t#ec t%, "ecla#2n" c% 6ine "e la ,e? @o#A+ , a6ea c -%#, ci "oa# 6ali/e+ , a#e t#ec te 1n nota "e !lat% a!el #i tele-onice &i nici n !a#e s% -i !#imit sc#iso#i, asta !#es ! n2n" -i#e&te, c% a !#imit oa#eca#e co#es!on"en0%+ Din c2te 1&i aminte&te cine6a, sin$ #a !e#soan% 6%/ t% 1n to6%#%&ia ei a -ost n '%#'at 1nalt &i '# net, "e 6#eo t#ei/eci &i &ase "e ani+ Clienta a !lecat la no % &i 8 m%tate a/i*"iminea0%, s*a 1nto#s !este o o#%, a achitat nota &i a ce# t s% i se " c% 6ali/ele la ma&in%+ B%iat l ca#e i le*a " s s! ne c% e#a o
ma&in% "e t #ism ma#ca ,ash, !#o'a'il 1nchi#iat%+ A l%sat o a"#es% n"e s% i se t#imit% sc#iso#ile 4 hotel Am'asa"o#, la Cos An$eles+ 4 70i m l0 mesc, F#ee", /ise S!a"e &i ie&i "in hotel l St+ Ma#A+ C2n" S!a"e se 1ntoa#se la 'i#o , E--ie Pe#ine se o!#i "in '%t t l sc#iso#ii la ma&in% &i 1i s! se9 4 A 6enit !#ieten l t% , D n";+ )oia s% se ite la a#mele tale+ 4 i5 4 I*am s! s s% #e6in% c2n" ai s% -ii aici+ 4 B#a6o 0ie+ Dac% se 1ntoa#ce, las%*l s% se ite la ele+ 4 A tele-onat &i "omni&oa#a :on"e#l;+ 4 E#a &i tim! l+ Ce*a s! s5 4 C% 6#ea s% te 6a"%+ Fata #i"ic% o ' cat% "e h2#tie "e !e 'i#o &i citi nota sc#is% c c#eion l+ 4 St% 1n 'loc l Co#onet, !e Cali-o#nia St#eet, a!a#tament l 1JJ1+ A /is s% 1nt#e'i "e "omni&oa#a Ce'lanc+ 4 D%*o 1ncoa, /ise S!a"e &i 1ntinse m2na+ D !% ce E--ie 1i "%" h2#tia, S!a"e scoase '#icheta, o a!#inse, o a!#o!ie "e -oaie, &i o 0in "e n col0 !2n% c2n" a#se toat%, a-a#% "e col0 l ca#e se chi#ci, se 1nne$#i &i se -%c sc# m3 a!oi 1i "%" "# m l !e linole m &i o st#i6i s ' c%lc2i+ E--ie 1l #m%#ea c o !#i6i#e !lin% "e "e/a!#o'a#e+ S!a"e #2n8i &i*i s! se9 4 A&a sta l c# #ile, "#a$%, &i !lec% "in no + I) PASHREA ,EA>RH Domni&oa#a :on"e#l;, 1m'#%cat% 1nt#*o #ochie "e m%tase 6e#"e, c co#"on, 1i "eschise &a a!a#tament l i 1JJ1 "in 'loc l Co#onet+ E#a 1m' 8o#at%+ P%# l ei #o& *1nchis, c c%#a#e la st2n$a &i l%sat !e t2m!la "#ea!t% 1n 6al #i ne#e$ late, e#a ne!ie!t%nat+ S!a"e 1&i scoase !%l%#ia &i 1i s! se9 4 B n% "iminea0a+ <2m'et l l i -%c s% #%sa#% &i !e chi! l ei n /2m'et !ali"+ .chii, "e n al'ast# a!#oa!e 6iolet, 1&i !%st#a eD!#esia nelini&tit%+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; co'o#1 ca! l &i #%s! nse c n $las timi" &i 1n%' &it9 4 Int#a0i, "omn le S!a"e+ 7l con" se !e l2n$% &ile "eschise "e la ' c%t%#ioa#%, 'aie &i "o#mito#, !2n% 1nt#* n salon "eco#at 1n c#em &i #o& , &i 1&i ce# sc /e !ent# "e/o#"ine9 4 Tot l e alan"ala+ ,ici n*am te#minat c "es!achetat l+ 7&i ! se !%l%#ia !e mas% &i se a&e/% !e o so-a "e n c+ S!a"e se a&e/% &i el 1n -a0a ei !e n -otoli c s!%ta# o6al, ca!itonat c '#oca#t+ Domni&oa#a :on"e#l; se it% la "e$ete, le st#2nse &i s! se9 4 Domn le S!a"e, t#e' ie s% 6% m%#t #isesc n l c# 1n$#o/ito#, a'sol t 1n$#o/ito#+ S!a"e 1i /2m'i !oliticos, "a# c m -ata 0inea ca! l 1n 8os n *l o'se#6% &i n *i #%s! nse+ 4 Po6estea aia 4 !e ca#e 6*am s! s*o ie#i 4 a -ost toat% o in6en0ie, se '2l'2i ea, &i 1n%l0% s!#e el o !#i6i#e 1n" #e#at% &i 1n-#ico&at%+ 4 A, "es!#e asta e 6o#'a5 /ise S!a"e 6a$+ ,ici n*am "at ma#e c#e/a#e !o6e&tii " mnea6oast#%+ 4 At nci+++5 7n !#i6i#ea ei imi#ea se amestec% "eo"at% c 8ena &i -#ica+ 4 Am c#e/ t "oa# 1n cei "o % s te "e "ola#i+ 4 )#e0i s% s! ne0i+++5 P%#ea c% n &tie ce 6#ea S!a"e s% s! n%+ 4 )#ea s% s! n c% ne*a0i !l%tit mai m lt "ec2t "ac% ne*a0i -i s! s a"e6%# l, 1i eD!lic% el 'l2n", &i "est l "e m lt ca s% !a#% a"e6%#at+ .chii i se l mina#% '# sc+ Se #i"ic% n !ic "e !e so-a, se a&e/% la loc, 1&i nete/i - sta, se a!lec% &i 1l 1nt#e'% ne#%'"%toa#e9 4 i ac m, a0i mai -i "is! s s%+++5 S!a"e o o!#i, #i"ic2n" !alma+ Pa#tea s !e#ioa#% a -e0ei i se 1nc# nt%+ Pa#tea in-e#ioa#%
/2m'i+ 4 De!in"e, /ise el+ ,eno#oci#ea, "omni&oa#%++++ )% cheam% :on"e#l; o#i Ce'lanc5 Fata #o&i &i m #m #%9 4 De -a!t, n mele me e .MSha $hness;+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness;+ 4 ,eno#oci#ea, "omni&oa#% .MSha $hness;, e c% mai m lte c#ime 4 -ata cli!i 4 ca#e a loc 1n acela&i tim! ! n 1n mi&ca#e !e toat% l mea, 1i -ac !e !oli0i&ti s% c#ea"% c%*&i !ot 1n$%" i o#ice &i toat% l mea "e6ine $#e "e t#atat &i sc m! "e !l%tit+ , *i+++ Se o!#i, -iin"c% ea n *l mai asc lta, a&te!t2n" *l s% te#mine+ 4 Domn le S!a"e, s! ne0i*mi a"e6%# l+ )ocea 1i t#em #a, $ata s% "e6in% iste#ic%+ C ase o eD!#esie 1ns!%im2ntat%, ia# 1n ochi i se citea "is!e#a#ea+ 4 E s nt "e 6in%+++ !ent# tot ce s*a 1nt2m!lat asea#%5 4 , , a-a#% "e ca/ l c% s nt nele l c# #i "es!#e ca#e n &ti , s! se el ci%tin2n" "in ca!+ ,e*a0i !#e6enit c% Th #s'; e !#ime8"ios+ Fi#e&te, ne*a0i min0it 1n !#i6in0a so#ei " mnea6oast#% ca &i 1n alte !#i6in0e, "a# n contea/%+ , 6*am c#e/ t+ 7n%l0% "in me#ii c #'a0i+ 4 ,*a& s! ne c%*i 6ina " mnea6oast#%+ 4 )% m l0 mesc, /ise ea -oa#te 1ncet, &i "%" "in ca!+ Da# am s% m% simt 1ntot"ea na 6ino6at%+ D se o m2n% la $2t+ 4 Domn l A#che# e#a at2t "e !lin "e 6ia0% ie#i, at2t "e ene#$ic, "e inimos &i+++ 4 7nceta0iE 1i o#"on% S!a"e+ tia ce -ace+ S nt #isc #ile mese#iei+ 4 E#a+++ c%s%to#it5 4 Da, se asi$ #ase !ent# /ece mii "e "ola#i, n a6ea co!ii, ia# no6ast%*sa n 0inea la el+ 4 .h, 6% #o$, &o!ti ea+ S!a"e #i"ic% "in no "in me#i+ 4 A&a sta l c# #ile+ Se it% la ceas, se sc l% "in -otoli &i se a&e/% al%t #i "e ea !e so-a+ 4 ,*a6em tim! "e !ie#" t c asta ac m+ )o#'ea !#ietenos, "a# -e#m+ 4 =n c2#" "e !oli0ai, "e a8 to#i "e !#oc #o#i "ist#ict ali &i "e /ia#i&ti se 62nt #% "e colo*colo, c% t2n" #me+ Ce a6e0i "e $2n"5 4 )#ea s% m% sc ti0i "e+++ "e toate astea, 1i #%s! nse ea c o 6oce s '0i#e &i t#em #%toa#e+ 7l a! c% timi" "e m2nec%+ 4 Domn le S!a"e, a a-lat "e mine5 4 , 1nc%+ Am 6oit s% 6% 6%" mai 1nt2i+ 4 Ce*a s% c#ea"% "ac% a-l% "es!#e 6i/ita mea la " mnea6oast#%+++ "es!#e minci nile acelea5 4 A s% "e6in% '%n ito#i+ D*asta i*am am2nat !2n% ce*am ! t t s% 6% 6%"+ M*am $2n"it c% !oate n *i ca/ l s% le s! nem tot l+ )a t#e' i s% in6ent%m o !o6este ca#e s% le a"oa#m% '%n ielile, "ac% 6a -i necesa#+ 4 S!e# c% n 6% 1nchi! i0i c% am ce6a "e*a -ace c +++ c c#imele, n 5 S!a"e 1i /2m'i &i s! se9 4 Am itat s% 6% 1nt#e'+ A6e0i 1nt#*a"e6%# "e*a -ace c ele5 4, + 4 At nci e 'ine+ i ac m, ce s! nem !oli0iei5 Fata se $hem i !e ca!%t l so-alei &i ochii 1i t#em #a#% 1nt#e $enele $#ele, ca &i c m a# -i 1nce#cat &i n*a# -i #e &it s%*&i eli'e#e/e !#i6i#ea "e !#i6i#ea l i+ P%#ea mai mic%, -oa#te t2n%#% &i o#o!sit%+ 4 T#e' ie nea!%#at s% a-le "e mine5 Mai "e$#a'% mo#, "ec2t s% 1n" # a&a ce6a, "omn le S!a"e+ , !ot s% 6% eD!lic ac m, "a# n 6#e0i s% m% a!%#a0i "e ei, s% n -i silit% s% le #%s! n" la 1nt#e'%#i5 , c#e" c*a& -i 1n sta#e s% #e/ist n i inte#o$ato#i + Mai "e$#a'% a& m #i+ )#e0i, "omn le S!a"e5 4 Poate, /ise el, "a# 6a t#e' i s% &ti "es!#e ce e 6o#'a+ Fata 1n$en nchie 1n -a0a l i+ 7&i #i"ic% -# ntea s!#e el+ E#a $al'en% la -a0%, 1nco#"at% &i tem%toa#e, &i*&i 0inea m2inile st#2ns 1ncle&tate+ 4 ,*am " s o 6ia0% cinstit%E st#i$% ea+ Am -ost o st#icat%, mai st#icat% "ec2t 6% ! te0i 1nchi! i, "a# n s nt com!let st#icat%+ =ita0i*6% la mine, "omn le S!a"e+ )% "a0i seama c% n s nt com!let st#icat%, n *i a&a5 Se 6e"e, n 5 At nci, a6e0i, 6% #o$, ! 0in% 1nc#e"e#e 1n mineE .h, s nt at2t "e sin$ #%, "e 1n$#o/it%, &i n*am !e nimeni ca#e s% m% a8 te, "ac% n m% a8 ta0i " mnea6oast#%+ ti c% n*am nici n "#e!t s% 6% ce# s*a6e0i 1nc#e"e#e 1n mine, c2n"
e n*am 1nc#e"e#e 1n " mnea6oast#%+ )% asi$ # 1ns% c% am 1nc#e"e#e, "a# n 6% !ot s! ne nimic+ , ac m+ Mai t2#/i am s% !ot+ M% tem, "omn le S!a"e+ M% tem s% m% 1nc#e" 1n " mnea6oast#%+ , 6#ea s% s! n asta+ )% asi$ # c% am 1nc#e"e#e 4 am a6 t 1nc#e"e#e &i 1n Flo;" 4 n mai am !e nimeni, !e nimeni, "omn le S!a"e+ M% ! te0i a8 ta+ A0i s! s c% m% ! te0i a8 ta+ Dac% n*a& c#e"e c% m% ! te0i a8 ta, a& -i - $it chia# a/i, 1n loc s% 6% chem+ Dac*a& c#e"e c% m*a# ! tea sal6a altcine6a, a& sta ast-el 1n $en nchi, ca ac m5 ti c% n *i co#ect "in !a#tea mea+ Fi0i $ene#os, 1ns%, "omn le S!a"e, n *mi ce#e0i s% -i &i e co#ect%+ S nte0i ! te#nic, !lin "e #es #se, c #a8os+ 7mi ! te0i 1m!# m ta &i mie ce6a "in acea ! te#e, "in acele #es #se &i "in acel c #a8, s nt si$ #%+ A8 ta0i*m%, "omn le S!a"e+ A8 ta0i*m%, -iin"c% am ma#e ne6oie "e a8 to#3 ia# "ac% n m% 6e0i a8 ta " mnea6oast#%, n"e $%sesc e !e altcine6a "is! s s*o -ac%5 A8 ta0i*m%E ,*am nici n "#e!t s% 6% ce# s% m*a8 ta0i o#'e&te, "a# o -ac+ Fi0i $ene#os, "omn le S!a"e+ M% ! te0i a8 ta+ A8 ta0i*m%E S!a"e, ca#e 1&i 0in se #%s -la#ea 1n tot tim! l acest i "isc #s, #%s -l% a"2nc, scoase n l n$ s s!in !#int#e ' /ele st#2nse &i 1i s! se9 4 ,*a6e0i ne6oie "e a8 to# l nim%n i+ S nte0i o a#tist%+ . a#tist% eDcelent%+ C#e" c% se 6e"e mai ales 1n ochi, ca &i 1n acel t#em # "in 6oce c2n" s! ne0i9 (Fi0i $ene#os, "omn le S!a"e(+ Fata s%#i 1n !icioa#e+ Ro&i !eni'il, "a# 1&i 0in ca! l "#e!t &i 1l !#i6i !e S!a"e "#e!t 1n ochi+ 4 . me#it, /ise ea+ . me#it, "a#, 6aiE 4 am a&a ma#e ne6oie "e a8 to# l " mnea6oast#%E )% 8 # c% am -oa#te ma#e ne6oie+ Ia# minci na a constat 1n -el l c m am 6o#'it, &i n 1n ce*a6eam "e s! s+ Se 1n"e!%#t%, #en n02n" s% se mai 0in% "#ea!t%+ 4 E n mai 6ina mea c% ac m n*o s% m% mai c#e"e0i+ S!a"e #o&i, se it% 1n 8os la !o"ea &i m #m #% 4 A0i "e6enit !#ime8"ioas%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se " se la mas% &i 1i l % !%l%#ia+ Se 1ntoa#se &i #%mase 1naintea l i, c !%l%#ia 1n m2n%, -%#% s% i*o o-e#e, "a# 0in2n"*o ast-el, 1nc2t "etecti6 l s*o !oat% l a "ac% "o#ea+ Fa0a i se -%c se al'% &i i se al n$ise+ S!a"e se it% la !%l%#ie &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat asea#%5 4 Flo;" a 6enit la hotel la o#a no % &i am !lecat am2n"oi s% ne !lim'%m+ Am !#o! s asta ca s%*l !oat% 6e"ea "omn l A#che#+ ,e*am o!#it la n #esta #ant !e >ea#; St#eet, c#e", ca s% cin%m &i s% "ans%m &i ne*am 1nto#s la hotel !e la "o %s!#e/ece 8 m%tate+ Flo;" m*a con" s !2n% la &% &i a !lecat, ia# e am #%mas 1n% nt# &i l*am !2n"it !e "omn l A#che# c m 1l #m%#e&te !e st#a"%, "e !e cel%lalt t#ot a#+ 4 7ncot#o s*a 1n"#e!tat5 S!#e Ma#Aet St#eet5 4 Da+ 4 ti0i c m6a ce -%cea 1n a!#o!ie#e "e B sh St#eet &i StocAton St#eet, n"e a -ost 1m! &cat A#che#5 4 , *i 1n 6ecin%tatea loc l i n"e loc ia Flo;"5 4 , + A# -i 1nsemnat s% se a'at% 6#eo /ece st#%/i "in "# m l l i, "ac% s*a# -i 1n"#e!tat "e la hotel l " mnea6oast#% c%t#e al l i+ i ce*a0i -%c t " !% !leca#ea lo#5 4 M*am " s la c lca#e+ Ia# a/i*"iminea0%, c2n" am ie&it s%*mi ia mic l*"e8 n, am 6%/ t titl #ile 1n /ia#e &i*am citit "es!#e+++ &ti0i "es!#e ce+ M*am " s a!oi la =nion SN a#e, n"e am 6%/ t a tomo'ile "e 1nchi#iat, am 1nchi#iat n l &i am !lecat c el la hotel s%*mi ia 'a$a8ele+ D !% ce*am "esco!e#it c% s*a #%scolit ie#i 1n came#%, mi*am "at seama c% t#e' ie s% m% m t, &i*am $%sit 'loc l %sta ie#i " !%*amia/%+ A&a c*am 6enit aici &i 6*am tele-onat la 'i#o + 4 A #%scolit cine6a !#in came#a " mnea6oast#% "e la hotel l St+ Ma#A5 4 Da, 1n tim! ce m% a-lam la 'i#o l " mnea6oast#%, 1&i m &c% ' /a+ 4 ,*am 6# t s% 6% s! n+ 4 Asta 1nseamn% c% n*am 6oie s% ! n 1nt#e'%#i5 B#i$i" "%" timi" "in ca!+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt%+ Fata mi&c% ni0el !%l%#ia 1n m2n%+ Detecti6 l #2se ne#%'"%to# &i s! se9 4 , *mi mai 62nt #a0i !%l%#ia 1n -a0%+ , m*am o-e#it s% 6% a8 t !e c2t se !oate5 B#i$i" /2m'i c#is!at, ! se la loc !%l%#ia !e mas% &i se a&e/% ia#%&i al%t #i "e el !e so-a+ 4 ,*am nimic 1m!ot#i6% s% m% 1nc#e" o#'e&te 1n " mnea6oast#%, at2t "oa# c% n*am s%
6% !ot -i "e nici n -olos "ac% n*am i"ee "es!#e ce e 6o#'a+ De !il"%, t#e' ie s% a-l c ce se oc !a acest Flo;" Th #s'; al " mnea6oast#%+ O C*am 1nt2lnit 1n .#ient+ )o#'ea ia# &i se ita la n "e$et 1ntins, c ca6e "esena o!t #i 1nt#e ei !e so-a+ 4 Am 6enit aici "e la Hon$ Pon$ s%!t%m2na t#ec t%+ El+++ el mi*a !#omis c% m% a8 t%+ A !#o-itat "e sl%'ici nea mea &i "e -a!t l c% "e!in"eam "e el ca s% m% 1n&ele+ 4 C m s% 6% 1n&ele5 B#i$i" cl%tin% ca! l &i n #%s! nse+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt% ne#%'"%to# &i 1nt#e'%9 De ce*a0i 6# t s% -ie #m%#it5 4 )oiam s% a-l c2t "e m lt 1ntinsese coa#"a+ ,*a 6oit nici m%ca# s%*mi s! n% n"e st%+ Do#eam s% "esco!%# c ce se oc !%, c cine se 1nt2lne&te, cam ast-el "e l c# #i+ 4 El l*a cis !e A#che#5 B#i$i" 1l !#i6i s #!#ins%+ 4 Da, "esi$ #+ 4 Flo;" a6ea n C $e# la s 's oa#%+ A#che# n*a -ost 1m! &cat c n C $e#+ 4 A6ea &i 1n ' / na# l !a#"esi l i n #e6ol6e#+ 4 I*a0i 6%/ t a#ma5 4 Da+ I*am 6%/ t*o "eseo#i+ tiam c% 0ine 1ntot"ea na n #e6ol6e# 1n ' / na#+ ,*am 6%/ t*o asea#%, "a# &ti c% a6ea !e#manent n #e6ol6e# 1n !a#"esi + 4 De ce at2tea a#me5 4 7&i c2&ti$a eDisten0a c a8 to# l lo#+ Ca Hon$ Pon$ ci#c la /6on l c% 6enise acolo, 1n .#ient, ca a$ent 1nso0ito# al n i 8 c%to# "e c%#0i silit s% !%#%seasc% Statele =nite, &i c% lte#io# 8 c%to# l "e c%#0i "is!%# se+ Se s! nea c% Flo;" &tia ce6a 1n le$%t #% c "is!a#i0ia l i+ E ha'a# n*am+ , &ti "ec2t c% e#a 1ntot"ea na 1na#mat !2n% 1n "in0i &i c% n se c lca nicio"at% -%#% s% 1ntin"% mai 1nainte !e co6o#, 1n 8 # l !at l i, /ia#e mototolite, ca nimeni s% n !oat% int#a, !e t%c te, 1n came#a l i+ 4 )*a0i ales n !a#tene# sim!atic+ 4 Sin$ # l $en "e om ca#e m*a# -i ! t t a8 ta, /ise ea sim!l , "ac% a# -i -ost loial+ 4 Dac%, 1nt#*a"e6%#+ S!a"e 1&i !#inse ' /a in-e#ioa#% 1nt#e "e$et l ma#e &i cel a#%t%to# &i o !#i6i moho#2t+ Ciniile 6e#ticale "e "eas !#a nas l i i se a"2nci#%, a" n2n" *i s!#2ncenele+ 4 C2t "e $#a6% e 1nc #c%t #a 1n ca#e a0i int#at5 4 EDt#em "e $#a6%+ 4 E 6o#'a "e o !#ime8"ie -i/ic%5 4 , s nt e#oin%+ , c#e" c% eDist% ce6a mai #% ca moa#tea+ 4 S nte0i si$ #%5 4 Ca -el "e si$ #% c m s nt si$ #% c% st%m aici, s! se ea c t#em #2n" *se3 m% a-l 1nt#*o !#ime8"ie "e moa#te, "ac% n m% a8 ta0i+ S!a"e 1&i l % "e$etele "e la $ #% &i le !lim'% !#in !%#+ 4 Cine 6% 1nchi! i0i c% s nt e 5 /ise el ene#6at+ , !ot -ace min ni "in nimic+ Se it% la ceas 4 /i a se te#min% &i n *mi "a0i nici o in-o#ma0ie -olositoa#e+ Cine l*a omo#2t !e Th #s';5 B#i$i" " se o 'atist% mototolit% la $ #% &i 6o#'i !#in ea9 4 , &ti + 4 D &manii " mnea6oast#% sa ai l i5 4 , &ti + Ai l i, s!e#, "a# mi*e team%+++ n &ti + 4 C m 6% 1nchi! ia0i c% a6ea s% 6% a8 te5 De ce l*a0i a" s aici "e la Hon$ Pon$5 Fata se it% la el c o !#i6i#e 1n$#o/it% &i cl%tin% "in ca! 1n t%ce#e+ Pe -a0a t#as% i se 1nti!%#ise o eD!#esie !eni'il "e 1nc%!%02nat%+ S!a"e se #i"ic%, 62#1 m2inile 1n ' / na#ele hainei &i se st#2m'% "e s s la ea+ 4 E in til, /ise el 6iolent+ , !ot s% 6% -i c nimic "e a8 to#+ ,ici n &ti ce 6#e0i "e la mine+ ,ici m%ca# n *mi "a seama "ac% &ti0i ce 6#e0i "e la mine+ B#i$i" l%s% ca! l 1n 8os &i 1nce! s% !l2n$%+ Detecti6 l scoase n m2#2it animalic "in - n" l $2tle8 l i &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e mas% s%*&i ia !%l%#ia+ 4 ,*o s% 6% " ce0i la !oli0ie5 1l im!lo#% ea c 6oce sc%/ t% &i #%$ &it%, -%#% s% #i"ice !#i6i#ea+ 4 S% m% " c la !oli0ieE eDclam% el - #ios+ M% chestionea/% '# tal "e la !at# "iminea0a+ D mne/e &tie c2te 1nc #c%t #i mi*am !#icin it sin$ #, #e- /2n" s% le #%s! n"+ i "e ce5 Dint#*o i"ee i"ioat% c% 6% !ot a8 ta+ , 6% !ot a8 ta+ ,*am s% 1nce#c+ 7&i ! se
!%l%#ia !e ca! &i o 1n"es% 'ine+ 4 S% m% " c la !oli0ieE , t#e' ie "ec2t s% sta -# mos acas%, c% "a ei ' /na !este mine+ Ei 'ine, am s% le s! n ce &ti , &i 6a t#e' i s% 6% as ma0i #isc #ile+ B#i$i" se sc l% "e !e so-a &i #%mase "#ea!t% 1n -a0a l i, "e&i $en nchii 1i t#em #a 3 1&i 1n%l0% chi! l c !#ins "e !anic%3 n #e &ea s%*&i mai st%!2neasc% t#em # l m &chilo# $ #ii &i ai '%#'iei+ 4 A0i a6 t #%'"a#e+ A0i 1nce#cat s% m% a8 ta0i+ C#e" c% n*am nici o &ans% &i e "e !#isos+ 7i 1ntinse m2na "#ea!t%+ 4 )% m l0 mesc !ent# ce*a0i -%c t+ )a t#e' i s%*mi as m #isc #ile+ S!a"e scoase ia# "in $2tle8 n m2#2it animalic &i se a&e/% la loc !e so-a+ 4 C20i 'ani a6e0i5 7nt#e'a#ea o s #!#inse+ A!oi 1&i m &c% ' /a in-e#ioa#% &i #%s! nse -o#0at9 4 Mi*a #%mas a!#oa!e cinci s te "e "ola#i+ 4 Da0i*mi*i+ B#i$i" e/it%, !#i6in" *l timi"+ S!a"e -%c n $est "e - #ie c $ #a, c s!#2ncenele, c m2inile &i c me#ii+ Fata int#% 1n "o#mito# &i #e6eni ime"iat c n teanc "e 'ancnote+ S!a"e le l %, le n m%#% &i /ise9 4 S nt n mai !at# s te+ 4 A t#e' it s% !%st#e/ o s t%, ca s% am "in ce t#%i, 1i eD!lic% ea s-ioas%, " c2n" o m2n% la !ie!t+ 4 , mai ! te0i -ace #ost "e al0ii5 4, + 4 T#e' ie s% a6e0i ce6a "in ca#e s% scoate0i 'ani, insist% el+ 4 Am c2te6a inele &i ni&te 'i8 te#ii+ 4 )a t#e' i s% le amaneta0i, /ise el &i 1ntinse m2na+ Casa "e amanet (Reme"ial( e cea mai ' n%, !e Mission St#eet &i Fi-th St#eet+ B#i$i" 1l im!lo#% "in !#i6i#i+ .chii l i $al'en*cen &ii e#a " #i &i nemilo&i+ Fata 62#1 1ncet m2na 1n "ecolte &i scoase n s l s '0i#e "e 'ancnote, !e ca#e 1l l%s% 1n m2na l i 1ntins%+ S!a"e le nete/i &i le n m%#% 4 !at# "e "o %/eci "e "ola#i, !at# "e /ece &i na "e cinci+ 7i 1na!oie "o % "e /ece &i cea "e cinci+ Rest l le '%$% 1n ' / na#+ A!oi se #i"ic% &i s! se9 4 Am s% !lec s% 6%" ce !ot -ace !ent# " mnea6oast#%+ Am s% m% 1nto#c "e 1n"at% ce am 6e&ti ' ne+ Am s% s n "e !at# o#i 4 l n$, sc #t, l n$, sc #t 4 ca s% &ti0i cine s n%+ , t#e' ie s% m% 1nto6%#%&i0i !2n% la &%+ Am s% ies sin$ #+ . l%s% 1n !icioa#e 1n mi8loc l came#ei, it2n" *se " !% el c ochii al'a&t#i, l i0i+ S!a"e int#% 1n came#a "e !#imi#e, !e a c%#ei &% e#a sc#is9 Wise, Merican & Wise. Ro&cata "e la ta'lo l "e coman"% al tele-oanelo# s! se9 4 ., sal t, "omn le S!a"e+ 4 Sal t, sc m!o, 1i #%s! nse el+ Si" e 1n% nt# 5 R%mase l2n$% ea c o m2n% !e m%# *i "olo-an &i 1n tim! ce 62#a o -i&% 1n ta'lo , -ata s! se9 4 Domn le :ise, a 6enit "omn l S!a"e+ 7n%l0% ochii s!#e S!a"e9 Int#a0i+ . st#2nse "e m%# 1n chi! c% a 1n0eles, t#a6e#s% came#a "e !#imi#e, a8 nse 1nt#* n co#i"o# sla' l minat, 1l !a#c #se !2n% la ca!%t, n"e se a-la o &% c $eam mat+ Deschise &a c $eam mat &i int#% 1nt#* n 'i#o , n"e n '%#'at sc n", c !iele m%slinie, c -a0a o6al% &i o'osit%, c !%# #a# &i ne$# , 1m'2csit "e m%t#ea0%, st%tea la n 'i#o #ia& aco!e#it c mal"%#e "e h2#tie+ P#ichin"el l 62nt #% s!#e S!a"e chi&toc l nei 0i$%#i "e -oi stinse &i s! se9 4 T#a$e*0i n sca n+ A&a"a#, Miles s*a c #%0at asea#%5 ,ici -a0a l i o'osit% &i nici 6ocea cam st#i"ent% n t#%"a 6#eo emo0ie+ 4 M"a, "*asta am 6enit+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt% &i 1&i "#ese $las l+ 4 C#e" c% 6a t#e' i s%*l "a "#ac l i !e 8 "ec%to#, Si"+ Pot s% m% asc n" ca n !#eot sa n a6ocat 1n "os l sec#etelo# &i i"entit%0ii sac#osancte ale clien0ilo# mei, sa n 5 Si" :ise 1n%l0% "in me#i &i*&i l%s% 1n 8os 62#- l ' /elo#+
4 De ce n 5 . anchet% n e o 8 "ecat%+ Po0i o#ic m s% 1nce#ci+ Ai sc%!at "e alte 'elele mai #2te+ 4 ti , "a# D n"; "e6ine tot mai o'#a/nic, &i !oate c% "e "ata asta sit a0ia e cam 1nc2lcit%+ Ia*0i !%l%#ia, Si", me#$em s% 6e"em !e cine t#e' ie+ )#ea s% -i 1n si$ #an0%+ Si" :ise se it% la h2#tiile a" nate !e 'i#o &i 'om'%ni, "a# se sc l% "e !e sca n &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e " la! l "in !e#ete, "e l2n$% -e#east#%+ 4 E&ti n tic%los, Samm;, s! se el &i 1&i l % !%l%#ia "in c ie#+ S!a"e se 1ntoa#se la a$en0ie la cinci &i /ece 1n acea " !%*amia/%+ E--ie Pe#ine st%tea la 'i#o l l i &i citea #e6ista Time. S!a"e se a&e/% !e 'i#o &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce6a no !e aici5 4 ,imic+ A#%0i "e !a#c% ai -i 1n$hi0it o m sc%+ S!a"e #2n8i m l0 mit+ 4 C#e" c% ne a&tea!t% n ma#e 6iito#+ Am -ost 1ntot"ea na "e !%#e#e c% "ac% Miles se ca#% &i moa#e, o s% ne mea#$% mai 'ine+ , ita s% t#imi0i -lo#i "in !a#tea meaE 4 Am t#imis+ 4 E&ti n 1n$e# "e ne!#e0 it+ Ce*0i s! ne int i0ia ta -eminin% ast%/i5 4 De ce5 4 Ce im!#esie ai "e :on"e#l;5 4 7mi !lace, #e!lic% ea -%#% s% e/ite+ 4 A#e !#ea m lte n me, #e-lect% S!a"e+ :on"e#l;, Ce'lanc, ia# ac m s! ne c% cel a"e6%#at e .MSha $hness;+ 4 , mi*a# !%sa nici "e*a# a6ea toate n mele "in ca#tea "e tele-on+ Fata e cinstit%, &tii 'ine+ 4 M% 1n"oiesc+ S!a"e 1i cli!i a!atic l i E--ie Pe#ine+ 4 .#ic m, a #en n0at la &a!te s te "e "ola#i 1n "o % /ile, &i asta e !e#-ect+ E--ie Pe#ine se 1n"#e!t% !e sca n &i s! se9 4 Sam, "ac% -ata asta a int#at 1n 1nc #c%t #i &i t o la&i 'alt%, sa !#o-i0i ca s*o sto#ci "e 'ani, n*am s% te ie#t nicio"at%, n*am s% mai am nici n -el "e #es!ect !ent# tine, c2t 6oi t#%i+ S!a"e /2m'i ne-i#esc+ A!oi se 1nc# nt%+ 7nc# nt%t #a e#a &i ea ne-i#easc%+ Deschise $ #a s% 6o#'easc%, "a# /$omot l &ii "e la co#i"o# 1l o!#i+ E--ie Pe#ine se #i"ic% &i t#ec 1n cel%lalt 'i#o + S!a"e 1&i scoase !%l%#ia &i se a&e/% !e sca n l l i+ Fata se 1ntoa#se c o ca#te "e 6i/it% $#a6at% c n mele9 Mr. Joel Cairo. 4 Ti! l e st#ani , /ise ea+ 4 F%*i 62nt at nci 1n% nt# , sc m!o, s! se S!a"e+ Domn l Foel Cai#o e#a n om '# net, c oase mici &i "e 1n%l0ime mi8locie+ A6ea !%# ne$# , nete", -oa#te l cios &i t#%s%t #i "e le6antin+ =n # 'in !%t#at, c cele !at# ma#$ini 1nca"#ate 1n "iamante l n$i, st#%l cea !e 6e#"ele 1nchis al c#a6atei+ Haina nea$#%, c#oit% st#2ns !e me#ii st#2m0i, st%tea ! 0in 1ntins% !e &ol" #ile #oto-eie+ Pantalonii se li!ea "e !icioa#ele $#oase mai st#2ns "ec2t e#a mo"a c #ent%+ P #ta $het#e ca-enii+ Ginea 1n m2na 1nm%n &at% c antilo!% o !%l%#ie nea$#%, ta#e3 1naint% s!#e S!a"e c !a&i mici, a-ecta0i &i s%lt%#e0i+ =n 6al "e !a#- m (Ch;!#e( 1l 1nto6%#%&ea+ S!a"e 1&i sal t% "in ca! 6i/itato# l, 1i a#%t% n sca n &i 1i s! se9 4 C a0i loc, "omn le Cai#o+ Cai#o se 1nclin% ce#emonios !este !%l%#ie+ 4 )% m l0 mesc, /ise el c o 6oce asc 0it% &i s '0i#e, a!oi se a&e/%+ Se a&e/% c n ae# $#a6+ 7&i 1nc# ci&% $le/nele, ! se !%l%#ia !e $en nchi &i 1nce! s%*&i t#a$% m%n &ile $al'ene+ S!a"e se 'alans% !e sca n &i*l 1nt#e'%9 4 Ei, ce !ot s% -ac !ent# " mnea6oast#%, "omn le Cai#o5 Ama'ilitatea ne$li8ent% a ton l i, ca &i mi&ca#ea !e sca n e#a #e!lica eDact% a aceleia&i ama'ilit%0i &i mi&c%#i ca#e 1nto6%#%&ise#% 1nt#e'a#ea ! s% c o /i 1nainte l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness;+ Cai#o 1&i 1ntoa#se !%l%#ia, "%" "# m l m%n &ilo# 1n% nt# &i o a&e/% c - n" l 1n s s !e ma#$inea 'i#o l i, l2n$% el+ Pe cel "e*al "oilea &i al !at# lea "e$et al m2inii st2n$i scli!ea "iamante, ia# la m2na "#ea!t% ! #ta n # 'in ca#e se aso#ta c cel "in c#a6at% &i c
"iamantele 1ncon8 #%toa#e+ A6ea m2ini moi &i 'ine 1n$#i8ite+ De&i n e#a ma#i, as!ect l lo# t #tit &i -lasc le -%cea s% !a#% $#eoaie+ 7&i -#ec% !almele &i 6o#'i !este /$omot l &o# !#o6ocat "e aceast% mi&ca#e9 4 7n$%" i0i n i st#%in s% 6% o-e#e con"olean0e !ent# moa#tea ne-e#icit% a asociat l i " mnea6oast#%+ 4 )% m l0 mesc+ 4 A& ! tea s% 6% 1nt#e', "omn le S!a"e, "ac% eDist%, a&a c m a s $e#at /ia#ele, o oa#eca#e 4 hm 4 le$%t #% 1nt#e ne-e#icita 1nt2m!la#e &i moa#tea l i Th #s';, s #6enit% ! 0in mai t2#/i 5 S!a"e n #%s! nse3 !%st#% o atit "ine im!enet#a'il% &i hot%#2t%+ Cai#o se #i"ic% &i se 1nclin%9 4 )% ce# sc /e+ Se a&e/% la loc &i 1&i ! se m2inile na l2n$% alta !e col0 l 'i#o l i, c !almele 1n 8os+ 4 Am 1nt#e'at n at2t "in ! #% c #io/itate, "omn le S!a"e+ 7nce#c s% #eca!%t n 4 hm 4 o !ies% o#namental% ca#e 4 s% s! nem 4 s*a #%t%cit+ Am c#e/ t &i am s!e#at c% m% 6e0i a8 ta+ S!a"e "%" "in ca! &i 1n%l0% "in s!#2ncene ca s%*i a#ate c%*i atent+ 4 Piesa o#namental% e o stat et%, contin % Cai#o, ale$2n" &i !#on n02n" c $#i8% c 6intele, &i #e!#e/int% sil eta nea$#% a nei !%s%#i+ S!a"e "%" "in ca!, c inte#es &i !olite0e+ 4 S nt $ata s% !l%tesc, 1n cont l !#o!#ieta# l i le$al al stat etei, s ma "e cinci mii "e "ola#i !ent# #ec%!%ta#ea ei+ Cai#o #i"ic% o m2n% "e !e col0 l 'i#o l i &i 1m! nse 1n ae# c n a#%t%to# #2t &i c n$hia !%t#at%+ 4 S nt $ata s% !#omit 4 ca#e e -o#m la#ea5 4 c% n se 6a ! ne nici o 1nt#e'a#e+ 7&i l%s% la loc m2na !e 'i#o , al%t #i "e cealalt% &i /2m'i 'l2n" !e "eas !#a lo# "etecti6 l i !a#tic la#+ 4 Cinci mii "e "ola#i s nt o $#oa/% "e 'ani, coment% S!a"e it2n" *se $2n"ito# la Cai#o+ Dac%+++ Se a /i#% cioc%nit #i &oa#e 1n &%+ C2n" S!a"e st#i$%9 (Int#%E(, &a se "eschise "est l ca s% 1nca!% !#in ea ca! l &i me#ii l i E--ie Pe#ine+ Sec#eta#a 1&i ! sese !%l%#ia "e -et# , mic% &i nea$#%, ca &i !alton l c $ le# "e 'lan% $#i+ 4 Mai ai t#ea'% c mine5 1nt#e'% ea+ 4 , + ,oa!te ' n%+ 7nc ie &a c2n" !leci, te #o$+ 4 ,oa!te ' n%, s! se ea &i "is!%# 1n "os l &ii ca#e se 1nchi"ea+ S!a"e se 1ntoa#se "in no 1n sca n c -a0a s!#e Cai#o &i s! se9 4 E o s m% inte#esant%+ 7i a8 nse la #echi /$omot l &ii "e !e co#i"o#, ca#e se 1nchi"ea 1n #ma l i E--ie Pe#ine+ Cai#o /2m'i &i scoase "in ' / na# l "e la !ie!t n #e6ol6e# t #tit, masi6 &i ne$# + 4 )#e0i s% -i0i ama'il, s! se el, s% 6% 1m!#e na0i m2inile la cea-%5 ) CE)A,TI,=C S!a"e n se it% la !istol+ 7&i #i"ic% m2inile, se a!lec% !e s!ate 1n sca n &i 1&i 1m!#e n% "e$etele la cea-%+ .chii l i, -%#% o eD!#esie "eose'it%, #%m%sese#% a0inti0i as !#a -e0ei 1nt necate a l i Cai#o+ Cai#o t &i "isc#et, 1n semn "e sc /% &i /2m'i ne#6os c ' /e ca#e 1&i !ie#" se#% #o&ea0a+ .chii l i ne$#i e#a me/i, timi/i &i -oa#te se#io&i+ 4 Inten0ione/ s% 6% !e#che/i0ione/ 'i#o #ile, "omn le S!a"e+ )% !#e6in c% "ac% 1nce#ca0i s% m% 1m!ie"ica0i, am s% 6% 1m! &c+ 4 ,*ai "ec2t s% !e#che/i0ione/i, s! se S!a"e c o 6oce la -el "e ineD!#esi6% ca &i -a0a+ 4 )#e0i, 6% #o$, s% 6% #i"ica0i5 1i o#"on% om l c !istol l, 1n"#e!t2n" a#ma s!#e !ie!t l lat al l i S!a"e+ T#e' ie s% m% asi$ # c% n s nte0i 1na#mat+ S!a"e se sc l% &i 1m!inse sca n l 1na!oi c $le/nele 1n tim! ce*&i 1n"#e!ta !icioa#ele+ Cai#o t#ec 1n s!atele l i+ Schim'% a#ma "in m2na "#ea!t% 1n cea st2n$a+ Ri"ic% ! l!ana hainei l i S!a"e &i se it% "e"es 't+ C !istol l li!it "e s!atele l i S!a"e, 1n"oi m2na "#ea!t% !este !ie!t l l i S!a"e &i 1l !i!%i+ Fa0a le6antin l i se $%sea la cincis!#e/ece centimet#i 1n s!atele &i s ' cot l "#e$t al l i S!a"e+
Detecti6 l 1&i l%s% '# sc cot l &i se 1ntoa#se - l$e#%to# s!#e "#ea!ta+ Cai#o 1&i -e#i -a0a, "a# n "est l "e #e!e"e+ Toc l "#e!t al !anto- l i l i S!a"e st#i6i "e$etele !icioa#elo# l i Cai#o, 1nc%l0ate 1n !anto-i "e lac, men0in2n" *l 1n "i#ec0ia lo6it #ii c cot l+ Cot l 1l !ocni 1n os l o'#a/ l i, ame0in" *l at2t "e #% , 1nc2t a# -i c%/ t c si$ #an0% "ac% n l*a# -i #e0in t !icio# l l i S!a"e+ Cot l l i S!a"e t#ec "e -a0a '# net% &i imit%, se "estinse &i "etecti6 l 1l lo6i !este !istol+ Cai#o sc%!% a#ma 1n cli!a 1n ca#e 1l atinse#% "e$etele l i S!a"e+ 7n m2na "etecti6 l i, a#ma !%#ea mic%+ S!a"e 1&i l % !icio# l "e !e cel al l i Cai#o, ca s% se !oat% 1ntoa#ce com!let+ 7l st#2nse c m2na st2n$% "e #e6e#e 4 c#a6ata 6e#"e, c ac "e # 'in, 1i ie&i !este 1ncheiet #ile "e$etelo# 4 ia# c "#ea!ta 62#1 a#ma ca!t #at% 1n ' / na# l hainei sale+ .chii $al'en*cen &ii ai l i S!a"e se 1nt necase#%+ Pe -i$ #a sa im!enet#a'il% mi8i n /2m'et !lictisit+ Cai#o se st#2m'% "e " #e#e &i "e - #ie+ 7n ochii ne$#i 1i a!%# #% lac#imi+ Pielea l i a6ea teDt #a !l m' l i l st# it, a-a#% "e o'#a/ l 1n#o&it "e cot l l i S!a"e+ Gin2n" *l 'ine "e #e6e#e, S!a"e 1l 1ntoa#se 1ncet &i 1l 1m!inse !2n% a8 nse c el 1n -a0a sca n l i !e ca#e st%t se mai 1nainte+ =l iala 1nloc i " #e#ea !e -a0a !l m' #ie+ S!a"e /2m'i+ =n /2m'et ama'il, chia# 6is%to#+ Ri"ic% m%# l st2n$ c c20i6a centimet#i+ B#a0 l 1n"oit #m% mi&ca#ea m%# l i+ P mn l, 1ncheiet #a, ante'#a0 l, cot l &i m%# l !%#ea o sin$ #% !ies% #i$i"%, ac0ionat% "oa# "e m%# l -leDi'il+ P mn l lo6i -a0a l i Cai#o, aco!e#in" *i o cli!% o !a#te a '%#'iei, col0 l $ #ii &i o'#a/ l 1nt#e os l !ome0ilo# &i al -%lcii+ Cai#o 1nchise ochii &i c%/ 1n nesim0i#e+ S!a"e 1ntinse co#! l ine#t !e sca n, c m2inile &i c !icioa#ele moi, c ca! l '%l%'%nin" *se !e s!%ta#, &i c $ #a "eschis%+ S!a"e 1i $oli !e #2n" ' / na#ele, l c#2n" meto"ic, mi&c2n" t# ! l ine#t c2n" e#a ne6oie &i a" n2n" $#%ma"% !e 'i#o con0in t l ' / na#elo#+ D !% ce 1i 1ntoa#se !e "os &i ltim l ' / na#, S!a"e #e6eni la sca n l l i, se le$%n% &i a!#inse o 0i$a#%, ia# a!oi 1nce! s% ce#cete/e !#a"a+ . ce#cet% c o min 0ie $#a6% &i 1ncet+ Mai 1nt2i n !o#t6i/it ma#e, "in !iele moale &i nea$#%+ Po#t6i/it l con0inea t#ei s te &ai/eci &i cinci "e "ola#i 1n 'ancnote ame#icane "e "i-e#ite m%#imi3 t#ei 'ancnote "e cinci li#e3 n !a&a!o#t $#ecesc, !lin "e 6i/e, ! #t2n" n mele l i Cai#o &i -oto$#a-ia l i, cinci -oi "e h2#tie #o/, eDt#em "e -ine, aco!e#ite c n sc#is ce !%#ea a#a'3 o ' cat% "e /ia#, # !t% ne#e$ lat, c #e!o#ta8 l "es!#e "esco!e#i#ea ca"a6#elo# l i A#chec &i Th #s';3 -oto$#a-ia, ti! ca#te !o&tal% a nei -emei '# nete &i "#%$%stoase, c ochi 1n"#%/ne0i, c# /i &i c ' /e l%sate3 o 'atist% ma#e "e m%tase, 1n$%l'enit% "e 6#eme &i cam t%iat% !e la c te3 n teanc s '0i#e "e c%#0i "e 6i/it%, c n mele "omn l i Foel Cai#o &i n 'ilet, la stal, !ent# acea sea#% la Teat# l >ea#;+ 7n a-a#a !o#t6i/it l i &i a con0in t l i s% , mai e#a 9 t#ei 'atiste "e m%tase, colo#ate 6i &i mi#osin" a (Ch;!#e(3 n ceas Con$ines "e !latin% c lan0 "e a # #o& , !#ins la n ca!%t "e n '#eloc 1n -o#m% "e !a#%, "int#* n metal al'3 n ! mn "e monete ame#icane, en$le/e, -#ance/e &i chine/e3 n inel c 6#eo &ase chei3 n stilo "in a#$int &i oniD3 o !il% "e n$hii 1nt#*o aco!e#itoa#e3 n !ie!tene "e metal 1nt#*o teac% "e !iele3 n mic $hi" al st#%/ilo# "in San F#ancisco3 o chitan0% "e 'a$a8e "e la $a#a So the#n Paci-ic3 o c ti 0% !lin% !e 8 m%tate c !astile 6iolete3 ca#tea "e 6i/it% a n i a$ent "e asi$ #%#i "in Shan$ai3 !at# -oi "e sc#is, c n mele hotel l i Bel6e"e#e9 !e na "in ele e#a sc#ise, c lite#e mici &i !#ecise, a"#esele 'i#o l i &i a!a#tament l i l i Sam el S!a"e+ D !% ce eDamin% c aten0ie aceste a#ticole 4 "eschise !2n% &i ca!ac l ceas l i, s% 6a"% "ac% n c m6a e asc ns ce6a 1n% nt# 4 S!a"e se a!lec% &i a! c% 1nt#e "e$et l ma#e &i a#%t%to# 1ncheiet #a l i Cai#o, !ent# a*i !i!%i ! ls l+ D%" "# m l m2inii, se l%s% la loc !e sca n, 1&i #%s ci &i 1&i a!#inse o no % 0i$a#%+ 7n tim! ce - ma, -a0a l i, c eDce!0ia no# mi&c%#i 1nt2m!l%toa#e, &oa#e &i -%#% sens ale ' /ei in-e#ioa#e, #%mase at2t "e calm% &i "e $2n"itoa#e, 1nc2t !%#ea st !i"%3 c2n", 1n c #2n", Cai#o $em &i '%t "in !leoa!e, chi! l l i S!a"e se 1m'l2n/i, ia# 1n ochi &i !e ' /e 1i 1ncol0i n /2m'et !#ietenesc+ Foel Cai#o se t#e/i 1ncet+ Deschise la 1nce! t ochii, "a# t#ec n min t !2n% s%*&i -iDe/e !#i6i#ea 1nt#* n ! nct "in ta6an+ A!oi 1nchise $ #a, 1n$hi0i 1n sec &i eD!i#% a"2nc !e nas+ 7&i st#2nse n !icio# &i 1&i !i!%i &ol" l+ A!oi 1&i 1n%l0% ca! l "e !e s!%ta# l sca n l i, se it% /%!%cit !#in 'i#o , 1l 6%/ !e S!a"e &i 1&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l+ Deschise $ #a s% 6o#'easc%, !o#ni s% s! n% ce6a &i 1&i " se m2na la -a0%, n"e 1l !ocnise ! mn l l i S!a"e &i n"e se 1n%l0a ac m n c c i 6ine0i + Cai#o 6o#'i !#int#e "in0i, c " #e#e+
4 A& -i ! t t s% 6% 1m! &c, "omn le S!a"e+ 4 Ai -i ! t t s% 1nce#ci, #ec nosc S!a"e+ 4 ,*am 1nce#cat+ 4 ti + 4 At nci "e ce m*a0i lo6it " !% ce m*a0i "e/a#mat5 4 7mi !a#e #% , /ise S!a"e &i /2m'i 6iclean, "e/6elin" *&i "in0ii, "a# 1nchi! i0i*6% imi#ea mea c2n" am a-lat c% o-e#ta "e cinci mii "e "ola#i e#a o ai #eal%+ 4 )% 1n&ela0i, "omn le S!a"e+ .-e#ta e#a &i #%m2ne 1n !icioa#e+ 4 C m "#ac 5 mi#a#ea l i S!a"e e#a a tentic%+ 4 S nt $ata s% 6% !l%tesc cinci mii "e "ola#i !ent# a #ec%!%ta stat eta+ Cai#o 1&i #et#ase m2na "e !e -a0a 1n6ine0it% &i se #i"ic% $#a6 &i "in no $ata s% "isc te a-ace#i+ 4 . a6e0i5 4, + 4 Dac% n *i aici 4 Cai#o e#a sce!tic, "a# 1nt#* n chi! -oa#te !oliticos 4 "e ce*a0i #iscat s% 6% #%nesc $#a6, 1m!ie"ic2n" *m% s*o ca t5 4 C#e/i c% s nt $ata s% las !e o#icine s% int#e &i s% m% amenin0e5 S!a"e a#%t% c "e$et l o'iectele l i Cai#o, a" nate !e 'i#o + Ai a"#esa a!a#tament l i me "e acas%+ Ai -ost c m6a acolo5 4 Da, "omn le S!a"e+ S nt $ata s% 6% achit cinci mii "e "ola#i "ac% 1mi 1na!oia0i stat eta, "a#, "esi$ #, c#e" c% e "est l "e -i#esc s% 1nce#c mai 1nt2i s%*l sc tesc !e !#o!#ieta#, "ac% e c ! tin0%, s% !l%teasc% o asemenea s m%+ 4 Cine*i !#o!#ieta# l5 Cai#o cl%tin% "in ca! &i /2m'i+ 4 )a t#e' i s% m% ie#ta0i c% n 6% #%s! n" la aceast% 1nt#e'a#e+ O Se#ios5 S!a"e se a!lec% &i 1i /2m'i c ' /ele st#inse+ 4 E&ti la che#em l me , Cai#o+ Ai int#at aici &i te*ai com!#omis "est l ca !oli0ia s% -ie 1nc2ntat% s%*0i ! n% tn c2#c% c#imele "e asea#%+ Ac m o#i 8oci c m 10i c2nt e , o#i "e n +++ Cai#o /2m'i #e/e#6at, "a# "e loc ala#mat+ 4 Am 1nt#e!#ins nele ce#cet%#i "est l "e eDtinse as !#a " mnea6oast#% 1nainte "e a ini0ia 6#eo ac0i ne, s! se el, &i mi s*a "at asi$ #%#i c% s nte0i m lt !#ea #e/ona'il ca s% 1n$%" i0i alto# consi"e#ente s% se inte#-e#e/e c #ela0iile "e a-ace#i !#o-ita'ile+ S!a"e "%" ne!%s%to# "in me#i+ 4 =n"e s nt 'anii5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 )*am o-e#it cinci mii "e "ola#i ca s%+++ S!a"e !lesni c "os l "e$etelo# !o#t6i/it l l i Cai#o &i /ise9 4 , *i nimic 1n% nt# ca#e s% semene c cinci mii "e "ola#i+ P#omi0i 'ani !e ca#e n *i ai+ Ai ! tea s% 6ii s% s! i c%*mi !l%te&ti n milion !ent# n ele-ant ! #! #i , ce "#ac E 4 )% 1n0ele$, 6% 1n0ele$, s! se Cai#o $2n"ito#, -%c2n" ochii mici+ Do#i0i o $a#an0ie a since#it%0ii mele5 7&i !i!%i ' /a in-e#ioa#% 1n6ine0it%+ 4 =n a6ans 6*a# con6eni5 4 S*a# ! tea+ Cai#o 1&i " se m2na s!#e !o#t6i/it, e/it%, o #et#ase &i s! se9 4 P#imi0i, s% s! nem, o s t% "e "ola#i5 S!a"e l % !o#t6i/it l &i scoase "in% nt# o s t% "e "ola#i+ A!oi se 1nc# nt% &i /ise9 4 Mai 'ine "o % &i mai scoase o s t%+ Cai#o n s! se nimic+ 4 P#ima " mitale !#es ! ne#e a -ost c% am !as%#ea, contin % S!a"e c 6oce -e#m%, " !% ce 62#1 1n ' / na# cele "o % s te "e "ola#i &i ! se "in no !e 'i#o !o#t6i/it l+ E ne- n"at%+ Ca#e*i cea "e*a "o a !#o! ne#e5 4 C% &ti0i n"e se a-l%, ia# "ac% n &ti0i, "is! ne0i "e mi8loace !ent# a o o'0ine+ S!a"e nici n ne$%, nici n *i "%" "#e!tate+ P%#ea a!#oa!e c% n*a a /it+ 4 Ce "o6e/i 1mi o-e#i c% om l " mitale e a"e6%#at l !#o!#ieta#5 4 Foa#te ! 0ine, "in !%cate+ EDist% tot &i na9 nimeni n 6% !oate o-e#i o "o6a"% a tentic% a !#o!#iet%0ii ei+ i "ac% s nte0i la c #ent at2t c2t !#es ! n e c aceast% a-ace#e 4 c%ci altminte#i n m*a& a-la aici 4 6% "a0i seama c% mi8loacele -olosite !ent# a i se #estit i stat eta "o6e"esc c% "#e!t l !#o!#ieta# l i as !#a ei e mai 8 sti-icat ca al o#ic i 4 &i 1n o#ice ca/ mai 8 sti-icat ca al l i Th #s';+ 4 Ce*i c -iica l i5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ Cai#o "eschise ochii &i $ #a "e imi#e, #o&i &i 0i!% asc 0it9
4 , el e !#o!#ieta# lE 4 A, "a5 /ise S!a"e moale &i am'i$ + 4 E c m6a aici, la San F#ancisco5 1nt#e'% Cai#o c o 6oce mai ! 0in st#i"ent%, "a# tot &i ne#6oas%+ S!a"e cli!i lene& &i 1i !#o! se9 4 A# -i mai 'ine "ac% am 8 ca c c%#0ile !e mas%+ Cai#o t#es%#i &i 1&i #ec%!%t% se#io/itatea+ 4 , c#e" c*a# -i mai 'ine+ >las l 1i "e6enise s a6+ 4 Dac% &ti0i mai m lte ca mine, am s% !#o-it "e in-o#ma0iile " mnea6oast#%, ca &i " mnea6oast#%, "e alt-el, "e cei cinci mii "e "ola#i+ Dac% n &ti0i nimic, at nci am -%c t o $#e&eal% 6enin" la " mnea6oast#%+ Dac% a& !#oce"a c m !#o! ne0i, a# 1nsemna ! # &i sim!l s% -ac o $#e&eal% &i mai ma#e+ S!a"e "%" in"i-e#ent "in ca! &i -l t #% m2na !este o'iectele "e !e 'i#o + 4 S nt l c# #ile " mitale+ A!oi, 1n tim! ce Cai#o le 62#a la loc 1n ' / na#e, 1i s! se9 Am c%/ t "eci "e aco#" c%*mi 6ei !l%ti chelt ielile necesa#e !ent# a*0i #e"a aceast% !as%#e nea$#% &i cinci mii "e "ola#i c2n" o 6oi $%si5 4 Da, "omn le S!a"e+ C alte c 6inte, cinci mii "e "ola#i, mai ! 0in 'anii ca#e 6*a -ost a6ansa0i 4 1n total cinci mii+ 4 7n #e$ l%+ E o !#o! ne#e cinstit%+ Fa0a l i S!a"e e#a solemn%, c eDce!0ia c2to#6a c te 1n col0 l ochilo#+ 4 , m% an$a8e/ s% omo# !e nimeni &i nici s% comit s!a#$e#i, ci "oa# ca s% 0i*o #estit i, "ac% e c ! tin0% !#in mi8loace cinstite &i le$ale+ 4 Dac% e c ! tin0%, #ec nosc Cai#o+ i -a0a l i e#a la -el "e solemn%, c eDce!0ia ochilo#+ 4 i, 1n o#ice ca/, c "isc#e0ie+ Se #i"ic% &i 1&i l % !%l%#ia+ 4 Dac% "o#i0i s% l a0i le$%t #a c mine, sta la hotel Bel6e"e#e, came#a QKI+ A&te!t c 1nc#e"e#e ca "in 1n0ele$e#ea noast#% s% t#a$em am2n"oi !#o-it #i -# moase, "omn le S!a"e+ E/it% 4 !ot s%*mi ia !istol l5 4 Desi$ #+ Am itat "e el+ S!a"e scoase !istol l "in ' / na# l hainei &i i*l 1nm2n% l i Cai#o+ Cai#o 1n"#e!t% !istol l s!#e !ie!t l l i S!a"e+ 4 )% #o$ s% ! ne0i m2inile !e 'i#o , /ise Cai#o c se#io/itate+ Am inten0ia s% 6% !e#che/i0ione/ 'i#o #ile+ 4 S% m% ia "#ac , /ise S!a"e+ A!oi #2se 1n- n"at &i s! se9 Foa#te 'ine+ Pe#che/i0ionea/%*le+ ,*ai "ec2t+ )I =MBRA SC=,DH . 8 m%tate "e o#% " !% !leca#ea l i Cai#o, S!a"e #%mase sin$ #, t%c t &i 1nc# ntat la 'i#o l s% + A!oi s! se ta#e, c ton l c i6a ca#e 1nl%t #a o !#o'lem%9 4 Ei, ce "#ac , "oa# m% !l%tesc !ent# asta+ Scoase "int#* n se#ta# o sticl% c cocteil Manhattan &i n !aha# "e ca#ton+ =m!l !aha# l !e t#ei s-e#t #i, '% , 62#1 sticla la loc 1n se#ta#, a# nc% !aha# l 1n co& l "e h2#tii, 1&i ! se !%l%#ia &i !a#"esi l, stinse l mina &i o a! c% !e st#a"a il minat%+ =n t2n%# sc n", "e 6#eo "o %/eci, "o %/eci &i n "e ani, c &a!c% $#i &i !a#"esi ele$ant st%tea in"olent la col0, l2n$% cl%"i#ea n"e se a-la 'i#o l l i S!a"e+ S!a"e o l % !e S tte# St#eet s!#e Pea#n; St#eet, int#% 1nt#*o t t n$e#ie &i c m!%#% "o % !achete "e t t n B ll D #ham+ C2n" ie&i, t2n%# l e#a na "in cele !at# !e#soane ca#e a&te!ta t#am6ai l 1n col0 l "e 6i/a6i+ S!a"e 1&i l % masa la #esta #ant l He#'e#t, !e Po?ell St#eet+ Ca ie&i#ea "in #esta #ant, la o!t -%#% n s-e#t, t2n%# l se ita la 6it#ina n i ma$a/in c len8e#ie, "in a!#o!ie#e+ S!a"e se " se la hotel l Bel6e"e#e &i 1nt#e'% la 'i#o l "e !#imi#e "e "omn l Cai#o+ I se s! se c% "omn l Cai#o n se a-la la hotel+ S!a"e !lec% la Teat# l >ea#;, n *l /%#i !e Cai#o 1n -oaie# &i se !ost% !e t#ot a# 1n -a0a teat# l i+ T2n%# l se -202ia 1m!#e n% c al0ii !e l2n$% #esta #ant l Ma#N a#", mai 1ncolo, !e st#a"%+ Ca o!t &i /ece a!%# Foel Cai#o, me#$2n" !e >ea#; St#eet c !a&ii l i mici, s%lt%#e0i &i a-ecta0i+ P%# c% n *l 6e"e !e S!a"e "ec2t c2n" "etecti6 l 1l '%t !e m%#+ , a#%t% !#ea s #!#ins &i s! se9
4 A, "a, -i#e&te, a0i 6%/ t 'ilet l+ 4 M"a+ )#ea s%*0i mai a#%t ce6a+ S!a"e 1l 1ntoa#se !e Cai#o s!#e t#ot a#, "e!%#t2n" *l ni0el "e ceilal0i ca#e a&te!ta s% int#e la teat# + 4 B%iat l c &a!c%, "e l2n$% #esta #ant l Ma#N a#"+ 4 Am s% m% it, m #m #% Cai#o &i 1&i cons lt% ceas l+ Ri"ic% ochii s!#e >ea#; St#eet+ P#i6i #eclama n i teat# "e 6i/a6i, ca#e 1l !#e/enta !e >eo#$e A#liss, cost mat ca Sh;locA, a!oi ochii l i ne$#i al neca#% !2n% a8 nse#% s%*l !#i6easc% !e '%iat l c &a!c%, c chi! !ali" &i #ece &i c s!#2ncenele on" late, s ' ca#e se asc n"ea ochii co'o#20i+ 4 Cine*i5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ Cai#o 1i /2m'i l i S!a"e+ 4 , *l c nosc+ 4 M*a #m%#it !#in o#a&+ Cai#o 1&i me/i ' /a in-e#ioa#% &i 1nt#e'%9 4 C#e"e0i c*a# -i 1n0ele!t at nci s%*l l%s%m s% ne 6a"% 1m!#e n%5 4 De n"e s% &ti e 5 #e!lic% S!a"e+ .#ic m ne*a 6%/ t+ Cai#o 1&i scoase !%l%#ia &i 1&i nete/i !%# l c o m2n% 1nm%n &at%+ 7&i ! se c aten0ie !%l%#ia !e ca! &i s! se c o can"oa#e a!a#ent%9 4 )% "a c 62nt l me c% n *l c nosc, "omn le S!a"e+ )% "a c 62nt l me c% n*am nimic "e*a -ace c el+ ,*am solicitat a8 to# l nim%n i, c eDce!0ia " mnea6oast#%, !e c 62nt l me "e onoa#e+ 4 At nci e n l "in ceilal0i5 4 S*a# ! tea+ 4 Am 6oit "oa# s% &ti , -iin"c% "ac% a8 n$e s% m% ene#6e/e, s*a# ! tea s% -i ne6oit s%*l !ocnesc #% "e tot+ 4 P#oce"a0i c m c#e"e0i c% e mai 'ine+ , e !#ieten c mine+ 4 Pe#-ect+ Se #i"ic% "eci co#tina+ ,oa!te ' n%, /ise S!a"e &i t#a6e#s% st#a"a, ca s% ia n t#am6ai s!#e !a#tea a! sean% a o#a& l i+ T2n%# l c &a!c% l % acela&i t#am6ai+ S!a"e se "%" 8os "in t#am6ai la H;"e St#eet &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e casa l i+ Came#ele n e#a !#ea #% "e#an8ate, "a# t#%"a cla# c*a -ost !e#che/i0ionate+ S!a"e se s!%l%, 1&i ! se o c%ma&% c #at%, n $ le# !#oas!%t, ie&i "in no , o a! c% !e S tte# St#eet &i l % alt t#am6ai, tot s!#e !a#tea a! sean%, T2n%# l 1l l % &i el+ Ca 6#eo &ase st#%/i "e 'loc l Co#onet, S!a"e co'o#1 &i int#% 1n 6esti' l l nei cl%"i#i 1nalte &i ca-enii, c a!a#tamente+ A!%s% 1n acela&i tim! !e t#ei ' toane "e sone#ie+ B#oasca &ii "e la st#a"% '2/2i+ Int#%, t#ec "e li-t &i "e sc%#i, o a! c% !e n co#i"o# l n$ c !e#e0ii $al'eni, s!#e "os l cl%"i#ii, $%si o &% "in s!ate 1nc iat% c o '#oasc% @ale &i ie&i 1nt#*o c #ticic% st#2mt%+ C #ticica "%"ea 1nt#*o st#a"% "osnic% &i 1nt necat%, !e ca#e S!a"e 1nainta 6#eo "o % 'loc #i+ A!oi t#a6e#s% Cali-o#nia St#eet &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e 'loc l Co#onet+ , t#ec se "e no % &i 8 m%tate+ ,e#%'"a#ea c ca#e 1l 1nt2m!in% B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 1i l%s% im!#esia c% n - sese com!let si$ #% "e 6eni#ea l i+ B#i$i" 1m'#%case o #ochie "e m%tase, 1nt#*o n an0% "e al'ast# , c nosc t% !e at nci s ' n mele "e ardoise, c '#etele "e c loa#ea calce"oniei &i c cio#a!i &i !anto-i "e sea#% "e asemenea ardoise. Salon l #o& &i c#em - sese a#an8at &i 1n6io#at c -lo#i, ! se 1n 6ase "e ce#amic% !%t#ate ne$#e*a#$intii+ 7n c%min a#"ea t#ei ' &teni mici c scoa#0% as!#%+ S!a"e 1i #m%#i c m a#", 1n 6#eme ce B#i$i" 1i ! nea 'ine !%l%#ia &i !a#"esi l+ 4 Mi*a0i a" s &ti#i ' ne5 1l 1nt#e'% ea c2n" se 1ntoa#se 1n o"aie+ ,elini&tea #%/'%tea !#in /2m'et l ei, &i 1&i 0in #es!i#a0ia+ 4 , 6a t#e' i s% an n0%m nimic ca#e n*a -ost an n0at ! 'lic 1nt#e tim!+ 4 Poli0ia n 6a a-la "e mine5 4, + S s!in% -e#icit% &i se a&e/% !e so-a a "e n c+ Se "estinse la -a0% &i 1&i "estinse &i t# ! l+ 7i /2m'i c ochi !lini "e a"mi#a0ie+ 4 C m a0i #e &it5 1nt#e'% ea mai m lt c mi#a#e "ec2t c #io/itate+ 4 Ca San F#ancisco !o0i c m!%#a sa o'0ine a!#oa!e o#ice+ 4 i n*o s% a6e0i ne!l%ce#i5 )% #o$, sta0i 8os+ 7i -%c loc !e so-a+ 4 , m% "e#an8ea/% an me ne!l%ce#i, s! se el -%#% s%*&i "ea !#ea ma#e im!o#tan0%+ S!a"e se 1n"#e!t% &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e l2n$% c%min, "e n"e o st "ie, o c2nt%#i &i o
8 "ec% -%#% s% se !#e-ac% c% n*o st "ia/%, c% n*o c2nt%#e&te sa c% n*o 8 "ec%+ B#i$i" #o&i &o# la -el l l i since# "e*a o eDamina, "a# !%# mai si$ #% "e ea ca 1nainte, "e&i o timi"itate ca#e o !#in"ea n *i "is!%# se 1nc% "in !#i6i#i+ S!a"e #%mase 1n !icioa#e !2n% c2n" "e6eni lim!e"e c% inten0iona s% i$no#e in6ita0ia ei "e a l a loc al%t #i3 a!oi se 1n"#e!t% s!#e so-a+ 4 , s nte0i eDact $en l "e !e#soan% c m !#etin"e0i, n *i a&a5 o 1nt#e'% el 1n tim! ce se a&e/a+ 4 , s nt si$ #% c% 1n0ele$ ce 6#e0i s% s! ne0i, /ise B#i$i" c 6oce stins% &i !#i6in" *l ne" me#it%+ 4 . ! #ta#e "e &col%#i0%, 1i eD!lic% el, 6% '2l'2i0i, #o&i0i &i a&a mai "e!a#te+ B#i$i" #o&i &i 1i #%s! nse $#%'it%, -%#% s% se ite la el9 4 )*am s! s a/i " !%*amia/% c*am " s o 6ia0% imo#al%, mai #ea "ec2t 6% ! te0i 1nchi! i+ 4 Ca asta m% #e-e#eam, /ise el+ Mi*a0i s! s acela&i l c# , !e acela&i ton a/i " !%*amia/%+ E n "isc #s 1n6%0at !e "ina-a#%+ . cli!%, B#i$i" !%# 1nc #cat%, $ata s% i/' cneasc% 1n lac#imi, a!oi #2se &i s! se9 4 Foa#te 'ine, at nci, "omn le S!a"e+ , s nt "e loc $en l "e !e#soan% c m !#etin"+ Am o!t/eci "e ani, s nt inc#e"i'il "e #% t%cioas% &i s nt -o#8atoa#e "e !#o-esie+ Dac% e o !o/% 1nseamn% c% a e6ol at o "at% c mine, a&a c% n 6% a&te!ta0i s% #en n0 com!let la ea, n 5 4 .h, e 1n #e$ l%, o asi$ #% el+ At2t "oa#, c% n*a# mai -i 1n #e$ l%, "ac% s nte0i c a"e6%#at ne6ino6at%+ ,*a8 n$em nic%ie#i+ 4 ,*am s% -i ne6ino6at%, 1i !#omise ea c o m2n% !e inim%+ 4 C*am 6%/ t !e Foel Cai#o ast%*sea#%, 1i s! se S!a"e !e n ton "e !a#c% a# -i -%c t o con6e#sa0ie !oliticoas%+ )eselia se &te#se "e !e chi! l ei+ .chii, a0inti0i !e !#o-il l l i, "e6eni#% tem%to#i, a!oi !#eca 0i+ S!a"e 1&i 1ntinsese !icioa#ele &i se ita la la'ele 1nc# ci&ate+ Fi$ #a l i n t#%"a c% se $2n"e&te la ce6a+ Se a&te#n o !a /% l n$% 1nainte ca B#i$i" s%*l 1nt#e'e nelini&tit%9 4 7l+++ 1l c noa&te0i5 4 C*am 6%/ t ast%*sea#%+ S!a"e n #i"ic% !#i6i#ea &i contin % !e ton l nei con6e#sa0ii &oa#e+ 4 Se " cea s%*l 6a"% !e >eo#$e A#liss+ 4 )#e0i s% s! ne0i c*a0i 6o#'it c el5 4 Doa# n min t sa "o %, !2n% a s nat "e #i"ica#ea co#tinei+ B#i$i" se sc l% "e !e so-a &i se a!#o!ie "e c%min ca s% 1nte0easc% -oc l+ Schim'% ! 0in !o/i0ia n i o#nament "e !e consol%, t#a6e#s% came#a ca s% ia o c tie "e 0i$%#i "e !e o mas% "int#* n col0, 1n"#e!t% o !e#"ea &i se 1ntoa#se la loc l ei++ Fa0a 1i e#a ac m "estins% &i calm%+ S!a"e 1i /2m'i !ie/i& &i 1i s! se9 4 S nte0i o ' n% act#i0%+ EDcelent%+ Fi$ #a ei n se schim'%+ 7l 1nt#e'% calm9 4 Ce*a s! s5 4 7n ce !#i6in0%5 B#i$i" e/it%9 4 Des!#e mine5 4 ,imic+ S!a"e se 1ntoa#se ca s%*i a!#in"% 0i$a#a c '#icheta+ .chii 1i st#%l cea !e chi! l im!enet#a'il "e "ia6ol+ 4 Ei 'ine, ce*a s! s5 1l 1nt#e'% ea, a!#oa!e 1n $l m%+ 4 Mi*a o-e#it cinci mii "e "ola#i !ent# !as%#ea nea$#%+ B#i$i" 1l !#i6i -iD, # !se c "in0ii 62#- l 0i$%#ii &i, " !% ce*i a# nc% l i S!a"e o !#i6i#e ala#mat% &i #a!i"%, se it% 1n alt% !a#te+ 4 S!e# c% n*o s*o !o#ni0i "in no !#in came#%, ca s% a020a0i -oc l &i s% a#an8a0i l c#%#ile, n 5 o 1nt#e'% el lene&+ Fata i/' cni 1nt#* n #2s lim!e"e &i 6esel, "%" "# m l 0i$%#ii mo#-olite 1nt#*o sc# mie#% &i se it% la el c ochi lim!e/i &i 6eseli+ 4 ,*am s*o -ac, 1i !#omise ea+ i ce i*a0i s! s5 4 C% cinci mii "e "ola#i s nt o $#oa/% "e 'ani+
B#i$i" /2m'i, "a# c2n" "etecti6 l o !#i6i $#a6, 1n loc s% mai /2m'easc%, /2m'et l ei "e6eni 6a$, con- / &i 1n c #2n" "is!%# + 7n loc l l i a!%# o eD!#esie "e ne" me#i#e &i 8en%+ 4 Desi$ # c% n a0i l at 1n consi"e#a0ie o-e#ta, s! se ea+ 4 De ce n 5 Cinci mii "e "ola#i s nt o $#oa/% "e 'ani+ 4 Da#, "omn le S!a"e, mi*a0i !#omis c% m% 6e0i a8 ta+ 7l a! c% "e '#a0+ 4 Am a6 t 1nc#e"e#e 1n " mnea6oast#%+ , ! te0i+++ Se 1nt#e# !se, 1&i l % m2inile "e !e m2neca l i &i le st#2nse con6 lsi6+ S!a"e /2m'i !#ietenos ochilo# ei t l' #a0i+ 4 Hai s% n 1nce#c%m s% 6e"em c2t "e m lt a0i a6 t 1nc#e"e#e 1n mine, s! se el+ )*am !#omis s% 6% a8 t, "a# n*a0i !omenit nimic "e*o !as%#e nea$#%+ 4 Da# a# -i t#e' it s% -i &ti t 4 c%ci altminte#i n mi*a0i -i !omenit "e ea+ Ac m &ti0i+ , +++ n ! te0i+++ s% 6% ! #ta0i a&a c mine+ .chii ei "e n al'ast# "e co'alt "e6eni#% # $%to#i+ 4 Cinci mii "e "ola#i, s! se el !ent# a t#eia oa#%, s nt o $#oa/% "e 'ani+ B#i$i" 1&i 1n%l0% me#ii, a!oi m2inile &i le l%s% s% ca"% c n $est "e #esemna#e+ 4 E a"e6%#at, #ec nosc ea c $las !osomo#2t &i stins+ E m lt mai m lt "ec2t 6*a& ! tea o-e#i e 6#eo"at%, "a# t#e' ie s% 6% im!lo# s% -i0i loial c mine+ S!a"e #2se+ =n #2s sc #t &i "est l "e ama#+ 4 Asta*i ' n%, s! se el, mai ales c2n" 6ine "e la " mnea6oast#%+ Ce mi*a0i o-e#it 1n a-a#% "e 'ani5 Mi*a0i "est%in it ce6a5 Ce6a "in a"e6%#5 )#e n in"ici ca s% 6% !ot a8 ta5 A0i 1nce#cat s%*mi c m!%#a0i loialitatea "oa# c 'ani+ Ei 'ine, "ac%*i !e tocmeal%, "e ce s% n m% a"#ese/ cel i ca#e 1mi o-e#% mai m lt5 4 )*am "at to0i 'anii !e ca#e 1i am+ 7n ochii ei 1nce#c%na0i c al' a!%# #% lac#imi+ )ocea 1i "e6eni #%$ &it% &i 6i'#ant%+ 4 M*am "at !e m2na " mnea6oast#%, 6*am s! s c% -%#% a8 to# l " mnea6oast#% s nt com!let !ie#" t%+ Ce s% 6% mai o-e#5 Se a!#o!ie "eo"at% "e el !e so-a &i st#i$% m2nioas%9 4 Pot s% 6% c m!%# c t# ! l me 5 Fe0ele le e#a la c20i6a centimet#i "e!%#ta#e+ S!a"e 1i l % -a0a 1n m2ini &i o s%# t% !e ' /e '# tal &i "is!#e0 ito#+ A!oi se t#ase 1na!oi &i s! se9 4 Am s% #e-lecte/+ E#a 1nco#"at &i - #ios+ B#i$i" #%mase st !e-iat%, a&a c m o l%sase#% m2inile l i+ S!a"e se sc l% &i /ise9 4 Ce "#ac E Isto#ia asta n*a#e nici n sens+ F%c "oi !a&i s!#e c%min, se o!#i, !#i6i 1n- #iat ' &tenii ce a#"ea &i sc#2&ni "in "in0i+ B#i$i" n se mi&c%+ S!a"e se 1ntoa#se s!#e ea+ Cele "o % linii 6e#ticale "e "eas !#a nas l i se a"2ncise#% 1nt#e c tele #o&ii "e !e -# nte+ 4 , "a "oi 'ani !e cinstea " mnea6oast#%, 1i s! se el 1nce#c2n" s% se st%!2neasc% &i s% 6o#'easc% lini&tit+ , m% inte#esea/% ce &meche#ii -ace0i, sa ce sec#ete a6e0i, "a# a& "o#i s% -i con6ins c% &ti0i ce #m%#i0i+ 4 ti ce #m%#esc+ )% #o$ s% m% c#e"e0i c% &ti , c at2t mai m lt c c2t+++ 4 Do6e"i0i*miE 1i o#"on% el+ S nt "is! s s% 6% a8 t+ Deocam"at%, am -%c t tot ce*am ! t t+ Ca ne6oie, am s% contin i o#'e&te, "a# n !ot s*o -ac "ac% n am mai m lt% 1nc#e"e#e 1n " mnea6oast#% "ec2t am ac m+ )a t#e' i s% m% con6in$e0i c% &ti0i !e#-ect "es!#e ce e 6o#'a, c% n '28'2i0i c s!e#an0a c% tot l se 6a #e/ol6a "e la sine+ 4 , ! te0i s% mai a6e0i ! 0in% 1nc#e"e#e 1n mine5 4 Ce 1nseamn% (! 0in%(5 i ce a&te!ta0i5 B#i$i" 1&i m &c% ' /a in-e#ioa#% &i se it% 1n 8os+ 4 T#e' ie s% 6o#'esc c Foel Cai#o, /ise ea a!#oa!e necla#+ 4 P te0i s%*l 6e"e0i chia# ast%*sea#%, #%s! nse S!a"e, it2n" *se la ceas+ S!ectacol l se te#min% 1n c #2n"+ 7l ! tem $%si la tele-on la hotel l l i+ B#i$i" #i"ic% ochii ala#mat%+ 4 Da# n !oate 6eni aici+ , 6#ea s% a-le n"e sta + M% tem+ 4 At nci la mine acas%, !#o! se S!a"e+ B#i$i" e/it%+ 7&i -#%m2nt% ' /ele, a!oi 1nt#e'%9 4 C#e"e0i c*a#e s% 6in%5 S!a"e 1nc 6iin0% c o mi&ca#e a ca! l i+ 4 Foa#te 'ineE eDclam% ea &i s%#i 1n s s, c ochi ma#i &i st#%l cito#i+ 4 Me#$em chia# ac mE Int#% 1n cealalt% came#%+ S!a"e se " se la masa "in col0 &i t#ase -%#% /$omot se#ta# l+
7n% nt# se $%sea "o % !achete "e c%#0i "e 8oc, n ca#net "e notat ! nctele la '#i"$e, n ti#' &on "e a#am%, o ' cat% "e s2#m% #o&ie &i n c#eion "e a #+ 7nchise se#ta# l &i tocmai 1&i a!#in"ea o 0i$a#% c2n" se 1ntoa#se B#i$i"3 a6ea o !%l%#ie mic% nea$#% &i n manto "e 'lan% $#i3 0inea 1n m2n% !a#"esi l &i !%l%#ia l i+ TaDi l t#ase 1n s!atele nei ma&ini ne$#e ca#e se a-la chia# 1naintea &ii "e la st#a"% a a!a#tament l i l i S!a"e+ I6a A#che# e#a sin$ #% la 6olan+ S!a"e 1&i scoase !%l%#ia !ent# a o sal ta &i int#% 1n cl%"i#e 1m!#e n% c B#i$i" .MSha $hness;+ 7n hol se o!#i l2n$% na "in '%nci &i s! se9 4 )#e0i s% a&te!ta0i o cli!%5 ,*am s% 1nt2#/ii+ 4 7n !e#-ect% #e$ l%, /ise B#i$i" .MSha $hness; &i se a&e/% !e o 'anc%+ , 6% $#%'i0i+ S!a"e ie&i &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e ma&in%+ Cinci "eschise !o#tie#a, I6a i se a"#es% #e!e"e9 4 T#e' ie s%*0i 6o#'esc, Sam+ Pot s% 6in la tine5 E#a !ali"%+ 4 , ac m I6a sc#2&ni &i 1l 1nt#e'% '# tal9 4 Cine*i -ata5 4 ,*am "ec2t n min t la "is!o/i0ie, I6a, /ise S!a"e, c #%'"a#e+ Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 4 Cine*i -ata5 #e!et% ea, a#%t2n" c ca! l s!#e &a "e la st#a"%+ S!a"e 1&i 1ntoa#se !#i6i#ea "e la ea &i se it% "e*a l n$ l st#%/ii+ 7n -a0a n i $a#a8, la !#im l col0, n t2n%#, sc n", "e "o %/eci sa "o %/eci &i n "e ani, c &a!c% &i !a#"esi $#i, ele$ant, st%tea s!#i8init "e n /i"+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt% &i*&i 1ntoa#se !#i6i#ea la -a0a insistent% a I6ei+ 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 o 1nt#e'% el+ ,*a# t#e' i s% -ii aici la o#a asta "in noa!te+ 4 7nce! s% c#e" c% n m% i 'e&ti, se !l2nse ea+ Mi*ai s! s c% n*a# t#e' i s% 6in la tine la 'i#o , ia# ac m 1mi s! i c% n*a# t#e' i s% 6in nici aici+ )#ei s% s! i c% n se ca"e s% m% 0in " !% tine5 Dac% la asta te $2n"e&ti, "e ce n*o s! i !e &lea 5 4 Asc lt%, I6a, n*ai "#e!t l s% a"o!0i aceasta atit "ine+ 4 ti + Se !a#e c% n*am a'sol t nici n "#e!t 1n ceea ce te !#i6e&te+ Mi*am 1nchi! it "oa# c% am+ Mi*am 1nchi! it ca at nci c2n" te !#e-%ceai c% m% i 'e&ti &i 1mi "%"eai+++ S!a"e s! se !lictisit9 4 , *i moment l s% ne ce#t%m !e chesti nea asta, i 'ito+ De ce 6oiai s% m% 6e/i5 4 , 6#ea s% "isc t aici, Sam+ Pot s% int# 5 4 , ac m+ 4 De ce n 5 S!a"e n *i #%s! nse+ I6a 1&i s '0ie ' /ele, se a&e/% 'ine 1n "os l 6olan l i &i !o#ni moto# l, c !#i6i#ea a0intit% - #ios 1nainte+ C2n" ma&ina 1nce! s% 1nainte/e, S!a"e 1i s! se9 (,oa!te ' n%, I6a(, 1i 1nchise !o#tie#a &i #%mase !e t#ot a#, c !%l%#ia 1n m2n%, !2n% c2n" a tomo'il l "is!%# + A!oi int#% "in no 1n cas%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se #i"ic% /2m'in" "e !e 'anc% &i #ca#% 1m!#e n% 1n a!a#tament l l i+ )II D.M,=C >+ 7n "o#mito#, ca#e "e6enise came#% "e toate /ilele ac m, !at l -iin" #i"icat la !e#ete, S!a"e l % !%l%#ia &i manto l l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, o in6it% s% se a&e/e con-o#ta'il 1nt#* n 'alansoa# ca!itonat &i tele-on% la hotel l Bel6e"e#e+ Cai#o n se 1nto#sese "e la teat# + S!a"e l%s% n m%# l s% "e tele-on la 'i#o l "e !#imi#e, c # $%mintea ca Foel Cai#o s%*l s ne "e 1n"at% ce #e6ine+ S!a"e se a&e/% 1n -otoli l "e l2n$% mas% &i -%#% nici o !#e$%ti#e, -%#% nici n -el "e int#o" ce#e, 1nce! s%*i !o6esteasc% -etei o 1nt2m!la#e !et#ec t% c c20i6a ani 1n #m% 1n ,o#"6est+ )o#'i c o 6oce 'anal%, -%#% em-a/% sa !a /e, "e&i "in c2n" 1n c2n" #e!eta o -#a/%, &o# mo"i-icat%, ca &i c m a# -i -ost im!o#tant ca -ieca#e am%n nt s% -ie #elatat eDact c m s*a 1nt2m!lat+ Ca 1nce! t, B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 1l
asc lt% "ist#at%, e6i"ent mai s #!#ins% "e -a!t l c% !o6estea "ec2t "e inte#es l !o6esti#ii, c #io/itatea ei -iin" mai m lt at#as% "e sco! l #m%#it !#in #elata#e, "ec2t "e #elata#ea 1ns%&i+ 7n c #2n" 1ns%, !e m%s #% ce !o6esti#ea 1nainta, o ca!ti6%, "e6eni atent%, asc lt2n" nemi&* cat%+ =n an me Flitc#a-t 1&i !%#%sise 1nt#*o ' n% /i 'i#o l "e a-ace#i imo'ilia#e la Tacoma, se " sese s%*&i ia masa &i n se mai 1nto#sese+ , *&i #es!ectase o 1nt2lni#e !e te#en l "e $ol-, ce #ma s% ai'% loc 1n acea " !%*amia/%, la o#a !at# , "e&i con-i#mase "in !#o!#ie ini0iati6% 1nt2lni#ea c o 8 m%tate "e o#% 1nainte "e*a !leca la mas%+ So0ia &i co!iii n l*a mai #e6%/ t+ So0ia se c#e"e c% e#a 1n cele mai ' ne #ela0ii c el+ A6ea "oi co!ii, "oi '%ie0i, n l "e cinci, alt l "e t#ei ani+ E#a !#o!#ieta# l nei case 1nt#*o s ' #'ie a o#a& l i Tacoma, al nei ma&ini PacAa#" noi &i a "i6e#se l c# #i, "o6e/i c% #e &ise 1n 6ia0%+ Flitc#a-t mo&tenise &a!te/eci "e mii "e "ola#i "e la tat%l s% &i, 1n #ma s cces l i c a-ace#ile imo'ilia#e, a6e#ea i se #i"ica la 6#eo "o % s te "e mii "e "ola#i 1n moment l "is!a#i0iei+ A-ace#ile 1i e#a 1n o#"ine, "e&i eDista "est le in"ica0ii c% n le ! sese 1n o#"ine 1nainte "e*a "is!%#ea+ De !il"%, o a-ace#e ca#e i*a# -i a" s n c2&ti$ -# mos t#e' ia "e-initi6at% a "o a /i " !% "is!a#i0ie+ , eDista nici o "o6a"% c% a# -i a6 t as !#a sa mai m lt "e cinci/eci sa &ai/eci "e "ola#i c2n" !lecase+ De l ni "e /ile, i se c no&tea m lt !#ea 'ine toate o'icei #ile, !ent# a se ! tea 8 sti-ica 6#eo '%n ial% c% a# a6ea 6icii sec#ete, sa amante, alte#nati6e im!osi'il "e c#e/ t+ 4 =ite c m a "is!%# t, /ise S!a"e, &i "eschise ! mn l+ C2n" a8 nse la acest ! nct c !o6esti#ea, s n% tele-on l+ 4 AloE s! se S!a"e+ Domn l Cai#o5 Aici e Sam S!a"e+ Po0i 6eni !2n% la mine acas%, !e Post St#eet, chia# ac m5+++ Da, c#e" c% e+ Se it% la -at%, 1&i st#2nse ' /ele, a!oi contin % #e!e"e9 4 Domni&oa#a .MSha $hness; e aici &i 6#ea s% te 6a"%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se 1nc# nt%, se -oi !e sca n, "a# n s! se nimic+ S!a"e a&e/% #ece!to# l la loc &i 1i /ise -etei9 4 Sose&te 1n c2te6a min te+ Ei 'ine, !o6estea aceea s*a 1nt2m!lat 1n 19RR+ 7n 19RS, l c#am la o ma#e -i#m% "e "etecti6i la Seattle+ Doamna Flitc#a-t a 6enit &i ne*a s! s c% cine6a a 6%/ t la S!oAane n '%#'at ca#e sem%na leit c so0 l ei+ M*am " s acolo+ E#a 1nt#*a"e6%# Flitc#a-t+ Coc ia Ca S!oAane "e mai m l0i ani s ' n mele "e Cha#les Pie#ce, Cha#les - sese n mele l i "e 'ote/+ Con" cea o -i#m% "e a tomo'ile, c2&ti$a "o %/eci sa "o %/eci &i cinci "e mii "e "ola#i !e an, a6ea so0ie, n co!il mic, o cas% 1nt#*o s ' #'ie "in S!oAane, ia# 6a#a se " cea "e o'icei s% 8oace $ol- la o#a !at# " !%*amia/%+ S!a"e n !#imise inst# c0i ni -oa#te cla#e ce s% -ac% "ac% 1l 6a $%si !e Flitc#a-t+ A "isc tat 1m!#e n%, 1n came#a l i S!a"e "e la hotel l Da*6en!o#t+ Flitc#a-t n*a6ea nici n sentiment "e 6ino6%0ie+ 7&i l%sase !#ima -amilie c o ' n% sit a0ie mate#ial%, ia# act l s% i se !%#ea !e#-ect no#mal+ Sin$ # l l c# ca#e 1l nec%8ea e#a 1n"oiala c% n*a6ea s% #e &easc% s%*i eD!lice $est l s% l i S!a"e+ , !o6estise nim%n i !2n% at nci cele 1nt2m!late &i n - sese "eci ne6oit s% "ea eD!lica0ii con6in$%toa#e+ 7nce#c% s*o -ac% c acest !#ile8+ 4 E am 1n0eles, 1i s! se S!a"e l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, "a# "oamna Flitc#a-t n*a !#ice! t nicio"at%+ C#e"ea c% e o !#ostie+ Poate c% e#a+ .#ic m, s*a #e/ol6at 'ine+ Doamna Flitc#a-t n "o#ea scan"al &i " !% -a#sa c%#eia 1i c%/ se 6ictim% 4 "in ! nct l ei "e 6e"e#e 4 n mai 6oia s% ai'% "e*a -ace c el+ A&a c*a "i6o#0at "isc#et &i tot l s*a a#an8at s!len"i"+ Iat% ce i se 1nt2m!lase+ 7n tim! ce se " cea la mas% a t#ec t !e l2n$% o cl%"i#e ca#e tocmai se const# ia &i a6ea schele+ . '2#n%, sa &ti e ce, s*a !#%' &it "e la eta8 l o!t sa /ece &i a ' &it !a6a8 l al%t #i "e el+ C*a #as, "a# n l*a atins, "e&i l*a lo6it 1n o'#a/ o 0an"%#% s%#it% "e !e cal"a#2m+ C*a /$2#iat &o#, mai a6ea cicat#icea c2n" l*am 6%/ t+ A -#ecat*o c "e$et l 4 c n $est "e a-ec0i ne 4 c2n" mi*a !o6estit cele 1nt2m!late+ F sese, -i#e&te, -oa#te s!e#iat, mi*a s! s, cla# mai ales /$ " it "ec2t s!e#iat c a"e6%#at+ I se !%#ea c% cine6a a #i"icat ca* !ac l 6ie0ii &i l*a l%sat s% se ite 1n tainele ei+ Flitc#a-t - sese !2n% at nci n cet%0ean c m* seca"e &i n !%#inte &i so0 c mseca"e, n "in 6#eo o'li$a0ie social%, ci "oa# -iin"c% se 1m!%ca c l mea 1n ca#e t#%ia+ C#esc se c aceast% mentalitate+ .amenii "in 8 # l s% e#a la -el+ )ia0a !e ca#e o " cea e#a c #at%, o#"onat%, s%n%toas%, !lin% "e #%s! n"e#e+ Ia# ac m, o '2#n% !#%' &it% 1i a#%tase c% 6ia0a e#a 1n -on" c tot l altce6a+ El, cet%0ean l, !%#intele &i so0 l c mseca"e ! tea -i omo#2t 1nt#* n acci"ent, !e "# m l "e la 'i#o la #esta #ant, "e o sim!l% '2#n% ca#e ca"e+ tia c% oamenii mo# la 1nt2m!la#e, &i c% t#%iesc "oa# at2t tim! c2t 1i
oc#ote&te n no#oc chio#+ , aceast% ne"#e!tate 1l t l' #ase 1n !#im l #2n" c%ci acce!tase i"eea " !% !#im l &oc+ C*a t l' #at mai a"2nc #e6ela0ia c% tot -%c2n" la a-ace#i !ie#" se !as l, n mai e#a 1n !as c 6ia0a+ A s! s c% &i*a "at seama " !% ce*a !a#c #s "o %/eci "e met#i c% n 6a mai c noa&te lini&tea !2n% n se 6a 1nca"#a acestei noi !e#s!ecti6e as !#a eDisten0ei+ C2n" a te#minat "e m2ncat, "esco!e#ise &i c%ile "e a*&i schim'a eDisten0a+ . eDisten0% ca#e !2n% at nci ! tea -i 1ncheiat% la 1nt2m!la#e "e o '2#n% ca#e ca"e+ A6ea s%*&i schim'e eDisten0a tot la 1nt2m!la#e, !lec2n" ai #ea+ 7&i i 'ea -amilia, mi*a s! s, a&a c m o i 'esc ma8o#itatea oamenilo#, &i &tia c% o las% c o ' n% sit a0ie mate#ial%3 at2t c2t 1i i 'ea el, &tia c% n*a s%*i simt% !#ea m lt li!sa+ 4 S*a " s la Seattle chia# 1n acea " !%*amia/%, /ise S!a"e, &i a l at "e acolo 6a!o# l s!#e San F#ancisco+ A #%t%cit c20i6a ani, a!oi s*a 1nto#s 1n ,o#"6est, s*a sta'ilit 1n S!oAane &i s*a c%s%to#it+ Cea "e*a "o a so0ie n sem%na "e loc c !#ima, "e&i 1nt#e ele e#a mai m lte asem%n%#i "ec2t "eose'i#i+ ti0i, $en l "e -emeie ca#e 8oac% 'ini&o# $ol- &i '#i"$e, &i ca t% noi #e0ete "e salat%+ .m l n #e$#eta $est l s% + I se !%#ea "est l "e lo$ic+ , c#e" c%*&i "%"ea m%ca# seama c% se 1n- n"ase 1n aceea&i sit a0ie "e ca#e - $ise "in Tacoma+ Da# tocmai acest as!ect al !o6esti#ii l i mi*a !l%c t+ Se o'i&n ise c '2#nele ca#e c%"ea , &i c2n" n*a mai c%/ t nici na, s*a o'i&n it &i c cele ca#e n c%"ea + 4 A'sol t -ascinant, /ise B#i$i" .MSha $hness;+ Se sc l% "e !e sca n &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e 1n -a0a l i+ .chii 1i e#a a"2nci &i ma#i+ 4 , t#e' ie s% 6% mai s! n 1n ce sit a0ie !eni'il% m% ! ne !#e/en0a l i Cai#o aici+ S!a"e 1i /2m'i &o#+ 4 , , n t#e' ie s%*mi s! ne0i, #ec nosc el+ 4 i s% &ti0i c% n m*a& -i ! s nicio"at% 1n aceast% sit a0ie, "ac% n*a& -i a6 t toat% 1nc#e"e#ea 1n " mnea6oast#%+ S ci c "e$et l ma#e &i c a#%t%to# l n nast #e ne$# "e !e haina l i al'ast#%+ 4 Ia#E s! se S!a"e c o #esemna#e i#onic%+ 4 Da# &ti0i c%*i a&a, insist% ea+ 4 , , n*o &ti + M2n$2ie m2na ca#e s cea nast #ele+ 4 Fa!t l c% 6*am 1nt#e'at !ent# ce moti6e a# t#e' i s% am 1nc#e"e#e 1n " mnea6oast#% ne*a a" s 1n aceast% sit a0ie+ S% n 1nc #c%m l c# #ile+ .#ic m, n t#e' ie s% a6e0i 1nc#e"e#e 1n mine, at2t tim! c2t n m% ! te0i con6in$e s% am &i e 1nc#e"e#e 1n " mnea6oast#%+ B#i$i" 1i st "ie -a0a+ ,%#ile 1i -#em%ta + S!a"e #2se+ 7i m2n$2ie "in no m2na &i /ise9 4 , 6% nec%8i0i "e asta+ Cai#o a#e s% soseasc% 1nt#*o cli!%+ 7ncheia0i*6% a-ace#ile c el, &i a!oi 6e"em c m sta l c# #ile+ 4 i o s% m% l%sa0i s% t#ate/+++ c m c#e" e "e c 6iin0%5 4 Desi$ #+ B#i$i" 1&i s ci m2na s ' a l i, a!%s2n" *i "e$etele+ S! se 1ncet9 4 S nte0i n "a# ce#esc+ 4 , eDa$e#a0i, 1i #%s! nse S!a"e+ Fata 1l !#i6i c #e!#o&, "e&i /2m'ea, &i se 1ntoa#se la 'alansoa# l ca!itonat+ Foel Cai#o e#a ne#6os+ .chii l i ne$#i !%#ea "oa# i#is, ia# c 6intele l i st#i"ente &i asc 0ite se #osto$oli#% mai 1nainte ca "etecti6 l s% -i "eschis &a !e 8 m%tate+ 4 B%iat l acela e a-a#% &i !2n"e&te casa, "omn le S!a"e, '%iat l !e ca#e mi l*a0i a#%tat, sa c%# ia m*a0i a#%tat 1n -a0a teat# l i+ Ce t#e' ie s% "e" c "in asta, "omn le S!a"e5 Am 6enit aici "e ' n%*c#e"in0% &i -%#% $2n" #i 1n&el%toa#e+ 4 Ai -ost in6itat "e ' n%*c#e"in0%+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt% $2n"ito#+ 4 Da# a# -i t#e' it s% $hicesc c% a#e s% a!a#%+ Te*a 6%/ t int#2n"5 4 Fi#e&te+ A& -i ! t t s%*mi contin i "# m l, "a# mi s*a !%# t in til, 1nt# c2t i*a0i 1n$%" it s% ne 6a"% 1m!#e n%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 6eni !e co#i"o# 1n s!atele l i S!a"e &i 1nt#e'% nelini&tit%9 4 Ca#e '%iat5 Cai#o 1&i scoase !%l%#ia nea$#%, se 1nclin% 0ea!%n &i s! se c 6oce !#e0ioas%9 4 Dac% n &ti0i, 1nt#e'a0i*l !e "omn l S!a"e+ E n &ti "ec2t ce*am a-lat !#in inte#me"i l s% +
4 =n '%iat ca#e a 1nce#cat s% m% #m%#easc% !#in o#a& asea#%, /ise S!a"e ne$li8ent, 6o#'in" !este m%# &i -%#% a se 1ntoa#ce c%t#e -at%+ 4 Int#%, Cai#o+ ,*a#e sens s% stai 1n !icioa#e &i s% 6o#'im 1n !#a$, s% ne a "% 6ecinii+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; a! c% '#a0 l l i S!a"e &i 1nt#e'%9 4 )*a #m%#it !2n% la mine acas%5 4 , , am sc%!at "e el mai 1nainte+ Pe #m%, c#e" c*a 6enit aici ca s% 1nce#ce s% m% c lea$% "in no + Cai#o, ca#e 1&i 0inea !%l%#ia nea$#% !e ' #t% c am2n"o % m2inile, int#% !e co#i"o#+ S!a"e 1nchise &a co#i"o# l i 1n #m% &i int#a#% c to0ii in o"aie+ A8 ns acolo, Cai#o se 1nclin% 1nc% o "at% 0ea!%n &i s! se9 4 7nc2ntat s% 6% #e6%", "omni&oa#% .MSha $hness;+ 4 E#am si$ #% c*ai s% -ii 1nc2ntat, Foe, 1i #%s! nse ea &i 1i 1ntinse m2na+ Cai#o se a!lec% ce#emonios, i*o st#2nse &o# &i 1i "%" "# m l #e!e"e+ B#i$i" se a&e/% 1n 'alansoa# l ca!itonat !e ca#e 1l oc !ase mai 1nainte+ Cai#o 4 1n -otoli l "e l2n$% mas%+ D !% ce at2#n% !alton l &i !%l%#ia l i Cai#o 1n " la! l "in !e#ete, S!a"e se a&e/% !e ca!%t l so-alei "in -a0a -e#est#elo# &i 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se a"#es% l i Cai#o9 4 Sam mi*a s! s "es!#e o-e#ta ta !ent# &oim+ C2t "e #e!e"e !o0i s% -aci #ost "e 'ani5 S!#2ncenele l i Cai#o t#es%#i#%+ <2m'i+ 4 7i am $ata+ Contin % s%*i /2m'easc% &i, " !% ce 6o#'i, se it% la S!a"e+ S!a"e 1&i a!#in"ea 0i$a#a+ E#a lini&tit la -a0%+ 4 Bani !e&in5 1nt#e'% -ata+ 4 .h, "esi$ #, #%s! nse Cai#o+ B#i$i" se 1nc# nt%, 1&i scoase lim'a !#int#e "in0i &i 1nt#e'%9 4 E&ti $ata s% ne !l%te&ti cinci mii "e "ola#i ac m, "ac% 10i "%m &oim l5 Cai#o 1ntinse o m2n% t#em #%toa#e+ 4 Sc /a0i*m%, s! se el+ M*am eD!#imat $#e&it+ ,*am 6# t s% s! n c% am 'anii la mine, "a# c%*i !ot o'0ine c n !#ea6i/ "e c2te6a min te la o#ice o#% c2n" s nt "eschise '%ncile+ 4 .hE /ise B#i$i" &i se it% la S!a"e+ S!a"e s -l% - m l 0i$%#ii 1n -a0a 6estei sale &i /ise9 E !#o'a'il eDact+ ,*a6ea "ec2t c2te6a s te "e "ola#i 1n ' / na# c2n" l*am c% tat a/i*" !%*amia/%+ B#i$i" -%c ochii ma#i &i #ot n/i+ Detecti6 l /2m'i+ Ce6antin l se a!lec% 1n -otoli + , #e &i s%*&i masche/e inte#es l 6i "in !#i6i#i &i 6oce9 4 S nt $ata s% 6% "a 'anii, s% /icem la /ece &i 8 m%tate, m2ine "iminea0%+ )% con6ine5 B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 1i /2m'i &i #%s! nse9 4 Da# n*am &oim l+ Cai#o se 1nt nec% la -a0% "e s !%#a#e+ 7&i l%s% m2inile #2te !e '#a0ele -otoli l i, 1nca"#2n" *&i ast-el t# ! l 0ea!%n &i sc n"+ .chii l i ne$#i e#a - #io&i+ , s! se nimic+ Fata 1l !#i6i i#onic, "a# &i 1m!%ci ito#+ 4 Am s%*l am tot &i cel m lt 1nt#*o s%!t%m2n%, s! se ea+ 4 =n"e*i5 1nt#e'% Cai#o !oliticos, "a# &l sce!tic+ 4 =n"e l*a asc ns Flo;"+ 4 Flo;" Th #s';5 B#i$i" "%" "in ca!+ 4 i &tii n"e se a-l%5 1nt#e'% el+ 4 C#e" c% "a+ 4 At nci "e ce mai t#e' ie s% a&te!t%m o s%!t%m2n%5 4 Poate c% n chia# o s%!t%m2n%+ Pent# cine 1l c m!e#i, Foe5 Foe 1n%l0% "in s!#2ncene9 4 I*am s! s "omn l i S!a"e+ Pent# !#o!#ieta# l l i+ Fa0a l i B#i$i" se l min% "e s #!#in"e#e+ 4 Deci te*ai 1nto#s la el5
4 Fi#e&te+ B#i$i" #2se 1ncet &i 1n- n"at &i /ise9 4 Mi*a# -i !l%c t s% 6%" na ca asta+ Cai#o "%" "in me#i9 4 E#a sin$ #a cale lo$ic%+ 7&i -#ec% "os l nei m2ini "e !alma celeilalte+ Pleoa!ele co'o#2#% ca s%*i m'#easc% ochii+ 4 De ce, "ac% !ot s% ! n la #2n" l me o 1nt#e'a#e, e&ti $ata s% mi*l 6in/i mie5 4 M% tem, " !% ce i s*a 1nt2m!lat l i Flo;", /ise ea sim!l + D*asta n *l mai am+ Mi*e team% s%*l atin$, cel m lt a& ! tea s%*l t#ec altc i6a ime"iat+ S!a"e st%tea !#o!tit 1nt#* n cot !e so-a, se ita la ei &i 1i asc lta im!a#0ial+ Po/i0ia l i "e$a8at% &i con-o#ta'il%, t#%s%t #ile calme &i "estinse ale -e0ei n t#%"a nici n semn "e c #io/itate sa ne#%'"a#e+ 4 i ce i s*a 1nt2m!lat l i Flo;"5 1nt#e'% Cai#o c $las sc%/ t+ )2#- l a#%t%to# l i "#e!t al l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness; t#ase #e!e"e !#in ae# n >+ 4 7n0ele$, s! se Cai#o, "e&i 1n /2m'et l l i !e#sista o not% "e 1n"oial%+ E aici ac m5 4 , &ti , #%s! nse S!a"e ne#%'"%to#+ Ce im!o#tan0% a#e5 7n"oiala "in /2m'et l l i Cai#o se accent %+ 4 A# ! tea s% ai'% o im!o#tan0% eno#m%, s! se el &i 1&i a#an8% m2inile 1n !oal%, a&a 1nc2t, inten0ionat sa n , "e$et l a#%t%to# $#os e#a 1n"#e!tat s!#e S!a"e+ Fata se it% la "e$et l a#%t%to# &i -%c o mi&ca#e "e ne#%'"a#e+ 4 .#i t , o#i e , s! se ea, 4 EDact+ S% ! nem la socoteal% &i !e '%iat l "e a-a#%5 4 Da, #ec nosc ea &i #2se+ Da, "oa# "ac% n e cel !e ca#e l*ai a6 t la Constaatino!ol+ S2n$ele n%6%li '# sc !e -a0a I i Cai#o+ St#i$% c 6oce st#i"ent% &i - #ioas%9 4 Cel !e ca#e n l*ai ! t t c ce#i+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; s%#i "e !e sca n+ 7&i st#2nse ' /a in-e#ioa#% 1nt#e "in0i+ Pe chi! l ei !ali" &i 1nco#"at ochii 1i e#a 1nt neca0i &i ma#i+ F%c "oi !a&i i 0i s!#e Cai#o+ Acesta "%" s% se #i"ice+ B#i$i" 1l !%lm i 6iolent c m2na "#ea!t%, l%s2n" *i !e o'#a/ #ma "e$etelo#+ Cai#o m2#2i &i o !%lm i &i el+ B#i$i" c%/ 1m!leticin" *se &i scoase n st#i$%t sc #t &i 1n- n"at+ S!a"e se sc l% im!asi'il "e !e so-a &i se a!#o!ie "e ei+ 7l a! c% !e Cai#o "e $2t &i 1i /$2l02i+ Cai#o m2#2i &i " se o m2n% la ' / na# l "in% nt# al hainei+ S!a"e 1n&-%c% m2na le6antin l i, i*o t#ase "in hain%, i*o 1ntinse c -o#0a &i o s ci !2n% ce "e$etele moi &i ne1n"em2natice se "eschise#% &i "%" #% "# m l n i !istol ne$# , ca#e c%/ !e co6o#+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; #i"ic% #e!e"e a#ma+ Cai#o 6o#'i c $#e tate "in !#icina "e$etelo# 1ncle&tate !e $2t l l i+ 4 E a "o a oa#% c% m% '# tali/a0i+ .chii l i, "e&i m-la0i "e a!%sa#ea "e !e $2tle8, amenin0a + 4 Da, 'om'%ni S!a"e+ i c2n" t#e' ie s% !#ime&ti o !alm%, ai s*o 1ncase/i &i*a#e s%*0i !lac%+ D%" "# m l m2inii l i Cai#o &i 1l !lesni s%l'atec c !alma $#ea &i "eschis% "e t#ei o#i !este -a0%+ Cai#o 1nce#c% s%*l sc i!e, "a# sc%ci nea $ #ii le6antin l i 1i #e" se 1nce#ca#ea "oa# la n $est m2nios+ S!a"e 1l !ocni &i !este $ #% &i 1i !lesni ' /a in-e#ioa#%+ Se a /i sone#ia "e la int#a#e+ .chii l i Cai#o se -iDa#% as !#a co#i"o# l i ca#e " cea la &a "e int#a#e+ P#i6i#ea l i 1&i !ie#" "in - #ie &i "e6eni !# "ent%+ Fata 1&i #e0in #es!i#a0ia &i 1ntoa#se &i ea -a0a s!#e co#i"o#+ E#a s!e#iat%+ S!a"e se it% o cli!% l n$ &i !osac la -i# l "e s2n$e ca#e se !#elin$ea "e !e ' /a l i Cai#o, a!oi se 1n"e!%#t%, l 2n" m2na "e !e $2t l le6antin l i+ 4 Cine*i5 &o!ti -ata &i se a!#o!ie "e S!a"e+ i ochii l i Cai#o se s ci#% as !#a l i !ent# a ! ne aceea&i 1nt#e'a#e+ S!a"e #%s! n"e ene#6at9 4 , &ti + Sone#ia #%s n% ia#, mai insistent+ 4 Sta0i lini&ti0i, /ise S!a"e &i ie&i "in came#%, 1nchi/2n" &a 1n #m%+ A!#inse l mina !e co#i"o# &i "eschise &a "e a-a#%+ Cocotenent l D n"; &i Tom Polha s se a-la acolo+ 4 Sal t, Sam, s! se Tom+ Am c#e/ t c% !oate n te*ai c lcat+
D n"; "%" &i el "in ca!, "a# n 6o#'i+ S!a"e #%s! nse 'ine "is! s9 4 Sal t+ Ce o#e ci "ate, '%ie0i, ale$e0i 6oi ca s% -ace0i 6i/ite+ Ce "o#i0i "e "ata asta5 D n"; #%s! nse calm9 4 )#em s% "isc t%m c tine, S!a"e+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, /ise S!a"e "in !#a$, 'loc2n" int#a#ea+ 4 Hai s% "isc t%m+ Tom Polha s 1naint% &i s! se9 4 ,*o s% "isc t%m aici, n 5 ,eclintit 1n !#a$, S!a"e 1i #%s! nse9 4 , ! te0i int#a+ )o#'ea c n ton -oa#te 6a$ "e sc /%+ Fa0a l i Tom c t#%s%t #ile $#eoaie 4 &i la acela&i ni6el c a l i S!a"e 4 eD!#ima n "is!#e0 !#ietenesc, "e&i ochii l i mici &i &i#e0i sc2nteia + 4 Ce "#ac , SamE !#otest% el &i ! se 1n 8oac% o m2n% ma#e !e !ie!t l l i S!a"e+ S!a"e se a!lec% !este !alma l i, /2m'i &meche#e&te &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Ai "e $2n" s% m% -o#0e/i, Tom5 4 Hm, la "#ac E &i 1&i #et#ase m2na+ D n"; st#2nse "in "in0i &i 6o#'i !#int#e ei+ 4 Cas%*ne s% int#%m+ B /a l i S!a"e 1i "e/$oli caninii+ 4 ,*o s% int#a0i+ Ce*o s% -ace0i5 . s% int#a0i c -o#0a5 Sa "isc t%m aici, sa 6% " ce0i "#ac l iE Tom s s!in% a"2ice, ia# D n";, contin 2n" s% 6o#'easc%, c "in0ii st#2n&i, s! se9 4 A# -i 1n inte#es l t% s% mai 8oci &i c m 10i c2nt%m noi, S!a"e+ Ai sc%!at o "at%, ai sc%!at "e "o % o#i, "a# n*ai s% sca!i la in-init+ 4 .!#e&te*m% c2n" a#e s%*0i "ea m2na, 1i #e!lic% a#o$ant S!a"e+ 4 Asta &i am "e $2n"+ D n"; 1&i " se m2inile la s!ate &i 1&i #i"ic% -a0a " #% s!#e cea a "etecti6 l i !a#tic la#+ 4 =m'l% 6o#'a c% t &i ne6asta l i A#che# i*a0i ! s coa#ne+ 4 Asta*i in6en0ia ta, s! se S!a"e &i #2se+ 4 Deci n *i nimic a"e6%#at5 4 A'sol t nimic+ 4 =m'l% 6o#'a, /ise D n";, c% ea a 1nce#cat s% "i6o#0e/e ca s% se m%#ite c tine, "a# c% A#che# a #e- /at+ E a"e6%#at5 4, + 4 =m'l% 6o#'a chia#, contin % 1nc%!%02nat D n";, c% "*asta a -ost omo#2t+ S!a"e !%# 6a$ am /at+ 4 , -i !o#c, /ise el+ , 1nce#ca s%*mi ! i 1n c2#c% mai m lt "e o c#im% 1n acela&i tim!+ Ca 1nce! t ai s s0in t c% l*am omo#2t !e Th #s'; -iin"c% l*a cis !e Miles, teo#ie ca#e n 0ine "ac% m% ac /i c% l*am omo#2t &i !e Miles+ 4 , e am s s0in t c*ai omo#2t !e cine6a, #%s! nse D n";+ T o #e!e0i me#e + Da# s% !#es ! nem c% am s! s+ I*ai -i ! t t omo#1 !e am2n"oi+ EDist% o cale "e*a o "o6e"i+ 4 I*a /iE C*a& -i ! t t ci"e !e Miles ca s%*i ia ne6asta, ia# a!oi !e Th #s'; ca s% t#ec !e seama l i asasina#ea l i Miles+ , 0ine i!ote/a ta "ec2t "ac% a& mai omo#1 !e cine6a &i a& t#ece !e seama l i &i asasina#ea l i Th #s';+ C2t tim! o s% m% tot s s!ecta0i5 . s% m% a#esta0i !ent# toate c#imele comise la San F#ancisco "e ac m 1nainte5 4 Cas% -a#sa, Sam, s! se Tom+ tii -oa#te 'ine c% nici no % n ne !lace isto#ia asta, "a# t#e' ie s% anchet%m+ 4 i !#imim #%s! ns #i al "#ac l i "e mincinoase, a"% $% D n"; insin ant+ 4 Calmea/%*te, 1l !#e6eni S!a"e+ D n"; 1l m%s #% "in !#i6i#i, a!oi 1l !i#oni 1n ochi+ 4 Dac% s s0ii c% n*a -ost nimic 1nt#e tine &i ne6asta l i A#che#, /ise el, e&ti n mincinos, &i 0i*o s! n !e &lea + .chii mici ai l i Tom t#%"a#% o &oa#% s #!#in"e#e+ S!a"e 1&i me/i ' /ele &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Asta e no tatea -o#mi"a'il% !ent# ca#e ai 6enit la o o#% at2t "e t2#/ie5 4 E na "in ele+ D n"; 1&i l%s% 1n 8os col0 #ile $ #ii+
4 D%*ne "# m l 1n% nt# + A#%t% semni-icati6 c ca! l s!#e !#a$ l &ii 1n ca#e st%tea S!a"e+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt% &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ Col0 #ile $ #ii l i D n"; se #i"ica#% 1nt#* n /2m'et "e satis-ac0ie c# "%+ 4 T#e' ie s% -ie ce6a la mi8loc, 1i s! se el l i Tom+ Tom se m t% "e !e n !icio# !e alt l, -%#% s% se ite la 6#e n l "int#e ei, &i m2#2i9 4 D mne/e &tie+ 4 Ce 1nseamn% asta5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ a#a"e5 4 Pe#-ect, S!a"e, !lec%m+ D n"; 1&i 1ncheie !a#"esi l+ 4 Mai 6enim noi s% te 6e"em "in c2n" 1n c2n"+ Poate c% ai "#e!tate s% te o! i+ Mai $2n"e&te*te+ 4 Hm, /ise S!a"e /2m'in"+ M% ' c # s% te 6%" o#ic2n", locotenente &i, c2n" n*am s% -i oc !at, am s% te !#imesc 1n cas%+ Din o"aia l i S!a"e se a /i n #let9 4 A8 to#E A8 to#E Poli0iaE A8 to#E E#a 6ocea s '0i#e &i st#i"ent% a l i Foel Cai#o+ Cocotenent l D n"; #en n0% s% se mai "e!%#te/e "e &%, 1l 1n-# nt% "in no !e S!a"e &i s! se hot%#2t9 4 C#e" c*o s% int#%m+ <$omot l nei l !te sc #te, al nei lo6it #i, a!oi n 0i!%t #e0in t a8 nse#% !2n% la ei+ S!a"e se st#2m'% &i /2m'i t#ist9 4 C#e" c*o s% int#a0i, &i le -%c loc+ D !% ce !oli0i&tii int#a#%, S!a"e 1nchise &a "e la co#i"o# &i 1i #m% 1n o"aie+ )III BACI)ER,E B#i$i" .MSha $hness; e#a $hem it% 1n -otoli l "e l2n$% mas%+ 7&i 0inea o'#a8ii 1n m2ini &i 1&i #i"icase $en nchii ca s%*&i asc n"% !a#tea "e 8os a -e0ei+ A6ea cea#c%ne al'e &i e#a 1n$#o/it%+ Foel Cai#o, 1n !icioa#e, se a!lecase !este ea &i 0inea 1n m%n% !istol l !e ca#e i*l sm lsese S!a"e+ C cealalt% m2n% 1&i a!%sa -# ntea+ P#int#e "e$ete 1i c #$ea s2n$e ca#e i se !#elin$ea !e ochi+ . alt% "2#%, mai s '0i#e i se sc #$ea "in ' /a !lesnit%, #ami-ic2n" *se "e*a l n$ l '%#'iei+ Cai#o n "%" nici o aten0ie !oli0i&tilo#+ Se ita - #i' n" la -ata $hem it% 1n -a0a l i+ B /ele i se mi&ca s!asmo"ic, "a# nici n s net coe#ent n st#%'%tea !#int#e ele+ D n";, ca#e int#% !#im l 1n 1nc%!e#e, se #e!e/i la Cai#o, 1&i " se o m2n% la &ol" !e s ' !a#"esi , 1n&-%c% c cealalt%, m2na le6antin l i &i 'om'%ni9 4 Ce se 1nt2m!l% aici5 Cai#o 1&i #et#ase "e !e -# nte m2na !%tat% "e s2n$e &i o 62nt #% !#in -a0a locotenent l i, Desco!e#it% "e m2n%, -# ntea !#e/enta o /$2#iet #% l n$% &i ne#e$ lat% "e 6#eo o!t centimet#i+ 4 =ita0i*6% ce*a -%c tE st#i$% el+ =ita0i*6%E Fata 1&i l%s% 1n 8os !icioa#ele &i !#i6i !# "ent "e la D n";, ca#e 1l 0inea !e Cai#o "e 1ncheiet #a m2inii, la Tom Polha s, 1n !icioa#e 1n s!atele lo#, a!oi la S!a"e, ca#e se s!#i8inea "e toc l &ii+ S!a"e a6ea o -i$ #% !laci"%+ C2n" !#i6i#ile lo# se 1nt2lni#%, ochii l i $al'en*cen &ii scli!i#% c o i#onie #% t%cioas%, a!oi #e"e6eni#% ineD!#esi6i+ 4 D mneata l*ai /$2#iat5 o 1nt#e'% D n"; !e -at%, a#%t2n" s!#e -# ntea l i Cai#o+ B#i$i" se it% ia# la S!a"e+ Detecti6 l n #%s! nse 1n nici n -el la a!el l ochilo# ei+ Se s!#i8inea "e ca"# l &ii &i*i #m%#ea !e cei "in came#% c ae# l !oliticos &i "e$a8at al n i s!ectato# "e/inte#esat+ Fata 1ntoa#se !#i6i#ea s!#e D n";+ .chii i se -%c se#% ma#i, 1nt neca0i &i se#io&i+ 4 ,*am a6 t 1ncot#o, s! se ea c 6oce sc%/ t% &i t#em #%toa#e+ Am -ost sin$ #% c el aici c2n" m*a atacat+ ,*am #e &it+++ am 1nce#cat s%*l 0in la "istan0%+ ,*am+++ n*am a6 t inima s%*l 1m! &c+ 4 .h, mincinoasoE st#i$% Cai#o 1nce#c2n" -%#% s cces s%*&i sm l$% '#a0 l c !istol l "in 1ncle&ta#ea l i D n";+ 4 Mincinoas% in-ect% &i 1m! 0it%E Se s ci, ca s% a8 n$% c -a0a la D n";+
4 Minte "e stin$eE Am 6enit aici "e ' n%*c#e"in0% &i am -ost atacat "e am2n"oi, ia# c2n" a0i sosit, S!a"e s*a " s s% 6o#'easc% c " mnea6oast#%, &i*a l%sat*o aici c !istol l+ A!oi mi*a "ecla#at c% a6ea "e $2n" s% m% omoa#e " !% ce !leca0i, a&a c*am st#i$at " !% a8 to#, ca s% n -i asasinat aici, &i at nci m*a lo6it c a#ma+ 4 Hei, "%*o 1ncoace, /ise D n"; &i l % a#ma "in m2na l i Cai#o+ Hai s% l%m #im l c# #ile+ De ce*ai 6enit aici5 4 El m*a chemat+ Cai#o 1ntoa#se ca! l &i se it% s-i"%to# la S!a"e+ 4 Mi*a tele-onat &i mi*a ce# t s% 6in aici+++ S!a"e cli!i lene& s!#e le6antin &i n #%s! nse+ 4 i ce 6#ea "e la " mneata5 1l 1nt#e'% D n";+ Cai#o 1&i #e0in #e!lica !2n% ce 1&i &te#se -# ntea &i '%#'ia "e s2n$e c o 'atist% "e m%tase c " n$i al'ast# *"eschis+ 7nt#e tim!, o !a#te "in in"i$na#e se t#ans-o#mase 1n !# "en0%+ 4 A /is c% 6oia+++ c% 6oia +++ s% m% 6a"%+ ,*am &ti t "e ce+ Tom Polha s 1&i !lec% -# ntea, mi#osi !a#- m l "e (Ch;!#e( #%s!2n"it "e 'atista c ca#e se tam!onase Cai#o &i 1&i 1ntoa#se ca! l, st#2m'2n" *se &i !#i6in" mi#at la S!a"e+ S!a"e 1i -%c semn c ochi l 1n 6#eme ce*&i #%s cea o 0i$a#%+ 4 A&a, &i ce s*a 1nt2m!lat a!oi5 1nt#e'% D n";+ 4 A!oi m*a atacat+ Ea m*a lo6it !#ima, ia# el m*a st#2ns "e $2t &i mi*a l at a#ma "in ' / na#+ , &ti "e ce*a# mai -i -ost 1n sta#e, "ac% n*a0i -i sosit chia# at nci+ S nt con6ins c% m*a# -i omo#2t !e loc+ C2n" S!a"e a !lecat s% "eschi"% &a, a l%sat*o !e ea aici s% m% 0in% 1n &ah c !istol l+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; s%#i "e !e -otoli &i st#i$%9 4 De ce n *l sili0i s% s! n% a"e6%# l5E &i 1l !%lm i !e Cai#o "in no !este o'#a/+ Cai#o #l% incoe#ent+ D n"; 1m!inse -ata 1na!oi 1n -otoli , c m2na li'e#%, &i 'om'%ni9 4 7nceta0i ac m+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a, /2m'i &o# !#in - m &i 1i s! se l i Tom9 4 E im! lsi6%+ 4 M"a, #ec nosc Tom+ D n"; se st#2m'% la -at% &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 i ca#e*ai 6#ea s% c#e"em c%*i a"e6%# l5 4 ,imic "in ce*a s! s n *i a"e6%#at+ Da# a'sol t nimic+ Se 1ntoa#se s!#e S!a"e9 4 , *i a&a5 4 De n"e s% &ti e 5 #e!lic% S!a"e+ M% a-lam 1n ' c%t%#ie &i 1mi '%team o omlet% c2n" 6*a0i 1nc%ie#at !#ima oa#%, n 5 B#i$i" 1&i 1nc# nt% -# ntea, ce#cet2n" *l c ochi m'#i0i "e ne" me#i#e+ Tom 'om'%ni "e/$ stat+ D n";, contin 2n" s% se st#2m'e la -at%, i$no#% c 6intele l i S!a"e &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 Dac% ti! l n s! ne a"e6%# l, "e ce*a 0i!at el " !% a8 to# &i n " mneata5 4 S*a s!e#iat "e moa#te c2n" l*am !ocnit, #%s! nse ea !#i6in" *l c "is!#e0 !e le6antin+ Fa0a l i Cai#o #o&i acolo n"e n e#a !%tat% "e s2n$e+ 4 P- iE Alt% minci n%E B#i$i" 1i t#ase n !icio#, lo6in" *l c toc l 1nalt al !anto- l i al'ast# eDact s ' $en nchi+ D n"; o 1m!inse 1na!oi, 1n tim! ce Tom, mai 6oinic, se a!#o!ie "e ea &i 'om'%ni9 4 Poa#t%*te ca l mea, -eti0o+ , *i -# mos ce -aci+ 4 At nci sili0i*l s% s! n% a"e6%# lE /ise ea s-i"%to#+ 4 . s%*l silim, n*a6ea $#i8%, 1i !#omise el+ Potole&te*te+ D n"; se it% satis-%c t la S!a"e c ochii l i 6e#/i, " #i &i l mino&i, a!oi se a"#es% s 'o#"onat l i s% 9 4 Foa#te 'ine, Tom, n c#e" c% $#e&im "ac%*i l %m !e to0i c noi+ Tom 1nc 6iin0% !osomo#2t+ S!a"e se "e/li!i "e &%, 1naint% s!#e mi8loc l 1nc%!e#ii &i "%" "# m l 0i$%#ii 1n sc# mie#a "e !e mas%, 1n tim! ce t#ecea !e al%t #i+ <2m'ea, e#a ama'il &i calm+
4 , 6% $#%'i0i, s! se el+ Tot l se !oate eD!lica+ 4 S nt con6ins, #ec nosc D n"; 'at8oco#ito#+ S!a"e se 1nclin% c%t#e -at%9 4 Domni&oa#% .MSha $hness;, s! se el, 1mi !e#mite0i s% 6i*l !#e/int !e locotenent l D n"; &i !e se#$ent l*"etecti6 Polha s+ Se 1nclin% s!#e D n";9 4 Domni&oa#a .MSha $hness; e an$a8at% s% l c#e/e !ent# mine+ Foel Cai#o st#i$% in"i$nat9 4 , *i a"e6%#atE Ea+++ S!a"e 1l 1nt#e# !se 6o#'in" -oa#te ta#e, "a# 1nc% ama'il3 4 Am an$a8at*o -oa#te "e c #2n", chia# ie#i+ )% !#e/int &i !e "omn l Cai#o, n !#ieten 4 1n o#ice ca/, o c no&tin0% 4 a l i Th #s';+ A 6enit a/i*" !%*amia/% la mine la 'i#o &i*a 1nce#cat s% m% !l%teasc% !ent# a*i $%si n o'iect ce se c#e"ea a -i as !#a l i Th #s'; c2n" a -ost cis+ Mi s*a !%# t ci "at -el l c m mi*a #elatat !o6estea, a&a c% n*am 6oit s% !#eia a-ace#ea+ At nci a scos o a#m%, "a# asta n contea/% "ec2t "ac% a8 n$em s% ne "%m 1n 8 "ecat%+ .#ic m, " !% ce*am "isc tat sit a0ia c "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;, am c#e/ t c% a& ! tea s% scot ce6a "e la el 1n le$%t #% c asasina#ea l i Miles &i a l i Th #s';, a&a c% i*am ce# t s% 6in% aici+ Poate c% i*am ! s 1nt#e'%#ile cam '# tal, "a# n*a -ost "e loc #%nit, 1n nici n ca/ n at2t ca s% cea#% a8 to#+ A t#e' it "e alt-el s%*i ia a#ma "in no + 7n tim! ce S!a"e 6o#'ea, nelini&tea #ea!%# !e -a0a 1n#o&it% a l i Cai#o+ .chii 1i 8 ca , schim'2n" *&i ala#ma0i -oca# l "e la !o"ea la -i$ #a im!asi'il% a l i S!a"e+ D n"; 1l 1n-# nt% !e Cai#o &i 1l 1nt#e'% i#onic9 4 Ce*ai "e s! s5 Cai#o n a6 nimic "e s! s a!#oa!e n min t3 !#i6ea -iD !ie!t l locotenent l i+ C2n" #i"ic% !#i6i#ea, ochii 1i e#a timi/i &i !# "en0i+ 4 , &ti ce*a# t#e' i s% s! n, m #m #% el+ Fena l i !%# a tentic%+ 4 7ncea#c% s% s! i ce s*a 1nt2m!lat, 1l 1n"emn% D n";+ 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 .chii l i Cai#o t#es%#i#%, -%#% s% !%#%seasc% 1ns% -a0a locotenent l i+ 4 Ce $a#an0ie am c% cele !o6estite "e mine 6o# -i c#e/ te5 4 Cas% tocmeala+ ,*ai "ec2t s% "e! i s ' 8 #%m2nt c% te*a lo6it, ia# $#e-ie# l a#e s% te c#ea"% "est l ca s% 1ntocmeasc% acte !#in ca#e s%*i 62#e la /" !+ S!a"e 6o#'i am /at9 4 D%*i "# m l, Cai#o+ F%*i !e !lac+ S! ne*i c*ai s% "e! i !l2n$e#e, &i !e #m% "e! nem &i noi "oi 1m!ot#i6a ta, &i at nci o s% ne #i"ice !e to0i t#ei+ Cai#o 1&i "#ese 6ocea &i se it% ne#6os !#in 1nc%!e#e, e6it2n" !#i6i#ile celo# "e -a0%+ D n"; ! -ni a!#oa!e "is!#e0 ito# &i /ise9 4 C a0i*6% !%l%#iileE .chii l i Cai#o, t#%"2n" nelini&tea &i "o#in0a "e a 1nt#e'a ce6a, 1nt2lni#% eD!#esia 'at8oco#itoa#e a l i S!a"e+ S!a"e 1i -%c semn c ochi l &i se a&e/% !e ma#$inea 'alansoa# l i ca!itonat+ 4 Ei 'ine, '%ie0i &i -ete, /ise el /2m'in" le6antin l i &i -etei c n $las !lin n mai "e 1nc2nta#e, am "at "e "#ac + Fi$ #a " #% &i !%t#at% a l i D n"; se 1nt nec% &o#+ Re!et% ene#$ic9 4 C a0i*6% !%l%#iileE S!a"e 1&i m t% /2m'et l as !#a locotenent l i, se $hem i &i mai con-o#ta'il 1n -otoli &i 1l 1nt#e'% $ale&9 4 , !#ice!i "e $l m%5 Fa0a l i Tom Polha s se -%c #o&ie &i l cioas%+ Cea a l i D n";, tot mai 1nt necat%, #%mase imo'il%, c eDce!0ia ' /elo# ce se mi&ca#% 0e!ene !ent# a s! ne9 4 , , "a# t#ecem asta c 6e"e#ea !2n% a8 n$em la comisa#iat+ S!a"e se #i"ic% &i 1&i 62#1 m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !antalonilo#+ St%tea "#e!t, ca s% se !oat% ita mai "e s s la locotenent+ A6ea n /2m'et s-i"%to# &i o atit "ine !lin% "e 1nc#e"e#e 1n sine+ 4 Te "es-i" s% ne " ci la 1nchisoa#e, D n";, /ise el+ . s% #2"em "e tine 1n toate /ia#ele "in San F#ancisco+ , *0i 1nchi! i c% 6#e n l "int#e noi o s% "e! n% !l2n$e#e 1m!ot#i6a cel ilalt5 T#e/e&te*te+ )*am 8 cat o -a#s%+ C2n" a #%s nat sone#ia, le*am s! s "omni&oa#ei .MSha $hness; &i l i Cai#o9 (Ia# a 6enit sticle0ii %ia 'lestema0i+ M% !lictisesc+ Hai s% le
8 c%m o -a#s%+ C2n" 1i a /i0i c% !leac%, 0i!a0i n l "in 6oi, &i !e #m% 6e"em noi c2t 1i !%c%lim+( i+++ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se a!lec% 1n -otoli &i 1nce! s% #2"% iste#ic+ Cai#o t#es%#i &i /2m'i+ =n /2m'et -%#% 6ia0%, "a# /2m'et tot &i+ Tom, - #ios la c lme, m2#2i9 4 Cas% !#ostiile, Sam+ S!a"e chicoti &i /ise9 4 Da# a&a s*a 1nt2m!lat+ ,oi+++ 4 i /$2#iet #ile "e !e -# nte &i "e la $ #%5 1nt#e'% D n"; "is!#e0 ito#+ De n"e !#o6in5 4 7nt#ea'%*l, 1l 1n"emn% S!a"e+ Poate c% s*a t%iat c2n" se '%#'ie#ea+ Cai#o 6o#'i #e!e"e, 1nainte "e a ! tea -i inte#o$at, ia# m &chii -e0ei 1i t#em #a#% 1n 1nco#"a#ea "e a /2m'i 1n tim! ce 6o#'ea9 4 Am c%/ t+ T#e' ia s% ne l !t%m !ent# !istol c2n" a0i int#at, "a# am c%/ t+ M*am 1m!ie"icat "e ca!%t l co6o# l i, &i*am c%/ t c2n" #ma s% ne !#e-acem c% ne 'atem+ 4 Bali6e#ne, /ise D n";+ 4 ,*ai "ec2t s% le c#e/i sa n , D n";, s! se S!a"e+ Im!o#tant e c% asta e 6e#si nea noast#% &i*o s% ne 0inem "e ea+ <ia#ele a s*o ti!%#easc%, -ie c*a s*o c#ea"% sa n , &i o s% -ie la -el "e comic &i 1nt#* n ca/ &i 1n cel%lalt, sa !oate &i mai comic in cel%lalt+ Ce*ai "e $2n"5 , *i o c#im% s% 8oci o -a#s% n i sticlete, n *i a&a5 ,*ai ce s% ne #e!#o&e/i+ Tot ce 0i*am s! s -%cea !a#te "int#*o -a#s%+ Ce*ai "e $2n"5 D n"; 1i 1ntoa#se s!atele l i S!a"e &i 1l 1n&-%c% !e Cai#o "e m%#+ 4 ,*ai s% sca!i a&a &o#E #%cni el, /$2l02in" *l !e le6antin+ Ai #%cnit " !% a8 to# &i*ai s%*l !#ime&ti+ 4 , , "omn le, se '2l'2i Cai#o+ A -ost o -a#s%+ A /is c% s nte0i !#ieteni c el &i*o s% !#ice!e0i+ S!a"e #2se+ D n"; 1l 1m!inse '# tal !e Cai#o !#in came#%, 0in2n" *l "e m2n% &i "e cea-%+ 4 Am s% te 1nha0 o#ic m, -iin"c% ai a6 t a#m%, /ise el+ Ia# !e 6oi am s% 6% 1nha0 "oa# ca s% 6e"e0i cine #2"e "e 'anc l 6ost# + .chii ala#ma0i ai l i Cai#o al neca#% &i se !i#oni#% as !#a -e0ei l i S!a"e+ 4 , -i ca#a$hios, D n";, /ise S!a"e+ A#ma a -%c t &i ea !a#te "in -a#s%+ E na "in a#mele mele+ R2se+ 4 7mi !a#e #% c%*i "oa# cali'# l KR, sa !oate "esco!e#i c%*i na "in cele c ca#e a -ost 1m! &ca0i Th #s'; &i Miles+ D n"; 1i "%" "# m l l i Cai#o, se 1ntoa#se !e c%lc2ie &i 1i t#ase na c ! mn l "#e!t 1n '%#'ie l i S!a"e+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; scoase n 0i!%t sc #t+ <2m'et l l i S!a"e se clinti 1n cli!a contact l i c ! mn l, "a# #e6eni ime"iat, c o not% 6is%toa#e+ Detecti6 l se 1n"#e!t% !e !icioa#e, se t#ase ! 0in 1na!oi, ia# me#ii ! te#nici &i c #'a0i i se cont#acta#% s ' hain%+ Mai 1nainte ca S!a"e s% #i"ice ! mn l, Tom Polha s se 62#1 1nt#e ei c -a0a la S!a"e, #e0in2n" *i acest ia '#a0ele, at2t c ' #ta l i 0 $ iat% c2t &i c m2inile+ 4 , , n E 1l # $% Tom+ D !% n l n$ moment "e nemi&ca#e, m &chii l i S!a"e se "estinse#%+ 4 Ia*l "e aici #e!e"e, s! se el+ <2m'et l 1i "is!%# se, -a0a 1i e#a !osomo#2t% &i oa#ec m !ali"%+ Tom 1i imo'ili/% '#a0ele l i S!a"e+ 7ntoa#se ca! l !este m%# s!#e locotenent l D n";+ .chii mici ai l i Tom e#a 1nc%#ca0i "e #e!#o&+ D n";, c ! mnii st#2n&i, st%tea c !icioa#ele &o# "es-%c te &i 'ine 1n-i!t+ A$#esi6itatea 1i "is!%# se3 ! !ila i se "ilatase+ 4 Ia*le n mele &i a"#esaE o#"on% el+ Tom se it% la Cai#o ca#e #%s! nse $#%'it9 4 Foel Cai#o, hotel Bel6e"e#e+ S!a"e inte#6eni 1nainte ca Tom s*o 1nt#e'e &i !e -at%9 4 P te0i o#ic2n" l a le$%t #% c "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; !#in mine+ Tom se it% la D n";+ D n"; 'om'%ni3 4 Ia*i a"#esa+ 4 A"#esa e 1n c sto"ie la a$en0ia mea+
D n"; 1naint% n !as &i se o!#i 1n -a0a -etei+ 4 =n"e loc ie&ti5 o 1nt#e'% el+ S!a"e i se a"#es% l i Tom9 4 Ia*l "e aici+ M*am s%t #at+ Tom se it% 1n ochii l i S!a"e 4 " #i &i scli!ito#i 4 &i m2#2i9 4 Cas*o mai moale, Sam+ 7&i 1ncheie !a#"esi l &i se 1ntoa#se s!#e D n";, 1nt#e'2n" c o 6oce maim 0%#in" "e$a8a#ea9 4 Asta*i tot5 F%c n !as s!#e &%+ St#2m'%t #a l i D n"; n #e &i s%*i asc n"% nehot%#2#ea+ Cai#o se 1n"#e!t% '# sc s!#e &% &i s! se9 4 Am s% !lec &i e , "omn le S!a"e, "ac% s nte0i at2t "e ama'il s%*mi "a0i !a#"esi l &i !%l%#ia+ 4 De ce te $#%'e&ti5 1l 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ D n"; 1naint% n !as &i se o!#i 1n -ala -etei9 4 A -ost o -a#s%, "a# 0i*e -#ic% s% #%m2i sin$ # c ei+ 4 , mi*o c2t &i "e ! 0in -#ic%, #e!lic% le6antin l, -oin" *se &i -%#% s% se ite la 6#e n l "int#e ei+ Da# e -oa#te t2#/i &i+++ am s% !lec o "at% c " mnea6oast#%, "ac% n 6% s !%#a0i+ D n"; 1&i st#2nse ' /ele &i n s! se nimic+ 7n ochii l i 6e#/i scli!ea o l mini0%+ S!a"e se " se la " la! l "in !e#ete &i 1i a" se l i Cai#o !a#"esi l &i !%l%#ia+ Fa0a l i S!a"e e#a im!enet#a'il%+ Mani-est% aceea&i im!enet#a'ilitate c2n" se 1n"e!%#t%, " !% ce*l a8 tase !e le6antin s%*&i ! n% !a#"esi l &i !%l%#ia &i 1i 6o#'i l i Tom9 4 S! ne*i s% lase !istol l+ D n"; scoase !istol l l i Cai#o "in ' / na# l !a#"esi l i &i 1l a&e/% !e mas%+ Ie&i !#im l, #mat 1n"ea!#oa!e "e Cai#o+ Tom se o!#i 1naintea l i S!a"e &i '2l'2i9 4 S!e#, !ent# n mele l i D mne/e , c% 6% "a0i seama ce -ace0i+ , !#imi nici n #%s! ns, s s!in% &i ie&i 1m!#e n% c ceilal0i+ S!a"e 1i con" se !2n% la ca!%t l con"o# l i n"e a&te!t% !2n% ce Tom 1nchise &a+ IT BRI>ID S!a"e se 1ntoa#se 1n o"aie, se a&e/% la ca!%t l so-alei, c coatele !e $en nchi, c o'#a/ l 1n !alme, it2n" *se 1n 8os &i n la B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, ca#e*i /2m'ea &o# "in -otoli + .chii "etecti6 l i a#"ea + C tele "int#e s!#2ncene i se a"2ncise#%+ ,%#ile 1i !al!ita o "at% c #es!i#a0ia+ C2n" 1&i "%" seama c% n*a#e "e $2n" s% se ite la ea, B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 1ncet% s% mai /2m'easc% &i 1l !#i6i c nelini&te c#esc2n"%+ S2n$ele n%6%li '# sc !e chi! l l i S!a"e ca#e 1nce! s% 6o#'easc% c 6oce $ t #al% &i as!#%+ C ca! l 1n m2ini, 1n- #iat, S!a"e se it% ene#6at 1n 8os, 1l 1n8 #% !e D n"; cinci min te -%#% s% se 1nt#e# !%, 1l 1n8 #% o'scen, 'las-emato#i , "e mai m lte o#i, c 6oce as!#% &i $ t #al%+ A!oi 1&i #i"ic% 1ncet ca! l, se it% la -at%, /2m'i !#oste&te &i /ise9 4 . co!il%#ie, n 5 ti , "a# !ent# n mele l i D mne/e , n *mi !lace s% -i lo6it, -%#% s% #%s! n"+ 7&i !i!%i atent '%#'ia, 4 , c*a# -i -ost cine &tie ce lo6it #%+ R2se, se l%s% !e s!ate, !e so-a, &i 1&i 1nc# ci&% !icioa#ele+ 4 =n !#e0 "est l "e ie-tin "ac% 6#ei s% c2&ti$i+ S!#2ncenele i se 1m!#e na#% &i se st#2m'% o cli!%+ 4 De&i n*am s*o it+ Fata /2m'i "in no , se sc l% "e !e sca n &i se a&e/% !e so-a l2n$% el+ 4 E&ti cel mai s%l'atic om !e ca#e l*am c nosc t, /ise ea+ E&ti 1ntot"ea na at2t "e 1n"#%/ne05 4 Da# l*am l%sat s% m% lo6easc%, n 5 4 Da, "a# e o-i0e# "e !oli0ie+ 4 , "*asta, 1i eD!lic% S!a"e+ Ci -iin"c% &i*a !ie#" t ca! l &i, lo6in" *m%, &i*a "e!%&it at#i' 0iile+ Dac% m*a& -i 1nc%ie#at c el, n*a# mai -i ! t t s% 'at% 1n #et#a$e#e+ A# -i -ost silit s% mea#$% !2n% la ca!%t, ia# noi a# -i t#e' it s% #e!et%m la comisa#iat !o6estea aia st !i"%+ Se it% l n$ &i $2n"ito# la -at% &i a"% $%9 Ce i*ai -%c t l i Cai#o5 4 ,imic+ Ro&i+ 4 Am 1nce#cat s%*l s!e#ii ca s% stea lini&tit !2n% !leac% !oli0ia, &i -ie c%
s*a s!e#iat !#ea ta#e, -ie c% e 1nc%!%02nat, a #lat+ 4 Ia# at nci l*ai lo6it c a#ma5 4 ,*am a6 t 1ncot#o+ M*a atacat+ 4 , &tii ce -aci+ <2m'et l l i S!a"e n 1i asc n"ea i#ita#ea+ 4 E eDact ce 0i*am s! s9 ac0ione/i la 1nt2m!la#e, c s!e#an0a c% te*a8 t% D mne/e + 4 7mi !a#e #% , Sam, s! se ea c n $las 1nm iat "e c%in0%+ 4 C#e" &i e c%*0i !a#e #% + Scoase t t n l &i -oi0ele "in ' / na# &i 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ 4 C Cai#o ai "isc tat+ Ac m !o0i s% "isc 0i &i c mine+ B#i$i" " se 62#- l n i "e$et la ' /e, !#i6i l n$ &i -%#% 0int% !#in came#%, c ochi ma#i, a!oi 1i st#2nse &i se it% #e!e"e la S!a"e+ Detecti6 l e#a oc !at c #%s cit l 0i$%#ii+ 4 ., "a, 1nce! ea, -i#e&te+++ 7&i l % "e$et l "e la $ #% &i 1&i nete/i #ochia al'ast#% !este ! l!e+ P#i6i 1nc# ntat% la $en nchi+ S!a"e linse 0i$a#a, o li!i &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Ei 'ine5 &i c% t% !#in ' / na# " !% '#ichet%+ 4 Da# n*am a6 t tim!, s! se ea o!#in" *se 1nt#e c 6inte, "e !a#c% le*a# -i ales c ma#e aten0ie, ca s% te#min "isc 0ia c el+ 7ncet% s% se mai 1nc# nte la $en nchi &i 1l !#i6i !e S!a"e c ochi lim!e/i &i can"i/i+ 4 ,e*am 1nt#e# !t mai 1nainte "e*a 1nce!e c a"e6%#at s% "isc t%m+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a &i #2se " !% ce s -l% - m l+ 4 )#ei s%*i tele-one/ &i s%*i ce# s% se 1ntoa#c%5 B#i$i" cl%tin% "in ca! -%#% s% mai /2m'ease%+ .chii 1i 8 ca 1nt#e !leoa!e, 1n tim! ce cl%tina "in ca!, a0inti0i tot &i as !#a l i S!a"e+ .chi ce#cet%to#i+ S!a"e o l % 1n '#a0e, 1i c !#inse 1n !alm% m%# l nete", al' &i $ol+ Fata se l%s% 1n 1n"oit #a '#a0 l i+ S!a"e s! se9 4 Ei 'ine, te asc lt+ B#i$i" 1&i 1ntoa#se ca! l ca s%*i /2m'easc% c o'#%/nicie sim lat% &i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 A6eai ne6oie "e '#a0 !ent# asta5 4 , + 7&i l % m2na "e !e m%# l ei &i o l%s% s%*i ca"%+ 4 E&ti com!let im!#e6i/i'il, m #m #% ea+ S!a"e "%" "in ca! &i s! se ama'il9 4 Te asc lt 1nc%+ 4 =it%*te c2t e ceas lE eDclam% ea &i a#%t% c ie$et l "e&te!t%to# l coco0at !e c%#0i9 a#%t%toa#ele $#osolane in"ica o#a "o % &i n s-e#t noa!tea+ 4 M"a, am a6 t o sea#% -oa#te a$itat%+ 4 T#e' ie s% !lec+ Fata se #i"ic% "e !e so-a+ 4 E 1n$#o/ito#+ S!a"e n se #i"ic%+ Cl%tin% "in ca! &i s! se9 4 , !leci "ec2t " !% ce*mi s! i "es!#e ce e 6o#'a+ 4 Da# it%*te c2t e ceas lE !#otest% ea, &i mi*a# l a o#e 1nt#e$i ca s%*0i s! n+ 4 S nt $ata s% asc lt o#e 1nt#e$i+ 4 M% 0ii "eci !#i/onie#%5 1nt#e'% ea 6esel%+ 4 , ita "e '%iat l "e a-a#%+ Poate c% n*a !lecat 1nc% la c lca#e+ )eselia ei "is!%# + 4 C#e/i c% mai e acolo5 4 P#o'a'il+ 4 ,*ai ! tea s% a-li5 1nt#e'% ea t#em #2n"+ 4 A& ! tea s% co'o# &i s% m% it+ 4 .h+++ 6#ei5 S!a"e 1i st "ie o cli!% -a0a nelini&tit%, a!oi se sc l% "e !e so-a &i s! se9 4 Fi#e&te+ 7&i l % !%l%#ia &i !a#"esi l "in " la!+ 4 M% 1nto#c 1n 6#eo /ece min te+ 4 Fii atent, 1l im!lo#% ea 1n tim! ce*l 1nto6%#%&ea !2n% la &a "e la co#i"o#+ 4 Am s% -i , s! se el &i ie&i+ C2n" S!a"e a8 nse 8os, Post St#eet e#a ! stie+ Me#se o st#a"% s!#e #%s%#it, o t#a6e#s%, a!oi "istan0% "e "o % 'loc #i s!#e a! s !e cel%lalt t#ot a#, t#ec st#a"a la loc &i se 1ntoa#se la 'loc l l i, -%#% s% -i 6%/ t !e cine6a, c eDce!0ia a "oi mecanici ca#e #e!a#a o ma&in% "int#* n $a#a8+ C2n" "eschise &a a!a#tament l i s% , B#i$i" .MSha $hness; st%tea 1n ca!%t l co#i"o# l i, 1n m2n% c !istol l l i Cai#o+
4 E 1nc% acolo, /ise S!a"e+ Fata 1&i m &c% ' /a in-e#ioa#%, se 1ntoa#se 1ncet, &i int#% 1n o"aie+ S!a"e o #m%, 1&i ! se !a#"esi l &i !%l%#ia !e n sca n &i /ise9 4 A6em "eci tim! s% "isc t%m, &i int#% 1n ' c%t%#ie+ P se !e a#a$a/ i'#ic l "e ca-ea &i tocmai t%ia c2te6a -elii s '0i#i "e !2ine al'%, c2n" a!%# B#i$i" 1n !#a$+ 7l !#i6i !#eoc !at%+ M2n$2ia alene c m2na st2n$% !at l &i 0ea6a !istol l i 0in t 1n m2na "#ea!t%+ 4 Fa0a "e mas% e acolo, /ise S!a"e, &i a#%t% c c 0it l "e t%iat !2ine s!#e n " la!, l2n$% ca#e se a-la o ni&% n"e se ! tea l a mic l "e8 n+ Fata 1ntinse masa, 1n tim! ce S!a"e -%cea san6i& #i c le'e#? #st &i c -#i!t #% #ece "e 6ac%+ T #n% ca-ea a, 1i a"% $% coniac "int#*o sticl% !%t#at%, &i se a&e/a#% la mas% al%t #i, !e o 'anc%+ Fata ! se !istol l la ca!%t l '%ncii, l2n$% ea+ 4 Po0i s% 1nce!i s% !o6este&ti ac m, 1nt#e "o % 1n$hi0it #i+ B#i$i" se st#2m'% la el9 4 E&ti eDt#em "e insistent, se !l2nse ea &i m &c% "int#* n san6i&+ 4 Da, &i s nt &i s%l'atic &i im!#e6i/i'il+ Ce*i c !as%#ea aia, c &oim l %la, " !% ca#e alea#$% toat% l mea5 B#i$i" m &c% "in san6i& l c -#i!t #%, 1n$hi0i, se it% atent% la mica semil n% l%sat% "e m &c%t #% 1n ma#$inea san6i& l i &i /ise9 4 i "ac% n *0i s! n nimic5 Ce*ai s% -aci5 4 )o#'e&ti "e !as%#e5 4 )o#'esc "e 1nt#ea$a a-ace#e+ 4 ,*a& -i !#ea s #!#ins, 1i s! se el, #2/2n" c $ #a !2n% la #echi, s% a-l ca#e e mi&ca#ea #m%toa#e+ 4 i ca#e e5 Fata 1&i m t% aten0ia "e la san6i& la chi! l l i+ 4 Asta am 6oit &i e s% &ti + Ce*ai "e $2n" ac m5 S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ Pe -a0a ei t#es%#i n /2m'et i#onic+ 4 Ce6a s%l'atic &i ne!#e6%/ t5 4 Poate+ Da# n 1n0ele$ ce*ai "e c2&ti$at, "ac% m &amali/e/i l c# #ile+ .#ic m, ies t#e!tat la i6eal%+ S nt m lte, !e ca#e n le &ti , "a# nele le &ti , ia# altele le !ot $hici, &i " !% 1nc% o /i ca cea "e a/i, a-l 1n c #2n" &i ceea ce n &tii nici t + 4 C#e" c% &tii ac m, 1i s! se ea, it2n" *se "in no la san6i& c o eD!#esie se#ioas%+ 4 Da# 4 ah, s nt at2t "e s%t l% "e !o6estea asta &i n *mi !lace s% "isc t "es!#e ea+ ,*a# -i+++ n*a# -i mai 'ine "ac*am a&te!ta, "ac% te*a& l%sa s% a-li sin$ #, c m /ici c% ai inten0ia5 4 , &ti , s! se S!a"e &i #2se+ )a t#e' i s% hot%#%&ti sin$ #%+ Meto"a mea "e*a a-la e "e a 62#1 o !2#$hie s%l'atic% &i im!#e6i/i'il% 1n com'ina0ie+ Pe mine n m% "e#an8ea/%, "a# s*a# ! tea ca ni&te a&chii s% te #%neasc%+ Fata 1&i mi&c% nelini&tit% me#ii $oi, "a# n s! se nimic+ C2te6a min te m2nca#% 1n t%ce#e, el ne!%s%to#, ia# ea $2n"itoa#e+ A!oi B#i$i" 6o#'i 1n- n"at9 4 Mi*e team% "e tine, %sta*i a"e6%# l+ 4 , *i a"e6%#at, #%s! nse el+ 4 Ba "a, insist% ea c aceea&i 6oce 1n- n"at%+ C nosc "oi oameni "e ca#e mi*e team% &i i*am 6%/ t !e am2n"oi ast%*sea#%+ 4 7n0ele$ c% 0i*e team% "e Cai#o, /ise S!a"e+ , *0i mai !oate -ace nici n #% + 4 i t !o0i5 4 , ca el, /ise S!a"e #2n8in"+ B#i$i" #o&i+ C % o -elie "e !2ine ns% c le'e#? #st+ . ! se !e -a#- #ie+ 7&i 1nc#e0i -# ntea al'% &i s! se9 4 E o stat et% nea$#%, c m &tii, nete"% &i l cioas%, #e!#e/ent2n" o !as%#e, n 6 lt # sa n &oim, cam at2t "e 1nalt%+ Des!%#0i m2inile 6#eo t#ei/eci "e centimet#i+ 4 i ce*o -ace s% -ie at2t "e !#e0ioas%5 B#i$i" so#'i "in ca-ea a c coniac &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 , &ti , #%s! nse ea+ ,*a 6# t s%*mi s! n% nicio"at%+ Mi*a !#omis cinci s te "e li#e ste#line "ac%*i a8 t s*o $%seasc%+ A!oi Flo;" a /is, " !% ce l*am !%#%sit !e Foe, c*o s%*mi "ea &a!te s te cinci/eci, 4 Deci t#e' ie s% 6alo#e/e m lt mai m lt "e &a!te mii cinci s te "e "ola#i5 4 ., m lt mai m lt, #%s! nse ea+ ,ici n*a !#etins c*a s% 1m!a#t% e$al c mine+ M*a
an$a8at "oa# s%*i a8 t+ 4 C m s%*i a8 0i5 B#i$i" #i"ic% "in no cea&ca la ' /e+ S!a"e, -%#% s%*&i clinteasc% "e la -a0a ei ochii l i $al'en*cen &ii &i "ominato#i, 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ 7n s!atele l i, ca-ea a "in i'#ic clocotea !e a#a$a/+ 4 S%*i a8 t s*o o'0in% "e la cel ce*o a6ea, /ise ea 1ncet, l%s2n" cea&ca 1n 8os, n an me Pemi"o6+ 4 C m s*o o'0ii5 4 ., asta n *i im!o#tant, o'iect% ea, &i nici n 0i*a# -i "e -olos 4 /2m'i o'#a/nic 4 &i "esi$ # n te !#i6e&te, 4 Isto#ia a a6 t loc la Constantino!ol5 B#i$i" e/it%, a!oi #ec nosc 9 4 Ca Ma#ma#a+ S!a"e -l t #% 0i$a#a s!#e ea &i s! se9 4 Contin %+ Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat a!oi5 4 Asta*i tot+ Gi*am s! s+ Mi*a !#omis cinci s te "e li#e ca s%*i a8 t, i*am a8 tat, a!oi am a-lat c% Foel Cai#o inten0iona s% ne lase 'alt%, l 2n" &oim l c el+ A&a c% i*am -%c t noi mai 1nainte -i$ #a+ Da# n m*am t#e/it 1nt#*o sit a0ie mai ' n%, -iin"c% Flo;" n*a6ea "e loc inten0ia s%*mi "ea cele &a!te s te cinci/eci "e li#e !#omise+ Am a-lat c2n" am sosit aici+ A /is c*o s% me#$em la ,e? @o#A, n"e a6ea s*o 62n"% &i s%*mi "ea !a#tea mea, "a# mi*am "at seama c% minte+ In"i$na#ea 1i 1nt necase ochii, -%c2n" *i 6iole0i+ 4 D*asta am 6enit s%*0i ce# a8 to# l &i s% a-l n"e se $%se&te &oim l+ 4 i ce s*a# -i 1nt2m!lat "ac% l*ai -i $%sit5 4 At nci a& -i -ost 1n sit a0ia "e*a "isc ta con"i0iile c "omn l Flo;" Th #s';+ S!a"e o !#i6i chio#2& &i 1i s $e#%9 4 Da# c m ! teai s% &tii c i s% " ci stat eta ca s% sco0i mai m l0i 'ani !e ea, "ec2t 0i*a# -i "at Flo;", ia# !e "e alt% !a#te c m ! teai s% s!e#i s% o'0ii o s m% mai im!o#tant% "ec2t cea la ca#e se a&te!ta el !#in 62n/a#ea ei5 4 ,*a6eam "e n"e s% &ti + S!a"e se st#2m'% la $#%m%8oa#a "e sc# m st#2ns% !e -a#- #ioa#a l i+ 4 De ce -ace stat eta at20ia 'ani5 T#e' ie s% &tii ce6a, sa cel ! 0in s% $hice&ti+ 4 ,*am nici cea mai 6a$% i"ee+ S!a"e se st#2m'% la ea+ 4 Din ce*i -%c t%5 4 Din !o#0elan sa !iat#% nea$#%+ , &ti + ,*am atins*o+ Am 6%/ t*o o sin$ #% "at% c2te6a min te+ Mi*a a#%tat*o Flo;" c2n" am o'0in t*o noi "oi !#ima oa#%+ S!a"e st#i6i 0i$a#a 1n -a#- #ioa#% &i so#'i toat% ca-ea a c coniac+ , se mai st#2m'%+ 7&i &te#se ' /ele c &e#6e0el l, 1i "%" "# m l mototolit !e mas% &i s! se "e$a8at9 4 E&ti o ma#e mincinoas%+ B#i$i" se #i"ic%, 1l !#i6i "e s s c ochi 1nt neca0i &i tem%to#i, $ata s% #o&easc%+ 4 S nt o mincinoas%+ Am -ost 1ntot"ea na o mincinoas%+ 4 , te l% "a c asta+ E co!il%#os+ S!a"e e#a 'ine "is! s+ Se st#ec #% a-a#% "int#e mas% &i 'anc%+ 4 E 6#e n "#am "e a"e6%# 1n ce*ai s! s5 B#i$i" 1&i l%s% ca! l 1n 8os+ Pe $enele ei ne$#e l ci t#ans!i#a0ia+ 4 P 0in, m #m #% ea+ 4 C2t an me5 4 , 4 n -oa#te m lt+ S!a"e 1i ! se m2na s ' '%#'ie &i 1i 1n%l0% ca! l+ R2se 1n -a0a ochilo# ei me/i &i 1i s! se9 4 A6em toat% noa!tea la "is!o/i0ie+ Am s% mai to#n ni&te coniac 1n ca-ea !#oas!%t% &i*o l %m "e la ca!%t+ Pleoa!ele ei co'o#2#%+ 4 .h, s nt at2t "e o'osit%, s! se ea c $las t#em #%to#, at2t "e o'osit% "e toate, "e mine 1ns mi, "e minci ni, "e*at2tea minci ni in6entate, c% am a8 ns s% n mai "eose'esc a"e6%# l "e minci n%+ A& 6#ea+++ D se "in no m2inile la o'#a/ l l i S!a"e, 1&i li!i $ #a "eschis% "e $ #a l i &i t# ! l "e t# ! l l i+ S!a"e o l % 1n '#a0e &i o st#2nse la !ie!t3 a6ea
m &chii '#a0elo# m-la0i s ' m2necile al'ast#e ale hainei+ 7i s!#i8ini ca! l 1n !alm%, t#ec2n" *&i "e$etele !#in !%# l ei #o& ia# e cealalt% m2n% o m2n$2ie !e s!atele ml%"ios+ .chii l i S!a"e a#"ea $al'en+ T S.FA=A DE CA H.TEC=C BEC)EDERE C2n" se t#e/i S!a"e, /o#ii s '0iase#% noa!tea #e" c2n"*o la n - m s '0i#e+ Al%t #i "e el, B#i$i" .MSha $hness; #es!i#a &o# &i #e$ lat, ca 1nt#* n somn a"2nc+ S!a"e se "%" 8os "in !at &i ie&i t%c t "in "o#mito#, 1nchi/2n" &a 1n #m%+ Se 1m'#%c% 1n 'aie+ A!oi ce#cet% hainele -etei a"o#mite, scoase "in ' / na# l manto l i ei o cheie "e a#am% !lat% &i !%#%si a!a#tament l+ Se " se la 'loc l Co#onet &i !%t# nse 1n cl%"i#e &i 1n a!a#tament l ei c a8 to# l cheii+ .chi l n*a# -i o'se#6at nimic 1n -el l l i "e*a int#a9 "i#ect &i 1n"#%/ne0+ =#echea n*a# -i sesi/at int#a#ea l i+ F%c c2t mai ! 0in /$omot+ A!#inse toate l minile "in came#a -etei+ Ce#cet% 1nc%!e#ea "e la n !e#ete la alt l+ .chii &i "e$etele l i $#oase se mi&ca#% a!a#ent -%#% $#a'%, -%#% s% 1nt2#/ie, s% e/ite sa s% #e6in%, centimet# c centimet# , taton2n", sc# t2n" &i 6e#i-ic2n" c si$ #an0a n i eD!e#t+ Fieca#e se#ta#, " la!, -i#i"%, c tie, $eamantan &i c -%# 4 1nc iat sa "esc iat 4 a -ost "eschis, ia# con0in t l ce#cetat c ochii &i c "e$etele+ Fieca#e a#ticol "e 1m'#%c%minte a -ost !i!%it c m2ini ca#e c% ta m-l%t #i s s!ecte 1n tim! ce #echile st%tea la !2n"% s% s #!#in"% -o&net l nei h2#tii 1nt#e "e$etele st#2nse+ >oli !at l "e a&te#n t #i+ Se it% !e s ' co6oa#e &i !e s ' -ieca#e mo'il%+ C%s% 8al /elele ca s% 6a"% "ac% n s*a asc ns ce6a 1n ele c2n" a -ost #i"icate+ Se a!lec% !e -e#east#% s% cont#ole/e "ac% n at2#n% ce6a a-a#%+ 7n-i!se o - #c li0% 1n c tiile "e ! "#% &i c#em% "e !e m%s 0a "e toalet%+ Ri"ic% la l min% ! l6e#i/atoa#ele &i sticlele+ Ce#cet% -a#- #iile, c#ati0ele, m2nca#ea &i 6asele 1n ca#e e#a 0in t% m2nca#ea+ >oli la"a "e $ noi !e -oi "e /ia# 1ntinse !e 8os+ Deschise ca!ac l #e/e#6o# l i "e la closet, 1l $oli &i se it% 1n% nt# + Ce#cet% &i 6e#i-ic% o#i-iciile "e metal "e la e6ac a#ea a!ei 1n chi 6et%, 1n 'aie &i 1n ca/an l "e s!%lat # -e+ , $%si !as%#ea nea$#%+ , $%si nimic ca#e s% ai'% cea mai mic% le$%t #% c o !as%#e nea$#%+ , "%" "ec2t !este o ' cat% "e h2#tie 4 o chitan0% 6eche "e*o s%!t%m2n%, #e!#e/ent2n" achita#ea "e c%t#e B#i$i" a chi#iei a!a#tament l i !e o l n%+ Sin$ # l l c# "esco!e#it ca#e 1i st2#ni 1n"ea8 ns inte#es l ca s%*&i 1nt2#/ie ce#cet%#ile 1n tim! ce*l !#i6ea, a -ost n mal"%# "e 'i8 te#ii, "est l "e -# moase, a-late 1nt#*o c tie !olic#om%, 1nc iat% 1n se#ta# l no!tie#ei+ C2n" te#min% "e c% tat 1&i -%c o cea&c% "e ca-ea &i o '% + A!oi "esc ie -e#east#a "e la ' c%t%#ioa#%, /$2#ie &o# ma#$inea /%6o# l i c '#icea$ l, "eschise -e#east#a "e l2n$% sca#a "e incen"i , 1&i l % !%l%#ia &i !a#"esi l "e !e so-a a "in salona& &i !%#%si a!a#tament l a&a c m int#ase+ 7n "# m s!#e cas% se o!#i la o !#%6%lie !e ca#e tocmai o "eschi"ea n '%can 'on"oc, c ochii m-la0i "e somn &i ca#e t#em #a "e -#i$, &i c m!%#% !o#tocale, o %, chi-le, nt &i sm2nt2n%+ S!a"e int#% ti!til 1n a!a#tament, "a# mai 1nainte "e a 1nchi"e &a "e la co#i"o#, B#i$i" .MSha $hness; st#i$%9 4 Cine*i acolo5 4 T2n%# l S!a"e, c mic l "e8 n+ 4 .h, m*ai s!e#iat+ =&a "o#mito# l i, 1nchis% "e el, ac m e#a "eschis%+ Fata st%tea !e ma#$inea !at l i, t#em #2n", c m2na "#ea!t% 62#2t% s ' !e#n%+ S!a"e ! se !achetele !e masa "in ' c%t%#ie &i int#% 1n "o#mito#+ Se a&e/% !e !at al%t #i "e ea, 1i s%# t% m%# l moale &i /ise9 4 Am 6oit s% 6%" "ac% '%iat l %la mai e 1nc% la "ato#ie &i c oca/ia asta s% ia &i c2te ce6a !ent# mic l "e8 n+ 4 Mai e acolo5 4, + B#i$i" s s!in% & #at% &i se s!#i8ini "e el+ 4 M*am t#e/it &i n te*am $%sit aici, ia# !e #m% am a /it !e cine6a int#2n"+ Am -ost
1n$#o/it%+ S!a"e 1i "%" la o !a#te !%# l #o& &i 1i s! se9 4 7mi !a#e #% , 1n$e#a& le+ Am c#e/ t c*ai s% "o#mi neUntoa#s%+ Ai 0in t #e6ol6e# l %la s ' !e#n% toat% noa!tea5 4 , + tii c% n l*am 0in t+ Am s%#it s%*l ia c2n" m*am s!e#iat+ S!a"e !#e$%ti mic l "e8 n+ 7i st#ec #% cheia !lat% "e a#am% 1n ' / na# l !alton l i, 1n 6#eme ee B#i$i" se 1m'%ia &i se 1m'#%ca+ Fata ie&i "in came#a "e 'aie -#e"on2n" n Cuba. 4 S% st#2n$ !at l5 1nt#e'% ea+ 4 A# -i -# mos "in !a#tea ta+ . %le t#e' ie s% mai -ia#'% c2te6a min te+ Mic l "e8 n se a-la !e mas% c2n" -ata se 1ntoa#se 1n ' c%t%#ie+ Se a&e/a#% !e loc #ile "in noa!tea t#ec t% &i m2nca#% c !o-t%+ 4 Ei, ce se mai a "e c !as%#ea5 se $#%'i s*o 1nt#e'e S!a"e 1n tim! ce m2nca+ B#i$i" l%s% 8os - #c li0a &i se it% la el+ 7&i st#2nse s!#2ncenele &i 1&i 1nco#"% ' /ele+ 4 , *mi ce#e s% "isc t tocmai 1n "iminea0a asta, !#otest% ea+ ,*am che- &i n*am s*o -ac+ 4 E&ti al "#ac l i "e #ea &i "e 1nc%!%02nat%, /ise el t#ist &i m &c% "int#*o chi-l%+ T2n%# l ca#e 1l #m%#ise !e S!a"e n se mai 6e"ea c2n" B#i$i" &i "etecti6 l t#a6e#sa#% st#a"a s!#e taDi l ca#e*i a&te!ta+ , i*a mai #m%#it nimeni+ ,ici t2n%# l &i nici altcine6a n se 6e"ea !#in a!#o!ie#ea 'loc l i Co#onet c2n" taDi l a8 nse acolo+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; n *i "%" 6oie l i S!a"e s% int#e o "at% c ea+ 4 E "est l "e $#a6 c% 6in 1m'#%cat% 1n #ochie "e sea#% la o#a asta, ca s% mai a" c &i in6ita0i+ S!e# s% n 1nt2lnesc !e nimeni+ 4 C %m 1m!#e n% masa "e sea#%5 4 Da+ Se s%# ta#%+ Fata int#% 1n 'loc l Co#onet+ S!a"e s! se &o-e# l i9 4 Ca hotel Bel6e"e#e+ C2n" a8 nse la hotel Bel6e"e#e 1l 6%/ !e t2n%# l ca#e 1l #m%#ise, st2n" 1n hol, !e o so-a, "e n"e ! tea s% 6a"% li-t #ile+ T2n%# l se !#e-%cea c% cite&te /ia# l+ S!a"e a-l% la 'i#o l "e !#imi#e c% Foel Cai#o n e#a la hotel+ Se 1nc# nt% &i 1&i m &c% ' /a in-e#ioa#%+ C mini0e $al'ene 1nce! #% s%*i 8oace 1n ochi+ 4 M l0 mesc, s! se el 1ncet - nc0iona# l i &i !lec%+ Me#se a$ale, t#a6e#s% hol l s!#e so-a a "e n"e se ! tea #m%#i li-t #ile &i se a&e/% al%t #i 4 la 6#eo /ece centimet#i 4 "e t2n%# l ca#e se !#e-%cea c% cite&te /ia# l+ Acesta n *&i #i"ic% ochii "e !e /ia#+ )%/ t "e a!#oa!e, !%#ea s ' "o %/eci "e ani+ A6ea t#%s%t #i mici, ca &i stat #a l i, &i #e$ late+ Pielea 4 -oa#te "eschis% la c loa#e+ Paloa#ea o'#a8ilo# n e#a !%tat% "e !#e/en0a '%#'ii sa "e 6#eo #o&ea0% s%n%toas%+ Hainele, "e!a#te "e a -i noi, e#a "e o calitate o#"ina#%, "a# le ! #ta c o ele$an0% "eose'it%+ 4 =n"e*i5 1nt#e'% S!a"e ne$li8ent 1n tim! ce ce#nea t t n 1nt#*o -oi0% ca-enie, 1n"oit%+ B%iat l l%s% /ia# l 8os &i se it% "e 8 # 1m!#e8 #, c o 1ncetineal% inten0ionat%, ca &i c m s*a# -i st%!2nit s% n #eac0ione/e -i#esc &i i te+ Se it% c ochi mici &i c%!# i, !e s ' $enele l n$i &i on" late, la !ie!t l l i S!a"e+ )o#'i c o 6ece la -el "e incolo#%, "e st%!2nit% &i "e #ece ca &i -a0a l i t2n%#%+ 4 Ce5 4 =n"e*i5 S!a"e 1&i 6e"ea "e 0i$a#%+ 4 Cine5 4 Amic l t% + .chii c%!# i #ca#% "e !e !ie!t l l i S!a"e !2n% la no" l c#a6atei ca-enii &i se o!#i#% acolo+ 4 Ce c#e/i, &meche#e5 1l 1nt#e'% '%iat l, c% m% " ci5 4 Am s%*0i s! n c2n" $l mesc+ S!a"e 1&i linse 0i$a#a &i 1i /2m'i ama'il+ 4 E&ti "in ,e? @o#A, n 5 B%iat l se it% -iD la c#a6ata l i S!a"e+ Detecti6 l "%" "in ca!, ca &i c m '%iat l a# -i /is9 ("a( &i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce 1n62#te&ti5
B%iat l contin % s% se ite -iD la c#a6ata l i S!a"e, a!oi #i"ic% /ia# l &i 1&i m t% aten0ia la el+ 4 Ca#%*te, 1i /ise el l i S!a"e "in col0 l $ #ii+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a, se l%s% como" !e so-a &i 6o#'i "e$a8at &i 'ine "is! s+ 4 )a t#e' i s% stea "e 6o#'% c mine !2n% n !ie#"e !a#ti"a, -i le 4 !2n% ce n l "in noi n !ie#"e !a#ti"a 4 &i n*ai "ec2t s%*i s! i l i >+ ce 0i*am /is+ B%iat l ! se i te /ia# l 8os, se 1ntoa#se s!#o S!a"e, &i 1i !i#oni c#a6ata c ochii I i c%!# i, a!#oa!e incolo#i+ 7&i 0inea m2inile mici, st#2nse !e ' #t%+ 4 Mai t#%nc%ne&te &i*ai s*o !%0e&ti, /ise el+ i 1nc% #% + A6ea o 6oce sc%/ t%, !lat% &i amenin0%toa#e+ 4 Gi*am s! s s% te ca#i+ Ca#%*teE S!a"e a&te!t% !2n% ce n $#%san c ochela#i &i o -at% 'lon"% c !icioa#e s '0i#i t#ec #% "e ei &i n *i mai ! tea a /i+ A!oi chicoti &i s! se9 4 F m #ile astea me#$ !e Se6enth A6en e+ , ita c% n e&ti la Rome6ille+ E&ti 1n #'ea mea+ T#ase - m l "e 0i$a#% 1n !ie!t &i 1l elimin% 1nt#* n no# l n$ &i !al+ 4 Ei, n"e*i5 B%iat l a#tic l% "o % c 6inte, !#im l n 6e#' sc #t &i $ t #al, cel "e*al "oilea -iin" (te(+ 4 A&a a8 n$ nii s%*&i ! n% "in0ii -al&i, /ise S!a"e 1nc% ama'il, "e&i chi! l 1i "e6enise im!enet#a'il+ 4 Dac% "ai t2#coale !e aici, -ii cel ! 0in !oliticos+ B%iat l #e!et% 1n8 #%t #a+ S!a"e "%" "# m l la 0i$a#% 1nt#* n 6as ma#e "e !iat#% "e l2n$% so-a &i #i"ic% m2na !ent# a at#a$e aten0ia n i '%#'at ca#e st%tea "e c2te6a min te 1n !icioa#e la ca!%t l &tan" l i "e 0i$%#i+ .m l "%" "in ca! &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e ei+ E#a "e 62#st% &i "e 1n%l0ime mi8locie, c o -a0% #ot n"% &i !al%, 6oinic &i 1m'#%cat c $#i8%+ 4 Sal t, Sam, s! se el 1n tim! ce se a!#o!ia+ 4 Sal t, C Ae+ D%" #% m2na &i C Ae s! se9 4 Asc lt%, 1mi !a#e #% "e ce*a !%0it Miles+ 4 Ah, $hinion+ S!a"e a#%t% c ca! l s!#e '%iat l "e l2n$% el+ 4 De ce*i l%sa0i !e $an$ste#ii %&tia "e o!e#et% c !istoale la s 's oa#% s% "ea t2#coale !#in hol5 4 Se#ios5 C Ae 1l ce#cet% !e '%iat c ochii l i ca-enii inteli$en0i3 chi! l i se 1n%s!#i+ 4 Ce -aci aici5 1l 1nt#e'% el+ B%iat l se #i"ic%+ S!a"e se #i"ic% &i el+ B%iat l se it% la cei "oi, la c#a6atele lo#, "e la na la cealalt%3 C Ae a6ea c#a6at% nea$#%+ B%iat l sem%na c n ele6 ce st% 1n !icioa#e 1naintea !#o-eso# l i+ C Ae s! se9 4 Ei, "ac% n 6#ei nimic, 1ntin"e*o &i s% n te mai 6%" !e aici+ 4 , 6*o ie#t e , ti!ilo#, /ise '%iat l &i !lec%+ 7l #m%#i#% c m iese+ S!a"e 1&i scoase !%l%#ia &i 1&i &te#se -# ntea me"% c 'atista+ Detecti6 l hotel l i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 4 S% m% ia "#ac "ac% &ti , 1i #%s! nse S!a"e+ C*am "i' it la 1nt2m!la#e+ tii ce6a "es!#e Foel Cai#o, came#a QKI5 4 ., %la5 Detecti6 l hotel l i #2n8i+ 4 De c2n" e aici5 4 De !at# /ile+ A/i e a cincea+ 4 Ce &tii "es!#e el5 4 ,imic, Sam+ , *i #e!#o&e/ "ec2t -el l c m a#at%+ 4 Inte#esea/%*te "ac% a -ost asea#% la hotel+ 4 Am s% 1nce#c, 1i !#omise "etecti6 l hotel l i &i !lec%+ S!a"e se a&e/% !e so-a, !2n% la 1ntoa#ce#ea l i+ 4 , , "ecla#% C Ae+ ,*a "o#mit la hotel+ Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 4 ,imic+ 4 Hai, s! ne+ tii c%*mi 0in $ #a, "a# "ac% ie ce6a 1n ne#e$ l% n st#ic% s% a-l%m, ca s%*i ! tem ce#e achita#ea notei+ 4 , a6e0i nici o $#i8%, 1l asi$ #% S!a"e+ De -a!t, l c#e/ oa#ec m !ent# el+ Gi*a& s! ne "ac% a# ins!i#a ne1nc#e"e#e+ 4 A# -i 'ine+ )#ei s% 0in ochii !e el5 4 70i m l0 mesc, C Ae+ Mi*a# a8 ta+ , !o0i s% &tii nicio"at% "est le !e seama celo#
!ent# ca#e l c#e/i ast%/i+ E#a ns!#e/ece &i "o %/eci &i n "e min te " !% ceas l "e "eas !#a li-t l i c2n" a!%# "in st#a"% Foel Cai#o+ E#a 'an"a8at la -# nte+ Hainele i se mototolise#%, neschim'ate "e !#ea m lt tim!, o#e "e*a #2n" l+ E#a ' h%it, c $ #a &i c !leoa!ele c%/ te+ S!a"e 1l 1nt2m!in% 1n -a0a 'i#o l i "e !#imi#e+ 4 B n% "iminea0a, s! se S!a"e "e$a8at+ Cai#o 1&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l o'osit, ia# c tele l%sate "e !e -a0a l i se 1nco#"a#%+ 4 B n% "iminea0a, #%s! nse el -%#% che-+ =#m% o !a /%+ 4 S% me#$em n"e6a s% "isc t%m, /ise S!a"e+ Cai#o 1&i #i"ic% '%#'ia+ 4 )% #o$ s% m% sc /a0i+ Con6e#sa0iile noast#e 1n !a#tic la# n*a -ost "e $en l celo# !e ca#e le*a& "o#i contin ate+ Ie#ta0i*m% c% 6o#'esc "eschis, "a# acesta e a"e6%# l+ 4 Te #e-e#i la sea#a t#ec t%5 S!a"e -%c n $est ne#%'"%to# c ca! l &i c m2inile+ 4 Ce "#ac a& -i ! t t s% -ac5 Am c#e/ t c*ai s% !#ice!i+ Dac% o iei la '%taie, sa o la&i !e ea s% te 'at%, t#e' ie s*o a!%#+ , &ti n"e e 'lestemata aia "e !as%#e+ ,ici " mneata n &tii+ B#i$i" &tie+ C m "#ac s*o o'0inem, "ac% n *i -ac 8oc l5 Cai#o e/it%, a!oi s! se !lin "e 1n"oial%9 4 T#e' ie s% #ec nosc c% a6e0i 1ntot"ea na o eD!lica0ie con6in$%toa#e la 1n"em2n%+ 4 Ce 6#ei s% -ac5 1l 1nt#e'% S!a"e &i se schimonosi+ S% 1n6%0 s% m% '2l'2i5 Hai, ! tem s% "isc t%m aici+ 7l con" se !2n% la so-a+ D !% ce se a&e/a#% 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 Te*a " s D n"; la !ost5 4 Da+ 4 C2t tim! te*a inte#o$at5 4 P2n% ac m, c toat% o!o/i0ia mea+ D #e#ea &i in"i$na#ea se amesteca !e -a0a &i 1n 6ocea l i Cai#o+ Am s% #i"ic !#o'lema la Cons lat l >ene#al al >#eciei &i am s% "isc t c n a6ocat+ 4 ,*ai "ec2t+ Ai s% 6e/i c ce te ale$i+ Ce le*ai s! s !oli0i&tilo#5 <2m'et l l i Cai#o t#%"a o satis-ac0ie $#a6%+ 4 A'sol t nimic+ Am a"e#at la 6e#si nea in"icat% "e " mnea6oast#% mai "e6#eme, 1n a!a#tament+ <2m'et l "is!%# + 4 De&i a& -i "o#it, e6i"ent, s% -i in6entat o !o6este mai con6in$%toa#e+ M*am sim0it a'sol t #i"icol #e!et2n"*o+ S!a"e /2m'i 'at8oco#ito#+ 4 Da, s! se el, "a# 1n #i"icol const% t%#ia ei+ E&ti si$ # c% n le*ai "ecla#at nimic5 4 P te0i s% 6% 'a/a0i !e c 62nt l me , "omn le S!a"e+ , le*am "ecla#at nimic+ S!a"e #%!%i c "e$etele !e 'ancheta "e !iele "int#e ei+ 4 Ai s% mai a /i "e D n"; "in no + F% !e !#ost l c el &i*a#e s% -ie 1n #e$ l%+ , *0i 'ate ca! l c #i"icol l !o6e&tii #elatate+ . isto#ie inteli$ent% ne 62#a !e to0i la #%coa#e+ Se #i"ic% 1n !icioa#e+ 4 E 'ine s% "o#mi "ac% te*a anchetat toat% noa!tea+ ,e 6e"em mai t2#/i +++ 4 , , n 1nc%, s! nea E--ie Pe#ine la tele-on c2n" S!a"e int#% 1n !#im l 'i#o + E--ie se it% la el, ia# ' /ele ei -o#ma#% c 62nt l9 (I6a(+ S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 Da, am s%*i s! n s% 6% cheme, "e 1n"at% ce se 1ntoa#ce, s! se ea ta#e &i at2#n% #ece!to# l 1n - #c%+ 4 E a t#eia oa#% "e c2n" tele-onea/% 1n "iminea0a asta+ Detecti6 l m2#2i ne#%'"%to#+ Fata 1i -%c semn c ochii ei ca-enii, a#%t2n" s!#e 'i#o l cel%lalt+ 4 Te a&tea!t% sc m!a ta "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;+ Te a&tea!t% "e la no % &i c2te6a min te+ S!a"e "%" "in ca!, ca &i c m s*a# -i a&te!tat &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Cine a mai tele-onat5 4 Se#$ent l Polha s+ ,*a l%sat 6o#'%+ 4 Cheam%*l la tele-on "in !a#tea mea+ 4 A tele-onat &i >+
S!a"e se l min% la -a0%+ . 1nt#e'%9 4 Cine5 4 >+ A&a mi*a s! s+ Ae# l ei in"i-e#ent la aceast% chesti ne e#a i#e!#o&a'il+ 4 C2n" i*am com nicat c% n e&ti la 'i#o , mi*a s! s9 (C2n" 6ine, te #o$ s%*i s! i c% >+ i*a !#imit mesa8 l, c*a tele-onat &i*a#e s% tele-one/e ia#+( S!a"e 1&i st#2nse ' /ele, ca &i c m a# -i $ stat ce*i !l%cea+ 4 70i m l0 mesc, sc m!o, /ise el+ )e/i "ac%*l !o0i $%si &i !e Tom Polha s+ Deschise &a cel ilalt 'i#o &i*o 1nchise 1n #m%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, 1m'#%cat% ca la !#ima ei 6i/it%, se #i"ic% "e !e sca n l "e l2n$% 'i#o l t i &i se 1n"#e!t% #e!e"e s!#e el+ 4 A -ost cine6a la mine acas%E eDclam% ea+ Toate s nt "ate !este ca!+ Detecti6 l n !%# !#ea s #!#ins+ 4 Ci!se&te ce6a5 4 , c#e"+ , &ti + Mi*a -ost team% s% #%m2n+ M*am schim'at c2t am ! t t "e #e!e"e &i*am 6enit aici+ .h, "esi$ # c% '%iat l %la a a! cat s% te #m%#easc% !2n% acoloE S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 , , 1n$e#a& le+ Scoase "in ' / na# n eDem!la# al /ia# l i "e " !%*amia/%, !#ima e"i0ie, 1l "eschise &i*i a#%t% o coloan% c titl l9 (Gi!etele s!e#ie s!%#$%to# l(+ . t2n%#%, Ca#olina Beale, ca#e loc ia sin$ #% 1nt#* n a!a#tament !e S tte# St#eet - sese t#e/it% la o#a !at# "iminea0a "e /$omot l -%c t "e cine6a 1n "o#mito# l ei+ Gi!ase+ Int# s l - $ise+ Alte "o % -emei ca#e loc ia 1n aceea&i cl%"i#e, "esco!e#ise#% mai t2#/i , "iminea0a, semne c% s!%#$%to# l 6i/itase &i a!a#tamentele lo#+ , "is!%# se nimic "in nici n a!a#tament+ 4 Acolo am sc%!at "e el, 1i eD!lic% S!a"e+ M*am " s la acea cl%"i#e &i*am ie&it !#in s!ate+ Iat% "e ce e 6o#'a "e t#ei -emei ca#e loc ia sin$ #e+ In"i6i" l a 1nce#cat la a!a#tamentele loc ite "e -emei, al c%#o# n me l*a l at "in #e$ist# l "in 6esti' l, &i te*a c% tat s ' n n me -als+ 4 Da# !2n"ea la tine acas% c2n" e#am acolo, o'iect% ea+ S!a"e 1n%l0% "in me#i+ 4 ,*ai nici n moti6 s% c#e/i c% l c#ea/% sin$ #+ Sa !oate s*a " s !e S tte# St#eet " !% ce &i*a "at seama c*ai s% stai toat% noa!tea la mine+ S nt o $#oa/% "e (!oate(, "a# n l*am con" s e la 'loc l Co#onet+ B#i$i" se "ecla#% nesatis-%c t%+ 4 A "esco!e#it casa, el sa alt l+ 4 Desi$ #+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt%+ 4 M% 1nt#e' "ac% !oate -i Cai#o+ ,*a -ost a/i*noa!te la hotel l l i, s*a 1nto#s ac m c2te6a min te+ Mi*a s! s c*a -ost inte#o$at "e !oli0ie toat% noa!tea+ M*a& mi#a+ Se 1n"#e!t% s!#e &%, o "eschise &i o 1nt#e'% !e E--ie Pe#ine9 4 C*ai $%sit !e Tom5 4 , *i acolo+ Am s% 1nce#c "in no !este c2te6a min te+ 4 M l0 mesc+ S!a"e 1nchise &a &i #e6eni la B#i$i"+ Fata 1l !#i6i c ochi 6oala0i+ 4 Ai -ost s%*l 6e/i !e Foe a/i*"iminea0%5 4 Da+ 4 De ce5 1nt#e'% ea e/it2n"+ 4 De ce5 Detecti6 l 1i /2m'i+ 4 Fiin"c%, amo# l me a"e6%#at, t#e' ie s% 0in le$%t #% c toate -i#ele alan"ala ale acestei a-ace#i 1nc #cate, "ac% 6#ea s*o #e/ol6 6#eo"at%+ . l % "e m%# &i o con" se s!#e sca n l t #nant+ . s%# t% &o# !e 62#- l nas l i &i o a&e/% !e sca n+ El se a&e/% !e 'i#o 1n -a0a ei+ 4 Ac m 6a t#e' i s%*0i $%sim o no % loc in0%, n 5 B#i$i" 1i "%" "#e!tate+ 4 ,*am che- s% m% 1nto#c acolo+ S!a"e #%!%i c "e$etele 1n 'i#o , l2n$% &ol" l l i, &i l % n ae# !#eoc !at+ 4 C#e" c*am $%sit, /ise el " !% o sc #t% 6#eme+ Stai o cli!%+ Se " se 1n cel%lalt 'i#o &i 1nchise &a 1n #m%+ E--ie Pe#ine tocmai 1ntin"ea m2na " !% tele-on, s! n2n"9 4 Am s% 1nce#c "in no +
4 Mai 1ncolo+ Int i0iile tale -eminine 10i mai s! n c% B#i$i" e o ma"on% sa a&a ce6a5 E--ie 1l !#i6i c aten0ie+ 4 S nt la -el "e con6ins% c%, in"i-e#ent "e 1nc #c%t #ile 1n ca#e a int#at, e o -at% cinstit%, "ac% la asta te #e-e#i+ 4 Ca asta m% #e-e#, 1i s! se el+ Gii "est l la ea ca s%*i "ai o m2n% "e a8 to#5 4 C m a"ic%5 4 S*o 0ii la tine acas% c2te6a /ile5 4 Chia# la mine acas%5 4 Da+ I*a -o#0at loc in0a+ E al "oilea acci"ent s -e#it "e ea s%!t%m2na asta+ A# -i mai 'ine !ent# ea s% n #%m2n% sin$ #%+ M*ai a8 ta m lt, "ac*ai l a*o la tine+ E--ie Pe#ine se a!lec% &i 1nt#e'% c ma#e se#io/itate9 4 E, 1nt#*a"e6%#, 1n !#ime8"ie, Sam5 4 C#e" c% "a+ E--ie 1&i /$2n"%#i ' /a c 62#- l n$hiei+ 4 Mama o s% se s!e#ie "e moa#te+ )a t#e' i s%*i s! n c%*i n ma#to#*s #!#i/%, sa cine6a ca#e t#e' ie 0in t asc ns !2n% 1n ltima cli!%+ 4 E&ti o comoa#%, 1i /ise S!a"e+ Pleac% c ea chia# ac m+ Am s% ia cheia &i*am s%*i a" c tot ce*i t#e' ie "e acas%+ S% 6e"em+ ,*a# -i 'ine s% -i0i 6%/ te !lec2n" 1m!#e n%+ Pleac% t !#ima+ Ia n taDi, "a# 1nc#e"in0ea/%*te c% n e&ti #m%#it%+++ P#o'a'il c% n*ai s% -ii, "a# ai $#i8%+ Am s*o t#imit mai t2#/i &i*am s% m% 1nc#e"in0e/ &i e c% n *i #m%#it%+ TI B.RG.S=C Tele-on l s na c2n" S!a"e se 1ntoa#se la 'i#o " !% ce o t#imisese !e B#i$i" .MSha $hness; acas% la E--ie Pe#ine+ Se " se la tele-on+ 4 Alo+++ Da, aici e S!a"e+++ Da, l*am !#imit+ Am a&te!tat s% m% chema0i+++ Cine5+++ Domn l > tman5 Da, "esi$ #E+++ Chia# ac m 4 c c2t mai #e!e"e, c at2t mai 'ine+++ A!a#tament l 1R C+++ S% /icem 1n cincis!#e/ece min te+++ 7n #e$ l%+ S!a"e se a&e/% !e ma#$inea 'i#o l i, al%t #i "e tele-on &i 1&i #%s ci o 0i$a#%+ > #a 1i l ase -o#ma n i ), c o eD!#esie " #% &i m l0 mit% "e sine+ .chii, #m%#in" "e$etele ca#e #%s cea 0i$a#a, a#"ea "eas !#a !leoa!elo# in-e#ioa#e+ =&a se "eschise &i int#% I6a A#che#+ 4 Sal t, sc m!o, s! se S!a"e e n $las la -el "e ! 0in ama'il, ca &i -a0a l i+ 4 ., Sam, ia#t%*m%E Ia#t%*m%E st#i$% ea c 6oce 1n%' &it%+ R%mase 1n !#a$, mototolin" 1n m2inile 1nm%n &ate o 'atist% ti6it% c ne$# &i !#i6in" *l l n$ c ochii ei 1n#o&i0i, s!e#ia0i &i m-la0i+ S!a"e n se sc l% "e !e ma#$inea 'i#o l i+ 4 Desi$ #+ E 1n #e$ l%+ S% it%m ce s*a 1nt2m!lat+ 4 Da#, Sam, se 6%it% ea, am t#imis aici !oli0i&tii %ia+ E#am ne' n%, "ement% "e $elo/ie, &i le*am tele-onat s% le s! n c% "ac% 6in aici a s% a-le ce6a 1n le$%t #% c asasina#ea l i Miles+ 4 Ce te*a -%c t s% c#e/i asta5 4 .h, n*am c#e/ t*oE Da# e#am ne' n%, Sam, &i "o#eam s%*0i -ac #% + 4 C c# #ile a "e6enit al "#ac l i "e !eni'ile+ . 1nl%n0 i c '#a0 l &i o t#ase s!#e el+ 4 Da# ac m e 1n #e$ l%, &i n *0i mai -ace ast-el "e i"ei ca#a$hioase+ 4 ,*am s%*mi mai -ac, 1i !#omise ea+ Da# n*ai -ost "#%$ 0 c mine asea#%+ Ai -ost #ece &i "istant &i "o#eai s% sca!i "e mine c2n" am 6enit la tine &i*am a&te!tat at2t "e m lt ca s% te !#e6in, ia# t +++ 4 De ce s% m% !#e6ii5 4 De Phil+ A a-lat "es!#e+++ -a!t l c% ai -ost 1n"#%$ostit "e mine, &i Miles i*a s! s c% 6#ea s% "i6o#0e/, "e&i, nat #al, n c no&tea 1n -on" moti6ele, ia# ac m Phili! 1&i 1nchi! ie c% noi+++ c% t i*ai cis -#atele -iin"c% n 6oia s% "i6o#0e/e, ca s% ne ! tem c%s%to#i+ Mi*a s! s c% asta*i !%#e#ea l i, ia# ie#i s*a " s la !oli0ie &i*a "ecla#at &i acolo+ 4 Ce -# mos "in !a#tea l i, /ise S!a"e 1ncet+ Ia# t ai 6enit s% m% !#e6ii, &i -iin"c% e#am oc !at te*ai " s "e ca! l t% &i l*ai a8 tat !e 'lestemat l %sta "e Phili! s% 1nc #ce
l c# #ile+ 4 7mi !a#e #% , sc2nci ea+ ti c% n*ai s% m% ie#0i+ 7mi !a#e #% , #% , #% "e tot+ 4 A# t#e' i s%*0i !a#%, #ec nosc el, at2t 1n ce m% !#i6e&te c2t &i 1n ce te !#i6e&te+ A mai 6enit D n"; la tine "e c2n" m*a "en n0at Phil5 Sa altcine6a "e la !oli0ie5 4 , + S!aima o -%c s% "eschi"% ochii &i $ #a+ 4 A s% 6o#'easc% "in no c tine, /ise el, &i n*a# st#ica s% n te $%seasc% aici+ Ce*ai s! s cine e#ai c2n" le*ai tele-onat5 4 .h, n + Ce*am s! s "oa# c% "ac% a s% se " c% ime"iat la tine acas%, a s% a-le ce6a 1n le$%t #% c c#ima, a!oi am 1nchis+ 4 De n"e le*ai tele-onat5 4 Dint#* n drugstore a!#oa!e "e a!a#tament l t% + ., Sam, sc m! le+++ S!a"e o '%t &o# !e m%# &i*i s! se !#ietene&te9 4 A -ost 1nt#*a"e6%# o $l m% !#oast%, "a# ac m e !#ea t2#/i + D *te mai 'ine #e!e"e acas% &i $2n"e&te*te ce*ai s% s! i !oli0i&tilo#+ A s% ia c #2n" le$%t #a c tine+ Poate c% n*a# st#ica s% s! i me#e n + Se 1nc# nt% la ce6a 1n"e!%#tat+ 4 Sa mai 'ine s%*l 6e/i mai 1nt2i !e Si" :ise+ 7&i l % '#a0 l "in 8 # l ei, scoase o ca#te "e 6i/it% "in ' / na#, m2/$%li t#ei #2n" #i !e "os l ei+ 4 Po0i s%*i s! i tot l l i Si"+ Se 1nc# nt%+ 4 Sa a!#oa!e tot+ =n"e ai -ost 1n noa!tea c2n" a -ost 1m! &cat Miles5 4 Acas%, #%s! nse ea -%#% s% e/ite+ Detecti6 l cl%tin% ca! l &i /2m'i+ 4 Am -ost acas%, insist% ea+ 4 , , /ise el, "a# "ac% 6#ei s% le to#ni !o6estea asta, n*am nici o o'iec0ie+ D *te s%*l 6e/i !e Si"+ E la !#im l col0 "e st#a"%, cl%"i#ea #o/alie, came#a LRS+ .chii ei al'a&t#i 1nce#ca#% s%*i sc# te/e !e*ai l i+ 4 Ce te -ace s% c#e/i c% n*am -ost acas%5 1nt#e'% ea 1ncet+ 4 ,imic, 1n a-a#% "e -a!t l c% &ti c% n*ai -ost+ 4 Ba "a, am -ost, am -ost+ E--ie Pe#ine 0i*a s! s asta, /ise ea in"i$nat%+ Am 6%/ t*o c% se it% la hainele mele &i c% t#a$e c ochi l !#in came#%+ tii, Sam, c% n m% !oate s -e#i+ De ce c#e/i ce*0i s! ne ea, c2n" &tii 'ine c% e 1n sta#e "e o#ice ca s%*mi !#o6oace neca/ #i5 4 D mne/e le, 6oi, -emeileE s! se S!a"e 'l2n"+ Se it% la ceas l "e la m2n%+ 4 )a t#e' i s% te $#%'e&ti, sc m!o+ Am 1nt2#/iat la o 1nt2lni#e+ F% ce 6#ei, "a# "ac% a& -i 1n loc l t% , i*a& s! ne l i Si" a"e6%# l, sa a& t%cea "in $ #%+ C alte c 6inte, #en n0% la !a#tea !e ca#e n 6#ei s% i*o s! i, "a# n in6enta nimic 1n loc l ei+ 4 , te mint, Sam, !#otest% ea+ 4 Ca "#ac , n m% min0i, s! se el &i se sc l%+ I6a se #i"ic% 1n 62#- l !icioa#elo# ca s% a8 n$% la -a0a l i+ 4 , m% c#e/i5 &o!ti ea+ 4 , te c#e"+ 4 i n*ai s% m% ie#0i !ent# +++ !ent# ce*am -%c t5 4 Fi#e&te c*am s% te ie#t+ 7&i a!lec% -# ntea &i o s%# t% !e $ #%+ 4 E 1n #e$ l%+ Ac m - $i+ I6a 1l 1m'#%0i&%+ 4 , 6#ei s% 6ii c mine s%*l 6e"em !e "omn l :ise5 4 , !ot+ i*am s% 6% im!o#t ne/+ . m2n$2ie !e '#a0e, i le "es-%c "in 8 # l l i &i o s%# t% !e 1ncheiet #a m2inii 1nt#e m%n &% &i m2nec%+ 7&i ! se m2inile !e me#ii ci, o 1ntoa#se c -a0a s!#e &% &i o scoase "in came#%, 1m!in$2n"*o &o#+ 4 7ntin"e*o, 1i o#"on% el+ B%iat l c ca#e 6o#'ise S!a"e 1n hol l hotel l i Bel6e"e#e "eschise &a "e mahon a a!a#tament l i 1R C la hotel l AleDan"#ia+ S!a"e 1i s! se 'ine "is! s9 (Sal tE( B%iat l n *i #%s! nse+ 7i -%c loc s% int#e &i 0in &a "eschis%+ S!a"e int#%+ 7l 1nt2m!in% n '%#'at $#as+ >#as l a6ea o $#%sime -le&c%it% 4 o'#a8ii, ' /ele, '%#'ia &i $2t l 1i e#a #o&ii &i ' l'oasc, ' #ta moale &i #ot n"% ca n o 1i 0inea loc "e !ie!t, ia# manile &i !icioa#ele !%#ea ni&te con #i ce at2#na + 7n tim! ce 1nainta s%*l !#imeasc% !e S!a"e, ' l'ii i se #i"ica &i t#em #a la -ieca#e !as, ca 'aloanele "e s%! n la
ca!%t l t ' l i !#in ca#e a -ost s -late+ .chii l i, mic&o#a0i "e ! n$ile "e $#%sime "in 8 #, e#a 1nt neca0i &i &i#e0i+ C2#lion0i ne$#i &i #a#i ii aco!e#ea !a#0ial 0easta lat%+ P #ta 8achet% nea$#%, 6est% nea$#% &i o c#a6at% Ascot, "e m%tase nea$#%, c n ac c !e#l% #o/, !antaloni #eia0i &i !anto-i "e lac+ )o#'ea 1n- n"at &i s s #at+ 4 A, "omn le S!a"e, /ise el !lin "e ent /iasm, &i 1ntinse o m2n% ca o stea $#as% &i t#an"a-i#ie+ S!a"e 1i st#2nse m%na, /2m'i &i 1i s! se9 4 )% sal t, "omn le > tman+ Gin2n" 1nc% m2na l i S!a"e, $#%san l se a!#o!ie, 1l a! c% !e "etecti6 c cealalt% m2n% "e cot &i 1l con" se "e*a l n$ l n i co6o# 6e#"e s!#e n -otoli "in !l & 6e#"e, al%t #i "e o mas% !e ca#e se a-la !e o ta6% n si-on, c2te6a !aha#e, o sticl% "e ?hisA; Fohnn; :alAe#, o c tie c 0i$%#i "e -oi Co#onas "el Rit/, "o % /ia#e, ca &i o c tie $al'en% &i sim!l% "in steatit%+ S!a"e se a&e/% 1n -otoli l 6e#"e+ >#%san l m!l "o % !aha#e c ?hisA; &i si-on+ B%iat l "is!%# se+ =&ile "e !e cei t#ei !e#e0i ai came#ei e#a 1nchise+ Pe cel "e*al !at# lea !e#ete, 1n "os l l i S!a"e se a-la "o % -e#est#e ce "%"ea !e >ea#; St#eet+ 4 7nce!em 'ine, "omn le, s s #% 'o#0os l &i 1i 1ntinse n !aha#+ ,*am 1nc#e"e#e 1nt#* n om ca#e te o!#e&te s%*i mai to#ni ?hisA;+ Dac% 1i e -#ic% s% n 'ea !#ea m lt, 1nseamn% c% n !o0i a6ea 1nc#e"e#e 1n el c2n" 'ea+ S!a"e l % !aha# l, /2m'i, &i se a!lec% &o# as !#a l i+ >#%san l #i"ic% &i el !aha# l &i 1l 0in 1n l mina -e#est#ei+ D%" "in ca! a!#o'ato#, !#i6in" '%&ic 0ele #i"ic2n" *se 1n !aha#+ 4 S% 'em, "omn le, !ent# o "isc 0ie !e &lea &i !ent# o 1n0ele$e#e lim!e"e+ B% #% &i l%sa#% !aha#ele+ >#%san l se it% &i#et la S!a"e &i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 ti0i s% !%st#a0i n sec#et5 S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 7mi !lace s% t#%nc%nesc+ 4 Din ce 1n ce mai 'ineE eDclam% $#%san l+ ,*am 1nc#e"e#e 1n cei c ' /ele li!ite+ 7&i ale$ "e o'icei moment l $#e&it ca s% 6o#'easc% &i s! n ce n t#e' ie+ , se !oate "isc ta ca l mea, "ac% n ai o'i&n in0a+ P#i6i #a"ios !este ma#$inea !aha# l i+ 4 . s% ne 1n0ele$em 'ine, "omn le, 6% asi$ #+ P se !aha# l !e mas% &i 1ntinse c tia c 0i$%#i "e -oi Co#onas "el Rit/ s!#e S!a"e9 4 . 0i$a#% "e -oi, "omn le5 S!a"e l % na, 1i # !se 62#- l &i o a!#inse+ 7nt#e tim!, $#%san l t#ase n alt -otoli "e !l & 6e#"e ca s% -ie c -a0a la S!a"e, la o "istan0% !ot#i6it%, &i a&e/% n s !o#t c sc# mie#% int#e sca nele lo#+ 7&i l % a!oi !aha# l "e !e mas%, scoase o 0i$a#% "e -oi "in c tie &i se c - n"% 1n -otoli + B l'ii "e !e -a0% 1nceta#% s% mai t#esa#% &i se -le&c%i#%+ S s!in% 'ine "is! s &i s! se9 4 Ei, "omn le, o s% "isc t%m, "ac% 6#e0i+ Am s% 6% s! n "e la ' n 1nce! t c% s nt n om c%# ia 1i !lace s% 6o#'easc% n ia c%# ia 1i !lace &i l i s% 6o#'easc%+ 4 Foa#te 'ine+ S% "isc t%m "es!#e !as%#ea nea$#%+ Bo#0os l #2se &i ' l'ii s%lta#%, 1n #itm c #2s l+ 4 De ce n 5 /ise el+ S% "isc t%m, #%s! nse tot el+ Fa0a l i #o/ st#%l cea "e ' c #ie+ 4 S nte0i om l me , "omn le, n om c !#inci!iile mele+ S% n ne !ie#"em 6#emea, s% t#ecem "i#ect la chesti ne+ S% "isc t%m "es!#e !as%#ea nea$#%5 . s*o -acem+ 7mi !lace asta, "omn le+ 7mi !lace s% t#ate/ ast-el a-ace#ile+ S% "isc t%m nea!%#at "es!#e !as%#ea nea$#%, "a# mai 1nt2i, "omn le, 6% #o$ s%*mi #%s! n"e0i la o 1nt#e'a#e, "e&i !oate e in til%, a&a c% s% ne 1n0ele$em 1nc% "e la ' n 1nce! t+ A0i 6enit aici 1n calitate "e #e!#e/entant al "omni&oa#ei .MSha $hness;5 S!a"e s -l% o !al% l n$% "e - m, !este ca! l $#%san l i+ Se 1nc# nt% $2n"ito# la 62#- l c sc# m al 0i$%#ii "e -oi+ R%s! nse !#ecis9 4 , !ot s% s! n nici "a, nici n + , *i 1nc% si$ # 1n nici o !#i6in0%+ Ri"ic% !#i6i#ea s!#e $#%san &i 1ncet% s% se mai 1nc# nte+ 4 De!in"e+ 4 De!in"e "e ce5 S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 Dac*a& &ti "e ce "e!in"e, 6*a& s! ne "a sa n + >#%san l l % o 1n$hi0it #% "in !aha# &i 1i s $e#%9 4 Poate c% "e!in"e "e Cai#o5
R%s! ns l !#om!t "e (!oate( "in !a#tea l i S!a"e n t#%"a nimic+ B% + >#%san l se a!lec% at2t c2t 1i 1n$%" i ' #ta+ <2m'ea -oa#te ama'il &i s s #a la -el "e ama'il+ 4 A0i ! tea s%*mi s! ne0i at nci !e ca#e "int#e ei 1l #e!#e/enta0i5 4 S*a# ! tea -o#m la ast-el+ 4 Pe ea sa !e el5 4 ,*am s! s asta+ .chii $#%san l i se a!#inse#%+ )ocea 1i sc%/ la o &oa!t% s #"%9 4 Mai e cine6a la mi8loc5 S!a"e a#%t% c 0i$a#a s!#e !ie!t l s% + 4 Mai s nt e , /ise el+ >#%san l se c - n"% la loc 1n -otoli &i t# ! l i se -le&c%i+ R%s -l% a"2nc, eD!i#2n" l n$ &i m l0 mit "e sine+ 4 Min nat, "omn le, s s #% el+ Min nat+ 7mi !lace n om ca#e 10i s! ne !e &lea c% 1l inte#esea/% !e#soana l i+ .a#e n *i a"e6%#at !ent# noi to0i5 ,*am 1nc#e"e#e 1n oamenii ca#e a-i#m% c% n le !as% "e sine+ Ia# 1n cel ca#e s s0ine c% s! ne a"e6%# l c2n" a-i#m% c% n *i !as% "e sine, n*am nici cea mai mic% 1nc#e"e#e, mai ales -iin"c%*i n m%$a# ce se 1m!ot#i6e&te le$ilo# nat #ii+ S!a"e scoase - m l !e n%#i+ Pe chi! l l i se citea o aten0ie !oliticoas%+ 4 A&a e, /ise el+ Hai s% "isc t%m ac m "es!#e !as%#ea nea$#%+ >#%san l /2m'i !lin "e ' n%6oin0%+ 4 S% "isc t%m, #%s! nse el+ F%c ochii mici, a&a 1nc2t ' l'ii "e $#%sime "e !e -a0% se a" na#%, l%s2n" s% se 6a"% "in !#i6i#ea l i "oa# o scli!i#e 1nt necat%+ 4 Domn le S!a"e, a6e0i 6#eo i"ee "es!#e c20i 'ani se !ot scoate !e acea !as%#e nea$#%5 4, + >#%san l se a!lec% "in no &i ! se o m2n% $#as% &i #o/ !e '#a0 l -otoli l i l i S!a"e+ 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, "ac*a# -i s% 6% s! n 4 !ent# n mele l i D mne/e , "ac% 6*a& s! ne "oa# 8 m%tate "in 6aloa#ea ei 4 m*a0i -ace mincinos+ 4 , , s! se S!a"e &i /2m'i+ , 6*a& -ace nici "ac% mi*a# t#ece !#in minte+ Da# "ac% n 6#e0i s% #isca0i, s! ne0i*mi "oa# "es!#e ce e 6o#'a &i*am s% calc le/ sin$ # c2&ti$ l+ Bo#0os l #2se+ 4 ,*o s% #e &i0i, "omn le+ ,imeni n !oate s*o -ac%, "ac% n*a#e o #ia&% eD!e#ien0% c ast-el "e l c# #i &i 4 se o!#i !ent# a s 'linia 4 n mai eDist% l c# #i "e acest -el+ B l'ii "e !e -a0% se ciocni#% c2n" #2se "in no + Se o!#i '# sc "in #2s+ C2n" 1ncet% s% mai #2"% ' /ele l i c%#noase #%mase#% "eschise &i at2#nate+ 7l !#i6i !e S!a"e c o aten0ie ca#e s $e#a mio!ia+ 4 )#e0i s% s! ne0i c% n &ti0i "es!#e ce e 6o#'a5 =imi#ea -%c se s%*i "is!a#% #%$ &eala "in $las+ S!a"e 62nt #a ne$li8ent 0i$a#a "e -oi+ 4 Ca "#ac , /ise el ne!%s%to#+ ti c ce seam%n%+ C nosc !#e0 l ei 1n 6ie0i omene&ti, a&a c m l*a calc lat nii ca " mnea6oast#%+ , &ti 1nc% ce 6aloa#e mate#ial% a#e+ 4 , 6*a s! s5 4 Cine5 Domni&oa#a .MSha $hness;5 4 Da+ . -at% sim!atic%, "omn le+ 4 HmE , + .chii $#%san l i e#a #a/e 1nt necate la !2n"% 1n "os l ' l'ilo# #o/ "e $#%sime "e !e -a0%+ )o#'i necla#9 4 T#e' ie s% &tie+ Pa /%+ 4 ,ici Cai#o n 6*a s! s5 4 Cai#o e &meche#+ )#ea s*o c m!e#e, "a# n mi*a s! s nimic 1n !l s -a0% "e ce &ti "eocam"at%+ >#%san l 1&i me/i ' /ele+ 4 C2t 6#ea s% !l%teasc% !ent# ea5 1nt#e'% el+ 4 <ece mii "e "ola#i+ >#%san l #2se "is!#e0 ito#+ 4 <ece mii, &i 1nc% 1n "ola#i, nici m%ca# 1n li#e ste#line+ =ite "e ce e 1n sta#e n $#ecE S%*l ia nai'aE i ce i*a0i s! s5 4 I*am s! s c% at nci c2n" am s%*i 1nm2ne/ stat eta, am s%*i ce# s%*mi achite cei /ece
mii "e "ola#i+ 4 A, "a, c!nd" F# mos eD!#imat, "omn le+ >#%san l 1&i 1nc# nt% -# ntea+ 4 T#e' ie s% &tie, /ise el n !#ea ta#e+ , *i a&a5 A a-lat c2t 6alo#ea/% !as%#ea, "omn le5 Ce im!#esie a6e0i5 4 , 6% !ot -i "e nici n -olos 1n aceast% !#i6in0%, 1i m%#t #isi S!a"e+ , am la "is!o/i0ie m lte "ate " !% ca#e s% m% $hi"e/+ Cai#o n mi*a s! s nici c% &tie c2t 6alo#ea/%, nici c% n &tie+ B#i$i" mi*a s! s c% n &tie, "a# ia "#e!t si$ # c% m*a min0it+ 4 ,*a -ost o mane6#% li!sit% "e inteli$en0%, s! se $#%san l, "a# e#a lim!e"e c% n "%"ea aten0ie c 6intelo# #ostite+ Se sc%#!in% 1n ca!+ Se 1nc# nt% !2n% c2n" -# ntea i se m!l "e c te #o&ii &i as!#e+ Se -oi !e sca n, at2t c2t 1i 1n$%" ia 6ol m l l i &i 6ol m l sca n l i+ 7nchise ochii, a!oi 1i "eschise '# sc ma#i &i 1i s! se l i S!a"e9 4 Poate c% n &ti + Fa0a l i ' l'oas% &i #o/% 1&i !ie#" eD!#esia "e 1nc# nta#e &i $#i8%, a!oi "eo"at% 1l c !#inse o ' c #ie, nemai!omenit%, 4 Dac% ei n &ti E st#i$% el, a!oi #e!et% 4 "ac% ei n &ti , at nci 1nseamn% c% s nt sin$ # l om !e l me ca#e &tieE S!a"e 1&i 1ntinse ' /ele 1nt#* n /2m'et c#is!at+ >#%san l /2m'i ia#, "e&i cam 6a$+ B c #ia i se &te#sese "e !e -i$ #%, "e&i contin a s% /2m'easc%, ia# !# "en0a 1i #e6enise 1n !#i6i#e+ Fa0a l i e#a ca o masc% /2m'%#ea0% &i !2n"itoa#e, #i"icat% 1nt#e $2n" #ile l i &i S!a"e+ .coli !#i6i#ea "etecti6 l i &i 1&i m t% ochii as !#a !aha# l i "e l2n$% cot l l i S!a"e+ Se 1n6io#% la -a0%+ 4 Ce "#ac , "omn le, !aha# l " mnea6oast#% e $olE Se #i"ic%, se " se la mas% &i amestec% "o % '% t #i, lo6in" 1nt#e ele !aha#ele, si-on l &i sticla+ S!a"e #%mase nemi&cat 1n -otoli l s% !2n% ce $#%san l, c n $est la#$, c o !lec%ci ne &i c o eDclama0ie 6esel% 1i 1nm2n% !aha# l9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, acest me"icament n*a#e s% 6% -ac% nicio"at% #% E S!a"e se sc l% &i #%mase l2n$% $#%san, !#i6in" *l "e s s+ .chii l i S!a"e e#a " #i &i st#%l cito#i+ Ri"ic% !aha# l+ )o#'i calc lat &i !#o6ocato#9 4 S% 'em !ent# "isc 0ii since#e &i !ent# o 1n0ele$e#e cinstit%E >#%san l chicoti &i '% #%+ A!oi se a&e/%+ 7&i 0in !aha# l !e ' #t% c am2n"o % m2inile &i 1i /2m'i l i S!a"e+ 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, e s #!#in/%to#, "a# se !#ea !oate ca nici n l "int#e ei s% n &tie !#ecis c2t 6alo#ea/% !as%#ea, &i ca nimeni 1n toat% l mea asta ma#e &i sim!atic% s% n &tie, c eDce!0ia l i >as!a# > tman, $entilom+ 4 S!len"i"+ S!a"e st%tea c !icioa#ele "es-%c te, c o m2n% 1n ' / na# l !antalonilo# &i 0in2n" c cealalt% !aha# l+ 4 Dac% o s%*mi s! ne0i, o s% -im "oa# noi "oi ca#e &tim+ 4 Co#ect "in ! nct "e 6e"e#e matematic, "omn le 4 ochii $#%san l i scli!i#% 4 "a# 4 /2m'et l i se 1ntinse !e -a0% 4 n s nt si$ # c*am s% 6% s! n+ 4 , -i0i ca#a$hios, #%s! nse S!a"e !lin "e #%'"a#e+ ti0i ce #e!#e/int%+ E &ti n"e se a-l%+ D*asta s ntem aici+ 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, n"e se a-l%5 S!a"e i$no#% 1nt#e'a#ea+ >#%san l 1&i m-l% ' /ele, 1n%l0% "in s!#2ncene &i 1&i l%s% ni0el ca! l s!#e st2n$a+ 4 )e"e0i, s! se el 'l2n", e t#e' ie s% 6% s! n ce &ti , "a# " mnea6oast#% n 6#e0i s%*mi s! ne0i+ , !#ea e co#ect, "omn le+ , , n , n c#e" c% ! tem t#ata 1n aceste con"i0ii+ Chi! l l i S!a"e se 1n%s!#i &i !%li+ )o#'i #e!e"e, c 6oce sc%/ t% &i !lin% "e - #ie9 4 >2n"i0i*6% "in no &i $2n"i0i*6% #a!i"+ I*am s! s $olan l i " mnea6oast#% c% 6a t#e' i s% "isc ta0i c mine 1nainte "e*a !ie#"e "e-initi6 !a#ti"a+ Am s% 6% #e!et, "ac% n 6o#'i0i ac m, a0i !ie#" t !a#ti"a+ De ce 1mi i#osi0i tim! l5 D mnea6oast#% &i sec#etele " mnea6oast#% neno#ociteE ti &i e ce se $%se&te 1n te/a #ele '%ncilo#, "a# la ce*mi -olose&te5 Pot s% #e &esc -%#% a8 to# l " mnea6oast#%+ S% 6% ia "#ac E Poate c% 6*a0i -i ! t t "esc #ca &i -%#% mine, "ac% m*a0i -i l%sat 1n !ace+ Ac m n mai ! te0i+ , la San F#ancisco+ .#i int#a0i 1n+ ho#%, o#i ie&i0i 4 &i 6% "eci"e0i ac m+ Se 1ntoa#se &i /62#li - #ios c !aha# l "e mas%+ Paha# l se lo6i, se s!a#se, &i 1&i #%s!2n"i con0in t l &i cio' #ile scli!itoa#e !e mas% &i !e 8os+ S #" &i o#' la s!a#t l !aha# l i, S!a"e se 1ntoa#se s%*l 1n-# nte "in no !e $#%san+ >#%san l n "%" nici el 6#eo aten0ie !aha# l i+
C ' /ele st#2nse, c s!#2ncenele #i"icate, c ca! l 1nclinat ni0el s!#e st2n$a, #%m%sese calm 1n tim! l "isc #s l i - #ios al l i S!a"e, &i tot calm e#a &i ac m+ S!a"e, 1nc% - #ios, s! se9 4 i altce6a, n 6#ea +++ =&a "in st2n$a l i S!a"e se "eschise+ B%iat l ca#e 1i "%" se "# m l 1n a!a#tament int#%+ 7nchise &a &i #%mase 1n -a0a ei c m2inile li!ite "e &ol" #i &i c !#i6i#ea la S!a"e+ .chii '%iat l i e#a la#$ "eschi&i, 1nt neca0i &i c ! !ilele m%#ite+ Se !lim'a#% as !#a l i S!a"e, "e la me#i la $en nchi &i #ca#% "in no !ent# a se o!#i la 'atista a c%#ei ma#$ine ca-enie ie&ea "in ' / na# l "e la !ie!t al hainei tot ca-enii a l i S!a"e+ 4 i altce6a, #e!et% S!a"e, it2n" *se - #ios la '%iat+ Gine0i*l !e neis!#%6it l %sta "e!a#te "e mine !2n% 6% hot%#20i+ 7l omo# c !#im l !#ile8 c2n" 1mi mai iese 1n cale+ , *mi !lace+ M% ene#6ea/%+ Am s%*l omo#+ ,*am s%*i "a nici m%ca# !osi'ilitatea s% se a!e#e+ ,*am s%*i "a nici o !osi'ilitate, 1l omo#+ B /ele '%iat l i se st#2m'a#% 1nt#* n /2m'et tene'#os+ , *&i #i"ic% !#i6i#ea &i nici n 6o#'i+ >#%san l s! se !lin "e in" l$en0%9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, t#e' ie s% 6% s! n c% a6e0i n tem!e#ament eDt#em "e 6iolent+ 4 Tem!e#ament5 S!a"e i/' cni 1nt#* n #2s ne' n+ Se 1n"#e!t% s!#e sca n l !e ca#e 1&i a# ncase !%l%#ia, o l % &i o ! se !e ca!+ 7ntinse s!#e ' #ta $#%san l i n '#a0 l n$ ca#e se te#mina c "e$et l a#%t%to#+ )ocea l i - #ioas% m!l o"aia+ 4 Re-lecta0i, "a# #e-lecta0i #e!e"e+ A6e0i tim! !2n% la cinci &i 8 m%tate s% #e-lecta0i+ Pe #m% ne a! c%m "e t#ea'%, sa a0i #en n0at "e-initi6+ D%" "# m l la '#a0, se st#2m'% o cli!% la $#%san, se st#2m'% &i la '%iat &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e &a !#in ca#e int#ase+ . "eschise, se 1ntoa#se &i s! se '# tal9 P2n% la cinci &i 8 m%tate, a!oi s*a te#minat+ B%iat l, c !#i6i#ea as !#a !ie!t l i l i S!a"e, #e!et% 1n8 #%t #ile #ostite "e "o % o#i 1n hol l hotel l i Bel6e"e#e+ )o#'i 1ncet+ C $las ac# + S!a"e ie&i &i t#2nti &a+ TII CAR=SEC=C S!a"e co'o#1 "in a!a#tament l l i > tman c li-t l+ A6ea ' /ele scate &i as!#e, !e -a0a "e altminte#i !ali"% &i me"%+ C2n" 1&i scoase 'atista ca s%*&i &tea#$% -a0a, 6%/ c%*i t#em #% m2na+ R2n8i &i s! se9 (Ca "#ac E( at2t "e ta#e 1nc2t li-tie# l 1ntoa#se ca! l !este m%# &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat, "omn le5 S!a"e o a! c% !e >ea#; St#eet s!#e hotel l Palace, n"e 1&i l % !#2n/ l+ Chi! l l i 1&i !ie#" se !aloa#ea, ' /ele 1&i !ie#" se#% sc%ci nea, ia# m2inile n *i mai t#em #a c2n" se a&e/% la mas%+ M2nc% lacom, "a# -%#% s% se $#%'easc%, a!oi me#se la 'i#o l l i Si" :ise+ Ca int#a#ea l i S!a"e, :ise 1&i m &ca o n$hie &i !#i6ea l n$ !e -e#east#%+ 7&i scoase m2na "in $ #%, 1&i 1ntoa#se sca n l ca s% stea c -a0a s!#e S!a"e &i /ise9 4 Sal tE 7m!in$e*0i n sca n+ S!a"e 1&i t#ase n sca n !2n% la ma#$inea 'i#o l i imens, !lin "e h2#0oa$e, &i se a&e/%+ 4 A 6enit s% te 6a"% "oamna A#che#5 1nt#e'% el+ 4 Da+ 7n ochii l i :ise cli!i o l mini0%+ 4 Ai "e $2n" s% te c%s%to#e&ti c "oamna, Samm;5 S!a"e s s!in% ene#6at, !e nas+ 4 Ai 1nce! t s% s! i 'ali6e#neE 'om'%ni el+ Col0 #ile $ #ii a6ocat l i se #i"ica#% 1nt#* n /2m'et sc #t &i o'osit+ 4 Dac% n*ai s% te c%s%to#e&ti c ea, ai s% "ai "e "#ac + S!a"e 1&i 1n%l0% !#i6i#ea "e la 0i$a#a !e ca#e o #%s cea &i 6o#'i ac# 9 4 )#ei s% s! i c% t ai s% "ai "e "#ac E C "*astea te oc !i5 Ce 0i*a s! s5 4 Des!#e tine5 4 Des!#e o#ice m*a# inte#esa+ :ise 1&i !lim'% "e$etele !#in !%#, #isi!in" m%t#ea0% !e me#i+
4 Mi*a s! s c*a 1nce#cat s% o'0in% "i6o#0 l "e la Miles ca s% !oat% s% se +++ 4 ti , 1l 1nt#e# !se S!a"e+ S%#i !este !o6estea asta+ )ino la !a#tea !e ca#e n*o c nosc+ 4 De n"e 6#ei s% &ti c2t 0i*a +++ 4 Cas% !#ostiile, Si"+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a c '#icheta+ 4 Ce 0i*a s! s ce n "o#ea s% a-l 5 :ise 1l !#i6i !e S!a"e c #e!#o&+ 4 Asc lt%, Samm;, 1nce! el, asta n *i +++ S!a"e se it% 1n ta6an &i m2#2i9 4 S-inte D mne/e le, e&ti a6ocat l me , te*ai 1m'o$%0it !e s!ina#ea mea, &i t#e' ie s%*0i ca" 1n $en nchi &i s% te im!lo# s%*mi s! i a"e6%# l5 R%cni la :ise9 4 De ce "#ac c#e/i c*am t#imis*o la tine5 :ise se st#2m'% !lictisit+ 4 7nc% n client ca tine &i a8 n$ la s!ital, sa la 1nchisoa#ea San V entin+ 4 Ai -i la n loc c mai to0i clien0ii t%i+ Gi*a s! s n"e e#a 1n noa!tea c2n" a -ost cis Miles5 4 Da+ 4 =n"e5 4 7l #m%#ea+ S!a"e s%#i 1n !icioa#e &i cli!i+ EDclam% -%#% s%*i 6in% s% c#ea"%9 4 Femeile asteaE A!oi #2se & #at &i /ise9 Ei, &i ce*a 6%/ t5 4 , !#ea m lte, #%s! nse :ise &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ C2n" a 6enit Miles la cin% 1n sea#a aceea, i*a s! s c% a#e o 1nt2lni#e c*o -at% la hotel l St+ Ma#A, 1n- #i2n"*o &i 1nc#e"in02n"*o c%*i o-e#ea ast-el oca/ia "e "i6o#0 !e ca#e o c% ta+ Ea &i*a 1nchi! it la 1nce! t c% 1nce#ca s%*i int#e s ' !iele+ 4 C nosc isto#iile lo# "e -amilie, /ise S!a"e+ T#eci !este ele+ S! ne*mi ce*a /is+ 4 Am s%*0i s! n, "ac% m% la&i s% 6o#'esc+ D !% !leca#ea l i Miles "e acas%, ea a int#at la i"eea c% !oate a6ea 1nt#*a"e6%# o 1nt2lni#e+ 7l &tii !e Miles+ A6ea o'icei l s% +++ 4 T#eci &i !este o'icei #ile l i Miles+ 4 ,*a# t#e' i s%*0i s! n nimic, /ise a6ocat l+ A&a c% &i*a scos ma&ina "in $a#a8 &i a !lecat la hotel l St+ Ma#A, n"e a a&te!tat 1n ma&in% !e cealalt% !a#te a st#%/ii+ C*a 6%/ t ie&in" "e la hote& &i*a mai 6%/ t c% #m%#ea n '%#'at &i*o -at% 4 /icea c% e aceea&i -at% c ca#e te*a /%#it &i !e tine asea#% 4 ca#e ie&ise#% chia# 1naintea l i+ i*a "at seama at nci c% Miles e#a 1n eDe#ci0i l - nc0i nii, c% o !%c%lise+ C#e" c% a -ost "e/am%$it% &i - #ioas% 4 a&a mi s*a !%# t c2n" mi*a !o6estit+ C*a #m%#it !e Miles "est l ca s% se 1nc#e"in0e/e c% &i el #m%#ea !e#echea, a!oi s*a " s la tine acas%+ , te*a $%sit+ 4 C2t e#a ceas l5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 C2n" a sosit la tine acas%5 P#ima oa#%, 1nt#e no % 8 m%tate &i /ece+ 4 P#ima oa#%5 4 Da+ S*a !lim'at c ma&ina 6#eo 8 m%tate "e o#% &i !e #m% a 1nce#cat "in no la tine+ Asta a# 1nsemna, s% /icem, /ece &i 8 m%tate+ 7nc% n te 1nto#sese&i, a&a c% s*a " s 1n"%#%t, 1n cent# , &i a int#at la n cinemato$#a- ca s%*&i !ia#"% tim! l !2n% " !% mie/ l no!0ii c2n" c#e"ea c%*i mai !#o'a'il s% te $%seasc% acas%+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt%+ 4 A int#at la n cinemato$#a- la /ece &i 8 m%tate5 4 A&a s s0ine ea+ Ca n l "e !e Po?ell St#eet ca#e #%m2ne "eschis !2n% la n noa!tea+ ,*a 6oit s% se " c% acas%, /ice ea, -iin"c% n 6oia s% -ie acolo c2n" a6ea s% se 1ntoa#c% Miles+ Asta 1l 1n- #ia 1ntot"ea na, se !a#e, mai ales "aca e#a t#ec t "e mie/ l no!0ii+ A stat la cinemato$#a- !2n% la o#a "e 1nchi"e#e+ :ise 1nce! s% 6o#'easc% mai #a#, ia# ochii 1i scli!i#% i#onic+ 4 S! ne c% la s-2#&it l -ilm l i s*a "ecis s% n se mai " c% la tine acas%+ S! ne c% n e#a si$ #% "ac% a6ea s%*0i -ac% !l%ce#e 6i/ita ei la o o#% at2t "e t2#/ie+ A&a c% s*a " s la #esta #ant l Tait 4 cel "e !e Ellis St#eet 4 ca s% m%n2nce ce6a, a!oi s*a 1nto#s acas% 4 sin$ #%+ :ise se le$%n% !e sca n &i*l a&te!t% !e S!a"e s% 6o#'easc%+ Fi$ #a l i S!a"e e#a neclintit%9 4 . c#e/i5 4 T n 5 1i #e!lic% :ise+
4 De n"e 6#ei s% &ti 5 De n"e s% &ti e c% n *i o !o6este ! s% la cale "e 6oi "oi !ent# mine5 :ise /2m'i9 4 , 1ncase/i m lte cec #i "e la st#%ini, n *i a&a, Samm;5 4 , mal"%#e+ Ei, ce s*a mai 1nt2m!lat5 Miles n*a -ost acas%+ T#e' ie s% -i -ost cel ! 0in "o % noa!tea c2n" s*a 1nto#s ea, ia# el e#a mo#t !e at nci+ 4 Miles n e#a acas%, s! se :ise+ Asta se !a#e c*a 1n- #iat*o ia# 4 c% n 6enise el !#im l ca s% se 1n- #ie c% n*o $%se&te !e ea acas%+ A&a c*a scos ia# ma&ina "in $a#a8 &i s*a " s la tine acas%+ 4 i n m*a $%sit+ M% itam tocmai la ca"a6# l l i Miles+ Ce mai ca# sel "e !lim'%#i+ Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat " !% aceea5 4 S*a 1nto#s ia# acas%, so0 l ei 1nc% n sosise, &i tocmai se "e/'#%ca at nci c2n" a 6enit mesa$e#a ta s*o an n0e c% Miles a m #it+ S!a"e n 6o#'i !2n% n *&i #%s ci, c ma#e $#i8%, o alt% 0i$a#% &i o a!#inse+ A!oi /ise9 4 C#e" c%*i a"e6%#at+ Pa#e s% se !ot#i6easc% c cele mai m lte "in -a!tele c nosc te+ Re/ist% la 6e#i-ic%#i+ :ise 1&i !lim'% "in no "e$etele !#in !%# &i*&i mai sc t #% m%t#ea0% !e m%#+ Ce#cet% chi! l l i S!a"e, c c #io/itate, &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Da# n c#e/i5 S!a"e 1&i l % 0i$a#a "int#e ' /e+ 4 ,ici n*o c#e", nici n*am moti6e s% m% 1n"oiesc, Si"+ , &ti a'sol t nimic "es!#e toat% !o6estea asta+ =n /2m'et &i#et st#2m'% -a0a a6ocat l i, ca#e "%" !lictisit "in me#i &i /ise9 4 A&a e, te 1n&el+ De ce n an$a8e/i n a6ocat cinstit+++ n l 1n ca#e s% ai 1nc#e"e#e5 4 Ast-el "e oameni a "is!%# t+ S!a"e se #i"ic%+ 7i #2n8i l i :ise+ 4 Ai "e6enit s sce!ti'il, n 5 Am "est l% '%taie "e ca!, &i ac m mai 6ii &i c !#eten0ia s% -i !oliticos+ Ce*am -%c t5 , m*am 1nclinat !2n% la !%m2nt c2n" am int#at5 Si" :ise /2m'l !#oste&te+ 4 E&ti o 8a6#%, Samm;+ C2n" int#% S!a"e, E--ie Pe#ine se a-la 1n mi8loc l !#im l i 'i#o + 7l !#i6i c ochii ei ca-enii &i 1n$#i8o#a0i &i s! se9 4 Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 S!a"e se 1nc# nt%+ 4 Ce s% se 1nt2m!le5 4 De ce n*a 6enit -ata5 S!a"e -%c "oi !a&i &i o 1n&-%c% !e E--ie Pe#ine "e me#i+ 4 ,*a a8 ns la tine acas%5E st#i$% el, &i -ata se 1n$#o/i+ E--ie Pe#ine cl%tin% ca! l 6iolent+ 4 Am tot a&te!tat &i n*a 6enit, &i c m n te*am ! t t $%si la tele-on, am 6enit aici+ S!a"e 1&i sm lse m2inile "e !e me#ii ei, le 62#1 a"2nc 1n ' / na#ele !antalonilo# &i s! se9 4 =n alt ca# sel, #osti el c $las ta#e &i - #i' n", &i int#% 1n 'i#o l l i !a#tic la#+ Ie&i "in no +*4 Tele-onea/%*i mamei taleE 1i coman"% el+ )e/i "ac% n*a sosit 1nt#e tim!+ St#%'%t 'i#o l "e la n ca!%t la alt l, 1n tim! ce -ata tele-ona+ 4 , , /ise ea c2n" te#min% "e 6o#'it+ Ai+++ ai t#imis*o c n taDi5 Bom'%nit l l i 6oia s% s! n% c% "a+ 4 E&ti si$ # c% +++ Se 6e"e c*a #m%#it*o cine6aE S!a"e 1ncet% s% mai 'at% 1nc%!e#ea+ 7&i ! se m2inile 1n &ol" #i &i se it% -e#oce la -at%+ 7i 6o#'i c o 6oce ta#e &i s%l'atic%9 4 ,*a #m%#it*o nimeni+ 70i 1nchi! i c% s nt co!il5 M*am 1nc#e"in0at c% e 1n si$ #an0% 1nainte "e*a o s i 1n taDi, am me#s 6#eo &ase 'loc #i c ea ca s% -i si$ #, &i*am mai #m%#it*o "in ochi 1nc% 6#eo &ase 'loc #i " !% ce*am co'o#2t+ 4 Bine, "a# +++ 4 Da# n*a a8 ns la tine+ Mi*ai s! s+ Te c#e"+ 70i 1nchi! i c% e c#e" c*a a8 ns5
E--ie Pe#ine se st#2m'% "is!#e0 ito#+ 4 Te !o#0i ca n co!il+ S!a"e scoase n s net #%$ &it &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e &a "e la co#i"o#+ 4 Plec s*o $%sesc, chia# "e*a# -i s% #%scolesc &i canalele "e sc #$e#e+ Stai aici !2n% m% 1nto#c, sa !2n% 10i tele-one/+ Pent# D mne/e , hai s% -acem &i ce6a ca l mea+ Ie&i, !a#c #se 8 m%tatea "istan0ei !2n% la li-t &i se 1ntoa#se+ C2n" "eschise &a, E--ie Pe#ine st%tea la 'i#o + S!a"e s! se9 4 A# t#e' i s%*0i "ai seama c% n me#it% s%*mi "ai nici o aten0ie c2n" 6o#'esc a&a+ 4 Dac% 10i 1nchi! i c%*0i "a 6#eo aten0ie, n e&ti 1n toate min0ile, 1i #e!lic% ea+ At2t c% 4 1&i 1nc# ci&% '#a0ele, 1&i !#inse me#ii 1n !alme &i 1&i st#2m'% ' /ele nesi$ # 4 n*am s% mai !ot ! #ta #ochie "e sea#% "o % s%!t%m2ni, '# t%E S!a"e /2m'i c n ae# mil &i s! se9 4 , *s ' n "e nimic, sc m!o+ Se 1nclin% eDa$e#at &i ie&i ia#+ Do % taDi #i $al'ene a&te!ta la sta0ia "in col0 la ca#e se " se S!a"e+ o-e#ii st%tea &i "isc ta + S!a"e 1nt#e'%9 4 =n"e*i &o-e# l 'lon", #o& la -a0%, ca#e e#a aici la !#2n/5 4 E 1n c #s%, 1i #%s! nse n &o-e#+ 4 Se 1ntoa#ce aici5 4 A&a c#e"+ Cel%lalt &o-e# a#%t% c ca! l s!#e #%s%#it+ 4 =ite*l c% 6ine+ S!a"e me#se !2n% la col0 l st#%/ii &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e la 'o#" #%, !2n% c2n" &o-e# l 'lon" &i #o& la -a0% 1&i !a#c% ma&ina &i co'o#1+ At nci S!a"e se a!#o!ie "e el &i 1i /ise9 4 Am l at taDi l t% 1m!#e n% c o "oamn% a/i la !#2n/+ Am me#s !e StocAton St#eet, !e Sac#amento St#eet, !2n% la Fones St#eet, ia# acolo m*am "at 8os+ 4 Desi$ #, /ise &o-e# l c m t#% #o&ie+ Gin minte+ 4 Gi*am s! s s*o " ci la o a"#es% !e ,inth A6en e+ ,*ai " s*o acolo+ =n"e*ai " s*o5 o-e# l 1&i -#ec% o'#a/ l &i se it% !lin "e 1n"oial% la S!a"e+ 4 , &ti ce 6#e0i s% s! ne0i+ 4 7n #e$ l%, 1l asi$ #% S!a"e &i 1i 1nm2n% na "in c%#0ile l i "e 6i/it%+ Dac% 6#ei tot &i s% n #i&ti, me#$em la tine la 'i#o &i o'0inem a to#i/a0ia !at#on l i+ 4 C#e" c%*i 1n #e$ l%+ Am " s*o la 'i#o l -e##;*'oat* l i+ 4 Sin$ #%5 4 Da+ Desi$ #+ 4 ,*ai " s*o 1n alt% !a#te mai 1nainte5 4 , + =ite ce s*a 1nt2m!lat9 " !% ce 6*a0i "at 8os, am me#s mai "e!a#te !e Sac#amento St#eet &i c2n" am a8 ns la PolA St#eet, a '%t t 1n $eam &i mi*a s! s c% 6#ea s% c m!e#e n /ia#, a&a c% m*am o!#it la col0, am -l ie#at " !% n '%iat c /ia#e &i a c m!%#at n /ia#+ 4 Ce /ia#5 4 <ia# l Call. A!oi am con" s mai "e!a#te !e Sac#amento St#eet &i c2n" am t#a6e#sat )an ,ess St#eet, a '%t t "in no 1n $eam &i mi*a ce# t s*o " c la 'i#o l -e##;*'oat* l i+ 4 E#a c m6a ne#6oas%5 4 , mi*am "at seama+ 4 i ce*a -%c t c2n" a0i a8 ns la 'i#o l -e##;*'oat* l i5 4 Mi*a !l%tit, &i c asta 'asta+ 4 . a&te!ta cine6a5 4 ,*am /%#it !e nimeni ca#e s*o a&te!te+ 4 7ncot#o a l at*o5 4 De la 'i#o l -e##;*'oat* l i5 Ha'a# n*am+ Poate a #cat 1n cl%"i#e sa !oate a a! cat*o s!#e sc%#i+ 4 A l at /ia# l c ea5 4 M"a, l*a 62#2t la s 's oa#% c2n" m*a !l%tit+ 4 C -oaia #o/ 1n a-a#%, sa c na "in cele al'e5 4 Ce "#ac , "omn le, n mai 0in minte+ S!a"e m l0 mi &o-e# l i &i s! se9
4 Ia*0i ni&te 0i$%#i, &i 1i "%" n "ola# "e a#$int+ S!a"e c m!%#% n n m%# "in Call. Fiin"c% '%tea 62nt l int#% 1n hol l nei cl%"i#i c 'i#o #i ca s% #%s-oiasc% /ia# l+ .chii 1i al neca#% #e!e"e !este titl #ile "e !e !#ima !a$in%, ca &i !este cele "e !e !a$ina a "o a &i a t#eia+ Se o!#i#% o cli!% la S=SPECT, ARESTAT PE,TR= FACSIFICARE DE BA,I !e !a$ina a !at#a, &i "in no !e !a$ina a cincea la =, TW,HR DI, >.CF SE .M.ARH C= =, >C.,TE+ Pa$inile &ase &i &a!te n con0inea nimic inte#esant+ Pe !a$ina a o!ta, TREI BHIEGI ARESTAGI 4 SPHR>HT.RI DI, SA, FRA,CISC. 4 D=PH =, SCHIMB DE 7MP=CHT=RI, 1i #e0in aten0ia o cli!%, ia# mai "e!a#te nimic altce6a, !2n% a8 nse la !a$ina t#ei/eci &i cinci, ca#e c !#in"ea &ti#i "es!#e 6#eme, na6i$a0ie, !#o" c0ie, -inan0e, "i6o#0 #i, na&te#i, c%s%to#ii &i "ecese+ Citi lista "e "ecese, t#ec !este !a$inile t#ei/eci &i &ase &i t#ei/eci &i &a!te 4 &ti#i -inancia#e 4 nimic n *i #e0in !#i6i#ea !2n% la !a$ina t#ei/eci &i o!t, ltima, s s!in%, 1m!%t #i /ia# l, 1l ! se 1n ' / na# l hainei &i 1&i #%s ci o 0i$a#%+ R%mase cinci min te in hol l cl%"i#ii - m2n" &i it2n" *se !osomo#2t 1n ta6an+ A!oi o l % !e StocAton St#eet, chem% n taDi &i me#se !2n% la 'loc l Co#onet+ Int#% 1n cl%"i#e &i 1n a!a#tament l l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness; c cheia !e ca#e i*o "%" se ea+ Rochia al'ast#%, ! #tat% c o sea#% mai 1nainte at2#na la !icioa#ele !at l i+ Cio#a!ii &i !anto-ii "e sea#% al'a&t#i e#a !e 8os, 1n "o#mito#+ C tia !olic#om% "in se#ta# l toaletei se a-la ac m $oal% "eas !#a+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt% la ea, 1&i me/i ' /ele, se !lim'% !#in came#% !#i6in", "a# -%#% s% atin$% ce6a, a!oi !lec% "e la Co#onet &i se " se "in no 1n cent# + 7n !#a$ l &ii "e la cl%"i#ea n"e S!a"e 1&i a6ea 'i#o l se lo6i nas 1n nas c '%iat l !e ca#e 1i l%sase la > tman acas%+ B%iat l i se a&e/% 1n cale, 'loc2n" int#a#ea &i s! se9 4 Hai+ )#ea s% te 6a"%+ B%iat l 0inea m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !a#"esi l i+ B / na#ele e#a mai m-late "ec2t a# -i t#e' it+ S!a"e /2m'i &i s! se 'at8oco#ito#9 4 , c#e"eam c% 6ii 1nainte "e cinci &i "o %/eci &i cinci+ S!e# c% n te*am -%c t s% a&te!0i+ B%iat l 1&i 1n"#e!t% !#i6i#ea s!#e $ #a l i S!a"e &i 6o#'i c 6ocea 1nco#"at% a cel i ca#e s -e#% -i/ic9 4 F% mai "e!a#te $l me c mine, &i*ai s%*0i sco0i !l m' "in ' #ic+ S!a"e chicoti9 4 C c2t e mai 8alnic esc#oc l, c at2t e mai o'#a/nic, /ise el 6esel+ Hai s% me#$em+ . l a#% !e S tte# St#eet, n l l2n$% cel%lalt+ B%iat l 1&i 0inea mai "e!a#te m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !alton l i+ Pa#c #se#% o st#a"% 1n t%ce#e+ A!oi S!a"e 1l 1nt#e'% ama'il9 4 De c2t tim! te*ai l%sat "e $%in%#ii, -i le5 B%iat l n a#%t% c% a /ise 1nt#e'a#ea+ 4 Ai #e &it 6#eo"at%+++, 1nce! S!a"e, a!oi se o!#i+ . l min% moale 1i cli!i 1n ochii $%l' i+ , i se mai a"#es% '%iat l i+ Int#a#% la hotel l AleDan"#ia, #ca#% !2n% la eta8 l "ois!#e/ece &i o a! ca#% !e co#i"o# s!#e a!a#tament l l i > tman+ Pe co#i"o# n se a-la nimeni+ S!a"e #%mase ! 0in 1n #m%, a&a 1nc2t at nci c2n" a8 nse#% la 6#eo cinci met#i "e &a l i > tman, se $%sea la 6#eo 8 m%tate "e met# 1n s!atele '%iat l i+ Se a!lec% '# sc 1nt#*o !a#te &i*l !#inse !e '%iat !e la s!ate "e am'ele '#a0e, chia# "e s ' coate+ 7m!inse 6iolent '#a0ele '%iat l i 1nainte, ast-el 1nc2t m2inile, a-late 1n ' / na#e, #i"ica#% !alton l 1n s s+ B%iat l se sm ci &i se /'%t , "a# e#a ne! tincios 1n cle&tele nemilos al l i S!a"e+ D%" 1n"%#%t c !icioa#ele, "a# nime#i 1n $ol, c%ci "etecti6 l 1&i 0inea !icioa#ele "es-%c te+ S!a"e 1l #i"ic% !e '%iat &i*l ' &i 6iolent c !icioa#ele "e !o"ea+ Co6it #a n !#o" se !#ea ma#e /$omot !e co6o# l $#os+ 7n cli!a contact l i c !o"ea a, m2inile l i S!a"e al neca#% 1n 8os &i 1l 1n&-%ca#% &i mai 'ine "e 1ncheiet #a m2inilo#+ B%iat l, c "in0ii st#2n&i, n 1ncet% s% se /'at% s% sca!e "in m2inile ma#i ale "etecti6 l i, "a# -%#% s cces &i -%#% s%*i !oat% 1m!ie"ica !e S!a"e s%*&i st#ecoa#e m2inile !este ale l i+ Sc#2&ni ta#e "in "in0i, ia# /$omot l se amestec% c cel al #%s -l%#ii l i S!a"e, 1n moment l c2n" 1i /"#o'i m2inile+ . 6#eme, m2inile '%iat l i #%mase#% 1nco#"ate &i nemi&cate+ A!oi '#a0ele i se 1nm ia#%+ S!a"e 1i "%" "# m l &i se t#ase 1na!oi+ C2n" "etecti6 l 1&i scoase m2inile "in ' / na#ele !alton l i 0inea 1n -ieca#e "in ele c2te n #e6ol6e# a tomat masi6+ B%iat l se 1ntoa#se &i*l !#i6i !e S!a"e+ Se -%c se al' ca 6a# l &i a#%ta o#i'il+ 7&i 62#1 1ncet m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !alton l i+ Se it% la !ie!t l l i S!a"e &i n s! se nimic+ S!a"e
1&i 62#1 !istoalele 1n ' / na# &i #2n8i i#onic9 4 Hai"e, /ise el+ Asta o s%*0i asi$ #e #ela0ii eDcelente c !at#on l t% + Se 1n"#e!t% s!#e &a a!a#tament l i l i > tman &i S!a"e cioc%ni+ TIII DAR=C .FERIT 7MPHRAT=C=I > tman "eschise &a+ =n /2m'et 6esel 1i l min% -a0a $#as%+ 7ntinse m2na &i s! se9 4 .h, int#a0i, "omn le+ )% m l0 mesc c*a0i 6enit+ Int#a0i+ S!a"e 1i st#2nse m2na &i int#%+ B%iat l !%&i 1n #ma l i+ >#%san l 1nchise &a+ S!a"e scoase "in ' / na#e !istoalele '%iat l i &i i le 1ntinse l i > tman+ 4 =ita0i*le+ ,*a# t#e' i s%*l l%sa0i s% m'le c ele+ S*a# ! tea #%ni+ >#%san l #2se 6esel &i l % !istoalele+ 4 Ei, ei, s! se el, ce*i asta5 Se it% "e la S!a"e la '%iat+ 4 I le*a l at n 62n/%to# "e /ia#e schilo", "a# l*am silit s% mi le "ea 1na!oi+ B%iat l, al' la -a0%, l % !istoalele "in m2inile l i > tman &i le 62#1 1n ' / na#e+ , 6o#'i, > tman #2se "in no + 4 Pent# n mele l i D mne/e , "omn le S!a"e, s nte0i n om ca#e me#it% s% -ie c nosc t, n om s #!#in/%to#+ Int#a0i+ Sta0i 8os+ Da0i*mi !%l%#ia+ B%iat l ie&i "in came#% !#in &a "in "#ea!ta int#%#ii+ >#%san l 1l instal% !e S!a"e 1n -otoli l 6e#"e "e !l & "e l2n$% mas%, ii o-e#i insistent o 0i$a#% "e -oi, 1ntinse '#icheta ca s*o a!#in"%, amestec% "o % ?hisA;* #i c si-on, 1i ! se n !aha# 1n m2na l i S!a"e &i, 0in2n" &i el n l, se a&e/% 1n -a0a "etecti6 l i+ 4 Ac m, "omn le, s!e# c% 6e0i !#imi sc /ele mele !ent# +++ 4 , contea/%, #%s! nse S!a"e+ Hai s% 6o#'im "es!#e !as%#ea nea$#%+ >#%san l 1&i 1nclin% ca! l s!#e st2n$a &i 1l !#i6i c a-ec0i ne !e S!a"e+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, "omn le, consim0i el+ Hai s% "isc t%m+ So#'i "in !aha# l !e ca#e 1l 0inea 1n m2n%+ 4 )a -i !o6estea cea mai l itoa#e !e ca#e a0i a /it*o 6#eo"at%, "omn le, &i o s! n, con&tient -iin" c% n om "e 6aloa#ea " mnea6oast#% &i c mese#ia !e ca#e o a6e0i t#e' ie s% -i c nosc t -a!te l itoa#e 1n 6ia0a l i+ S!a"e "%" "in ca! !oliticos+ >#%san l st#2nse "in !leoa!e &i /ise9 4 Ce &ti0i, "omn le, "es!#e .#"in l E-o#iei S-2nt l i Ioan al Ie# salim l i, c nosc t mai t2#/i s ' n mele "e Ca6ale#ii "in Rho"os etc+5 S!a"e 62nt #% 0i$a#a "e -oi+ 4 Doa# ce*mi amintesc "in isto#ia 1n6%0at% la &coal% 4 e#a c# cia0i, sa a&a ce6a+ 4 Foa#te 'ine+ )% #eaminti0i c% S leiman Ma$ni-ic l i*a $onit "in Rho"os 1n 1IRK5 4, + 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, i*a $onit, ia# ei s*a sta'ilit 1n C#eta n"e a stat &a!te ani, !2n% la 1IKJ e2n" l*a con6ins !e 1m!%#at l Ca#ol al )*lea s% le "ea 4 > tman #i"ic% t#ei "e$ete $#oase #i n m%#% !e ele 4 Malta, >oto &i T#i!oli+ 4 Da+ 4 Da, "omn le, "a# c aceste con"i0ii9 t#e' ia s% !l%teasc% 1m!%#at l i "#e!t t#i' t an al 4 #i"ic% n "e$et 4 n &oim, 1n semn "e #ec noa&te#e c% Malta a!a#0inea 1nc% S!aniei, &i c% "ac% a6ea s*o !%#%seasc%, ins la #e6enea S!aniei+ 7n0ele$e0i5 Ce*o "%"ea, "a# n mai c con"i0ia ca ei s% stea acolo, &i n ! tea s*o ce"e/e sa s*o 62n"% alto#a+ 4 Da+ >#%san l se it% !este m%# la cele t#ei &i 1nchise, 1&i 1m!inse sca n l c20i6a centimet#i mai a!#oa!e "e S!a"e &i 1&i co'o#1 $las l la o &oa!t% #%$ &it%9 4 A6e0i c m6a 6#eo i"ee "e 'o$%0ia imens%, incalc la'il%, a .#"in l i la 6#emea aceea5 4 Dac% n m% 1n&el, s! se S!a"e, e#a -oa#te 'ine "ota0i+ > tman /2m'i c in" l$en0%+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, "omn le, e ! 0in s! s+ oa!ta l i se stinse &i mai m lt+ 4 7nota 1n 'ani, "omn le+ , 6% ! te0i 1nchi! i+ ,imeni n *&i !oate 1nchi! i+ Ani "e /ile a 8e- it !e sa#aceni, &i a !#%"at nimeni n &tie c2te !iet#e !#e0ioase, metale sc m!e, m%t%s #i,
-il"e& #i, l c# #ile cele mai "e 6aloa#e "in R%s%#it+ Asta e isto#ia, "omn le+ tim c to0ii c% R%/'oaiele S-inte #e!#e/enta !ent# ei ca &i !ent# tem!lie#i, mai ales, n !#ile8 "e 8a-+ Ei 'ine, 1m!%#at l Ca#ol le*a "at Malta, ia# t#i' t l an al !e ca#e l*a ce# t e#a o !as%#e ne1nsemnat%, "oa# ca o -o#malitate+ Ce ! tea -i mai -i#esc ca ace&ti ca6ale#i imens "e 'o$a0i s% ca te o !osi'ilitate "e a*&i eD!#ima #ec no&tin0a5 Ei 'ine, "omn le, chia# asta a &i -%c t, &i le*a 6enit i"eea -e#icit% s%*i t#imit% l i Ca#ol "#e!t t#i' t 1n !#im l an, n o !as%#e 6ie, ne1nsemnat%, ci n &oim "e a # s!len"i", 1nc# stat "in ca! !2n% 1n $hea#e c cele mai s * !e#'e nestemate "in c ie#ele lo#+ i 4 n ita0i 4 "omn le 4 a6ea nestemate s!len"i"e, cele mai s!len"i"e "in Asia+ > tman se o!#i "in &o!tit+ .chii l i ne$#i &i &i#e0i ce#ceta#% -a0a !laci"% a l i S!a"e+ 4 Ei, "omn le, ce !%#e#e a6e0i5 4 , &ti ce s% s! n+ >#%san l /2m'i satis-%c t "e sine+ 4 Acestea s nt "ate, "ate isto#ice, n 1ns% "in man alele &cola#e "e isto#ie, n "in $storia lumii "e "omn l :ells, "a# tot &i "ate isto#ice+ A#hi6ele .#"in l i "in secol l al TII*lea se a-l% 1nc% 1n Malta+ , s nt intacte, "a# 1n ce a #%mas eDist% n mai ! 0in 4 #i"ic% t#ei "e$ete 4 "e t#ei #e-e#in0e, ca#e !omenesc "i#ect "e &oim l '%t t c nestemate+ 7n ca#tea l i F+ Dela6ille Ce Ro lD %es Arc&i'es de l()rdre de Saint* Jean eDist% o #e-e#in0% la el 4 in"i#ect%, "esi$ #, "a# tot &i o #e-e#in0%+ Ia# ca#tea ne! 'licat% 4 -iin" nete#minat% 1n moment l mo#0ii a to# l i 4 a l i Paoli, Dell(origine ed instituto del sacro militar ordine c !#in"e o a-i#ma0ie cla#% &i !#ecis% as !#a "atelo# "e ca#e 6% 6o#'esc+ 4 7n #e$ l%, /ise S!a"e+ 4 7n #e$ l%, "omn le+ Ma#ele Maest# )illie#s "e CMIsle A"am a coman"at aceast% !as%#e '%t t% c nestemate &i 1nalt% "e t#ei/eci "e centimet#i no# scla6i t #ci "in castel l St+ An$elo &i*a t#imis*o 1m!%#at l i Ca#ol, ca#e se a-la 1n S!ania+ A t#imis*o !e o $ale#% coman"at% "e n ca6ale# -#ance/ n mit Co#mie# sa Co#6e#e, mem'# al .#"in l i+ )ocea l i > tman "e6eni "in no o &oa!t%+ 4 >ale#a n*a a8 ns nicio"at% 1n S!ania+ <2m'i c ' /ele st#2nse &i 1nt#e'%9 4 A0i a /it "e Ba#'a#ossa, Ba#'% Ro&ie, Phai#*e"*Din5 , 5 =n ami#al cele'# al !i#a0ilo#, c se"i l la Al$e#, !e at nci+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, el a con-iscat $ale#a ca6ale# l i &i tot el a con-iscat &i !as%#ea+ Pas%#ea a !lecat la Al$e#+ E si$ #+ Isto#ic l -#ance/ Pie##e Dan o men0ionea/% 1nt#* na "in sc#iso#ile l i "in Al$e#+ A sc#is c% !as%#ea se $%sea acolo "e mai 'ine "e o s t% "e ani, !2n% a -ost l at% "e Si# F#ancis )e#ne;, a6ent #ie# l en$le/, ca#e a l c#at o 6#eme m2n% 1n m2n% c !i#a0ii "in Al$e#+ Poate n*a l c#at, "a# Pie##e Dan a&a c#e"e &i m% m l0 mesc c a-i#ma0ia l i+ )% asi$ # c% n eDist% nimic "es!#e !as%#e 1n Memoriile +amiliei ,erne- .n secolul al /,$$* lea "e Ca"; F#ancis )e#ne;+ Ce*am citit &i e a!#oa!e si$ # c% Si# F#ancis n*a a6 t !as%#ea c2n" a m #it 1nt#* n s!ital "in Mesina 1n 1Q1I+ E#a com!let # inat+ Da#, "omn le, n se !oate ne$a c% !as%#ea a !lecat 1nt#*a"e6%# 1n Sicilia+ Acolo se $%sea &i a int#at 1n !osesi nea l i )icto#*Ama"e s II, la c2t6a tim! " !% ce*a a8 ns #e$e 1n 1S1K, -iin" n l "in "a# #ile !ent# so0ia l i c2n" s*a c%s%to#it la Cham'e#;, " !% a'"ica#e+ E n l c# si$ #, "omn le+ Ca# tti, a to# l l i Storia del 0egno di ,ittorio Amadeo $$, o #ec noa&te "eschis+ Poate c% ei 4 Ama"eo &i so0ia 4 a l at !as%#ea la To#ino c2n" el a 1nce#cat s%*&i #e6oce a'"ica#ea+ Da#, o#ic m, !as%#ea a a!%# t mai t2#/i 1n !osesia n i s!aniol, "in a#mata ca#e a c ce#it ,ea!ol l 1n 1SK4 4 tat%l l i Don Fose Monino ; Re"on"o, conte "e Flo#i"a'lanca, !#im l*minist# al l i Ca#ol al III*lea+ ,imic n "o6e"e&te c% stat eta n*a #%mas 1n -amilia lo# !2n%, cel ! 0in, la s-2#&it l #%/'oi l i ca#list "in 1L4J+ A!oi a a!%#6it la Pa#is eDact !e 6#emea c2n" Pa#is l -oia "e ca#li&tii ca#e - $ise#% "in S!ania+ =n l "int#e ei t#e' ie s*o -i l at c el, "a# in"i-e#ent cine o -i -ost, !#o'a'il n &tia nimic "es!#e a"e6%#ata ei 6aloa#e+ Pas%#ea - sese 4 -%#% 1n"oial% ca o !#eca 0i ne l at% 1n tim! l t l' #%#ilo# ca#liste "in S!ania 4 6o!sit% sa emailat% com!let, ca s% n a#ate "ec2t ca o stat et% nea$#%, n !#ea inte#esant%+ S ' acest "e$hi/ament, "omn le, a ci#c lat, s*a# ! tea s! ne "e colo*colo !#in Pa#is, tim! "e &a!te/eci "e ani, !e la "i6e#&i !#o!#ieta#i &i ne$ sto#i "e an* tichit%0i, !#ea st !i/i ca s%*&i "ea seama ce se a-la s ' email+ >#%san l se 1nt#e# !se ca s% /2m'easc% &i s% clatine "in ca! c #e$#et+ A!oi contin %9 4 Tim! "e &a!te/eci "e ani, "omn le, acest o'iect s!len"i" a -ost, s*a# ! tea s! ne, o min$a "e -ot'al /62#lit% !#in #i$olele Pa#is l i 4 !2n% 1n 1911, c2n" n ne$ sto# $#ec, Cha#ilaos Ponstantini"es, a "esco!e#it*o 1nt#*o !#%6%lie oa#eca#e+ , i*a t#e' it m lt l i
Cha#ilaos ca s% !#icea!% "es!#e ce e 6o#'a &i s*o c m!e#e+ >#osimea st#at l i "e email n ! tea asc n"e 6aloa#ea ei ochilo# &i nas l i s% "e c nosc%to#+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, Cha#ilaos a -ost cel ca#e a #e-%c t o ma#e !a#te "in isto#ia ei &i a i"enti-icat*o+ Am a-lat, &i 1n cele "in #m% am sm ls "e la el a!#oa!e toat% !o6estea, "e&i am -ost ne6oit "e at nci s%*i mai a"a $ c2te6a am%n nte+ Cha#ilaos n se $#%'ea s% con6e#teasc% ime"iat 1n 'ani "esco!e#i#ea l i+ tia c% 4 "e&i 6aloa#ea ei e#a imens% 4 n !#e0 m lt mai ma#e, n !#e0 -o#mi"a'il ! tea -i scos "e 1n"at% ce i se ce#ti-ica a tenticitatea 1n a-a#a o#ic%# i " 'i + E c ! tin0% s% -i inten0ionat, s% t#ate/e c n l "in "escen"en0ii act ali ai 6echi l i .#"in 4 .#"in l en$le/ al St+ Ioan "in Ie# salim+ .#"in l !# sac al Fohanne0ilo#, sa c '#an&ele italiene sa $e#mane ale .#"in l i s 6e#an al Maltei 4 toate o#"ine 'o$ate+ >#%s n l 1&i #i"ic% !aha# l, /2m'i &i 6%/2n" *l $ol se sc l% s%*l m!le at2t !e al l i, cit &i !e al l i S!a"e+ 7nce!e0i s%*mi "a0i c#e/a#e5 1nt#e'% el 1n tim! ce m'la c si-on l+ O ,*am s! s c% n 6% "a c#e/a#e+ 4 , , chicoti > tman+ Da# !%#e0i sce!tic+ Se a&e/% la loc, '% 'ine &i se &te#se la $ #% c o 'atist% al'%+ O Ei 'ine, "omn le, !ent# a o 0ine 1n si$ #an0%, 1n tim! ce*&i contin a ce#cet%#ile, Cha#ilaos a "at !as%#ea "in no la emailat, -%c2n"*o s% a#ate a&a c m e ac m+ EDact la n an " !% ce*a "o'2n"it*o 4 asta s*a 1nt2m!lat cam la 6#eo t#ei l ni " !% ce l*am -%c t s%*mi m%#t #iseasc% 4 am l at s% citesc /ia# l Times la Con"#a &i*am a-lat c% ma$a/in l l i a -ost !#%"at, ia# el cis+ Am sosit a "o a /i la Pa#is+ > tman cl%tin% t#ist "in ca!+ 4 Pas%#ea "is!%# se+ Pent# n mele l i D mne/e , "omn le, am -ost ne' n "e - #ie+ ,*am c#e/ t c% cine6a 1&i "%"ea seama "e 6aloa#ea ei+ , c#e" c% i*a mai s! s c i6a 1n a-a#% "e mine+ Se - #ase o ma#e cantitate "e o'iecte+ Asta m*a -%c t s% m% $2n"esc c% ho0 l l ase !as%#ea la 1nt2m!la#e, o "at% c #est l "e l c# #i, -%#% s% &tie ce #e!#e/int%+ Fiin"c% 6% asi$ # c% n ho0 ca#e i*a# -i c nosc t 6aloa#ea, n s*a# mai -i 1nc%#cat c nimic altce6a 4 n , "omn le, 4 cel m lt c nestematele co#oanei+ 7nchise ochii &i /2m'i satis-%c t "e n $2n" asc ns+ Deschise ochii &i s! se9 Astea s*a 1nt2m!lat ac m &a!tes!#e/ece ani+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, mi*a t#e' it &a!tes!#e/ece ani ca s% locali/e/ !as%#ea, "a# am #e &it+ Am "o#it*o, ia# e nu m% "esc #a8e/ &o# c2n" "o#esc ce6a+ <2m'et l i se l%#$i+ 4 Am "o#it*o &i am "esco!e#it*o+ . 6#ea &i*am s*o am+ 7&i $oli !aha# l, 1&i &te#se "in no ' /ele &i*&i ! se 'atista la loc 1n ' / na#+ 4 I*am "at "e #m% 1n casa n i $ene#al 0a#ist 4 n an me Pemi"o6 4 1nt#*o s ' #'ie a Constantino!ol l i+ >ene#al l ha'a# n*a6ea "es!#e ce e#a 6o#'a+ Pent# el n e#a "ec2t o -i$ #in% nea$#% &i emailat%, "a# 1nc%!%02na#ea l i -i#easc% 4 1nc%!%02na#ea -i#easc% a n i $ene#al 0a#ist 4 l*a #e0in t s% mi*o 62n"% c2n" i*am -%c t o o-e#t%+ Poate c% 1n ne#%'"a#ea mea am -ost ! 0in li!sit "e "i'%cie, "e&i n -oa#te m lt+ , *mi "a seama+ . 6oiam c st#%&nicie &i m% temeam ca o-i0e# l %la st !i" s% n 1ncea!% s% ce#cete/e o'iect l "in !#o!#ietatea sa, s% n #2c2ie ni0el email l+ A&a c*am t#imis ni&te a$en0i s*o ia+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, a l at*o, ia# e n*o am+ Se #i"ic%, se " se la mas% &i 1&i ! se !e ea !aha# l $ol+ 4 Da# am s*o am+ Da0i*mi !aha# l " mnea6oast#%, "omn le+ 4 At nci !as%#ea n a!a#0ine nici n ia "int#e 6oi, ci $ene#al l i Pemi"o65 4 S% a!a#0in%5 1nt#e'% 8o6ial > tman+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, la #ma #mei, a0i ! tea s! ne c% a!a#0ine #e$el i S!aniei, "a# since# n 6%" c m se !oate aco#"a altc i6a titl l "e !#o!#ietate 4 1n a-a#a "#e!t l i "e !osesi ne+ Chicoti+ 4 =n o'iect "e o asemenea 6aloa#e, ca#e a t#ec t "int#*o m2n% 1nt#*alta, e lim!e"e !#o!#ietatea o#ic i 1l !oate "o'2n"i+ 4 Deci ac m a!a#0ine "omni&oa#ei .MSha $hness;5 4 , , "omn le+ Ea n *i "ec2t a$enta mea+ 4 .hE eDclam% S!a"e i#onic+ > tman se it% $2n"ito# la "o! l sticlei "e ?hisA;, !e ca#e o 0inea 1n m2n% &i 1nt#e'%9 4 At nci, -%#% 1n"oial%, a#e !as%#ea5 4 , chia#E 4 =n"e*i5 4 , &ti !#ecis+ >#%s n l ' &i c sticla 1n mas%+ 4 Da# a0i s! s c% &ti0iE !#otest% el+ S!a"e -%c n $est ne$li8ent c m2na+ 4 )oiam s% s! n c% &ti "e n"e s*o ia c2n" 6a 6eni moment l+
B l'ii #o/ "e !e -a0a l i > tman se a&e/a#% mai 'ine+ 4 i*o 6e0i l a5 4 Da+ 4 =n"e*i5 S!a"e /2m'i &i s! se9 4 C%sa0i asta !e seama mea+ 4 C2n" o s*o l a0i5 4 C2n" am s% -i $ata+ >#%san l 1&i -#%m2nt% ' /ele, /2m'in" &o# nelini&tit, &i 1nt#e'%9 4 Domn le S!a"e, n"e*i "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;5 4 7n m2inile mele, la a"%!ost+ > tman /2m'i, "e aco#" c el+ 4 Am 1nc#e"e#e 1n " mnea6oast#% 1n aceast% !#i6in0%, "omn le+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, 1nainte "e*a 1nce!e s% "isc t%m !#e0 #ile, #%s! n"e0i*mi la o 1nt#e'a#e9 c2t "e #e!e"e ! te0i 4 sa c2t "e #e!e"e 6oi0i 4 s% scoate0i la i6eal% &oim l5 4 7n c2te6a /ile+ >#%san l "%" "in ca!+ 4 E m l0 mito#+ ,oi+++ "a# am itat "e '% t #%+ Se 1ntoa#se la mas%, t #n% ?hisA;, a"% $% si-on, ! se n !aha# l2n$% cot l l i S!a"e &i 1l #i"ic% !e al l i+ 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, s% 'em !ent# n t2#$ cinstit &i !ent# c2&ti$ #i "est l "e ma#i !ent# am2n"oi+ B% #%+ >#%san l se a&e/% la loc+ S!a"e 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce 1n0ele$e0i !#int#* n t2#$ cinstit5 > tman 1&i 1n%l0% !aha# l la l min%, 1l !#i6i c a-ec0i ne, t#ase o " &c% ' n% &i s! se9 4 Am s% 6% -ac "o % !#o! ne#i, "omn le, &i -ieca#e "int#e ele e echita'il%+ Ale$e0i+ Am s% 6% "a "o %/eci &i cinci "e mii "e "ola#i c2n" 1mi 1nm2na0i &oim l &i alte "o %/eci &i cinci "e mii "e "ola#i "e 1n"at% ce a8 n$ la ,e? @o#A+ Sa am s% 6% "a n s-e#t 4 "o %/eci &i cinci la s t% 4 "in ce scot "e !e &oim+ Iat%, "eci, "omn le, o#i cinci/eci "e mii "e "ola#i a!#oa!e ime"iat, o#i o s m% eno#m mai ma#e, s% s! nem 1n c2te6a l ni+ S!a"e '% &i 1nt#e'%9 4 C2t mai ma#e5 4 Eno#m mai ma#e, #e!et% $#%san l+ Cine &tie c2t mai ma#e5 S% s! nem o s t% "e mii "e "ola#i, sa n s-e#t "e milion5 . s% m% c#e"e0i "ac% am s% men0ione/ s ma minim% ca#e mi se !a#e !#o'a'il%5 4 De ce n 5 >#%san l !lesc%i &i 1&i co'o#1 6ocea la n s s # ca o &oa!t%+ 4 Ce*a0i s! ne "omn le, "e o 8 m%tate "e milion5 S!a"e -%c ochii mici+ 4 At nci c#e"e0i c% !as%#ea 6alo#ea/% "o % milioane5 > tman /2m'i senin+ 4 Ca s% 6% cite/ !#o!#iile c 6inte, "e ce n 5 S!a"e "%" !aha# l !e $2t &i 1l ! se !e mas%+ )2#1 0i$a#a "e -oi 1n $ #%, o scoase, se it% la ea, a!oi o 62#1 la loc+ .chii l i $al'en*cen &ii e#a cam t l' #i+ S! se9 4 E o $#oa/% "e '%net+ >#%s n l #ec nosc &i el+ 4 E o $#oa/% "e '%net+ Se a!lec% 1n -a0% &i 1l '%t !e S!a"e !e $en nchi+ 4 Asta e a'sol t ci-#a "e 'a/% minim% 4 sa Cha#ilaos Ponstantini"es e#a n i"iot c#as, &i n e#a+ S!a"e scoase "in no "in $ #% 0i$a#a "e -oi, se st#2m'% c sil% la ea &i o ! se !e s !o#t l c sc# mie#%+ 7nchise ochii 'ine, a!oi 1i "eschise+ T l' #a#ea "in ochi i se accent ase+ S! se9 4 Ci-#a minim%, hm5 i cea maDim%5 P#on n0% lim!e"e (ma&im%( 1n loc "e maDim%+ 4 MaDim%5 > tman 1ntinse m2na $oal% c !alma "eschis% 1n s s+ 4 Re- / s% $hicesc+ . s% c#e"e0i c*am 1nne' nit+ , o c nosc+ , se !oate s! ne la c2t se 6a #i"ica, "omn le, &i %sta e sin$ # l a"e6%# 1n ce*o !#i6e&te+ S!a"e 1&i st#2nse ' /ele+ Cl%tin% ne#%'"%to# "in ca!+ . l ci#e 6iolent% &i tem%toa#e i se isc% 1n ochi 4 "a# - #e!e"e 1n%' &it% "e sen/a0ia c#esc2n"% "e ame0eal%+ Se #i"ic%, s!#i8inin" *se c m2inile "e '#a0ele -otoli l i+ Cl%tin% "in no "in ca! &i -%c n !as nesi$ #
1nainte+ R2se $#os &i mo#m%i9 4 S% te ia "#ac + > tman s%#i &i 1&i 1m!inse 1n"%#%t sca n l+ B l'ii "e $#%sime 1i t#em #a#%+ .chii, 1i e#a "o % $% #i 1nt necoase !e o -a0% #o/% &i leioas%+ S!a"e 1&i sm ci ca! l "int#*o !a#te 1nt#*alta !2n% c2n" ochii l i !osaci se 1n"#e!ta#% 4 "ac% n chia# se a0inti#% 4 as !#a &ii+ F%c n alt !as nesi$ #+ >#%san l st#i$% ta#e9 4 :ilme#E . &% se "eschise &i int#% '%iat l+ S!a"e -%c n al t#eilea !as+ Fa0a 1i "e6enise cen &ie, ia# m &chii -%lcilo# i se m-lase#% s ' #echi ca ni&te t mo#i+ Picioa#ele n i se mai 1n"#e!ta#% " !% cel "e*al !at# lea !as, ia# ochii t l' #i 1i - #% a!#oa!e aco!e#i0i "e !leoa!e+ F%c al cincilea !as+ B%iat l se a!#o!ie "e el &i #%mase ! 0in 1n -a0a l i, "a# n chia# 1nt#e S!a"e &i &%+ M2na "#ea!t% a '%iat l i se a-la 1n hain%, "eas !#a inimii+ Col0 #ile ' /elo# 1i t#es%#i#%+ S!a"e 1nce#c% &i al &aselea !as+ B%iat l 1ntinse - l$e#%to# !icio# l 1naintea l i S!a"e+ S!a"e se 1m!ie"ic% &i se !#%' &i c -a0a 1n 8os+ B%iat l, c m2na "#ea!t% 1nc% s ' hain%, se it% "e s s la S!a"e+ S!a"e 1nce#c% s% se #i"ice+ B%iat l 1&i t#ase !icio# l &i*l !ocni !e S!a"e !este t2m!l%+ Co6it #a 1i #%st #n% !e o !a#te+ 7nce#c% ia# s% se #i"ice, n #e &i &i a"o#mi+ TI) CA PAC.MA S!a"e "%" col0 l "e la li-t, la o#a &ase "iminea0a, &i 6%/ o l min% $al'en% st#%l cin" !#in $eam l 8i6#at al 'i#o l i s% + Se o!#i '# sc, 1&i st#2nse ' /ele, se it% "e 8os 1n s s &i 1nainta s!#e &% c !a&i ma#i #a!i/i &i t%c 0i+ P se m2na !e clan0% &i o 1ntoa#se c $#i8%, a&a 1nc2t nici n clinc%ni, nici n /"#%n$%ni+ . #%s ci !2n% la ca!%t9 &a e#a 1nc iat%+ Gin clan0a nemi&cat%, schim'% m2inile, a! c2n"*o ac m c cea st2n$%+ C "#ea!ta 1&i scoase atent cheile "in ' / na#, ca s% n /o#n%ie+ Des!%#0i cheia "e la 'i#o "e celelalte &i, 1n%' &in" *le /$omot l 1n !alm%, o 62#1 1n '#oasc%+ .!e#a0ia "ec #se -%#% nici n /$omot+ Se cl%tin% !e 62#- l !icioa#elo#, 1&i m!l !l%m2nii c ae#, "esc ie &a &i int#%+ E--ie Pe#ine st%tea a"o#mit% c ca! l !e '#a0e &i c '#a0ele !e 'i#o + P sese !e ea manto l ei &i n l "in !a#"esiele l i S!a"e, 1n ca#e se 1n-%& #ase ca 1nt#*o ca!%+ S!a"e "%" "# m l ae# l i "in !ie!t, #2se 1n- n"at &i t#a6e#s% 1nc%!e#ea s!#e &a cel ilalt 'i#o + Bi#o l e#a $ol+ Se 1n"#e!t% at nci s!#e -at% &i 1i ! se m2na !e m%#+ E--ie t#es%#i, #i"ic% somno#oas% ca! l &i !leoa!ele i se /'%t #%+ 7&i 1n"#e!t% "eo"at% t# ! l &i "eschise ochii ma#i+ 7l 6%/ !e S!a"e, /2m'i &i se -#ec% la ochi+ 4 A&a"a# te*ai 1nto#s 1n cele "in #m%5 C2t e ceas l5 4 E o#a &ase+ Ce ca 0i aici5 T#em #% &i c%sc%+ 4 Mi*ai s! s s% sta &i s% te a&te!t !2n% le 1nto#ci sa tele-one/i+ 4 E&ti so#% c '%iat l ca#e a #%mas sin$ # !e ! ntea 1n -l%c%#i5 4 ,*a6eam "e $2n" s%+++ Se 1nt#e# !se &i se sc l%, l%s2n" !a#"esi l s% ca"% !e sca n l "in s!ate+ Se it% c ochi 1nt neca0i &i ne#6o&i !e s ' 'o# l !%l%#iei la t2m!la l i &i eDclam%9 4 ., "a# ce*ai !%0it la ca!5 T2m!la l i S!a"e se m-lase &i se 1n6ine0ise+ 4 , &ti "ac% e "in c%"e#e, sa "ac% am -ost lo6it+ , c#e" c%*i ma#e l c# , "a# m% "oa#e 1n$#o/ito#+ . !i!%i &o# c 62#- l "e$etelo#, t#es%#i, ia# st#2m'%t #a i se t#ans-o#m% 1nt#* n /2m'et se6e#, &i 1i eD!lic%9 M*am " s 1n 6i/it%, am -ost "#o$at &i m*am t#e/it !este "o %s!#e/ece o#e 1ntins !e 8os 1nt#*o o"aie+ E--ie 1i l % !%l%#ia "e !e ca!+ 4 7n$#o/ito#, s! se ea+ T#e' ie sa te 6a"% n "octo#+ , !o0i s% me#$i !e st#a"% c n ca! ca %sta+ 4 , *i a&a "e $#a6 c m a#at%, mai ! 0in ne6#al$ia, ia# ea s*a# ! tea "ato#a mai ales '% t #ii "#o$ate+ Se " se la chi 6eta "in col0 l 'i#o l i &i t #n% a!% #ece !e o 'atist%+ Ce s*a mai 1nt2m!lat " !% !leca#ea mea5
4 Ai $%sit*o !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;, Sam5 4 , 1nc%+ Ce s*a mai 1nt2m!lat " !% !leca#ea mea5 4 S*a tele-onat "e la 'i#o l !#oc #o# l i+ Do#ea s% te 6a"%+ 4 Cine, !#oc #o# l5 4 Da, "in c2te am 1n0eles+ i*a mai 6enit &i n '%iat c n mesa8 4 c% "omn l > tman a# -i 1nc2ntat s% "isc te c tine 1nainte "e o#a cinci &i 8 m%tate+ S!a"e 1nchise #o'inet l, stoa#se 'atista &i !lec% "e la chi 6et%, 0in2n" *&i 'atista la t2m!l%+ 4 Am !#imit mesa8 l %sta, /ise el+ C*am 1nt2lnit 8os !e '%iat+ =ite e ce m*am ales " !% "isc 0ia c > tman+ 4 Sam, cel ca#e a tele-onat e#a >5 4 i ce+++5 S!a"e se it% !#in ea, &i 6o#'i ca &i c m c 6intele i*a# -i -olosit !ent# a*&i ! ne o#"ine 1n $2n" #i+ 4 )#ea n l c# !e ca#e 1&i 1nchi! ie c%*l !ot o'0ine+ C*am con6ins c%*l !ot 1m!ie"ica s%*l o'0in%, "ac% n ca"e la o 1n0ele$e#e c mine 1nainte "e o#a cinci &i 8 m%tate+ A!oi, hm, hm, -i#e&te, " !% ce i*am s! s c% 6a a6ea "e a&te!tat c2te6a /ile, m*a "#o$at+ , c#e" c% &i*a 1nchi! it c*o s% mo#+ tia c*am s%*mi #e6in 1n 6#eo /ece sa "o %s!#e/ece o#e+ A&a c% #%s! ns l !oate -i acela c% &i*a 1nchi! it c% a# ! tea s% o'0in% o'iect l -%#% a8 to# l me c2t tim! am /%c t "#o$at &i n ! team inte#6eni+ Se st#2m'%+ 4 S!e# s% se -i 1n&elat+ P#i6i#ea l i -iD% "e6eni mai ! 0in "istant%+ 4 ,*ai a-lat nimic "e B#i$i" .MSha $hness;5 E--ie Pe#ine cl%tin% "in ca! &i*l 1nt#e'%9 4 7nt2m!la#ea a#e c m6a "e*a -ace c ea5 4 .a#ec m+ 4 .'iect l !e ca#e 1l 6#ea > tman 1i a!a#0ine ei5 4 .#i ei, o#i #e$el i S!aniei+ I 'ito, n*ai n nchi ca#e !#e"% isto#ia la ni6e#sitate5 4 Am n 6%#+ De ce5 4 Dac% 1i 1n6eselim 6ia0a c n !#es ! s sec#et isto#ic, 6echi "e !at# secole, ne ! tem 1nc#e"e 1n el ca s% -ie "isc#et o 6#eme5 4 ., "esi$ #+ E om se#ios+ 4 7n #e$ l%+ Ia*0i n c#eion &i n ca#net+ E--ie le l % &i se a&e/% !e sca n l ei+ S!a"e t #n% "in no a!% #ece !e 'atist% &i, " !% ce o " se la t2m!l%, #%mase 1n !icioa#e, 1n -a0a ei &i 1i "ict% !o6estea &oim l i, a&a c m o a /ise "e la > tman, 1nce!2n" c "a# l o-e#it l i Ca#ol al )*lea "e c%t#e ca6ale#ii .#"in l i S-+ Ioan &i !2n% la 4 "a# n &i mai "e!a#te 4 sosi#ea !%s%#ii emailate Ia Pa#is, !e 6#emea emi$#a0iei ca#liste+ Se 1m!ie"ic% 1n n mele a to#ilo# &i al c%#0ilo# !omenite "e > tman, "a# #e &i s% le #e"ea c o 6a$% asem%na#e -onetic%+ Rest l !o6esti#ii o #e!et% c !#eci/ia n i #e!o#te# eD!e#t+ C2n" te#min%, -ata 1nchise ca#net l "e note &i #i"ic% s!#e el o -a0% #o&ie &i /2m'itoa#e+ 4 )ai, ce !asionant, s! se ea+ E+++ 4 Da, e !asionant, sa #i"icol+ )#ei ac m s% #e6e/i notele, s% le cite&ti 6%# l i t% &i s%*l 1nt#e'i ce !%#e#e a#e5 A "at 6#eo"at% !este ce6a ca#e a# ! tea a6ea le$%t #% c cele sc#ise "e tine5 E 6e#osimil% o ast-el "e !o6este5 E !osi'il% 4 c2t "e ! 0in !osi'il%5 Sa e o !#ostie5 Dac% mai a#e ne6oie "e tim! ca s% ce#cete/e, e 1n #e$ l%, "a# con6in$e*l s%*0i s! n% tot &i ac m !%#e#ea+ i, !ent# n mele l i D mne/e , mai con6in$e*l s% 0in% tot l sec#et+ 4 M% " c chia# ac m+ Ia# t " *te s% te 6a"% n "octo# !ent# ce*ai !%0it la ca!+ 4 S% l %m mai 1nt2i mic l*"e8 n+ 4 , , e am s% mi*l ia la hotel l Ba#Aele;+ Mo# "e ne#%'"a#e s% a " c#*o s% s! n% Te" "es!#e asta+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, #%s! nse S!a"e, "a# s% n !l2n$i, "ac% a#e s% #2"% "e tine+ D !% n mic "e8 n lini&tit la #esta #ant l Palace, 1n tim! l c%# ia citi am'ele /ia#e ce a!%#ea "iminea0a, S!a"e se " se acas%, se '%#'ie#i, -%c 'aie, se -#ec% c $hea0% la t2m!la 1n6ine0it% &i 1m'#%c% haine c #ate+ A!oi !lec% s!#e a!a#tament l l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness; "in 'loc l Co#onet+ 7n a!a#tament n e#a nimeni+ Tot l e#a neschim'at "e la ltima l i 6i/it%+ Se " se la hotel l AleDan"#ia+ > tman n e#a la hotel+ ,ici n l "int#e ceilal0i oc !an0i ai a!a#tament l i l i > tman n e#a acolo+ S!a"e a-l% c% ceilal0i oc !an0i e#a
sec#eta# l $#%san l i, :ilme# CooA, &i -iica l i > tman, Rhea, o -at% c !%# 'lon", ochi c%!# i &i mic 0% "e stat #%, "e 6#eo &a!tes!#e/ece ani, "es!#e ca#e !e#sonal l hotel l i a-i#ma c%*i -oa#te -# moas%+ I se s! se l i S!a"e c% $# ! l l i > tman sosise la hotel "e la ,e? @o#A, c /ece /ile mai 1nainte &i c% n !lecase 1nc%+ S!a"e se "e!las% la hotel l Bel6e"e#e &i*l $%si !e "etecti6 l hotel l i m2nc2n" la #esta #ant+ 4 B n% "iminea0a, Sam+ Stai 8os &i m%n2nc% n o + Detecti6 l se it% la t2m!la l i S!a"e+ Pent# n mele l i D mne/e , "a# 'ine te*a mai a#an8atE 4 M l0 mesc, "a# am m2ncat, #%s! nse S!atie &i se a&e/%+ A!oi, 1n le$%t #% c t2m!la, s! se9 A#at% mai #% "ec2t 1n #ealitate+ Ce mai -ace sc m! l me Cai#o5 4 A ie&it la mai ! 0in "e o 8 m%tate "e o#% " !% !leca#ea ta ie#i &i "e at nci n l*am mai 6%/ t+ ,*a "o#mit aici a/i*noa!te+ 4 A l at o'icei #i !#oasto+ 4 C#e" &i e + =n om ca el, sin$ # 1nt#* n o#a& ma#e+ Cine te*a !ocnit, Sam5 4 , Cai#o+ S!a"e se it% c aten0ie la mic l ca!ac "e a#$int ce aco!e#ea !2inea !#%8it% a l i C Ae+ 4 Pot s%*mi a# nc ochii !#in came#a l i c2t li!se&te5 4 Da+ tii c% -ac o#ice !ent# tine, o#ic2n"+ C Ae 1m!inse cea&ca c ca-ea la o !a#te, 1&i ! se coatele !e mas% &i 1&i a0inti !#i6i#ea as !#a l i S!a"e+ 4 Da# am im!#esia c% t n -aci o#ice !ent# mine+ CMe*i c ti! l %sta, !ent# D mne/e 5 , *i ne6oie s%*mi asc n/i ce6a+ tii c% s nt "e 1nc#e"e#e+ S!a"e 1&i #i"ic% ochii "e !e ca!ac l conic "e a#$int+ A6ea o !#i6i#e lim!e"e &i can"i"%+ 4 ti si$ # c% e&ti "e 1nc#e"e#e+ , *0i asc n" nimic+ Am s%*0i s! n !e &lea + C c#e/ !ent# el, "a# a#e ni&te !#ieteni ca#e n *mi !lac &i am "e6enit !# "ent c el+ 4 B%iat l !e ca#e l*am eD!e"iat ie#i "e aici e#a n l "in !#ietenii l i5 4 Da, C Ae+ 4 Ia# alt l l*a c #%0at !e Miles S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 Th #s'; l*a omo#2t !e Miles+ 4 i !e Th #s'; cine l*a omo#2t5 4 Se !#es ! ne a -i n sec#et, s! se S!a"e &i /2m'i, "a# !oli0ia c#e"e c% e l*am omo#2t+ C Ae 'om'%ni, se #i"ic% &i /ise9 4 E $#e "e scos ce6a "e la tine+ Hai s% "%m o #ait% !#in a!a#tament+ Se o!#i#% la 'i#o l "e !#imi#e at2t c2t C Ae s% le s! n%9 (A#an8a0i a&a ca s%*mi "a0i n tele-on, "ac% sose&te( &i #ca#% 1n a!a#tament l l i Cai#o+ Pat l l i Cai#o e#a nete" &i -# mos -%c t, "a# h2#tiile "in co&, 8al /elele l%sate ine$al ca &i c2te6a !#osoa!e mototolite "in 'aie a#%ta c% n se "e#eticase 1nc% 1n acea "iminea0%+ Ba$a8ele l i Cai#o consta "int#* n c -%# !%t#at, o 6ali/% &i o saco&%+ D l%!io# l "in came#a "e 'aie e#a ticsit "e cosmeticale 4 c tii, c ti 0e, 'o#cane &i sticl 0e c ! "#e, c#eme, ali-ii, !a#- m #i, lo0i ni &i tonice+ 7n " la! at2#na "o % cost me &i n !a#"esi , "eas !#a a t#ei !e#echi "e !anto-i ! &i c $#i8% !e &an #i+ )ali/a &i saco&a n e#a 1nc iate+ C Ae #e &i s% "esc ie c -%# l 1n cli!a c2n" S!a"e 1&i 1ncheia ce#cet%#ile 1n celelalte loc #i+ 4 ,imic "eocam"at%, s! se S!a"e &i !o#ni#% s% ca te in c -%#+ , $%si#% nimic ca#e s%*i inte#ese/e+ 4 Ca 0i ce6a an me5 1l 1nt#e'% C Ae 1n tim! ce 1nc ia c -%# l la loc+ 4 , + Se c#e"e c*a 6enit aici "e la Constantino!ol+ A& 6#ea s% &ti "ac%*i a"e6%#at+ ,*am $%sit nimic ca#e s% "o6e"easc% c% n *i a"e6%#at+ 4 Ce 1n62#te&te5 S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 A& 6#ea &i e s% &ti + T#a6e#s% came#a &i se a!lec% as !#a co& l i "e h2#tii+ 4 Ei, asta*i ltima noast#% &ans%+ Scoase "in co& n /ia#+ .chii i se l mina#% c2n" 6%/ c%*i eDem!la# l "e ie#i al /ia# l i Call. E#a 1m!%t #it c !a$ina "e #eclame 1n a-a#%+ Deschise /ia# l, ce#cet% !a$ina &i nimic n *i #e0in aten0ia+ 7ntoa#se !a$inile &i se it% la cea 1m!%t #it% 1n% nt# , !a$ina c an n0 #i -inancia#e, ma#itime, !#e6i/i ni meteo#olo$ice, na&te#i, c%s%to#ii, "i6o#0 #i &i "ecese+ 7n col0 l "in st2n$a, 8os, li!sea c20i6a centimet#i "e la ma#$inea celei "e*a "o a coloane+
D#e!t "eas !#a # !t #ii se 6e"ea n mic titl 9 Au sosit azi, #mat "e9 12.23 a.m. 4 Ca4ac de la Astoria. 5.35 a.m. 6elen 7. Dre8 de la 9reen8ood. 5.3: a.m. 4 Albarado de la Bandon. R !t #a t#ecea !#in #2n" l #m%to#, l%s2n" "oa# at2tea lite#e c2t s% !o0i citi9 de la Sidne-. S!a"e l%s% /ia# l "in m2n% !e 'i#o &i se it% "in no 1n co&+ >%si o ' cat% mic% "e '2#tie "e 1m!achetat, o s-oa#%, "o % etichete c !#e0 l no# a#ticole "e len8e#ie, 'on l n i ma$a/in !ent# &ase !e#echi "e cio#a!i, ia# 1n - n" l co& l i o ' cat% "e /ia# -%c t% $hem+ . "eschise c aten0ie, o nete/i !e 'i#o &i o !ot#i6i !e !a$ina "in Call n"e e#a # !t #a+ Ca ma#$ine me#$ea, "a# 1nt#e 62#- l -#a$ment l i mototolit &i c 6intele de la Sidne- li!sea cam "oi centimet#i, loc "est l ca s% c !#in"% an n0 l sosi#ii a &ase sa &a!te 6ase+ 7ntoa#se !a$ina &i 6%/ c% !e !a#tea cealalt% a -#a$ment l i li!s% n s*a# -i ! t t a-la "ec2t n col0 -%#% inte#es al #eclamei n i a$ent "e ' #s%+ C Ae se a!lec% !este m%# l l i &i 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 Des!#e ce*i 6o#'a5 4 Mi se !a#e c% ti! l e inte#esat "e n 6as+ 4 i ce, e 6#eo le$e ca#e s%*l o!#easc%5 s! se C Ae 1n tim! ce S!a"e 1m!%t #i la n loc !a$ina # !t% &i -#a$ment l mototolit &i le ! se 1n ' / na# l !a#"esi l i+ 4 Ai te#minat aici5 4 Da+ 70i m l0 mesc m lt, C Ae+ Te #o$ s%*mi tele-one/i "e 1n"at% ce se 1ntoa#ce+ 4 Desi$ #+ S!a"e me#se la 'i#o #ile /ia# l i Call, c m!%#% n eDem!la# al e"i0iei "in /i a !#ece"ent%, &i "eschise la !a$ina c an n0 #i ma#itime &i com!a#% c !a$ina l at% "in co& l "e h2#tii al l i Cai#o+ Iat% ce sc#ia !e !o#0i nea li!s%9 :.1; a.m. Ta&iti de la Sidne- #i 7a4eete. :.35 a.m. Amiral 7eo4les de la Astoria. <.3; a.m. Caddo4ea= de la San 7edro. <.35 a.m. %a 7aloma de la 6ong >ong. ?,3@ a.m. Dais- 9ra- de la Seattle. Citi lista 1ncet &i c2n" te#min% t#ase c n$hia s ' Hon$ Pon$, t%ie lista "e sosi#i c '#icea$ l, ! se #est l /ia# l i 1m!#e n% c -oaia l i Cai#o 1n co& l "e h2#tii &i se 1ntoa#se 1n 'i#o + Se a&e/a la masa "e l c# , c% t% n n m%# 1n ca#tea "e tele-on &i*l -o#m%+ 4 D%*mi, te #o$, Pea#n;, n , !at# , /e#o, n +++ =n"e a t#as 6as l %a 7aloma, ca#e a sosit ie#i "iminea0% "e la Hon$ Pon$5 Re!et% 1nt#e'a#ea+ 4 M l0 mesc+ A!%s% o cli!% !e 1nt#e# !%to#, a!oi #i"ic% "e$et l &i s! se9 D%*mi, te #o$, Da6en!o#t, "oi, /e#o, "oi, /e#o+++ Bi#o l "e "etecti6i, 6% #o$+++ E acolo se#$ent l Polha s5+++ M l0 mesc+++ Sal t, Tom, aici e Sam S!a"e+++ Da, am 1nce#cat s% te $%sesc ie#i " !%*amia/%+++ Fi#e&te+ Ce*a# -i s% iei masa c mine5+++ 7n #e$ l%+ Gin #ece!to# l la #eche 1n tim! ce -o#ma alt n m%# c "e$et l ma#e+ 4 Da6en!o#t+ D%*mi, te #o$, /e#o, n , &a!te, /e#o+++ Sal t, aici e Sam S!a"e+ Sec#eta#a mea a !#imit n mesa8 tele-onic c% 6#ea s% m% 6a"% "omn l B#;an+ )#e0i s%*l 1nt#e'a0i la ce o#% 1i con6ine s% m% !#imeasc%5+++ Da, S!a"e, S*!*a*"*e+ Pa /% l n$%+ 4 Da+++ Ca "o % &i 8 m%tate5 Foa#te 'ine+ )% m l0 mesc+ F%c al !at# lea n m%# &i /ise9 Alo, sc m!o, "%*mi*l, te rog, !e Si"+++ Alo, Si", aici Sam+ Am o 1nt2lni#e c !#oc #o# l la "o % &i 8 m%tate " !%*amia/%+ )#ei s% m% ca 0i la tele-on aici, sa acolo !e la !at# , "oa# ca s% 6e/i "ac% n*am int#at 1n 6#eo 1nc #c%t #%5+++ D% "#ac l i !a#ti"a ta "e $ol- "e s2m'%t% " !%*amia/a+ Ai "ato#ie s% n m% la&i s% int# la /" !+++ 7n #e$ l%, Si"+ Sal tE 7m!inse tele-on l, c%sc%, se 1ntinse, 1&i !i!%i t2m!la 1n6ine0it%, se it% la ceas, 1&i #%s ci o 0i$a#% &i o a!#inse+ F ma somno#os !2n% la 6eni#ea l i E--ie Pe#ine+ E--ie Pe#ine int#% /2m'itoa#e, c ochi st#%l cito#i &i #o/ la -a0%+ 4 Te" /ice c% s*a# ! tea s% -ie a"e6%#at, #a!o#t% ea, &i s!e#% c% n se 1n&eal%+ <ice c% n *i s!ecialist 1n acest "omeni , "a# n mele &i "atele s nt co#ecte &i cel ! 0in nici n l "in a to#ii cita0i n e in6entat+ E -oa#te ent /iasmat+ 4 E s!len"i", at2t tim! c2t n se ent /iasmea/% !#ea m lt ca s% n *&i mai "ea seama
"ac%*i esc#oche#ie+ 4 ., Te" n *i 1n sta#e "e a&a ce6aE E !#ea !#ice! t 1n s!ecialitatea l iE 4 M"aE Toat% 'lestemata asta "e -amilie Pe#ine e nemai!omenit%, /ise S!a"e, incl si6 t &i !ata aia "e - nin$ine "e !e nas l t% + 4 )%# l me n e n Pe#ine, ci n Ch#ist;+ 7&i a!lec% -# ntea s%*&i !#i6easc% nas l 1n o$lin"a "in ! "#ie#%+ 4 Se 6e"e c% m*am !%tat "e la -oc+ F#ec% !ata c col0 l 'atistei+ 4 Ent /iasm l -amiliilo# Pe#ine &i Ch#ist; a incen"iat hotel l Ba#Aele;5 o 1nt#e'% el+ E--ie se st#2m'% la el, 1n tim! ce*&i tam!ona nas l c n ! - #o/+ 4 A#"ea n 6a!o# c2n" m*am 1nto#s+ 7l t#%$ea a-a#% "in "oc #i &i - m l a t#ec t !este -e##;*'oat* l nost# + S!a"e ! se m2inile !e '#a0ele -otoli l i ei+ 4 Ai -ost "est l "e a!#oa!e ea s% 6e/i c m se n mea 6as l5 4 Da+ %a 7aloma. De ce5 S!a"e s! se c #e$#et9 4 S% m% ia nai'a "ac% &ti "ece, s #ioa#o, /ise el+ T) T.GI ,EB=,II S!a"e &i se#$ent l*"etecti6 Polha s m2nca !i-tie "e !icioa#e "e !o#c la na "in mesele l i Foe cel 6oinic la (States Ho- B#a (+ Polha s 62nt #% !e - #c li0% as!ic l st#%l cito# &i al' 1nt#e -a#- #ie &i $ #%, &i s! se9 4 Hei, asc lt%, SamE =it% ce s*a 1nt2m!lat asea#%+ Se 1n&elase #% , "a# o#icine se !oate 1n- #ia "ac% te !o#0i a&a c el+ S!a"e se it% $2n"ito# la se#$ent l*"etecti6+ 4 D*asta ai 6oit s% m% 6e/i5 Polha s "%" "in ca! &i mai 62#1 1n $ #% o !o#0ie "e as!ic, o 1n$hi0i &i #ec nosc "e ce "%" se "in ca!+ 4 Mai ales "*asta+ 4 Te*a t#imis D n";5 Polha s -%c o st#2m'%t #% "e "e/$ st+ 4 tii 'ine c% n m*a t#imis el+ E la -el "e 1nc%!%02nat ca &i tine+ S!a"e /2m'i &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 , , n *i 1nc%!%02nat, Tom 1&i 1nchi! ie "oa# c%*i 1nc%!%02nat+ Tom se schimonosi &i atac% !icio# l "o !o#c c c 0it l+ 4 ,*ai "e $2n" s% te la&i "e co!il%#ii5 m2#21 el+ De ce te tot !l2n$i5 Ce sens a#e s% 'om'%ni5 70i -aci sin$ # neca/ #i+ S!a"e 1&i a&e/% - #c li0a &i c 0it l c aten0ie !e -a#- #ie &i 1&i ! se m2inile !e mas% al%t #i "e ele+ <2m'i sla' &i #ece+ 4 At nci c2n" to0i ne' nii "in o#a& m% 'at la ca!, ni&te neca/ #i 1n !l s n m% mai "e#an8ea/%, ,ici n *mi "a m%ca# seama "e ele+ Polha s #o&i mai ta#e+ 4 F# mos "in !a#tea ta ce*mi s! i+ S!a"e #i"ic% - #c li0a &i c 0it l &i 1nce! s% m%n2nce+ Polha s m2nc% &i el+ D !% o 6#eme, S!a"e 1l 1nt#e'%9 4 Ai 6%/ t 6a!o# l ca#e a#"ea 1n !o#t5 4 Am 6%/ t - m l+ Fii 1n0ele$%to#, Sam+ D n"; s*a 1n&elat, 1&i "% seama+ De ce n *0i 6e/i "e t#ea'%5 4 C#e/i c*a# t#e' i s% m% " c &i s%*i s! n c% s!e# c% '%#'ia mea n i*a #%nit ! mn l5 Polha s 1n-i!se s%l'atic c 0it l 1n !icio# l "e !o#c+ 4 A0i mai !#imit 6#e n "en n0 "in !a#tea l i Phil A#che#5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 Ca "#ac M+ D n"; n c#e"e c% t l*ai cis !e Miles, "a# n*a6ea ce -ace, t#e' ia s% 6e#i-ice in-o#ma0ia+ i t ai -i -%c t acela&i l c# 1n loc l l i+ 4 Se#ios5 7n ochii l i S!a"e scli!i o not% "e i#onie+ 4 Ce l*a -%c t s% c#ea"% c% n l*am omo#2t e 5 Ce te -ace !e tine s% c#e/i c% n l*am omo#2t e 5 Sa a&a c#e/i5
Fa0a s%n%toas% a l i Polha s se #o&i "in no + 4 Th #s'; l*a 1m! &cat !e Miles+ 4 A&a c#e/i t + 4 El l*a 1m! &cat+ Re6ol6e# l :e'le; e#a al l i &i $lon0 l ca#e l*a cis !e Miles a !#o6enit "in acel #e6ol6e#+ 4 E&ti si$ #5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 A'sol t si$ #, 1i #%s! nse se#$ent l*"etecti6+ Am $%sit n '%iat, comisiona# l "e la hotel l l i Th #s'; 4 ca#e a 6%/ t 1n acea "iminea0% #e6ol6e# l 1n came#a l i+ C*a #ema#cat tocmai !ent# c% n mai 6%/ se n l la -el+ ,ici e n*am 6%/ t+ T mi*ai s! s c% n se mai -a'#ic%+ , *i !#o'a'il s% mai eDiste alt l !e n"e6a &i, o#ic m, "ac% n a!a#0ine l i Th #s';, at nci ce s*a 1nt2m!lat c #e6ol6e# l l i5 Ia# $lon0 l ca#e l*a c #%0at !e Miles a ie&it "e !e 0ea6a n i ast-el "e #e6ol6e#+ 7nce! s% 62#e o ' cat% "e !2ine 1n $ #%, o scoase &i 1nt#e'%9 S! i c% le*ai mai 6%/ t+ =n"e5 )2#1 ' cata "e !2ine 1n $ #%+ 4 7n An$lia, 1nainte "e #%/'oi+ 4 S nt con6ins+ S!a"e "%" "in ca! &i s! se9 4 At nci 1nseamn% c% l*am omo#2t "oa# !e Th #s';+ Polha s se -202i !e sca n, c -a0a #o&ie &i l cioas%+ 4 Pent# D mne/e , n*ai s% i0i nicio"at%5 se !l2nse el+ S*a te#minat+ . &tii la -el "e 'ine ca &i mine+ Pa#c% n*ai -ost &i t !oli0ist, a&a te 6aie0i+ Pa#c% ce, t nicio"at% n*ai -olosit -a#sa !e ca#e 0i*am 8 cat*o5 4 )#ei s% s! i c*a0i 1nce#cat s%*mi 8 ca0i o -a#s%, Tom 4 c% a0i 1nce#cat "oa#+ Polha s 'om'%ni &i atac% ce mai #%m%sese "in !icio# l "e !o#c+ 4 Foa#te 'ine+ tim am2n"oi c% s*a 1ncheiat !o6estea "e asea#%+ Ce &tie D n";5 4 tie &i el c%*i 1ncheiat%+ 4 Ce l*a t#e/it5 4 Ah, Sam, n &i*a 1nchi! it nicio"at% c% t l*ai+++ <2m'et l l i S!a"e 1l 1nt#e# !se !e Polha s+ C%s% -#a/a nete#minat% &i /ise9 Am "esco!e#it ca/ie# l l i Th #s';+ 4 Da5 i cine*i Th #s';5 .chii mici, &i#e0i &i c%!# i ai l i Polha s st "ia#% -a0a l i S!a"e+ S!a"e eDclam% ene#6at9 4 A& 6#ea s% &ti 8 m%tate "in ce 6% 1nchi! i0i 6oi c% &ti "in 'lestemata asta "e a-ace#eE 4 A& 6#ea s% &tim c to0ii, m2#2i Polha s+ Ei 'ine, e#a $an$ste# la St+ Co is c2n" am a /it !#ima oa#% "e el+ A -ost a#estat "e m lte o#i acolo !ent# "i-e#ite "elicte, "a# -%cea !a#te "in 'an"a l i E$an, a&a c% n s*a l at nicio"at% m%s #i !#ea se6e#e 1m!ot#i6a l i+ , &ti "e ce a #en n0at la si$ #an0a "e acolo &i a !lecat, "a# l*a a#estat la ,e? @o#A !ent# o '%taie la n 8oc "e c%#0i 4 l*a t#%"at com!licele l i 4 &i*a stat la /" ! n an, !2n% l*a scos Fallon "e acolo+ Peste c20i6a ani a mai stat o 6#eme la #%coa#e 1n Foliet, !ent# c% a '%t t c !istol l !e n alt com!lice ca#e 1i "%" se st !e-iante+ D !% aceea s*a 1nh%itat c DiDie Monahan &i n i*a mai -ost $#e s% ias% "in o#ice 1nc #c%t #i+ Asta e#a !e 6#emea c2n" DiDie e#a a!#oa!e la -el "e ! te#nic ca &i ,icA >#ecotei l 1n com'ina0iile c t#i!o #i "in Chica$o+ Th #s'; a -ost a$ent l 1nso0ito# al l i DiDie, &i*a - $it 1m!#e n% c el c2n" DiDie s*a ce#tat c '%ie0ii "in 'an"% "in !#icina no# "ato#ii !e ca#e n ! tea, sa n 6oia s% le !l%teasc%+ Asta s*a 1nt2m!lat ac m c20i6a ani 4 !e tim! l c2n" a -ost 1nchis (Cl ' l ,a tic ,e?!o#t Beach(+ , &ti "ac% DiDie e#a amestecat 1n aceast% a-ace#e, 1n o#ice ca/ at nci a -ost 6%/ 0i !ent# ltima "at% 1m!#e n%, at2t DiDie c2t &i Th #s';+ 4 DiDie a mai -ost 6%/ t5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ Polha s cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 , + .chii l i mici se concent#a#% s!ion2n"9 , , "oa# "ac% l*ai 6%/ t t , sa &tii !e cine6a ca#e l*a 6%/ t+ S!a"e se tol%ni !e sca n &i 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ 4 , l*am 6%/ t, s! se el calm+ E o !o6este no % !ent# mine+ 4 Te c#e", #%s! nse 02-nos Polha s+ S!a"e #2n8i la el &i*l 1nt#e'%9 4 De n"e ai a-lat toate no t%0ile astea "es!#e Th #s';5
4 . !a#te, "in ca/ie#+ Rest l, ei 'ine, le*am c les, "e ici &i colo+ 4 De la Cai#o, "e !il"%5 .chii l i S!a"e 1i sc# ta#% !e Tom+ Polha s 1&i ! se 8os cea&ca "e ca-ea &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 ,ici 6o#'%+ ,e*ai com!#omis 1n -a0a ti! l i %la+ S!a"e #2se9 4 )#ei s%*mi s! i c% "oi 6 l!oi '%t#2ni ca tine &i D n"; l*a0i inte#o$at toat% noa!tea !e 1n$e# l %la ne!#ih%nit &i n*a0i scos nimic "e la el5 4 Ce 1nseamn% toat% noa!tea5 !#otest% Polha s+ C*am inte#o$at mai ! 0in "e "o % o#e+ Am 6%/ t c% n*a8 n$em nic%ie#i &i i*am "at "# m l+ S!a"e #2se "in no &i se it% la ceas+ P#inse !#i6i#ea l i Fohn &i ce# s% i se -ac% !lata+ 4 Am o 1nt2lni#e c !#oc #o# l a/i " !%*amia/%, 1i s! se el l i Polha s, 1n tim! ce a&te!ta s%*i a" c% #est l+ 4 El te*a chemat5 4 Da+ Polha s 1&i 1m!inse sca n l 1n s!ate, se #i"ic% &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e 4 n '%#'at ' #tos, soli" &i -le$matic+ 4 ,*ai s%*mi -aci n se#6ici , s! se el, "ac% ai s%*i s! i c*ai "isc tat ast-el c mine+ =n t2n%# ml%"ios &i c #echi !#oeminente 1l int#o" se !e S!a"e 1n 'i#o l !#oc #o# l i "ist#ict al+ S!a"e int#% /2m'in" "e$a8at &i s! se "e$a8at9 4 Sal t, B#;anE P#oc #o# l "ist#ict al B#;an se sc l% "e !# sca n &i*i 1ntinse m2na !este 'i#o + E#a n '%#'at 'lon", "e stat #% mi8locie, "e 6#eo !at# /eci &i cinci "e ani, c ochi al'a&t#i a$#esi6i, 1n "os l no# ochela#i 4ince*nez le$a0i c !an$lici ne$#e+ A6ea $ #% ma#e, ca n o#ato#, &i '%#'ie lat%, c $#o!i0%+ C2n" s! se9 (Ce -aci, S!a"e5( 6ocea 1i t#%"a o -o#0% latent%+ 7&i st#2nse#% m2na &i l a#% loc+ P#oc #o# l "ist#ict al ! se "e$et l !e n l "in nast #ii "e si"e-, "int#* n $# ! "e !at# , a&e/a0i !e 'i#o l l i, &i 1i s! se t2n%# l i ml%"ios ca#e "eschisese "in no &a9 4 Roa$%*i !e "omnii Thomas &i Heal; s% 1nt#e, a!oi se le$%n% 1n sca n &i se a"#es% 'ine "is! s l i S!a"e9 D mneata &i !oli0ia n !#ea 6% 1n0ele$e0i, n 5 S!a"e -%c n $est ne$li8ent c "e$etele m2inii "#e!te+ 4 ,imic se#ios, #%s! nse el 6a$+ D n"; se ent /iasmea/% !#ea #e!e"e+ =&a se "eschise &i int#a#% "oi '%#'a0i+ Cel !e ca#e S!a"e 1l sal t% c 9 (Sal t ThomasE( e#a n '%#'at 6oinic, '#on/at, "e 6#eo t#ei/eci "e ani, c hainele &i !%# l 1n "e/o#"ine+ 7l '%t !e S!a"e !e m%# c o m2n% !ist# iat%, &i*l 1nt#e'%9 (Ce mai /ici5( " !% ca#e se a&e/% l2n$% el+ Cel%lalt '%#'at e#a mai t2n%# &i insi!i"+ C % loc mai "e!a#te "e ceilal0i &i ! se !e $en nchi n ca#net "e steno$#a-3 "eas !#a 0inea n c#eion+ S!a"e se it% 1ns!#e el, chicoti &i*l 1nt#e'% !e B#;an9 4 .#ice s! n !oate -i -olosit 1m!ot#i6a mea5 P#oc #o# l /2m'i+ 4 Asta e 1ntot"ea na 6ala'il+ 7&i scoase ochela#ii, 1i eDamin% &i*i ! se la loc !e nas+ 7l !#i6i !e S!a"e !#in ei &i*l 1nt#e'%9 Cine l*a omo#2t !e Th #s';5 4 , &ti , #%s! nse S!a"e+ B#;an -#ec% !an$lica nea$#% a ochela#ilo# 1nt#e "e$et l ma#e &i celelalte &i s! se atot&ti to#9 4 Poate c% n &tii, "a#, -%#% 1n"oial%, !o0i s% $hice&ti &o#+ 4 Poate, "a# n*am che-+ P#oc #o# l "ist#ict al #i"ic% "in s!#2ncene+ 4 ,*am che-, #e!et% S!a"e+ )o#'ea senin+ 4 Se !oate s% $hicesc &o#, sa s% $#e&esc, "a# '%t#2na "oamn% S!a"e n &i*a c#esc t nici n co!il a&a "e -#aie# ca s% $hiceasc% 1n -a0a n i !#oc #o# "ist#ict al, a n i a8 to# "e !#oc #o# "ist#ict al &i a n i steno$#a-+ 4 De ce n*ai che-, "ac% n*ai nimic "e asc ns5 4 Toat% l mea, s! se S!a"e moale, a#e c2te ce6a "e asc ns+ 4 i " mneata ai+++ 4 7n !#im l #2n" ceea ce a& $hici+
P#oc #o# l "ist#ict al 1&i l%s% !#i6i#ea in 8os, s!#e 'i#o , a!oi o #i"ic% s!#e S!a"e+ 7&i !ot#i6i mai 'ine ochela#ii !e nas+ 4 Dac% !#e-e#i s% !lece steno$#a- l, 0i se !oate 1n"e!lini "o#in0a+ C*am chemat aici "oa# "in como"itate+ 4 , m% "e#an8ea/% "e loc, #e!lic% S!a"e+ S nt $ata ca o#ice s! n s% -ie consemnat !e h2#tie &i s% isc%lesc+ 4 , inten0ion%m s%*0i ce#em s% semne/i ce6a, 1l asi$ #% B#;an+ A& 6#ea s% n consi"e#i "isc 0ia noast#% c2t &i "e ! 0in ca o anchet% o-icial%+ i, te #o$, s% n *0i 1nchi! i c% "a c#e/a#e 4 &i c at2t mai ! 0in, c% am 1nc#e"e#e 4 1n teo#iile !e ca#e se !a#e c% &i le*a -o#mat !oli0ia+ 4 ,*ai 1nc#e"e#e5 4 De loc+ S!a"e s s!in% &i 1&i 1nc# ci&% !icioa#ele 4 S nt 1nc2ntat+ Pi!%i !#in ' / na# " !% ! n$a c t t n &i !achet l c -oi0e+ 4 Ca#e*i teo#ia " mitale5 B#;an se a!lec% !e sca n, c ochi " #i, st#%l cito#i ca &i lentilele "in -a0a lo#+ 4 S! ne*mi !ent# cine #m%#ea Miles !e Th #s'; &i*am s%*0i s! n cine l*a omo#2t !e Th #s';+ S!a"e #2se sc #t &i "is!#e0 ito#+ 4 Te 1n&eli la -el ca D n";, /ise el+ 4 , m% 1n0ele$e $#e&it, S!a"e, s! se B#;an, a#%t2n" 1n 'i#o c "os l "e$etelo#+ , s! n c% l* a cis client l " mitale !e Th #s';, sa c*a a#an8at s% -ie cis, "a# s s0in c% "ac% a& &ti cine*i client l " mitale, a& ! tea s% a-l 1n c #2n" cine l*a omo#2t !e Th #s';+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a, o l % "e la ' /e, 1&i $oli !l%m2nii "e - m &i 6o#'i, !a#c% ne" me#it9 4 , 1n0ele$ eDact "es!#e ce*i 6o#'a+ 4 , 5 At nci s% !#es ! nem c% ! n ast-el 1nt#e'a#ea9 =n"e*i DiDie Monahan5 Fi$ #a l i S!a"e #%mase ne" me#it%+ 4 , !#ice! nici "ac% ! i ast-el 1nt#e'a#ea, /ise el+ Tot n !#ice!+ P#oc #o# l 1&i scoase ochela#ii &i*i sc t #% ca s% s 'linie/e im!o#tan0a c 6intelo# sale9 4 tim c% Th #s'; a -ost a$ent l 1nso0ito# al l i Monahan &i*a !lecat 1m!#e n% c el c2n" Monahan a $%sit "e c 6iin0% c%*i 1n0ele!t s% "is!a#% "e la Chica$o+ tim c% Monahan s*a c%#at c 6#eo "o % s te "e mii "e "ola#i, 1n !a#i #i+ , &tim 1ns% cine s nt c#e"ito#ii+ 7&i ! se la loc ochela#ii &i /2m'i se6e#+ 4 Da# &tim ce i se !oate 1nt2m!la n i 8 c%to# "e c%#0i ca#e o 1ntin"e, ca &i a$ent l i 1nso0ito#, at nci c2n" 1i "esco!e#% c#e"ito#ii+ S!a"e 1&i !lim'% lim'a !e ' /e &i #2n8i #2t, !2n% la #echi+ S ' s!#2ncenele l%sate ochii 1i scli!ea + Cea-a, tot mai #o&ie, i se #e6%#sa !este ma#$inea $ le# l i+ )o#'i 1ncet, #%$ &it &i ene#6at9 4 Ei, ce !%#e#e ai5 C*am omo#2t e la o#"in l c#e"ito#ilo#5 Sa l*am "esco!e#it &i l*am "at !e m2na lo# ca s%*l c #e0e5 4 ., n , !#otest% !#oc #o# l "ist#ict l i M*ai 1n0eles $#e&it+ 4 S!e# c% "a, /ise S!a"e+ 4 , s*a #e-e#it la a&a ce6a, s! se Thomas+ 4 At nci la ce s*a #e-e#it5 B#;an 62nt #% o m2n%+ 4 M*am #e-e#it "oa# la -a!t l c*ai ! tea -i amestecat, -%#% s%*0i "ai seama+ A&a s*a# ! tea+++ 4 7n0ele$, /ise S!a"e 'at8oco#ito#+ , c#e/i n mai c% s nt o'#a/nic, "a# 10i 1nchi! i c% s nt &i !#ost, 4 P#ostii, insist% B#;an+ S% !#es ! nem c*a 6enit cine6a la " mneata &i te*a an$a8at s%*l $%se&ti !e Monahan, s! n2n" *0i c% a#e moti6e s% c#ea"% c% se a-l% 1n o#a&+ Acel cine6a s*a# -i ! t t s%*0i toa#ne o !o6este com!let -als% 4 sa s%*0i s! n% c%*i n "ato#nic ca#e a - $it, -%#% s%*0i "ea 1ns% nici n -el "e am%n nte+ De n"e &tii ce se asc n"e aici5 De n"e s% &tii c% n *i "ec2t o misi ne o'i&n it% "e "etecti65 Ia# 1n aceste 1m!#e8 #%#i, "esi$ # c% n !o0i -i t#as la #%s! n"e#e !ent# #ol l 8 cat, "ec2t "ac%+++ 6ocea 1i co'o#1 la n ton mai im!#esionant, ia# c 6intele se a#tic la#% #a# &i lim!e"e 4 te*ai -%c t com!lice, asc n/2n" i"entitatea c#iminal l i, sa in-o#ma0ii ca#e a# ! tea " ce la !#in"e#ea l i+
M2nia se to!i "e !e -a0a l i S!a"e+ ,ici 6ocea n mai !%st#a #me "e m2nie c2n" 1nt#e'%9 4 Asta*i !%#e#ea " mitale5 4 EDact+ 4 Foa#te 'ine+ At nci n m% simt 8i$nit+ Da# te 1n&eli+ 4 Do6e"e&te*o+ S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 , !ot s*o "o6e"esc ac m+ Pot "oa# s%*0i s! n+ 4 At nci s! ne*mi+ 4 ,imeni n m*a an$a8at 1n le$%t #% c DiDie Monahan+ B#;an &i Thomas schim'a#% !#i6i#i+ .chii l i B#;an se 1ntoa#se#% la S!a"e+ 4 Da#, " !% c m ai #ec nosc t sin$ #, cine6a te*a an$a8at ca s% te oc !i "e Th #s';, a$ent l 1nso0ito#5 4 Da, "e -ost l a$ent 1nso0ito# Th #s';+ 4 Fost l5 4 Da, -ost l+ 4 tii "eci c% Th #s'; n mai e#a 1n le$%t #% c Monahan+ E&ti si$ #5 S!a"e 1ntinse m2na &i "%" "# m l chi&toc l i 1n sc# mie#a "e !e 'i#o + )o#'i ne!%s%to#9 4 , &ti nimic eDact, "ec2t c% Th #s'; n e#a inte#esat "e Monahan &i nici n - sese 6#eo"at%+ Am a /it c% Th #s'; l*a l at c el !e Monahan 1n .#ient &i l*a !ie#" t !e "# m+ P#oc #o# l "ist#ict al &i a8 to# l l i schim'a#% "in no !#i6i#i+ Thomas s! se !e n ton 'anal, ca#e 1i t#%"a tot &i emo0ia+ 4 Asta "eschi"e o no % !e#s!ecti6%+ P#ietenii l i Monahan a# -i ! t t s%*l omoa#e !e Th #s'; -iin"c% l*a t#%"at !e Monahan+ 4 F c%to#ii "e c%#0i mo#0i n a !#ieteni, /ise S!a"e+ 4 Deschi"e "o % noi !e#s!ecti6e, /ise B#;an+ Se l%s% !e s!ate &i se it% -iD 1n ta6an c2te6a sec n"e, a!oi 1&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l+ Fa0a l i "e o#ato# se l min%+ 4 R%m2n ast-el t#ei i!ote/e+ P#ima9 Th #s'; a -ost cis "e 8 c%to#ii "e c%#0i 1n&ela0i "e Monahan la Chica$o+ F%#% s% &tie c% Th #s'; l*a cis !e Monahan 4 sa -%#% s% le 6in% s% c#ea"% 4 l*a omo#2t !ent# c*a -ost com!lice c Monahan, sa ca s% se sca!e "e el, sa s% "ea !#in el "e #ma l i Monahan, sa -iin"c% a #e- /at s%*i con" c% la Monahan+ I!ote/a "oi9 A -ost cis "e !#ietenii l i Monahan+ I!ote/a t#ei9 C*a 62n" t !e Monahan " &manilo# l i, a!oi s*a ce#tat &i ei l*a c #%0at+ 4 Sa i!ote/a n m%# l !at# , 1i s $e#% S!a"e c n /2m'et 6oios9 A m #it "e '%t#2ne0e+ , 6o#'e&ti se#ios, n *i a&a5 Cei "oi '%#'a0i se ita#% l n$ la S!a"e, "a# nici n l n 6o#'i+ S!a"e 1&i !lim'% /2m'et l "e la n l la alt l &i cl%tin% "in ca! 1n semn "e m2n% 'at8oco#itoa#e+ 4 )% $2n"i0i la A#nol" Rothstein+ B#;an se '%t c "os l m2inii st2n$i !este !alma celei "#e!te+ 4 Sol 0ia e na "in aceste t#ei i!ote/e+ Fo#0a "in 6ocea l i n mai e#a latent%+ M2na "#ea!t% 4 n ! mn, c eDce!0ia "e$et l i a#%t%to# 1ntins 4 #c% &i co'o#2, o!#in" *se c o sm cit #%, ia# a#%t%to# l se 1n"#e!t% s!#e !ie!t l l i S!a"e+ 4 i !o0i s% ne "ai in-o#ma0ia ca#e s% ne !#eci/e/e i!ote/a+ 4 C#e/i5 s! se S!a"e -oa#te 'la/at+ Se 1nt necase la -a0%+ D se n "e$et la ' /a in-e#ioa#%, 1l !#i6i, a!oi se sc%#!in% c el la cea-%+ Pe -# nte 1i a!%# #% ni&te lini 0e "e ene#6a#e+ R%s -l% $#eoi !e nas &i 'om'%ni !#ost "is! s+ 4 ,*ai ne6oie "e in-o#ma0iile !e ca#e 0i le !ot "a e , B#;an+ , le !o0i -olosi+ Gi*a# st#ica scena#i l %sta c #%/' na#ea 8 c%to# l i "e c%#0i+ B#;an se sc l% &i 1&i 1n"#e!t% me#ii+ )o#'i $#a6 "a# -%#% s% 0i!e+ 4 , te*am chemat s% "ai !%#e#i+ Fie c% am "#e!tate sa n , s nt tot &i !#oc #o# l "ist#ict al+ S!a"e #i"ic% ' /a "e s s+ 4 Am c#e/ t c%*i o "isc 0ie neo-icial%+ 4 S nt o-i0e# al le$ii tim! "e "o %/eci &i !at# "e o#e !e /i, s! se B#;an &i o "isc 0ie, -ie ea o-icial% sa neo-icial%, n 8 sti-ic% -a!t l c%*mi asc n/i "o6e/i "es!#e c#im%, a-a#%,
-i#e&te 4 "%" "in ca! semni-icati6 4 "e ca/ l an mito# !#e6e"e#i constit 0ionale+ 4 C alte c 6inte, ai che- s% m% t#a$i la #%s! n"e#e5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ )o#'ea !laci", a!#oa!e am /at, "e&i se 1nt necase la -a0%+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, am moti6ele mele ' ne, sa moti6e ca#e 1mi con6in mai 'ine+ Clien0ii mei a "#e!t l la o an mit% "isc#e0ie+ Poate c% #e &e&ti s% m% -aci s% 6o#'esc 1naintea n i Ma#e F #i sa chia# 1naintea F #i l i .-i0e# l i Ce$ii, "a# n*am -ost 1nc% somat s% m% !#e/int 1n -a0a nici n ia "in aceste 8 #ii, &i 6% asi$ # c% n*am s% "e/6%l i a-ace#ile clien0ilo# mei, "ec2t "ac% 6oi -i silit+ Pe #m%, at2t !oli0ia c2t &i 6oi m*a0i ac /at c% s nt amestecat 1n c#imele "e ac m c2te6a se#i+ Am &i a6 t 1nc #c%t #i c " mneata &i c !oli0ia+ D !% c2te 1n0ele$, sin$ #a &ans% "e*a ie&i "in 1nc #c%t #a 1n ca#e 1nce#ca0i s% m% 62#20i e s% 6% a" c e c#iminalii 4 le$a0i -e"ele&+ Ia# sin$ #a mea &ans% "e a*i !#in"e 6#eo"at%, "e a*i le$a -e"ele& &i "e a 6i*i a" ce e s% 6% e6it !e 6oi &i !oli0ia, -iin"c% nici nii n "a0i 6#e n semn c% 1n0ele$e0i "es!#e ce "#ac e 6o#'a+ Se #i"ic%, 1&i 1ntoa#se ca! l !este m%# &i se a"#es% steno$#a- l i9 Ai notat tot l, -i le5 Sa am 6o#'it !#ea #e!e"e5 Steno$#a- l 1l !#i6i s #!#ins &i 1i #%s! nse9 4 , , "omn le+ Am notat tot l+ 4 Pe#-ect, /ise S!a"e &i #e6eni ia# la B#;an+ Ac m, "ac% 6#ei s% te " ci la T#i' nal &i s% s! i c% ! n !ie"ici 1n calea 8 sti0iei &i s% le ce#i s%*mi #i"ice !e#mis l, $#%'e&te*te+ Ai mai 1nce#cat &i 1nainte &i n*ai #e &it "ec2t s% te -aci "e #2s !#et tin"eni+ 7&i l % !%l%#ia+ B#;an 1nce! 9 4 Da# asc lt%+++ 4 i sc te&te*m% "e aceste "isc 0ii neo-iciale, 1i /ise S!a"e+ ,*am s%*0i s! n nimic " mitale, nici !oli0iei &i m*am s%t #at s% -i 1n8 #at "e to0i ne' nii "e !e statele "e !lat% ale !oli0iei "in o#a&+ Dac% 6#ei s% m% 6e/i, a#estea/%*m%, somea/%*m% s% m% !#e/int sa -% altce6a, &i at nci 6in aici c a6ocat l me + 7&i ! se !%l%#ia !e ca! &i s! se9 Poate c% ne 6e"em !ostmo#tem, a!oi ie&i+ T)I A TREIA CRIMH S!a"e int#% la hotel l S tte# &i tele-on% la hotel l AleDan"#ia+ > tman n se 1nto#sese+ ,imeni "in $# ! l l i > tman n e#a acas%+ S!a"e tele-on% la hotel l Bel6e"e#e+ Cai#o n se a-la acolo &i nici n - sese toat% /i a+ S!a"e se " se la 'i#o + =n ti! '# net &i slinos, 'ine 1m'#%cat, 1l a&te!ta 1n% nt# + E--ie Pe#ine i*l a#%t% !e ti! l '# net &i s! se9 4 Acest gentleman 6#ea s% 6% 6o#'easc%, "omn le S!a"e+ S!a"e /2m'i, se 1nclin% &i "eschise &a "int#e 'i#o #i+ 4 Int#a0i+ 7nainte "e a*l #ma, S!a"e o 1nt#e'% !e E--ie Pe#ine9 )#eo 6este 1n chesti nea aceea5 4 , , "omn le+ B# net l e#a !#o!#ieta# l n i cinema !e Ma#Aet St#eet+ B%n ia c% n l "int#e casie#i &i n taDato# se coali/ase#% !ent# a*l 1n&ela+ S!a"e 1l $#%'i s% te#mine &i 1i !#omise (c*o s% ai'% el $#i8%(, 1i ce# cinci/eci "e "ola#i &i sc%!% "e el 1n mai ! 0in "o 8 m%tate "e o#%+ C2n" &a "e la co#i"o# se 1nchise 1n #ma !#o!#ieta# l i "e cinema, E--ie Pe#ine int#%+ Fa0a ei '#on/at% e#a nec%8it% &i 1nt#e'%toa#e9 4 ,*ai $%sit*o 1nc%5 1nt#e'% ea+ S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca! &i contin % s%*&i m2n$2ie t2m!la 1n6ine0it%+ 4 C m te sim0i5 1l 1nt#e'% ea+ 4 Foa#te 'ine, "a# m% "oa#e 1n-io#%to# ca! l+ E--ie 1l ocoli, 1i l%s% m2na 1n 8os &i 1l mas% !e t2m!l% c "e$etele ei s '0i#i+ S!a"e se !lec% !2n% c2n" cea-a i se o"ihni !e s2nii ei, "incolo "e s!%ta# l sca n l i+ 4 E&ti n 1n$e#+ E--ie se !lec% !este el &i*l !#i6i "e s s, 1n -a0%9 4 T#e' ie s*o $%se&ti, Sam+ A t#ec t o /i "e c2n" a+++ S!a"e se -oi &i o 1nt#e# !se ne#%'"%to#9
4 ,*am ! t t -ace nimic, "a# "ac% m% la&i s%*mi o"ihnesc o cli!% ca! l %sta 'lestemat, am s% !lec &i*am s*o $%sesc+ 4 S%#man ca!, m #m #% E--ie &i contin % s%*l mase/e 1n t%ce#e+ A!oi 1l 1nt#e'%9 tii n"e e5 Ai 6#eo i"ee5 S n% tele-on l+ S!a"e #i"ic% #eee!io# l &i s! se9 4 Alo+++ Da, Si", a ie&it 'ine, m l0 mesc+++ , +++ Desi$ #+ A "e6enit o'#a/nic, "a# am "e6enit &i e +++ A#e o teo#ie st !i"% c*a# -i 6o#'a "es!#e o "is! t% 1nt#e 8 c%to#i "e c%#0i+++ Ei 'ine, la !leca#e n ne*am chia# s%# tat+ I*am s! s ce !%#e#e am &i l*am l%sat 1n !lata Domn l i+++ Ai n moti6 s% te nec%8e&ti+++ 7n #e$ l%+ Ca #e6e"e#e+ P se tele-on l la loc 1n - #c% &i se a!lec% "in no 1na!oi 1n sca n+ E--ie Pe#ine 6eni "in s!atele l i &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e al%t #i "e el+ 7l 1nt#e'%9 4 C#e/i c% &tii n"e e -ata, Sam5 4 ti n"e s*a " s, #%s! nse el cam -%#% s% 6#ea+ 4 =n"e5 E--ie e#a ne#6oas%+ 4 Ca 6a!o# l !e ca#e l*ai 6%/ t a#/2n"+ E--ie -%c ochii ma#i !2n% c2n" ! !ila ca-enie se 1ncon8 #% "e al'+ 4 Ai -ost acolo+ , e#a o 1nt#e'a#e+ 4 , , n*am -ost, #%s! nse S!a"e+ 4 SamE st#i$% ea - #ioas%, s*a# ! tea s% -ie+++ 4 S*a " s acolo, s! se el !osac+ ,*a -ost " s% c -o#0a+ S*a " s "in !#o!#ie ini0iati6% 1n loc s% mea#$% la tine, at nci c2n" a a-lat c% a sosit 1n !o#t 6a!o# l+ Ei, la "#aciiE 7mi !#etin/i s% ale#$ " !% clien0i &i s%*i im!lo# s% m% lase s%*i a8 t5 4 Da#, Sam, n 0i*am s! s c% 6as l a#"ea5 4 Asta s*a 1nt2m!lat la !#2n/, c2n" a6eam o 1nt2lni#e c Polha s &i alta c B#;an+ E--ie 1l !#i6i m2nioas%, st#2n$2n" *&i !leoa!ele+ 4 Sam S!a"e, "ecla#% ea, c2n" 6#ei !o0i -i cel mai "etesta'il in"i6i" l%sat "e D mne/e + Fiin"c% -ata a ac0ionat -%#% s% te an n0e, stai aici &i n 1nt#e!#in/i nimic, "e&i &tii c% e 1n !#ime8"ie, "e&i &tii c% s*a# ! tea ca ea+++ S!a"e #o&i+ S! se 1nc%!%02nat9 4 Poate -oa#te &o# s% ai'% sin$ #% $#i8% "e ea &i &tie n"e s% 6in% " !% a8 to# c2n" a#e s% c#ea"% c% a#e ne6oie, &i c2n" a#e s%*i con6in%+ 4 Asta*i #% tateE st#i$% E--ie, #% tate c #at%E E&ti - #ios c*a ac0ionat sin$ #%, -%#% s% te an n0e+ De ce s% n*o -ac%5 , e&ti nici -o#mi"a'il "e co#ect &i nici n*ai -ost !#ea cinstit c ea ca s% ai'% toat% 1nc#e"e#ea 1n tineE 4 A8 n$eE 1i s! se S!a"e+ Ton l l i st2#ni 1n !#i6i#ea ei ne#6oas% o sc #t% scli!i#e "e nelini&te3 E--ie "%" ca! l !e s!ate &i scli!i#ea "is!%# + A6ea ' /ele st#2nse &i mici+ S! se9 4 Dac% n te " ci acolo chia# 1n cli!a asta, Sam, am s% m% " c e &i*am s% ia &i !oli0ia c mine+ )ocea 1i t#em #%, i se s!a#se, "e6enin" o 6%ic%#eal% st#i"ent%+ Te #o$, Sam, " *teE S!a"e se #i"ic% 'lestem2n"*o+ A!oi s! se9 4 D mne/e leE M*a& sim0i mai 'ine "ac*a& sta 1n ca! "ec2t s% te asc lt !e tine aici mio#l%in" *te+ Se it% la ceas+ 4 ,*a# st#ica s% 1nc i &i s% te " ci acas%+ 4 ,*am s% m% " c, s! se ea+ Am s% te a&te!t aici !2n% te 1nto#ci+ 4 F% c m "#ac 10i !lace, 1i /ise el &i 1&i ! se !%l%#ia, se #%/$2n"i, o scoase &i !lec% 0in2n"*o 1n m2n%+ . o#% &i 8 m%tate mai t2n/i , la cinci &i "o %/eci, S!a"e se 1ntoa#se+ E#a 'ine "is! s+ Int#% &i 1nt#e'%9 4 C m se -ace c% m% 1n0ele$ at2t "e $#e c tine, sc m!o5 4 C mine5 4 Da, c tine+ 7i ! se n "e$et !e 62#- l nas l i a!%s2n" *i*l+ . !#inse "e coate, o #i"ic% &i o s%# t% !e '%#'ie+ . a&e/% la loc 8os &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 S*a 1nt2m!lat ce6a c2t am li!sit5 4 C Ae %la, c m 1l cheam%5 "e la hotel l Bel6e"e#e a tele-onat cam ac m o 8 m%tate "e o#% ca s% s! n% c% s*a 1nto#s Cai#o+
S!a"e 1nchise $ #a c o mi&ca#e '# sc%, se 1ntoa#se c n !as l n$ &i !o#ni s!#e &%+ 4 Ai $%sit*o5 1l 1nt#e'% -ata+ 4 Am s%*0i s! n c2n" m% 1nto#c, 1i #%s! nse el -%#% s% se o!#easc% &i ie&i $#%'it+ =n taDi 1l " se !e S!a"e la hotel l Bel6e"e#e 1n /ece min te+ 7l $%si !e C Ae 1n hol+ Detecti6 l hotel l i 1l 1nt2m!in% !e S!a"e, #2n8in" &i cl%tin2n" "in ca!+ 4 Cincis!#e/ece min te !#ea t2#/i , /ise el+ Pas%#ea ta &i*a l at /'o# l+ S!a"e 1&i 'lestem% $hinion l+ 4 S*a c%#at+ C toate 'a$a8ele, s! se C Ae+ Scoase "in ' / na# l 6estei n ca#net /at, 1&i linse "e$et l ma#e &i*i 1ntinse ca#net l "eschis l i S!a"e+ 4 =ite n m%# l taDi l i c ca#e a !lecat+ At2ta am ! t t s% -ac !ent# tine+ 4 M l0 mesc+ S!a"e co!ie n m%# l !e "os l n i !lic+ 4 A l%sat 6#eo a"#es% !ent# co#es!on"en0%5 4 , + A 6enit ! # &i sim!l c n $eamantan ma#e 1n m2n%, s*a #cat la el 1n a!a#tament, a 1m!achetat, a co'o#2t c 'a$a8ele, &i*a achitat nota, a chemat n taDi &i*a !lecat -%#% ca cine6a s% a "% ce*a s! s &o-e# l i+ 4 Ce se 1nt2m!i% c c -%# l l i5 C Ae l%s% 1n 8os ' /a in-e#ioa#%+ 4 D mne/e leE s! se el, am &i itat "e elE Hai s sE Se s i#% 1n a!a#tament l l i Cai#o+ C -%# l se a-la acolo, 1nchis, "a# ne1nc iat+ Ri"ica#% ca!ac l+ C -%# l e#a $ol+ C Ae s! se9 4 Ma#e sco-al%E S!a"e n #%s! nse+ Se 1ntoa#se la 'i#o + E--ie Pe#ine #i"ic% ochii s!#e el c #ioas%+ 4 C*am sc%!at, 'om'%ni S!a"e &i t#ec 1n 'i#o l s% + E--ie 1i #m%+ S!a"e se a&e/% !e n sca n &i 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ Fata st%t 8os !e 'i#o l l i &i 1&i s!#i8ini "e$etele "e la !icioa#e !e n col0 al sca n l i l i+ 4 Ce se 1nt2m!l% c "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;5 1nt#e'% ea+ 4 Am sc%!at*o &i !e ea, 1i #e!lic% el, "a# a -ost acolo+ 4 Pe %a 7aloma5 4 Mai sc te&te*m% "e acest %a, s! se el+ 4 7ncetea/%+ Fii 1n0ele$%to#, Sam+ S! ne*mi+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a, 62#1 '#icheta 1n ' / na#, o '%t !e E--ie !e $le/ne &i s! se9 4 Da+ %a 7aloma. S*a " s !e 6a!o# ie#i ime"iat " !% !#2n/+ S!a"e 1&i st#2nse s!#2ncenele+ 4 7nseamn% "eci c% s*a " s "i#ect acolo " !% ce*a !%#%sit taDi l la o-ici l -e##;*'oat* l i+ , *i "ec2t la c2te6a chei #i mai 1ncolo+ C%!itan l n se a-la !e 'o#"+ Se n me&te Faco'i, &i ea l*a c% tat !e n me+ Plecase 1n o#a& " !% a-ace#i+ 7nseamn% "eci c% n*o a&te!ta, sa c% n*o a&te!ta la acea o#%+ B#i$i" l*a a&te!tat !2n% ce s*a 1nto#s la !at# " !%*amia/%+ i*a !et#ec t tim! l 1m!#e n% "e at nci &i !2n% la o#a cinci, st2n" &i l 2n" masa c el 1n ca'ina l i+ T#ase - m l 1n !ie!t, a!oi 1l s -l%, 1ntoa#se ca! l 1nt#*o !a#te ea s% sc i!e n -i# "e t t n $al'en "e !e ' /e &i contin %9 D !% mas%, c%!itan l Faco'i a mai a6 t t#ei 6i/itato#i+ =n l a -ost > tman, alt l Cai#o, ia# al t#eilea '%iat l ca#e 0i*a a" s ie#i mesa8 l "e la > tman+ To0i t#ei a sosit 1m!#e n% 1n 6#eme ce B#i$i" se a-la acolo &i*a "isc tat m lt tim! to0i cinci 1n ca'ina c%!itan l i+ E $#e "e scos ce6a "e la echi!a8, "a# c#e" c% cei cinci s*a l at la cea#t%, &i !e la ns!#e/ece noa!tea s*a "esc%#cat o a#m% 1n ca'ina c%!itan l i+ Ma#ina# l "e !a/% a "at - $a acolo, "a# c%!itan l l*a 1nt2m!inat la &% &i i*a s! s c% tot l e 1n #e$ l%+ 7nt#* n col0 al ca'inei se 6e"e o #m% !#oas!%t% "e $lon0, "a# e "est l "e s s ca s%*0i "ai seama c% n*a lo6it !e nimeni+ Din c2te am a-lat n s*a t#as "ec2t n sin$ # -oc+ i nici n*a -ost ma#e sco-al%+ Se st#2m'% &i t#ase ia# - m 1n !ie!t+ 4 Ei 'ine, a !lecat " !% mie/ l no!0ii 4 c%!itan l 1m!#e n% c cei !at# 6i/itato#i ai s%i 4 &i se !a#e c% to0i se ! tea 0ine !e !icioa#e+ Am a-lat asta "e la !a/nic+ ,*am #e &it s% "a "e oamenii "e la 6am% ca#e a -ost "e se#6ici at nci+ Asta*i tot+ C%!itan l n s*a mai 1nto#s+ ,*a 6enit la 1nt2lni#ea !e ca#e o -iDase a/i la !#2n/ c ni&te a$en0i ma#itimi, &i nici n l*a $%sit ca s%*i s! n% "e incen"i + 4 i incen"i l5 1nt#e'% ea+ S!a"e "%" "in me#i+ 4 Ha'a# n*am+ A -ost "esco!e#it 1n cal% 4 1n !a#tea "in - n" 4 a/i*"iminea0% t2#/i + Se c#e"e c*a i/' cnit ie#i+ A #e &it s%*l stin$%, "a# a -%c t "est le !a$ 'e+ ,imeni n*a 6# t
s% "isc te !#ea m lt 1n li!sa c%!itan l i+ E+++ =&a "e la co#i"o# se "eschise+ S!a"e 1nchise $ #a+ E--ie Pe#ine s%#i "e !e 'i#o , "a# n om "eschise &a "e le$%t #% "int#e o"%i 1nainte ca ea s% a8 n$% acolo+ 4 =n"e*i S!a"e5 1nt#e'% '%#'at l+ Ca a / l 6ocii l i, S!a"e 1&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l &i "e6eni atent+ E#a o 6oce as!#% &i #%$ &it% "in ca /a " #e#ii &i a e-o#t l i "e a e6ita ca cele "o % c 6inte s% -ie 1n%' &ite "e 'ol'o#oseala a!oas% ce le 1nto6%#%&ea &i le #ma+ S!e#iat%, E--ie Pe#ine se -e#i "in calea l i+ .m l #%mase 1n !#a$, c !%l%#ia moale st#i6it% 1nt#e ca! &i #ama "e s s a &ii+ A6ea 6#eo "oi met#i &i /ece+ =n !a#"esi ne$# , l n$, st#2ns !e co#! ea o teac%, &i 1ncheiat "e la $2t !2n% la $en nchi 1i eDa$e#a /6elte0ea+ =me#ii 1i ie&ea , 1nal0i, asc 0i0i &i col0 #o&i+ Fa0a l i osoas% 4 1n%s!#it% "e 6#eme, '#%/"at% "e '%t#2ne0e 4 a6ea c loa#ea nisi! l i me" &i !e o'#a8i &i '%#'ie e#a " "e t#ans!i#a0ie+ .chii 1nt neca0i &i in8ecta0i !#i6ea - #io&i !este !leoa!ele in-e#ioa#e c%/ te, 1nc2t se 6e"ea mem'#ana inte#ioa#% #o/%+ 7n st2n$a 0inea st#2ns, c o m2nec% nea$#%, ca#e se te#mina c o la'% $%l' ie, n !achet 1n6elit 1n h2#tie ca-enie &i le$at c o -#2n$hie s '0i#e 4 n o'iect eli!soi"al, mai ma#e "ec2t o min$e "e -ot'al ame#ican+ B%#'at l 1nalt #%mase 1n !#a$ &i nimic n t#%"% c%*l 6e"ea !e S!a"e+ <ise9 4 ti0i+++ A!oi 'ol'o#oseala a!oas% 1i #c% 1n $2tle8 &i 1nec% o#ice c 62nt a# mai -i a6 t "e $2n" s% #osteasc%+ 7&i ! se cealalt% m2n% !este cea c ca#e 0inea o'iect l eli!soi"al+ Se 0inea -oa#te "#e!t &i -oa#te 0ea!%n &i, -%#% s%*&i 1ntin"% '#a0ele !ent# a !#e6eni c%"e#ea, se !#%' &i ca n t# nchi #ete/at+ S!a"e, c chi! l im!enet#a'il, "a# c mi&c%#i a$ile, s%#i "e !e sca n &i*l !#inse !e '%#'at l ca#e c%"ea+ C2n" 1l a! c%, $ #a '%#'at l i se "eschise &i o & 6i0% "e s2n$e 02&ni "in ea ia# !achet l 1n6elit 1n h2#tie ca-enie 1i sc%!% "in m2ini, al nec% !e " & mea &i se o!#i l2n$% n l "in !icioa#ele 'i#o l i+ At nci $en nchii '%#'at l i se 1n"oi#%, se 1n"oi &i el "in talie, ia# co#! l s '0i#e se mole&i 1n !a#"esi l ca o teac%, !#%' &in" *se 1n '#a0ele l i S!a"e, ca#e n #e &i s%*l mai s s0in%+ Detecti6 l 1l 1ntinse atent, !e !o"ea, !e !a#tea st2n$% a t# ! l i+ .chii '%#'at l i 4 1nt neca0i &i in8ecta0i, "a# -%#% a mai -i - #io&i 4 e#a la#$ "eschi&i &i nemi&ca0i+ > #a 1i #%m%sese "eschis%, ca at nci c2n" 02&nise s2n$ele, "e&i ac m 1ncetase s%*i mai c #$%, ia# t# ! l l n$ /%cea la -el "e nemi&cat ca &i " & mea a !e ca#e se a-la+ 4 7nc ie &a, s! se S!a"e+ E--ie Pe#ine, cl%n0%nin" "in "in0i, mo&moni ce6a la '#oasca &ii "ins!#e co#i"o#+ S!a"e 1n$en nchie l2n$% '%#'at l s '0i#el, 1l 1ntoa#se !e s!ate &i 1&i 62#1 m2na 1n !a#"esi l acest ia+ . scoase 1n c #2n" !lin% "e s2n$e+ )e"e#ea m2inii !%tate "e s2n$e n !#o" se nici cea mai mic% schim'a#e !e chi! l l i S!a"e+ Ri"ic% !alma ca s% n atin$% ce6a, &i 1&i scoase '#icheta "in ' / na# c cealalt% m2n%+ . a!#inse &i o a!#o!ie !e #2n" "e ochii '%#'at l i /6elt+ .chii, !leoa!ele, i#is l, ! !ila #%mase#% nemi&cate, 1n$he0ate+ S!a"e stinse '#icheta &i o '%$% la loc 1n ' / na#+ Se mi&c% 1n $en nchi 1n 8 # l t# ! l i mo#t l i &i c m2na c #at% 1i "eschise !a#"esi l cilin"#ic+ 7n% nt# , !a#"esi l e#a !lin "e s2n$e, ia# haina la "o % #2n" #i, "e "e"es 't, e#a leoa#c%+ Re6e#ele hainei, 1n loc l n"e se 1nt#et%ia !este !ie!t, &i !ie!0ii hainei a6ea mai m lte $% #i ne#e$ late &i 1m'i'ate "e s2n$e+ S!a"e se #i"ic% &i se " se la chi 6eta "in cel%lalt 'i#o + E--ie Pe#ine, !ali"% &i t#em #2n", se c%/ni s% stea "#ea!t%, s!#i8inin" *se c o m2n% "e clan0a &ii "e la co#i"o# &i c s!atele "e $eam l ei+ o!ti9 4 E+++5 E+++5 4 Da+ 7m! &cat 1n !ie!t, !oate "e &ase o#i+ S!a"e 1nce! s% se s!ele !e m2ini+ 4 ,*a# t#e' i s%+++5 !o#ni ea s% s! n%, "a# S!a"e o 1nt#e# !se9 4 E !#ea t2#/i s% mai chem%m n "octo# &i t#e' ie s% #e-lecte/ 1nainte "e*a -ace o#ice altce6a+ Se s!%l% !e m2ini &i c #%0% chi 6eta+ 4 ,*a ! t t s% 6in% "e "e!a#te c $loan0ele astea 1n el+ Dac%+++ De ce "#ac n*a a! cat s% stea "est l 1n !icioa#e ca s% ne s! n% ce6a5 Se 1nc# nt% la E--ie, 1&i cl%ti ia# m2inile &i l % n !#oso!+ 4 St%!2ne&te*teE S% n 0i se -ac% #% tocmai ac mE A/62#li !#oso! l 8os &i*&i !lim'% "e$etele !#in !%#+ 4 S% ne it%m la !achet+ Int#% "in no 1n 'i#o l "in - n", t#ec !este !icioa#ele mo#t l i &i l % "e 8os !achet l
1n6elit 1n h2#tie ca-enie+ 7l c2nt%#i 1n m2n% &i ochii 1i st#%l ci#%+ P se !achet l !e 'i#o &i 1l 1ntoa#se 1n a&a -el 1nc2t !a#tea 6in"e se a-la no" l -#2n$hiei s% -ie "eas !#a+ ,o" l e#a ta#e &i st#2ns+ Scoase '#icea$ l "in ' / na# &i t%ie -#2n$hia+ E--ie !lecase "e l2n$% &% &i, c chi! l 1nto#s, ocoli mo#t l &i se a!#o!ie "e S!a"e+ 7n tim! ce st%tea acolo 4 c m2inile !e ma#$inea 'i#o l i 4 #m%#in" *l c m "es-ace -#2n$hia &i "% la o !a#te h2#tia "e am'ala8, $#ea0a i se t#ans-o#m% 1n c #io/itate+ 4 C#e/i c%*i stat eta5 &o!ti ea+ 4 . s% a-l%m "e 1n"at%, /ise S!a"e, "es-%c2n" c "e$etele ma#i &i !#ice! te st#at #ile "e h2#tie cen &ie, o#"ina#%, t#ei #2n" #i 1nt#e$i, scoase la i6eal% !#in 1nl%t #a#ea h2#tiei ca-enii+ S!a"e a6ea chi! l " # &i !osac+ .chii 1i st#%l cea + C2n" 1nl%t #% toat% h2#tia cen &ie, "%" !este n st#at "e tala8 li!it "e o'iect+ R !se st#at l "e tala8 &i 1naintea ochilo# 1i a!%# sil eta 1nalt% "e t#ei/eci "e centimet#i a nei !%s%#i, nea$#% c m e c%#' nele &i l cioas% acolo n"e email l ei n - sese aten at "e # me$ &, sa "e tala8+ S!a"e #2se+ P se m2na !e !as%#e, 1&i 1n"oi "e$etele la#$ "es-%c te ca !ent# a o l a 1n !osesi ne+ . 1m'#%0i&% !e E--ie Pe#ine &i 1i st#i6i t# ! l "e al s% + 4 A6em 'lestemata "e !as%#e, sc m!oE 4 A E st#i$% ea+ D%*mi "# m l c% m% "oa#e+ S!a"e 1i "%" "# m l, l % 1n m2ini !as%#ea &i sc t #% #est l "e tala8 1nc% a"e#ent+ A!oi se t#ase 1na!oi &i 0in2n"*o 1n -a0%, s -l% !#a- l "e !e ea &i o !#i6i t#i m-%to#+ E--ie Pe#ine se 1n$#o/i &i 0i!%, a#%t2n" s!#e !icioa#ele l i+ S!a"e se it% 1n 8os+ =ltim l !as -%c t 1n"%#%t 1i a" sese c%lc2i l 1n contact, c m2na mo#t l i, st#i6in" 1nt#e toc &i " & mea o 8 m%tate "e centimet# "in !alma mo#t l i+ S!a"e 1&i sm ci !icio# l "e l2n$% m2n%+ S n% tele-on l+ 7i -%c semn "in ca! -etei+ E--ie se 1ntoa#se la 'i#o &i " se #ece!to# l la #eche+ S! se9 4 Alo+++ Da+++ Cine5+++ ., "a+++ F%c ochi ma#i+ 4 Da+++ R%m2ne0i la a!a#at+++ > #a i se 1ntinse '# sc, "e team%+ St#i$%9 AloE AloE AloE <$2l02i a!a#at l 1n s s &i 1n 8os &i st#i$% (Alo(E "e "o % o#i+ A!oi i/' cni 1n lac#imi &i se 1ntoa#se c -a0a la S!a"e, ca#e se a!#o!iase "e ea+ E#a "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;E st#i$% ea+ A#e ne6oie "e tine+ E la hotel l AleDan"#ia+++ e 1n !#ime8"ie+ A6ea o 6oce 4 a -ost 1n$#o/ito#, SamE D *te &i a8 t*o, SamE S!a"e a&e/% &oim l !e 'i#o &i se 1nc# nt% !osac+ 4 T#e' ie s% m% oc ! mai 1nt2i "e cet%0ean l %sta, /ise el &i a#%t% c "e$et l ma#e s!#e ca"a6# l "e !e " & mea+ E--ie se lo6i c ! mnii 1n !ie!t &i st#i$%9 4 , E , E T#e' ie s% te " ci la eaE , 1n0ele$i, Sam5 .m l %sta a a6 t o'iect l ca#e 1i a!a#0inea ei &i a 6enit c el la tine+ , !#ice!i5 . a8 ta, ia# ceilal0i l*a asasinat, ia# ea e ac m+++ ., t#e' ie s% te " ciE 4 7n #e$ l%+ S!a"e o 1m!inse "in "# m, se a!lec% !este 'i#o , ! se !as%#ea nea$#% la loc 1n 1n6eli& l ei "e # me$ &, st#2nse h2#tiile 1n 8 # l ei, l c#2n" #a!i" &i -%c2n" n !achet mai ma#e &i mai $#osolan+ 4 De 1n"at% ce*am !lecat, tele-onea/% la !oli0ie+ S! ne*le c m s*a 1nt2m!lat, "a# n 62#1 nici n n me 1n isto#ie+ S! ne*le c% n &tii+ E am !#imit n tele-on &i 0i*am s! s c% t#e' ie s% !lec, "a# n*am !#eci/at n"e+ Blestem% -#2n$hia ca#e se 1nc #case, o nete/i &i 1nce! s% le$e !achet l+ 4 =it% "e !achet l %sta+ S! ne*le c m s*a 1nt2m!lat, "a# n !omeni "e !achet+ 7&i -#%m2nt% 1nt#e "in0i ' /a in-e#ioa#%+ 4 Doa# "ac% te !#in" c minci na+ Dac% se !a#e c% &ti "es!#e ce e 6o#'a, 6a t#e' i s% #ec no&ti+ Da# !#o'a'il c% n &ti + Ia# "ac% &ti , s! ne*le c*am l at e !achet l, ne"es-%c t+ Te#min% "e 1nno"at &i 1&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l, 0in2n" !achet l s ' '#a0 l st2n$+ 4 Fii atent% ac m+ Relate/i a&a c m s*a 1nt2m!lat, "a# n !omene&ti "e stat et% "ec2t "ac% &ti "e ea+ , ne$a 4 m l0 me&te*te s% n*o !omene&ti+ , ita c% e am !#imit tele-on l 4 n t + i n &tii nimic "es!#e cine6a ca#e s% ai'% 6#eo le$%t #% c ti! l %sta+ , &tii a'sol t nimic "es!#e el &i n "isc 0i "es!#e a-ace#ile mele "ee2t c2n" m% 1nto#c+ Ai !#ice! t5 4 Da, Sam+ tii+++ &tii cine e5 S!a"e #2n8i c# "+ 4 , !#ea, "a# '%n iesc c% e c%!itan l Faco'i, "e !e 6as l %a 7aloma. S!a"e 1&i l % !%l%#ia &i &i*o ! se !e ca!+ Se it% $2n"ito# la mo#t, ia# a!oi !#in 1nc%!e#e+ 4 >#%'e&te*te, SamE 1l im!lo#% -ata+ 4 Desi$ #, s! se el "ist#at+ Am s% m% $#%'esc+ 4 ,*a# st#ica s% st#2n$i "e 8os
# me$ & l !2n% 6ine !oli0ia+++ i !oate c*a# -i 'ine s%*l chemi !e Si"+ , + 7&i -#ec% '%#'ia+ 4 . s%*l l%s%m "eocam"at% "e*o !a#te+ . s% !a#% mai !# "ent+ S% 0ii &a 1nc iat% !2n% 6ine !oli0ia+ 7&i #et#ase m2na "e la '%#'ie &i 1&i -#ec% o'#a/ l+ 4 E&ti o -at% !e cinste, s #ioa#o, /ise el &i ie&i+ T)II SWMBHTA ,.APTEA D c2n" !achet l la s 's oa#%, c%lc2n" a$e# &i t#%"2n" *&i o'oseala "oa# !#in mi&ca#ea necontenit% a !#i6i#ii, S!a"e st#%'%t la 1nce! t o alee, a!oi o c #te st#2mt% ce " cea "e la 'i#o l l i !2n% la Pea#n; St#eet &i Post St#eet, n"e o!#i n taDi ca#e tocmai t#ecea+ TaDi l 1l " se la ca!%t l liniei, la PicA?icA Sta$e, !e Fi-th St#eet+ C%s% !as%#ea la 'i#o l "e 'a$a8e, 62#1 chitan0a 1nt#* n !lic tim'#at, sc#ise !e el M. F. 6olland &i n m%# l nei c%s 0e !o&tale "in San F#ancisco, li!i !lic l &i*i "%" "# m l 1nt#*o c tie !o&tal%+ De la ca!%t l liniei, l % n taDi, ca#e 1l " se la hotel l AleDan"#ia+ S!a"e s i a!oi la a!a#tament l 1RC &i '%t la &%+ Ca cea "e*a "o a lo6it #% &a "eschis% "e o -at% sc n"% c !%# 'lon", 1m'#%cat% 1nt#* n ca!ot $al'en st#%l cito#+ . -at% c -a0% al'% &i ineD!#esi6% se 0inea a$%0at% c "is!e#a#e c am2n"o % m2inile "e clan0a "in% nt# a &ii+ 7nt#e'% 1ns!2im2ntat%9 4 Domn l S!a"e5 4 Da, /ise S!a"e &i o !#inse 1n cli!a cin" se cl%tin%+ T# ! l ei se l%s% !e '#a0 l l i, ia# ca! l 1i c%/ !e s!ate ast-el 1nc2t !%# l 'lon" &i sc #t 1i at2#na 1n 8os3 $2t l /6elt a6ea o c #'% -# moas% "e la '%#'ie s!#e !ie!t+ S!a"e 1&i st#ec #% m2na c ca#e o 0inea, mai s s, s!#e s!ate, &i se a!lec% s% i*o t#eac% !e cealalt% !e s ' $en nchi+ Fata se mi&c%, o! se #e/isten0%, ia# "int#e ' /ele ca#e "e*a'ia se mi&ca ie&i#% c2te6a c 6inte necla#e+ 4 , E F%*m% s% me#$E S!a"e o -%c s% mea#$%+ 7nchise &a c !icio# l &i o !lim'% !e co6o# l 6e#"e al came#ei, "e la n !e#ete la alt l+ C n '#a0 1i s s0inea t# ! l mic, la s 's oa#%, c cel%lalt o s!#i8inea, a8 t2n"*o s% se 1n"#e!te c2n" se 1m!ie"ica, '%$2n" "e seam% s% n se clatine !#ea ta#e, 1m!in$2n"*o me#e 1nainte &i a62n" $#i8% ca !icioa#ele ei t#em #%toa#e s% s s0in% $#e tatea t# ! l i !e ca#e*l ! #ta+ Se !lim'a#% "e colo, colo !#in came#%, -ata !%&in" 1m!ie* "icat &i "e/o#"onat+ S!a"e me#$ea si$ # !e 62#- l !icioa#elo#, -%#% ca echili'# l s%*i -ie c nimic a-ectat "e '%l%'%neala ei+ Fata a6ea -a0a al'% ca 6a# l, ineD!#esi6%, 1n tim! ce !#i6i#ea l i !osomo#2t% &i " #% !2n"ea 1n toate !%#0ile "eo"at%+ S!a"e 1i 6o#'i monoton9 4 A&a+ St2n$ l, "#e!t l, st2n$ l, "#e!t l+ A&a*i 'ine+ =n, "oi, t#ei, !at# , n, "oi, t#ei, ac m ne 1ntoa#cem+ . /$ " i c2n" se 1ntoa#se#% "e la !e#ete+ 4 Ac m "in no 1n"%#%t+ =n, "oi, t#ei, !at# + Gine ca! l s s+ A&a*i 'ine+ B#a6o, -eti0oE St2n$ l, "#e!t l, st2n$ l, "#e!t l+ Ac m ne 1ntoa#cem "in no + . /$ " i ia#%&i+ 4 B#a6oE Me#$i, me#$i, me#$i, me#$i, me#$i+ =n, "oi, t#ei, !at# + Ac m me#$em 1n ce#c+ . /$ " i mai '# tal &i accele#% #itm l+ 4Asta*i &meche#ia+ St2n$ l, "#e!t l, st2n$ l, "#e!t l+ ,e $#%'im+ =n, "oi, t#ei+++ Fata t#es%#i &i 1n$hi0i 6iolent 1n sec+ S!a"e 1i /$2l02i '#a0 l &i 1&i li!i $ #a "e #echea ei+ 4 Pe#-ect+ Me#$i -# mos+ =n, "oi, t#ei, !at# + Mai #e!e"e, mai #e!e"e, mai #e!e"e, mai #e!e"e+ A&a+ Calc%, calc%, calc%+ Ri"ic% !icioa#ele &i las%*le 8os+ A&a+ Ac m ne 1ntoa#cem+ St2n$ l, "#e!t l, st2n$ l, "#e!t l+ Ce 0i*a -%c t5 Te*a "#o$at5 C ce m*a "#o$at &i !e mine5 Pleoa!ele ei -#em%ta#% &i se #i"ica#% o cli!% "e !e ochii c%!# i*a #ii o!aci3 a'ia #e &i s% s! n%9 4 Da+ B%t #% 1nc%!e#ea &i -ata mai c% ale#$a ac m ca s% se 0in% " !% S!a"e+ S!a"e o lo6ea c toat% !alma &i 1i masa t# ! l !#in m%tasea $al'en% c am2n"o % m2inile, 6o#'in" me#e , c ochii me#e " #i, "istan0i &i !2n"ito#i+ 4 St2n$ l, "#e!t l, st2n$ l, "#e!t l, 1ntoa#ce*te+ B#a6oE =n, "oi, t#ei, !at# , n, "oi, t#ei, !at# + Ri"ic%*0i '%#'ia+ A&a, n, "oi+++ Pleoa!ele ei se #i"ica#% "in no c20i6a milimet#i
&i 1n "os l lo# ochii 1i al neca#% o'osi0i "int#*o !a#te 1nt#*alta+ 4 Pe#-ect, /ise el c o 6oce mai a$e#%, #en n02n" la 6o#'i#ea monoton%+ Gine ochii "eschi&i+ Deschi"e*i la#$E Ca#$E . /$ " i+ Fata !#otest% c n $eam%t, "a# !leoa!ele i se #i"ica#% &i mai m lt, "e&i ochii n st#%l cea + S!a"e 1n%l0% m2na &i o !%lm i "e &ase o#i #e!e"e+ Fata $em ia# &i 1nce#c% s% sca!e "e el+ . 0in c '#a0 l &i o t2#1 al%t #i "e el "e la n !e#ete la alt l+ 4 Me#$i me#e E 1i o#"on% el c o 6oce as!#%+ A!oi s! se9 Cine e&ti5 R%s! ns l ei9 (Rhea > tman( e#a stins "a# inteli$i'il+ 4 Fiica5 4 Da+ 4 =n"e*i B#i$i"5 Se /'%t 1n '#a0ele l i &i 1l a! c% c na "in m2ini+ S!a"e 1&i t#ase #e!e"e m2na &i o !#i6i+ Pe "os l ei se 6e"ea o /$2#iet #% s '0i#e &i #o&ie "e 6#eo t#ei centimet#i+ 4 Ce "#ac E 'om'%ni el &i 1i ce#cet% m2inile+ Cea st2n$% e#a $oal%+ 7n "#ea!ta, at nci c2n" i*o "eschise c -o#0a, se a-la n ac "e $%m%lie "e o0el, l n$ "e 6#eo o!t centimet#i &i c m%ci lie "e 8a"+ 4 Ce "#ac E 'om'%ni el ia# &i #i"ic% ac l 1n -a0a ochilo# ei+ Ca 6e"e#ea l i, -ata $em &i 1&i "eschise ca!ot l+ D%" la o !a#te 'l /a !i8amalei c#em "e s ' ca!ot &i 1&i eD! se t# ! l3 s ' s2n l st2n$, n"e o 1n0e!ase &i o /$2#iase ac l, !ielea se aco!e#ise c ! ncte mici &i #o&ii+ 4 Ca s% sta +++ t#ea/%+++ s% me#$+++ !2n% 6ii " mneata+++ Ea a /is c*ai s% 6ii+++ ai 1nt2#/iat at2t "e m lt+++ Se cl%tin%+ S!a"e st#2nse '#a0 l 1n 8 # l ei &i s! se9 4 Me#$i+ Fata l !t% 1m!ot#i6a '#a0 l i, st#%" in" *se s% se 1ntoa#c% c -a0a s!#e el+ 4 , +++ 0i*am s! s+++ "oa#me+++ sal6ea/*o+++ 4 Pe B#i$i"5 o 1nt#e'% el+ 4 Da+++ a l at*o la B #+++ B #lin$ame+++ Ancho+++ "o %/eci &i &ase+++ $#%'e&te*te+++ !#ea t2#/i +++ Ca! l 1i c%/ !e m%#+ S!a"e 1i #i"ic% c '# talitate ca! l+ 4 Cine a " s*o acolo5 Tat%l t% 5 4 Da+++ i :ilme#+++ Cai#o+ Se chi#ci, !leoa!ele i se /'%t #%, "a# n mai "eschise ochii+++ Ca s*o omoa#e+ Ca! l 1i c%/ "in no , ia# S!a"e i*l 1m!inse 1n s s+ 4 Cine l*a 1m! &cat !e Faco'i5 Fata n !%# s% a "% 1nt#e'a#ea+ 7nce#c% 8alnic s% se 0in% "#e!t &i s% "eschi"% ochii+ Bol'o#osi9 4 D *te+++ ea+++ S!a"e o cl%tin% 6iolent+ 4 R%m2i t#ea/% !2n% 6ine "octo# l+ S!aima 1i "eschise ochii &i*i $oni o cli!% cea0a "in !#i6i#i+ 4 , E , E st#i$% ea c $las $#os+ Tata+++ a#e s% m% omoa#e+++ 8 #% c% n*ai s%+++ o s% a-le+++ am -%c t*o+++ !ent# ea+++ !#omite*mi+++ n*am s%+++ "o#m+++ -oa#te 'ine+++ "iminea0%+++ S!a"e o /$ " i "in no + 4 E&ti si$ #% c% "ac% ai s% "o#mi, ai s% elimini "#o$ l5 4 Da+ Ca! l 1i c%/ ia#+ 4 =n"e 0i*e !at l5 Fata 1nce#c% s% #i"ice o m2n%, "a# e-o#t l se "o6e"i !#ea ma#e !ent# ea, &i m2na 1i #%mase 1ntins% s!#e co6o#+ S s!in% ca n co!il o'osit &i t# ! l i se #elaD% &i i se 1nm ie+ S!a"e o !#inse 1n '#a0e 4 o s s0in 1n 6#eme ce se !#%' &ea 4 &i, s!#i8inin"*o &o# "e !ie!t l l i, se 1n"#e!t% s!#e !#ima "int#e cele t#ei &i+ 7ntoa#se clan0a "est l ca s% ias% /%6o# l, 1m!inse &a c !icio# l &i int#% 1nt#* n co#i"o# ca#e " cea, !e l2n$% o came#% "e 'aie c &a "eschis%, s!#e n "o#mito#+ Se it% 1n came#a "e 'aie, 6%/ c%*i $oal% &i t#ans!o#t% -ata 1n "o#mito#+ , se a-la nimeni acolo+ Hainele ! se la 6e"e#e &i o'iectele "e !e sc#in in"ica o"aia n i '%#'at+ S!a"e o " se !e -at% 1n"%#%t 1n came#a c co6o# 6e#"e &i 1nce#c% &a "in !a#tea o! s%+ T#ec !#a$ l, a8 nse 1nt#* n alt co#i"o#, ca#e " cea !e l2n$% alt% came#% "e 'aie $oal% &i "%"ea 1nt#* n "o#mito# -eminin+ T#ase a&te#n t #ile, a&e/% -ata 1n !at, 1i scoase !a! cii, o s%lt% ni0el ca s%*i scoat% ca!ot l $al'en, 1i ! se o !e#n% s ' ca! &i o aco!e#i c !le" #ile+ A!oi "eschise cele "o % -e#est#e ale came#ei &i #%mase c s!atele la
ele, it2n" *se -iD la -at%+ Res!i#a $#e , "a# n a$itat+ S!a"e se 1nc# nt%, a# nc% o !#i6i#e 1m!#e8 # &i mi&c% ' /ele+ C#e! sc l l 1nt neca o"aia+ R%mase acolo 1n !icioa#e, 1n l mina "esc#esc2n"2, a!#oa!e cinci min te+ 7n cele "in #m%, "%" ne#%'"%to# "in me#ii s%i c #'a0i &i masi6i, ie&i "in o"aie &i las% &a "e a-a#% a a!a#tament l i "esc iat%+ S!a"e se " se la (Com!ania "e tele-oane &i tele$#a-ie Paci-ic( "in Po?ell St#eet &i tele-on% la Da6en!o#t RJRJ+ 4 S!ital l "e =#$en0%, 6% #o$+++ AloE 7n a!a#tament l 1R C "e la hotel l AleDan"#ia se a-l% o -at% ca#e a -ost "#o$at%+ Da, n*a# st#ica s% t#imite0i !e cine6a ca s*o 6a"%+++ Aici e "omn l Hoo!e# "e la hotel l AleDan"#ia+ P se tele-on l 1n - #c% &i #2se+ F%c n alt n m%# &i /ise+ 4 Alo, F#anA+ Aici e Sam S!a"e+++ Po0i s%*mi -aci #ost "e o ma&in% c n &o-e# ca#e &tie s% tac%5+++ Ca s% me#$ ime"iat !2n% 1n !enins l%+++ Doa# c2te6a o#e+++ 7n #e$ l%+ S! ne*i s% m% ia "e la #esta #ant l l i Fohn, !e Pllis St#eet, "e 1n"at% ce !oate+ Mai -o#m% n n m%# 4 cel "e la 'i#o l l i 4 0in o 6#eme #ece!to# l la #eche, -%#% s% 6o#'easc%, a!oi 1l l%s% la loc 1n - #c%+ Se " se la #esta #ant l l i Fohn, ce# chelne# l i s% $#%'easc% coman"a "e -#i!t #%, ca#to-i !#%8i0i &i #o&ii+ M2nc% #e!e"e &i tocmai - ma o 0i$a#% la ca-ea, c2n" n t2n%# 'on"oc, c o &a!c% 1n ca#o #i, ! s% st#2m' !e ca!, "eas !#a ochilo# !ali/i, &i c n chi! a$e# &i 6esel int#% 1n #esta #ant &i se a!#o!ie "e masa l i+ 4 Tot l e 1n o#"ine, "omn le S!a"e+ Am -%c t !lin l la ma&in% &i m2#2ie s% !lec%m+ 4 Pe#-ect+ S!a"e '% #est l "e ca-ea &i ie&i c t2n%# l 'on"oc+ 4 tii n"e e Ancho A6en e, sa Ancho Roa", sa Ancho Bo le6a#" 1n B #lin$ame5 4 , , "a# "ac% e acolo, o s*o $%sim+ 4 Hai at nci, /ise S!a"e &i se a&e/% al%t #i "e &o-e# 1n lim /ina Ca"illac nea$#%+ 4 Ca t n m%# l "o %/eci &i &ase, &i c c2t sosim mai #e!e"e c at2t e mai 'ine, "a# s% n t#a$i la int#a#e+ 4 Am 1n0eles+ Me#se#% 6#eo &ase 'loc #i 1n t%ce#e+ o-e# l s! se9 4 Asociat l " mnea6oast#% a -ost c #%0at, "omn le S!a"e+ 4 M"a+ 4 E o mese#ie $#ea, chicoti &o-e# l . ! te0i schim'a c a mea+ 4 ,ici &o-e#ii "e mese#ie n t#%iesc o 6e&nicie+ 4 Poate c% a6e0i "#e!tate, #ec nosc t2n%# l 'on"oc, "e&i a# -i o s #!#i/% !ent# mine "ac% n*o s% t#%iesc o 6e&nicie+ S!a"e se it% 1nainte, 1n $ol, &i a!oi !2n% c2n" &o-e# l o'osi s% tot "isc te, #%s! nse n mai !#in "a &i n + Ca n drugstore "in B #lin$ame &o-e# l a-l% c m se ! tea a8 n$e la Ancho A6en e+ Peste /ece min te o!#i lim /ina l2n$% n col0 1nt necat &i a#%t% c m2na s!#e n 'loc "in -a0%+ 4 Acolo e, s! se el+ A# t#e' i s% se a-le !e cealalt% !a#te, a t#eia sa a !at#a cas%+ 4 7n #e$ l%, /ise S!a"e, &i se "%" 8os "in ma&in%+ Cas% moto# l s% mea#$%+ Poate c% 6om -i sili0i s% !lec%m 1n $#a'%+ T#ec st#a"a &i o l % 1n s s !e cealalt% !a#te+ De!a#te, 1n -a0%, a#"ea n -elina# sin$ #atic+ Felina#e mai ! te#nice il mina noa!tea !e am'ele cal"a#2m #i, acolo n"e casele e#a st#2nse c2te &ase la n loc+ . l n% s '0i#e &i 1nalt% at2#na #ece &i "e'il% ca &i -elina# l 1n"e!%#tat+ P#int#*o -e#east#% "eschis% "e !e cel%lalt t#ot a# '2/2ia n a!a#at "e #a"io+ 7n -a0a celei "e*a "o a case "e la col0, S!a"e se o!#i+ Pe n l "in st2l!ii !o#0ii, eDa$e#at "e masi6i -a0% "e !oa#t%, !e o !lac% "e metal !al, n R &i n Q ca!ta ! 0ina l min% eDistent%+ Deas !#a e#a '%t t% 1n c ie o ' cat% "e ca#ton !%t#at%+ S!a"e 1&i a!#o!ie -a0a "e ca#ton &i 6%/ c%*i n a-i& De .nc&iriat sau de '!nzare. Poa#ta e#a "eschis%+ S!a"e o a! c% !e aleea "e ciment s!#e cas%+ R%mase m lt% 6#eme nemi&cat !e alee, la !icio# l t#e!telo# nei 6e#an"e+ Din cas% n #%/'%tea nici n /$omot+ Casa e#a 1nt necat% c eDce!0ia nei alte ' c%0i "e ca#ton !%t#at% &i !al% '%t t% &i ea 1n c ie !e &%+ S!a"e se a!#o!ie "e &% &i t#ase c #echea+ , a /i nimic+ 7nce#c% s% se ite !#in $eam l &ii+ , eDista nici o !e#"ea ca s%*l 1m!ie"ice s% se ite 1n% nt# , "oa# 'e/na a"2nc% "in cas%+ Me#se 1n 62#- l
!icioa#elo# !2n% la o -e#east#%, a!oi la alta+ i -e#est#ele, ca &i &a, n a6ea !e#"ele, ci "%"ea 1nt#*o 'e/n% a"2ne%+ 7nce#c% am'ele -e#est#e+ E#a 1nc iate+ 7nce#c% &a+ E#a 1nc iat%+ P%#%si 6e#an"a &i, !%&in" atent !e te#en l 1nt necat &i nec nosc t, me#se !#in '%l%#iile "in 8 # l c%sei+ Fe#est#ele late#ale se a-la !#ea s s !ent# a a8 n$e la ele "e la sol+ =&a &i sin$ #a -e#east#% "in s!ate la ca#e ! tea s% a8 n$% c m2na e#a &i ele 1nc iate+ S!a"e se 1ntoa#se la $a#" &i, 0in2n" -lac%#a '#ichetei 1n !almele -%c te c% &, o #i"ic% !2n% la semn l c De .nc&iriat sau de 'mzare. P #ta ti!%#it n mele &i a"#esa n i a$ent imo'ilia# "in San Mateo, ca &i n #2n" sc#is c c#eion l al'ast# 9 C&eia e la numArul @1. S!a"e #e6eni la ma&in% &i*l 1nt#e'% !e &o-e#9 4 Ai o lante#n%5 4 Desi$ #+ I*o "%" + 4 Pot s% 6% -i "e a8 to#5 4 Poate+ S!a"e se s i 1n ma&in%+ . s% me#$em !2n% la n m%# l K1+ Po0i s% a!#in/i -a# #ile+ , m%# l K1 e#a o cas% cen &ie, !%t#at%, !e cel%lalt t#ot a#, "a# ce6a mai s s "ec2t cea "e la RQ+ Ca -e#est#ele "e la !a#te# se 6e"ea l mini+ S!a"e #c% t#e!tele 6e#an"ei &i s n%+ . -at% '# net% "e 6#eo !ais!#e/ece* cincis!#e/ece ani "eschise &a+ S!a"e se 1nclin%, 1i /2m'i &i*i s! se9 4 A& 6#ea s% am cheia "e la n m%# l RQ+ 4 Am s%*l chem !e t%tic , s! se ea, int#% 1n cas% &i st#i$%9 T%tic leE =n '%#'at #oto-ei, #o& 1n o'#a8i, chel &i e m sta0% ma#e a!%# c n /ia# 1n m2n%+ 4 A& 6#ea s%*mi "a0i cheia "e la n m%# l RQ, /ise S!a"e+ Ti! l #oto-ei !%# c% e/it%+ S! se9 4 C mina e 1nchis%+ ,*o s% 6e"e0i nimic+ S!a"e se '%t !este ' / na#+ 4 Am o lante#n%+ Ti! l #oto-ei !%# c% e/it% &i mai m lt+ 7&i "#ese $las l, 8enat, &i mototoli /ia# l "in m2n%+ S!a"e 1i a#%t% na "in c%#0ile l i "e 6i/it% !#o-esionale, a!oi o 62#1 la loc, 1n ' / na#, &i 6o#'i c $las sc%/ t9 4 A6em in-o#ma0ii c% s*a# ! tea s% -ie cine6a asc ns acolo+ Fa0a &i 6ocea #oto-ei l i "e6eni#2 c #ioase+ 4 Sta0i o cli!%, /ise el+ Am s% me#$ c " mnea6oast#%+ Se 1ntoa#se o cli!% mai t2#/i c o cheie "e a#am%, la ca#e e#a ata&at% o !l%c 0% c #o& &i ne$# + S!a"e -%c semn c ca! l &o-e# l i !e c2n" t#ecea !e l2n$% ma&in%, ia# &o-e# l li se al%t #%+ 4 S*a mai itat cine6a la cas% 1n ltim l tim!5 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 , &ti "e nimeni, #%s! nse #oto-ei l+ De c2te6a l ni n*a 6enit nimeni la mine s%*mi cea#% cheia+ Roto-ei l me#se 1nainte c cheia !2n% #ca#% t#e!tele 6e#an"ei+ At nci i*o 62#1 1n m2n2 l i S!a"e &i m2#2i9 4 Iat*o+ A!oi se "%" la o !a#te+ S!a"e "esc ie &a &i o "%" "e !e#ete+ T%ce#e &i 'e/n%+ Detecti6 l int#% 0in2n" lante#na stins% 1n m2na st2n$%+ o-e# l 1l #m% "e a!#oa!e, ia# la o mic% "istan0%, #oto-ei l+ Ce#ceta#% casa "in !o" &i !2n% 1n !i6ni0%, la 1nce! t !# "en0i, a!oi ne$%sin" nimic, 1n"#%/ne0i+ Casa e#a $oal% 4 -%#% nici o 1n"oial% 4 &i n eDista nimic ca#e s% in"ice c% - sese 6i/itat% "e s%!t%m2ni "e /ile+ 4 M l0 mesc+ Asta*i tot, s! se S!a"e &i l%s% lim /ina 1n -a0a hotel l i AleDan"#ia+ Int#% la hotel, se a!#o!ie "e 'i#o l "e !#imi#e, n"e n t2n%# 1nalt, c -a0% $#a6% &i 1nt necat%, 1i s! se9 4 B n% sea#a, "omn le S!a"e+ 4 B n% sea#a+ S!a"e 1l t#ase !e t2n%# la n col0 al 'i#o l i+ Ace&ti > tman, "in a!a#tament l 1R C, s nt aici5 4 , , #%s! nse t2n%# l, a# nc2n" *i l i S!a"e o !#i6i#e #a!i"%+ A!oi 1&i m t% !#i6i#ea, e/it%, se it% "in no la S!a"e &i m #m #%9 S*a 1nt2m!lat ce6a ci "at ast%*sea#% 1n le$%t #%
c ei, "omn le S!a"e+ Cine6a a tele-onat la S!ital l "e #$en0% &i i*a an n0at c%*i o -at% 'olna6% acolo+ 4 i n e#a5 4 ., n + , e#a nimeni acolo+ A !lecat "e6#eme, "e c sea#%+ 4 Ei 'ine, /ise S!a"e, -a#so#ii %&tia t#e' ie s% se "ist#e/e+ M l0 mesc+ Se " se la o ca'in% tele-onic%, -o#m% n n m%# &i /ise9 4 Alo+++ Doamna Pe#ine5+++ E--ie e acas%5+++ Da, 6% #o$+++ M l0 mesc+++ Sal t, 1n$e#a& le+ Ce 6e&ti ' ne5+++ >#o/a6E >#o/a6E Stai acolo+ Sosesc 1n "o %/eci "e min te+ Pe#-ect+ Peste o 8 m%tate "e o#%, S!a"e s na la sone#ia nei cl%"i#i "e c%#%mi"% c "o % eta8e !e ,inth A6en e+ E--ie Pe#ine "eschise &a+ Fa0a ei '%ie0oas% e#a o'osit% &i /2m'itoa#e+ 4 Sal t, !at#oane, /ise ea+ Int#%+ )o#'i 1n &oa!t%9 Dac% mama 10i s! ne ce6a, -ii ama'il c ea+ E -oa#te ene#6at%+ S!a"e 1i /2m'i 1nc #a8ato# &i o '%t !e m%#+ E--ie 1l a! c% "e '#a0+ 4 Ce*i c "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;5 4 ,imic, 'om'%ni el+ Am c%/ t 1nt#*o c #s%+ E&ti si$ #% c% e#a 6ocea ei5 4 Da+ S!a"e se st#2m'%+ 4 Ei 'ine, a -ost o -a#s%+ E--ie 1l con" se 1nt#* n salona& l minos, s s!in%, se l%s% s% ca"% !e ca!%t l nei so-ale &i 1i /2m'i 6esel, 1n ci "a o'oselii+ S!a"e se a&e/% al%t #i "e ea &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 Tot l a me#s c m t#e' ie5 ,*a !omenit nimic "e !achet5 4 ,imic+ Ce*am s! s ce mi*ai s! s s% le s! n, &i se !a#e c% a "at c#e/a#e -a!t l i c% a!el l tele-onic e#a 1n le$%t #% c asasinat l, &i c% ai !lecat s%*l !#in/i !e c#iminal+ 4 A -ost &i D n";5 4 , + Ho-- &i .M>a# &i c20i6a al0ii !e ca#e n *i &ti + Am 6o#'it &i e c%!itan l+ 4 Te*a " s la !ost l "e !oli0ie5 4 A, "a, &i mi*a ! s o $#oa/% "e 1nt#e'%#i, "a# toate e#a "oa# o -o#malitate+ S!a"e 1&i -#ec% !almele+ 4 Pe#-ect, s! se el &i se 1nc# nt%, "e&i c#e" c*a s% se $2n"easc% la "est le 1nt#e'%#i c2n" a s% m% 1nt2lneasc%+ Blestemat l %la "e D n"; a#e s%*mi ! n% 1n o#ice ca/, ca &i B#;an+ D%" "in me#i+ 4 7n a-a#a !oli0i&tilo#, a mai 6enit cine6a !e ca#e 1l c no&ti+ 4 Da+ E--ie se sc l% 1n !icioa#e+ B%iat l %la 4 cel ca#e a a" s mesa8 l "e la > tman 4 e#a &i el acolo+ ,*a int#at, "a# !oli0i&tii a l%sat &a "e la co#i"o# "eschis% 1n tim! ce se a-la la 'i#o l t% &i l*am 6%/ t st2n" acolo+ 4 Ai s! s ce6a5 4 ., n + Mi*ai ce# t s% n 6o#'esc+ A&a c% n i*am "at nici o aten0ie &i, c2n" m*am itat "in no , "is!%# se+ S!a"e 1i /2m'i+ 4 Fo#mi"a'il no#oc ai a6 t, s #ioa#o, c% !oli0i&tii a -ost !#imii+ 4 De ce5 4 E n in"i6i" !#ime8"ios, '%iat l %la, o a"e6%#at% ci m%+ Mo#t l e#a Faco'i5 4 Da+ S!a"e 1i st#2nse m2inile &i se #i"ic%+ 4 T#e' ie s% m% $#%'esc+ Mai 'ine c lc%*te+ E&ti isto6it%+ E--ie se sc l%+ 4 Sam, ce s*a 1nt2m!lat5 S!a"e 1i o!#i c 6intele, ! n2n" *i m2na la $ #%+ 4 A&tea!t% !2n% l ni, s! se el+ )#ea s% m% - #i&e/ a-a#% "in cas% !2n% n a! c% mama ta s% m% !#in"% &i s%*mi -ac% t%#%'oi c%*i co# ! -iica ne!#ih%nit%+ T#ec se#% c2te6a min te " !% mie/ l no!0ii c2n" S!a"e a8 nse acas%+ )2#1 cheia 1n '#oasca &ii "e la st#a"%+ Pe cal"a#2m, 1n "os l l i, #%!%i#% i te ni&te toc #i+ S!a"e "%" "# m l la cheie &i se 1ntoa#se+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; #c% t#e!tele 1n - $% s!#e el+ 7l 1m'#%0i&%, se a$%0% "e el &i s! se $2-2in"9 4 .h, am c#e/ t c% n*ai s% mai 6ii nicio"at%E
Fa0a ei e#a 1ns!%im2ntat%, ame0it%, con6 lsionat% "e -#isoanele ca#e o sc t #a "in ca! !2n% 1n !icioa#e+ C m2na ca#e n*o s s0inea !e B#i$i", S!a"e c% t% "in no cheia, "eschise &a &i " !% ce int#% a!#oa!e c% o #i"ic% 1n '#a0e+ 4 Ai a&te!tat5 4 Da, $2-2iala o -%cea s% 6o#'easc% #a#+ 7nt#*o+++ a#ca"%+++ !e+++ st#a"%+ 4 Po0i s% me#$i5 o 1nt#e'% el, sa s% te " c 1n '#a0e5 B#i$i" cl%tin% "in ca! l li!it "e m%# l l i+ 4 . s% -ie+++ !e#-ect+++ c2n"+++ a8 n$+++ n"e6a+++ ca s%+++ !ot+++ sta+++ 8os+ =#ca#% c li-t l !2n% la eta8 l n"e loc ia S!a"e &i se 1n"#e!ta#% s!#e a!a#tament l l i+ B#i$i" 1i l%s% '#a0 l &i #%mase al%t #i "e el, 1n !icioa#e, $2-2in", c m2inile la !ie!t 4 1n tim! ce el "esc ia &a+ A!#inse l mina "in co#i"o#+ Int#a#%+ 7nchise &a &i, c '#a0 l "in no 1n 8 # l l i B#i$i", o a! c% s!#e came#a "e toate /ilele+ C2n" a8 nse#% la n !as "e &a came#ei "e toate /ilele, l mina se a!#inse 1n% nt# + Fata 0i!% &i se a$%0% "e S!a"e+ 7n !#a$ l &ii came#ei $#%san l > tman le /2m'ea 'ine6oito#+ B%iat l :ilme# ie&i "in ' c%t%#ia "in s!atele lo#+ 7n m2inile l i mici cele "o % !istoale ne$#e !%#ea #ia&e+ Din came#a "e 'aie ie&i Cai#o+ i el 0inea n !istol 1n m2n%+ > tman s! se9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, s ntem aici c to0ii, " !% c m ! te0i s% 6% "a0i sin$ # seama+ S% int#%m, s% l %m loc, s% ne -acem como/i &i s% "isc t%m+ T)III GAP=C ISPHIT.R C '#a0ele 1n 8 # l l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, S!a"e /2m'i sla' !este ca! l ei &i s! se9 4 Fi#e&te, s% "isc t%m+ B l'ii "e $#%sime ai l i > tman t#es%#i#% 1n cli!a c2n" se #et#ase '%l%'%nin" *se t#ei !a&i "e la &%+ S!a"e &i -ata int#a#% 1m!#e n%+ B%iat l &i Cai#o 1i #ma#%+ Cai#o se o!#i 1n !#a$+ B%iat l l%s% "eo!a#te n l "in !istoale &i se a!#o!ie "e S!a"e+ S!a"e 1ntoa#se ca! l m lt ca s% !#i6easc% !este m%# la '%iat &i /ise9 4 Ca#%*te+ ,*o s% m% !e#che/i0ione/i+ 4 Stai nemi&cat+ Taci "in $ #%, #%s! nse '%iat l+ ,%#ile l i S!a"e -#em%ta#% 1n tim! ce #es!i#a+ )o#'i calm9 4 Ca#%*te+ Dac%*0i ! i la'a !e mine, am s% te -ac s% te -olose&ti "e a#m%+ 7nt#ea'%*l !e !at#on l t% "ac% 6#ea s% -i 1m! &cat 1nainte "e*a "isc ta+ 4 Cas%*l 1n !ace, :ilme#, s! se $#%san l+ Se 1nc# nt% !lin "e in" l$en0% la S!a"e+ 4 S nte0i, -%#% 1n"oial%, n in"i6i" -oa#te 1nc%!%02nat+ Ei 'ine, hai s% st%m 8os+ 4 )*am s! s c% n *mi !lace $olan l %sta, /ise S!a"e, &i o con" se !e B#i$i" .MSha $hness; la so-a a "e l2n$% -e#east#%+ Se a&e/a#% al%t #i, -ata c ca! l !e m%# l l i st2n$ ia# el 0in2n"*o c '#a0 l st2n$ "e me#i+ B#i$i" 1ncetase s% mai t#em #e &i s% $2-2ie+ A!a#i0ia l i > tman &i a asocia0ilo# l i !%#ea c% i*a #%!it li'e#tatea mi&c%#ilo# !e#sonale &i a emo0iilo# animalice, l%s2n"*o 6ie, con&tient%, "a# &i ine#t% ca o !lant%+ > tman se c - n"% 1n 'alansoa# l ca!itonat+ Cai#o alese -otoli l "e l2n$% mas%+ :ilme# n se a&e/%+ R%mase 1n !#a$, acolo n"e st%t se Cai#o, l%s2n" s%*i at2#ne la &ol" sin$ # l !istol 6i/i'il &i !#i6in" !e s ' $enele on" late la t# ! l l i S!a"e+ Cai#o 1&i ! se !istol l al%t #i, !e mas%+ S!a"e 1&i scoase !%l%#ia &i o a/62#li 1n cel%lalt col0 al so-alei+ R2n8i l i > tman+ B /a in-e#ioa#% c%/ t%, ca &i !leoa!ele s !e#ioa#e l%sate, com'inate c )* #ile "e !e -a0a l i -%cea ca #2n8et l s%*i semene c cel in"ecent al n i sati#+ 4 Fiica aia a " mnea6oast#% a#e o ' #t% nostim%, s! se el, !#ea nostim% ca s% &i*o /$2#ie c ace+ > tman /2m'i a-a'il, "e&i cam o'sec6ios+ B%iat l "in !#a$ -%c n !as 1nainte, #i"ic2n" !istol l !2n% la &ol"+ To0i cei "in came#% 1l !#i6i#%+ 7n eD!#esiile "i-e#ite c ca#e 1l #m%#i#% B#i$i" .MSha $hness; &i Foel Cai#o e#a, ci "at, o not% "e "e/a!#o'a#e a!#oa!e i"entic%+ B%iat l #o&i, 1&i #et#ase la'a !icio# l i, 1&i 1n"#e!t% !icioa#ele, co'o#1 !istol l &i
#%mase ca mai 1nainte, !#i6in" s!#e !ie!t l l i S!a"e !e s ' $enele ca#e*i asc n"ea ochii+ Ro&ea0a e#a "est l "e sla'% &i n 0in "ec2t o cli!%, "a# e#a s #!#in/%toa#e !e chi! l l i "e o'icei at2t "e #ece &i "e #e0in t+ > tman 1&i 1ntoa#se "in no , s!#e S!a"e, /2m'et l &i#et &i $#as+ S s #% $#a69 4 Da, "omn le, e !%cat, "a# t#e' ie s% #ec noa&te0i c% mane6#a &i*a atins 0inta+ S!#2ncenele l i S!a"e se a" na#%+ 4 .#ice mane6#% a# -i me#s, /ise el+ Fi#e&te, am 6oit s% 6% 6%" "e 1n"at% ce*am a6 t &oim l+ Clien0i ca#e !l%tesc !e&in, "e ce n 5 M*am " s la B #lin$ame c s!e#an0a c*am s% 6% 1nt2lnesc+ ,*am &ti t c% "%"ea0i #aita !#in o#a&, c o 1nt2#/ie#e "e o 8 m%tate "e o#%, 1nce#c2n" s% m% scoate0i "in ci#c la0ie, ca s%*l ! te0i $%si ia# !e Faco'i, 1nainte s% m% $%seasc% el !e mine+ > tman chicoti+ Chicoteala l i n !%#ea s% t#%"e/e "ec2t satis-ac0ie+ 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, /ise el, 1n o#ice ca/ 0inem mica noast#% 1nt# ni#e, "ac% asta "o#ea0i+ 4 Asta "o#eam+ C2t "e #e!e"e ! te0i s% e-ect a0i !#ima !lat% &i s% m% sc%!a0i "e &oim5 B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se 1n"#e!t% !e so-a &i 1l !#i6i !e S!a"e c ochi al'a&t#i &i s #!#in&i+ Detecti6 l o '%t !e me#i "ist#at+ 7l a0inti c !#i6i#ea !e > tman+ Acesta cli!i 6esel, 1nt#e ' l'ii ca#e*i asc n"ea ochii+ S! se9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, cit "es!#e aceasta+++, &i 62#1 o m2n% 1n ' / na# l "in% nt# al hainei+ Cai#o, c m2inile !e &ol" #i, se a!lec% 1nainte !e sca n, #es!i#2n" !#int#e ' /ele "eschise &i moi+ .chii l i 1nt neca0i a6ea n l ci ca "e lac+ 7&i m ta -oca# l c aten0ie "e la S!a"e la > tman, &i "e la > tman la S!a"e+ C tman #e!et%9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, c2t "es!#e aceasta+++, &i scoase n !lic al' "in ' / na#+ <ece ochi 4 ai '%iat l i a" m'#i0i "oa# !e 8 m%tate ac m "e $ene 4 se ita#% la !lic+ > tman 1l 1ntoa#se 1n m2inile sale $#oase, 1i st "ie o cli!% -a0a al'% &i nesc#is%, a!oi "os l, neli!it, c !a#tea s !e#ioa#% 62#2t% 1n% nt# + Ri"ic% -# ntea, /2m'i ama'il &i a# nc% !lic l 1n !oala l i S!a"e+ Plic l, "e&i n !#ea m-lat, e#a "est l "e $#e ca s% /'oa#e c !#eci/ie !#in ae#+ Se lo6i "e !a#tea "e 8os a !ie!t l i l i S!a"e &i*i c%/ !e ! l!e+ S!a"e 1l l % &i 1l "eschise 1ncet c am2n"o % m2inile, " !% ce 1&i t#%sese '#a0 l st2n$ "in 8 # l me#ilo# -etei+ Plic l con0inea 'ancnote "e o mie "e "ola#i, nete"e, 0e!ene &i noi+ S!a"e le scoase &i le n m%#%+ E#a /ece+ S!a"e #i"ic% ochii &i /2m'i+ S! se moale9 4 Am "isc tat "es!#e mai m l0i 'ani "ec2t s nt aici+ 4 Da, "omn le, am "isc tat, #ec nosc > tman, "a# !e at nci "oa# "isc tam+ Ace&tia s nt 'ani a"e6%#a0i, mone"% a tentic% a 0%#ii, "omn le+ C n ast-el "e "ola# ! te0i c m!%#a mai m lt "ec2t /ece "ola#i !#omi&i 1nt#*o "isc 0ie+ =n #2s m t 1i cl%tin% ' l'ii+ C2n" mi&ca#ea lo# 1ncet%, 6o#'i mai se#ios9 4 S ntem mai m l0i ac m "e ca#e t#e' ie s% ne 1n$#i8im+ 7&i m t% ochii scli!ito#i &i ca! l $#as, !ent# a*l a#%ta !e Cai#o+ 4 Ei, 'ine, "om* n le, !e sc #t, sit a0ia s*a schim'at+ 7n tim! ce 6o#'ea > tman, S!a"e 1n"#e!t% ma#$inile celo# /ece 'ancnote, le a&e/% -# mos, le ! se la loc 1n !lic &i*l 1nchise+ 7&i ! se coatele !e $en nchi, se $hem i 1nainte &i '%l%'%ni 1nt#e !icioa#e !lic l 0in t &o# "e n col0 c "e$et l ma#e &i cel a#%t%to#+ R%s! nse ne!%s%to# $#%san l i9 4 Desi$ #+ S nte0i mai m l0i, "a# e am &oim l+ Foci Cai#o 6o#'i+ A! c% c m2inile l i #2te '#a0ele -otoli l i, se a!lec% &i s! se !e"ant c 6ocea l i asc 0it% &i st#i"ent%9 4 , c#e" c%*i necesa# s% 6% amintesc, "omn le S!a"e, c% "e&i " mnea6oast#% a6e0i &oim l, noi 6% a6em, "esi$ #, !e " mnea6oast#%+ S!a"e #2n8i+ 4 7nce#c s% n *mi -ac $#i8i "in ca /a asta, s! se el+ 7&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l, ! se !lic l al%t #i 4 !e so-a 4 &i se a"#es% l i > tman9 . s% "isc t%m mai t2#/i "es!#e 'ani+ T#e' ie mai 1nt2i s% ne oc !%m "e altce6a+ )a t#e' i s% $%sim n 0a! is!%&ito#+ >#%san l se 1nc# nt% -%#% s% !#icea!%, "a# !2n% s% 6o#'easc%, S!a"e 1i eD!lic%9 Poli0ia t#e' ie s% ai'% o 6ictim% 4 cine6a ca#e s% #%s! n"% "e cele t#ei c#ime+++ ,oi+++ Cai#o 1l 1nt#e# !se ne#6os &i c $las s!a#t9 4 Do % 4 "oa# "o % c#ime, "omn le S!a"e+ Th #s'; l*a cis -%#% 1n"oial% !e asociat l " mnea6oast#%+
4 Pe#-ect, "o % c#ime, m2#2i S!a"e+ Ce im!o#tan0% a#e5 Im!o#tant e s% o-e#im !oli0iei n+++ > tman inte#6eni, /2m'in" 1nc#e/%to# &i 6o#'in" c 1nc#e"e#e &i 'ine "is! s9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, "in ce*am 6%/ t &i*am a /it "es!#e " mnea6oast#%, n c#e" c% t#e' ia s% ne -acem $#i8i 1n aceast% !#i6in0%+ P tem l%sa !e seama " mnea6oast#% l%m #i#ea acestei !#o'leme c !oli0ia, "esi$ #+ , 6e0i a6ea ne6oie "e a8 to# l no# oameni li!si0i "e eD!e#ien0%, ca noi+ 4 Dac% 6% 1nchi! i0i a&a ce6a, /ise S!a"e, n*a0i 6%/ t &i nici n*a0i a /it "est le+ 4 C%sa0i, "omn le S!a"e+ , 6% ! te0i a&te!ta ca s% 6% c#e"em la aceast% o#% t2#/ie c% 6% e c m6a team% "e !oli0ie sa c% n s nte0i 1n sta#e s% t#ata0i !#o'lema c ei+++ S!a"e ! -ni !e nas &i "in $2tle8+ Se a!lec%, 1&i l%s% "in no '#a0ele !e $en nchi &i 1l 1nt#e# !se i#itat !e > tman9 4 , m% tem "e loc "e ei &i &ti c m s%*i t#ate/+ Asta 1nce#c s% 6% s! n+ Da# !ent# a t#ata c ei, t#e' ie s% le a# nci o 6ictim%, n 0a! is!%&ito#+ 4 Da, "omn le, #ec nosc c%*i o sol 0ie, "a#+++ 4 Da# la "#ac E /ise S!a"e+ E sin$ #a sol 0ie+ .chii i se a!#inse#% &i "e6eni#% se#io&i, ia# -# ntea i se #o&i+ )2n%taia "e !e t2m!l% se 1nt nec% &i ea+ 4 ti "es!#e ce 6o#'esc+ Am t#ec t !#in astea toate &i mai 1nainte &i m% a&te!t s% t#ec "in no + =neo#i am -ost silit s% s! n la to0i, 1nce!2n" c C #tea S !#em%, s% se " c% "#ac l i, &i*am sc%!at tot &i 'asma c #at%+ Am sc%!at -iin"c% n*am itat nici o cli!% c% 6ine o /i a socotelilo#+ , it c% at nci c2n" 6a 6eni /i a socotelilo#, 6#ea s% -i !#e$%tit s% m% " c la comisa#iat l "e !oli0ie 1m!in$2n" o 6ictim% 1n -a0a mea &i s! n2n"9 (=ita0i, '%ie0i, !e c#iminal l 6ost# (+ C2t tim! o !ot -ace, n*am "ec2t s%*mi " c "e$et l ma#e la nas &i s% "a c ti-la t t #o# le$ilo# "in co" l !enal+ C2n" n*am s% #e &esc !#ima oa#%, n*a6e0i "ec2t s% 6% 'ate0i 8oc "e mine+ P2n% ac m n s*a 1nt2m!lat, "eocam"at%+ i n*a#e s% se 1nt2m!le nici ac m+ E cla#+ .chii l i > tman scli!i#% &i l ci l lo# "e6eni 1n"oielnic, "a# 1&i 0in t#%s%t #ile -e0ei 1n nemi&ca#ea lo# ' l'oas%, #o/%, /2m'itoa#e &i m l0 mit% "e sine3 6o#'i -%#% nici o 8en%9 4 E n sistem -oa#te #ecoman"a'il, "omn le, la "#ac E A&a eE Ia# "ac% a# -i !#actic &i "e "ata asta, e a& -i !#im l ca#e s% s! n%9 (Gine0i*6% "e el nea!%#atE( Da# se 1nt2m!l% ca 1n ca/ l nost# s% n mea#$%+ A&a se 1nt2m!l% c cele mai ' ne sisteme+ )ine o 6#eme c2n" t#e' ie s% -aci eDce!0ii, ia# n om 1n0ele!t 1&i 6e"e "e ale l i &i -ace eDce!0ii+ Ei, 'ine, "omn le, a&a se 1nt2m!l% &i 1n acest ca/ &i n m% s-iesc s% 6% s! n c% s nte0i -oa#te 'ine !l%tit ca s% -ace0i o eDce!0ie+ Poate c*o s% -ie ! 0in mai $#e !ent# " mnea6oast#%, "ec2t "ac% a0i a6ea o 6ictim% s*o "a0i !oli0iei, "a# 4 #2se &i 1&i #es-i#% "e$etele 4 n s nte0i om l ca#e s% se team% "e c2te6a "i-ic lt%0i m%# nte+ ti0i c m s% t#ata0i l c# #ile &i mai &ti0i c*o s% c%"e0i me#e 1n !icioa#e, in"i-e#ent ce se !et#ece+ 7&i st#2nse ' /ele &i 1nchise !e 8 m%tate n ochi+ 4 . s% #e &i0i, "omn le+ .chii l i S!a"e 1&i !ie#" se#% o#ice c%l" #%+ E#a moho#2t &i a!atic+ 4 ti ce s! n, /ise el c o 6oce 8oas%, !#eme"itat #%'"%toa#e+ S nt 1n o#a& l me &i asta e mese#ia mea+ A& ! tea #e &i s% ca" 1n !icioa#e 4 "esi$ # 4 &i "e "ata asta, "a# c !#ima oca/ie c2n" am s% 1nce#c s%*i " c "in no , a s% m% 'loche/e at2t "e i te c*am s%*mi 1n$hit "in0ii+ D%*o "#ac l i "e t#ea'%E =nii ca 6oi o s% -i0i la ,e? @o#A, sa la Constantino!ol, sa alt n"e6a+ E l c#e/ aici+ 4 Da# e6i"ent, 1nce! > tman ! te0i+++ 4 , !ot, s! se S!a"e hot%#2t+ , 6#ea + )o#'esc se#ios+ 7&i 1n"#e!t% s!ina#ea+ =n /2m'et !l%c t 1i l min% -a0a, $onin" o#ice #m% "e a!atie+ )o#'i #a!i" !e n ton a$#ea'il &i con6in$%to#9 4 Asc lt%*m%, > tman+ 70i s! n ce*i mai 'ine !ent# noi to0i+ Dac% n "%m !oli0iei n 0a! is!%&ito#, &ansele s nt "e /ece la n c% mai "e6#eme sa mai t2#/i a s% a-le "e &oim+ Pe #m% 6a t#e' i s% 6% asc n"e0i c &oim l, in"i-e#ent n"e 6% a-la0i+ Asta n*a#e s% 6% a8 te s% 6% 1m'o$%0i0i+ Da0i*le n 0a! is!%&ito# &i*a s% se !otoleasc%+ 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, asta e "eci !#o'lema, #%s! nse > tman &i nelini&tea n se citi "ec2t 6a$ 1n ochii l i+ A s% se !otoleasc%+ Da# "ac% 0a! l is!%&ito# 6a -i o no % in"ica0ie ca#e !#o'a'il 1i 6a con" ce la &oim5 Ia#, !e "e alt% !a#te, n c#e"e0i c% &i*a 1ncheiat ancheta, &i c% cel mai ' n l c# !ent# noi e s% n ne mai 62#2m 1n alte com!lica0ii5 Pe -# ntea l i S!a"e 1nce! s% ! lse/e o 6en% #ami-icat%+ 4 D mne/e leE ,ici " mneata n !#ice!i sit a0ia, /ise el c n $las #e0in t+ Poli0ia n
"oa#me, > tman+ St% la !2n"% &i a&tea!t%+ 7ncea#c% s% !#ice!i+ S nt 62#2t !2n% la $2t 1n !o6estea asta &i o &ti + ,*am nici o $#i8% at2t tim! c2t !ot s% 1nt#e!#in" ce6a c2n" 6ine moment l+ Da# n*a# -i !l%c t s% n -ac nimic+ )ocea 1i "e6eni ia# con6in$%toa#e+ 4 Asc lt%, > tman, t#e' ie nea!%#at s% le "%m o 6ictim%+ , eDist% alt% sol 0ie+ S% li*l "%m !e $olan l %sta+ A#%t% 'ine "is! s c ca! l s!#e '%iat l "in !#a$+ 4 El i*a 1m! &cat, "e -a!t, !e am2n"oi 4 !e Th #s'; &i !e Faco'i 4 n *i a&a5 7n o#ice ca/ se !ot#i6e&te #ol l i+ Hai s% ! nem !e seama l i "o6e/ile necesa#e &i s%*l !#e"%m !oli0iei+ B%iat l "in !#a$ 1&i st#2nse col0 #ile $ #ii 1nt#* n sim lac# "e /2m'et sla'+ P#o! ne#ea l i S!a"e n !%# s% ai'% 6#e n e-ect as !#a l i+ Fa0a '# net% a l i Cai#o, c ochii hol'a0i, e#a $%l' ie &i l it%+ Res!i#% !e $ #%, ia# !ie!t l l i #ot n", "e -emeie, se #i"ica &i co'o#a, 1n tim! ce se hol'a la S!a"e+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se "e!%#tase "e S!a"e &i se $hem ise !e so-a, c ochii a0inti0i as !#a l i+ 7n "os l eD!#esiei ei imite se 1nt#e/%#ea o not% "e #2s iste#ic+ > tman #%mase nemi&cat &i ineD!#esi6 m lt tim!+ A!oi se hot%#1 s% i/' cneasc% 1n #2s+ R2se "in toat% inima, 1n"el n$, !2n% c2n" ochii l i &i#e0i 1m!# m ta#% &i ei 6eselia "in #2s+ Se o!#i "in hohote &i s! se9 4 Pent# D mne/e , "omn le, s nte0i n ti! -o#mi"a'il, asta s nte0iE Scoase o 'atist% al'% "in ' / na# &i se &te#se la ochi+ Da, "omn le, n se !oate s! ne nicio"at% ce 6e0i -ace sa ce 6e0i /ice 1n min t l #m%to#, at2t "oa# c% 6a -i c si$ #an0% n l c# imito#+ 4 , *i nimic "e $l m% 1n ce 6% s! n+ S!a"e n !%#ea 8i$nit "e #2s l $#%s n l i &i nici im!#esionat 1n 6#e n -el+ )o#'ea ca cine6a ca#e 1ncea#c% s% con6in$% n !#ieten #ecalcit#ant, "a# n i#a0ional+ 4 E cea mai ' n% oca/ie+ C2n" !oli0ia 6a -i ! s m2na !e el, 6a+++ 4 Da#, "#a$% "omn le, o'iect% > tman, n 6% "a0i seama5 Dac% m*a& $2n"i o cli!% s*o -ac 4 "a# n , e !#ea ca#a$hios+ Am !ent# :ilme# sentimentele !e ca#e le*a& a6ea !ent# !#o!#i l me -i + )% asi$ #+ Da#, "ac% !ent# o cli!% m*a& $2n"i s% -ac ceea ce !#o! ne0i, ce 6% 1nchi! i0i, !ent# D mne/e , ce l*a# 1m!ie"ica !e :ilme# s% s! n% !oli0iei tot l "es!#e &oim &i "es!#e noi to0i5 S!a"e /2m'i c ' /ele cont#actate+ 4 Dac% 6om -i ne6oi0i, s! se el 1ncet, am ! tea s% -acem ast-el 1nc2t s% -ie omo#2t -iin"c% s*a o! s a#est%#ii+ Da# n*o s% -im ne6oi0i s% me#$em at2t "e "e!a#te+ C%sa0i*l s% 6o#'easc% !2n% n mai !oate+ )% !#omit c% nimeni n*o s% ia nici o m%s #%+ Asta e "est l "e &o# "e a#an8at+ Pielea #o/% "e !e -# ntea l i > tman se 1nc#e0i c2n" se 1nc# nt%+ 7&i co'o#1 ca! l, #e6%#s2n" *&i '%#'iile !este $ le# &i 1nt#e'%9 4 C m a"ic%5 A!oi, c o '# sche0e ca#e 1i ! se 1n mi&ca#e to0i ' l'ii, -%c2n" *i s% se ciocneasc% 1nt#e ei, #i"ic% -# ntea, 1&i !lim'% !#i6i#ea !2n% la '%iat &i #2se "in #%s! te#i+ 4 Ce !%#e#e ai "es!#e asta, :ilme#5 ,ostim, n 5 .chii '%iat l i e#a #a/e #eci &i castanii !e s ' $ene+ S! se c o 6oce sc%/ t% &i cla#%9 4 Da, e nostim 4 tic%los l+++ S!a"e i se a"#es% l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness;9 4 C m te sim0i ac m, 1n$e#a& le5 Mai 'ine5 4 Da, m lt mai 'ine, at2t c%+++ 7&i co'o#1 $las l !2n% c2n" ltimele c 6inte n se mai a /i#% 8 m%tate "e met# mai 1ncolo+++ mi*e team%+ 4 S% n *0i -ie, s! se el ne$li8ent, &i ! se m2na !e $en nchi l ei 1m'#%cat 1nt#* n cio#a! cen &i + 4 ,*o s% se 1nt2m!le nimic -oa#te #% + )#ei s% 'ei ce6a5 4 , ac m, m l0 mesc+ )ocea 1i co'o#1 "in no +++ Fii atent, Sam+ S!a"e /2m'i &i se it% la > tman ca#e 1l !#i6ea &i el+ >#%san l 1i /2m'i ama'il, n s! se o cli!% nimic, a!oi 1nt#e'%9 4 C m5 4 C m ce5 S!a"e e#a ne" me#it+ >#%san l c#e/ "e c 6iin0% c%*i ca/ l s% mai #2"%, a!oi "%" o eD!lica0ie9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, "ac% 6o#'i0i 1nt#*a"e6%# se#ios 1n aceast% !#i6in0%, ! tem cel ! 0in, "int#*o !olite0e o'i&n it%, s% asc lt%m !2n% la ca!%t s $estia " mnea6oast#%+ C m o s% -ace0i ca :ilme# 4 se o!#i "in no ca s% #2"% 4 s% n -ie 1n sta#e s% ne !#icin iasc% nici n #% 5 S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!+
4 , , /ise el+ , 6#ea s% !#o-it "e !olite0ea nim%n i, o#ic2t a# -i "e o'i&n it%+ S% #en n0%m la ea+ >#%san l 1&i cont#act% ' l'ii "e $#%sime "e !e -a0%+ 4 Hai, hai, !#otest% el, m% -ace0i s% m% simt 1nt#*a"e6%# 8enat+ ,*a# -i t#e' it s% #2" &i 6% #o$ mil &i since# s% m% ie#ta0i+ ,*a& 6#ea s% !a# c% #i"ic li/e/ nimic "in ce*a0i s $e#at, "omn le S!a"e, in"i-e#ent "e c2t "e m lt n s nt "e aco#", c%ci t#e' ie s% &ti0i c% am cel mai ma#e #es!ect &i a"mi#a0ie !ent# "i'%cia " mnea6oast#%+ Ac m, -i0i atent, n 1n0ele$ c m s $estia " mnea6oast#% !oate -i 1n 6#e n -el !#actic% 4 chia# "ac% am #en n0a la -a!t l c% n a& ! tea a6ea alte sentimente !ent# :ilme#, nici "ac% a# -i came "in ca#nea mea 4 "a# a& consi"e#a ca o -a6oa#e !e#sonal%, ca n semn c% mi*a0i !#imit sc /ele, "omn le, "ac% 6#e0i s% contin a0i s% eD! ne0i &i #est l !lan l i+ 4 Dest l "e #e/ona'il, s! se S!a"e+ B#;an e la -el ca ma8o#itatea !#oc #o#ilo# "ist#ict ali+ E mai inte#esat "e c m 6a a#%ta acti6itatea l i !e h2#tie, "ec2t "e o#ice altce6a+ Ren n0% mai "e$#a'% la n ca/ " 'ios, "ec2t s% 1nce#ce s%*l sol 0ione/e, ia# a!oi ca/ l s% se 1ntoa#c% 1m!ot#i6a l i+ , &ti "ac% a montat 6#eo"at% ce6a c !#eme"ita#e 1m!ot#i6a c i6a !e ca#e 1l c#e"ea ne6ino6at, "a# n mi*l !ot 1nchi! i c% 6a l%sa ca cine6a s% #%m2n% ne6ino6at, at nci c2n" el a# -i ! t t s% scoat% la i6eal% sa s% "ea consisten0% nei "o6e/i "e 6ino6%0ie+ Pent# a -i si$ # c% 6a ! tea con"amna !e cine6a, e 1n sta#e s% lase li'e#i &ase com!lici "e*ai l i, la -el "e 6ino6a0i, "ac% !ent# a*i con"amna &i !e ei s*a# -i 1nc #cat ca/ l+ Asta e ale$e#ea !e ca#e i*o o-e#im &i a#e s*o acce!te !e "at%+ Xoim l n*o s%*l inte#ese/e+ )a -i -e#m con6ins c% tot ce 6a s! ne $olan l s nt "oa# ai #eli, o 1nce#ca#e "e*a 1nc #ca l c# #ile+ C%sa0i asta !e seama mea+ Am s%*i a#%t c% "ac% 1nce!e s% sco#moneasc% !ent# a st#2n$e "o6e/i 1m!ot#i6a t t #o#, o s% se !omeneasc% !e ca! c o a-ace#e 1nc #cat% !e ca#e nici n 8 #i n*o s% #e &easc% s*o "esc #ce, 1n tim! ce, "ac% se 0ine "oa# "e $olan, !oate o'0ine o con"amna#e si$ #%+ > tman 1nclin% ca! l 1nt#*o !a#te, c n $est lent &i /2m'ito# "e "e/a!#o'a#e+ 4 , , "omn le, /ise el, m% tem c% n*o s% mea#$%, n*o s% mea#$% "e loc+ , 6%" c m acest !#oc #o# "ist#ict al al " mnea6oast#% !oate s% -ac% le$%t #a 1nt#e Th #s';, Faco'i &i :ilme#, -%#% s% -ie ne6oit s%+++ 4 , c noa&te0i !#oc #o#ii "ist#ict ali, 1i s! se S!a"e+ Po6estea c Th #s'; e sim!l%+ E#a n $an$ste# ca &i $olan l %sta+ B#;an &i s s0ine o ast-el "e teo#ie+ ,*o s% ai'% "i-ic lt%0i+ P%i, D mne/e le, n *l !ot s!2n/ #a !e $olan "ec2t o "at%+ De ce s%*l mai 8 "ece !ent# asasina#ea l i Faco'i, "ac% a -ost con"amnat !ent# cea a l i Th #s';5 7nchi" ! # &i sim!l "osa# l, c concl /ii 1m!ot#i6a l i &i se m l0 mesc c at2t+ Dac% a -olosit aceea&i a#m% 1m!ot#i6a am2n"o# #a, $loan0ele a s% se !ot#i6easc%+ Toat% l mea o s% -ie satis-%c t%+ 4 Da, "a#+++ > tman se o!#i &i se it% la '%iat+ B%iat l 1naint% "in !#a$ l &ii, c%lc2n" 0ea!%n, c !icioa#ele la#$ "eschise, !2n% c2n" a8 nse 1nt#e > tman &i Cai#o, a!#oa!e 1n mi8loc l came#ei+ Se o!#i, se 1n"oi &o# 1nainte "in talie, c me#ii #i"ica0i 1n -a0%+ Pistol l "in m2n% 1i at2#na 1nc% !e l2n$% co#!, "a# "e$etele i se al'ise#% la 1ncheiet #i "in !#icina e-o#t l i+ Cealalt% m2n% se st#2nsese 1nt#* n ! mn mic &i ta#e &i 1i at2#na "e*a l n$ l t# ! l i+ Tine#e0ea e6i"ent% "e !e chi! l l i "%"ea o not% in"esc#i!ti'il "e 6icioas% &i "e in man% #ii incan"escente &i #% t%0ii #eci &i al'e "e !e -i$ #%+ 7i s! se l i S!a"e c o 6oce s!a#t% "e - #ie9 O Tic%los le, scoal%*te &i ia*0i !istol lE S!a"e 1i /2m'i '%iat l i+ , e#a n /2m'et la#$, "a# am /ament l l i !%#ea a tentic &i nealte#at+ 4 Tic%los le, scoal%*te &i t#a$e "ac% ai c #a8E M*am s%t #at s% a " 1n6in i#ile tale, #e!et% '%iat l+ Am /ament l "in /2m'et l l i S!a"e se a"2nci+ Se it% la > tman &i s! se9 4 =n t2n%# "in )est l S%l'atic+ )ocea i se !ot#i6ea c /2m'et l+ 4 Poate c% n*a# st#ica s%*i s! ne0i c% "ac% m% 1m! &c% 1nainte s% ! ne0i m2na !e &oim, a# -i o !#oast% a-ace#e+ 7nce#ca#ea l i > tman "e a /2m'i e& %+ 7&i !%st#% !e chi! l ' h%it st#2m'%t #a+ 7&i me/i ' /ele scate c lim'a scat%+ )o#'ea !#ea #%$ &it &i h2#2it !ent# ton l "e a"mones* ta#e !ate#n% !e ca#e 1nce#ca s%*l ia+ 4 Stai, :ilme#, /ise el, n ! tem 1n$%" i a&a ce6a+ ,*a# t#e' i s% "ai o at2t "e ma#e im!o#tan0% no# ast-el "e l c# #i+ T +++
B%iat l, -%#% s%*&i "e/li!easc% ochii "e la S!atie, 6o#'i c $las 1n%' &it &i "in col0 l $ #ii9 4 S! ne*i at nci s% m% lase 1n !ace+ Am s%*l c #%0 "ac% o 0ine a&a &i nimeni n*o s% m% !oat% 1m!ie"ica+ 4 Stai, :ilme#, /ise > tman &i se 1ntoa#se c%t#e S!a"e+ 7&i cont#ola ac m -a0a &i 6ocea+ 4 Plan l " mnea6oast#%, "omn le, a&a c m am s! s la ' n 1nce! t, n *i !#actic "e loc+ S% n mai !omenim "e el+ S!a"e 1i !#i6i !e #2n"+ 7ncetase s% mai /2m'easc%+ A6ea n chi! im!enet#a'il+ 4 S! n ce*mi !lace, 1i #%s! nse+ 4 F%#% 1n"oial%, s! se > tman $#%'it, &i %sta e n l "int#e l c# #ile !e ca#e le*am a"mi#at 1ntot"ea na la " mnea6oast#%+ Da# aceast% !#o! ne#e, a&a c m s! neam, n *i "e loc !#actic%, ast-el 1nc2t n*a#e a'sol t nici n sens s*o "isc t%m mai "e!a#te, " !% c m 6% ! te0i "a sin$ # seama+ 4 , *mi !ot "a sin$ # seama, /ise S!a"e &i n m*a0i -%c t s% 6% 1n0ele$ &i nici n c#e" c% 6e0i #e &i+ Se 1nc# nt% la > tman+ 4 S% 6o#'im !e &lea + 7mi !ie#" e 6#emea "isc t2n" c " mnea6oast#%5 Am c#e/ t c% 6% !#i6e&te !e#sonal+ S% 6o#'esc e e $olan l5 4 , , "omn le, s! se > tman, a6e0i "#e!tate, t#e' ie s% "isc ta0i c mine+ 4 7n #e$ l%, #%s! nse S!a"e+ Am o alt% !#o! ne#e+ , *i la -el "e ' n% ca !#ima, "a# e mai ' n% "ec2t nimic+ )#e0i s*o a /i0i5 4 Desi$ #+ 4 Da0i*l !oli0iei !e Cai#o+ Cai#o 1n&-%c% #a!i" !istol l "e !e masa "e al%t #i+ 7l 0in st#2ns 1n !oal% c am2n"o % m2inile+ Gea6a e#a 1n"#e!tat% 1n 8os &i ni0el s!#e so-a+ Se 1n$%l'enise "in no la -a0%+ .chii l i ne$#i s%#ea "e la n chi! la alt l+ .!acitatea 1i -%cea s% !a#% !la0i &i 'i"imensionali+ > tman, !%#2n" c% n *i 6ine s% c#ea"% ce a /ise, 1nt#e'%9 4 Ce s% -acem5 4 S%*l "a0i !e Cai#o !oli0iei+ > tman e#a $ata s% #2"%, "a# se a'0in + 7n cele "in #m% eDclam% !e n ton nesi$ #9 4 Ca "#ac , "omn leE 4 I"eea n *i la -el "e ' n% ca aceea "e a le "a $olan l, /ise S!a"e+ Cai#o n *i $an$ste# &i a#e as !#a l i o a#m% c n cali'# mai mic "ec2t cea c ca#e a -ost 1m! &ca0i Th #s'; &i Faco'i+ )a t#e' i s% ne 'atem mai m lt ca! l !ent# a*i 1nscena n !#oces, "a# e mai 'ine "ec2t s% n "%m !oli0iei !e nimeni+ Cai#o st#i$% c n $las st#i"ent "e in"i$na#e9 4 Ce*a# -i s% 6% "%m chia# !e " mnea6oast#%, "omn le S!a"e, sa !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;, "ac% s nte0i at2t "e hot%#2t s% le "%m !e cine6a5 S!a"e 1i /2m'i le6antin l i &i 1i #%s! nse calm9 4 )oi tot 6#e0i &oim l+ E 1l am+ =n 0a! is!%&ito# e !a#te "in !#e0 l !e ca#e 1l ce#+ C2t !#i6e&te !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; 4 !#i6i#ea l i lini&tit% se m t% as !#a -e0ei ei al'e &i ne" me#ite, a!oi 1n"%#%t la Cai#o, me#ii i se #i"ica#% &i i se co'o#2#% o -#ac0i ne "e centimet# 4 "ac% 6% 1nchi! i0i c% ea se !oate !ot#i6i n i ast-el "e #ol, s nt a'sol t "e aco#" s% "isc t c 6oi+ Fata 1&i " se m2inile la $2t, scoase n 0i!%t sc #t &i st#an$ lat &i se "e!%#t% &i mai m lt "e S!a"e+ Cai#o, c -a0a &i co#! l t#em #2n" "e emo0ie, eDclam%9 4 Se !a#e c% ita0i c% n s nte0i "e loc 1n sit a0ia "e a insista as !#a 6#e nei con"i0ii+ S!a"e #2se, n #2s "is!#e0 ito# &i as!# + C n $las ce 1nce#ca s% -ie 1m!%ci ito# &i -e#m, > tman s! se9 4 Hai, "omnilo#, hai s% men0inem "isc 0ia !e n te#en !#ietenesc+ E tot &i ce6a 4 i se a"#es% el l i S!a"e 4 se#ios 1n cele a-i#mate "e "omn l Cai#o+ T#e' ie s% l a0i aminte c%+++ 4 ,ici n m% $2n"esc+ S!a"e /62#li c 6intele c n -el "e ne!%sa#e '# tal%, ca#e le "%" mai ma#e $#e tate "ec2t "ac% a# -i -ost #ostite a!%sat sa ta#e+ 4 Dac% m% omo#20i, c m o s% mai o'0ine0i !as%#ea5 C m &ti c% n 6% "% m2na s% m% omo#20i at2t tim! c2t n a6e0i !as%#ea, c m o s% m% s!e#ia0i ca s% 6*o "a 5 > tman l%s% ca! l !e st2n$a &i #e-lect% la aceste 1nt#e'%#i+ 7nt#e !leoa!ele st#2nse ochii 1i sc2nteia + 7n c #2n" #%s! nse 'ine "is! s9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, eDist% &i alte c%i "e con6in$e#e, 1n a-a#% "e ci"e#e sa
amenin0a#ea c ci"e#ea+ 4 Desi$ #, #ec nosc S!a"e, "a# n -ac m lte !a#ale, "ec2t "ac% a 1n s!ate amenin0a#ea c moa#tea, !ent# a 0ine 6ictima 1n &ah+ 7n0ele$e0i ce 6#ea s% s! n5 Dac% 1nce#ca0i ce6a ca#e n *mi !lace, n*am s*o a"mit+ Am s% 6% silesc -ie s% #en n0a0i, -ie s% m% omo#20i &i &ti c% n 6% "% m2na s% m% ci"e0i+ 4 7n0ele$ la ce 6% #e-e#i0i, chicoti > tman+ Aceasta e o atit "ine, "omn le, ca#e ce#e o a!#ecie#e -oa#te atent% "in am'ele !%#0i, -iin"c%, " !% c2te &ti0i, "omn le, '%#'a0ii s nt tenta0i s% ite 1n -oc l l !tei ca#e le s nt inte#esele &i se las% con" &i "e emo0iile lo#+ S!a"e /2m'i &i el -oa#te ama'il+ 4 Asta*i &meche#ia, 1n ce m% !#i6e&te, s! se el, s% ac0ione/ "est l "e ene#$ic !ent# a 6% 1m!ie"ica !e to0i, &i tot &i s% n 6% 1n- #ii !#ea #% ca n c m6a s% m% lichi"a0i 1m!ot#i6a 8 "ec%0ii 6oast#e chi'/ ite+ 4 Ca nai'a, "omn le, 6% asi$ # c% s nte0i cine6aE /ise > tman+ Foel Cai#o s%#i "e !e sca n, ocoli '%iat l &i a8 nse 1n s!atele -otoli l i l i > tman+ Se a!lec% !este s!%ta# l -otoli l i &i 1i &o!ti ce6a+ > tman asc lt% atent, c ochii 1nchi&i+ S!a"e 1i /2m'i l i B#i$i" .M Sha $hness;+ Fata 1i /2m'i sla' la #2n" l ei, "a# -%#% s%*&i schim'e eD!#esia "in !#i6i#i, #%mas% mai "e!a#te ine#t%+ S!a"e se 1ntoa#se s!#e '%iat9 4 Fac !#insoa#e c% !e tine te 62n", -i le+ B%iat l n #%s! nse+ >en nchii 1nce! #% s%*i t#em #e, -%c2n" s%*i t#em #e &i !antalonii+ S!a"e i se a"#es% l i > tman9 4 S!e# c% n*ai s% te s!e#ii "e a#mele 62nt #ate "e ace&ti $%ina#i+ > tman "eschi"e ochii+ Cai#o 1ncet% s%*i mai &o!teasc% &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e 1n s!atele -otoli l i $#%san l i+ S!a"e s! se9 4 M*am o'i&n it s% le ia a#mele am2n"o# #a, a&a c% n*o s% ne -ac% nici o ne!l%ce#e+ >olan l e+++ C n $las o#i'il "e #%$ &it "e emo0ie, '%iat l st#i$%9 4 )*a#%t e E &i 1&i #i"ic% !istol l s!#e !ie!t l l i S!a"e+ > tman 1l lo6i c o m2n% $#as% !este 1ncheiet #%, 1l a! c% "e ea &i o co'o#1 o "at% c !istol l, 1n tim! ce t# ! l l i $#as se #i"ica $#%'it "in 'alansoa#+ Foel Cai#o se #e!e/i !e l2n$% '%iat &i*l a! c% "e cel%lalt '#a0+ Se l !ta#% c :ilme#, 1m!in$2n" *i c -o#0a '#a0ele 1n 8os &i 0in2n" *i*le a&a, 1n 6#eme ce '%iat l se /'%tea in til 1m!ot#i6a lo#+ Din $# ! l 1ncle&tat #%' -nea c 6inte3 -#a$mente "in -#a/ele incoe#ente ale '%iat l i 4 ('ine+++ " *te+++ tic%los le+++( 4 a!el l l i > tman9 (Hai, hai, :ilme#E( #e!etat "e m lte o#i, ca &i s-at #ile l i Cai#o9 (, , te #o$, n ( &i (S% n -aci asta, :ilme#(+ C -a0a neclintit% &i c ochi 6is%to#i, S!a"e se sc l% "e !e so-a &i se a!#o!ie "e $# !+ B%iat l, inca!a'il s% #e/iste $#e t%0ii ca#e 1l a!%sa, 1ncet% s% se mai /'at%+ Cai#o 1l 0inea 1nc% "e '#a0, 1n !icioa#e 1naintea l i &i*i 6o#'ea 1nce#c2n" s%*l 1n" !lece+ S!a"e 1l 1m!inse &o# la o !a#te !e Cai#o &i 1i t#ase na, c ! mn l st2n$, 1n '%#'ie, '%iat l i+ Ca! l '%iat l i /62cni m lt !e s!ate, 1n tim! ce 1i 0inea '#a0ele, a!oi #e6eni la loc+ > tman a! c% s% st#i$e "is!e#at9 (Hei, ce+++5( c2n" S!a"e 1l !ocni !e '%iat 1n '%#'ie &i c ! mn l "#e!t+ Cai#o "%" "# m l '#a0 l i '%iat l i, l%s2n" *l s% se !#%' &easc% !este ' #ta eno#m% &i #ot n"% a l i > tman+ Cai#o s%#i la S!a"e, 1nce#c2n" s%*l /$2#ie !e -a0% c "e$etele 1n"oite &i 0e!ene ale am'elo# m2ini+ S!a"e #%s -l% a"2nc &i*l 1m!inse !e le6antin la o !a#te+ Cai#o se #e!e/i ia# la el+ 7n ochi 1i a!%# se#% lac#imi &i mi&ca - #ios "in ' /ele #o&ii, -o#m2n" c 6inte, "a# -%#% ca s% scoat% 6#e n s net+ S!a"e #2se &i m2#2i9 4 B%iete, e&ti n ca#a$hiosE &i*l !lesni !e Cai#o !este o'#a/ c !alma "eschis%, #%st #n2n" *l !este mas%+ Cai#o 1&i #ec%!%t% echili'# l &i se #e!e/i !ent# a t#eia oa#% la S!a"e+ S!a"e 1l o!#i c !almele "eschise &i c '#a0ele l n$i, 1ntinse s!#e -a0a l i Cai#o+ )%/2n" c% n a8 n$e la S!a"e c '#a0ele l i mai sc #te, Cai#o 1l lo6i !este '#a0e+ S!a"e mo#m%i9 4 Am s% te !ocnesc #% "e totE 4 Ca& leE st#i$% Cai#o &i se "%" 1n"%#%t+ S!a"e se a!lec% &i #i"ic% !istol l l i Cai#o "e 8os, a!oi !e cel al '%iat l i+ 7&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l, c a#mele 1n m2na st2n$%, 8 c2n" *le !e "e$et l a#%t%to# 0in t !e t#%$aci+ > tman a&e/% '%iat l 1n 'alansoa# &i #%mase c !#i6i#ea t l' #at% la el, cont#actat &i nesi$ #+ Cai#o 1n$en nche l2n$% -otoli &i 1nce! s% m2n$2ie na "in m2inile ine#te ale '%iat l i+ S!a"e
!i!%i '%#'ia '%iat l i+ 4 , s*a # !t nimic, /ise el+ S%*l 1ntin"em !e so-a+ 7&i 62#1 '#a0 l "#e!t !e s ' '#a0 l &i m%# l '%iat l i, &i*l t#ec !e cel st2n$ !e s ' $en nchi, 1l #i"ic% a!a#ent -%#% nici n e-o#t &i 1l " se s!#e so-a+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se sc l% $#%'it% c2n" S!a"e 1l c lc% !e '%iat+ C m2na "#ea!t% S!a"e !i!%i hainele '%iat l i, $%si cel "e*al "oilea !istol &i se 1ntoa#se c s!atele la so-a+ Cai#o se &i a&e/ase la c%!%t2i l '%iat l i+ S!a"e ciocni 1n m2n% a#mele &i 1i /2m'i 6esel l i > tman+ 4 Ei 'ine, /ise el, iat% 0a! l nost# is!%&ito#+ > tman se -%c se cen &i la -a0% &i ochii i se 1nt necase#%+ , se it% la S!a"e+ Se it% 1n 8os, -%#% s% 6o#'easc%+ 4 , -i ia# at2t "e 1n$#o/ito# "e !#ost, /ise S!a"e+ C*ai l%sat !e Cai#o s%*0i &o!teasc% &i l*ai 0in t !e '%iat c2n" l*am !ocnit+ , !o0i s% sca!i "e asta #2/2n" &i #i&ti s% te 1m! &te "ac% ai s% 1nce#ci+ > tman 1&i -oi !icioa#ele !e co6o# &i n 6o#'i+ 4 Ia# !e "e alt% !a#te, /ise S!a"e, o#i acce!0i !e loc, o#i 6% "a !e to0i !e m2na !oli0iei, o "at% c &oim l+ > tman #i"ic% -# ntea &i m #m #% !#int#e "in0i9 4 , *mi !lace asta, "omn le+ 4 ti c% n *0i !lace, /ise S!a"e+ Ce*ai hot%#2t5 >#%san l s s!in%, se st#2m'% &i #%s! nse t#ist9 4 )i*l "%m, "omn le+ 4 Pe#-ect, /ise S!a"e+ TIT MW,A >E,ERAC=C=I B%iat l /%cea !e s!ate !e so-a, o sil et% sc n"% ce !%#ea 4 c eDce!0ia -a!t l i c% #es!i#a 4 !e#-ect asem%n%toa#e n i ca"a6# + Foel Cai#o &e"ea l2n$% '%iat, a!lecat as !#a l i, mas2n" *i o'#a8ii &i 1ncheiet #ile, nete/in" *i !%# l "e !e -# nte, &o!tin" *i &i !#i6in" atent &i nelini&tit la chi! l l i al' &i nemi&cat+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; st%tea 1n col0 l "int#e mas% &i !e#ete+ 7&i 1ntinsese o m2n% !e mas%, ia# !e cealalt% &i*o 0inea la !ie!t+ 7&i -#%m2nta ' /a in-e#ioa#% &i a# nca !#i6i#i - #i&e l i S!a"e "e c2te o#i "etecti6 l n se ita la ea+ C2n" S!a"e o !#i6i, B#i$i" se it% la Cai#o &i la '%iat+ Fa0a l i > tman 1&i !ie#" se eD!#esia 1n$#i* 8o#at% &i c%!%t% "in no c loa#e+ 7&i 62#2se m2inile 1n ' / na#ele !antalonilo#+ St%tea 1n !icioa#e, 1n -a0a l i S!a"e, #m%#in" *l -%#% inte#es+ S!a"e mi&ca ne!%s%to# !istoalele, -%c semn c ca! l s!#e s!atele #ot n" al l i Cai#o &i*l 1nt#e'% !e > tman9 4 . s% -ie 1n #e$ l% c el5 4 , &ti , #%s! nse $#%san l !laci"+ Aceast% chesti ne t#e' ie s*o #e/ol6a0i n mai " mnea6oast#%, "omn le+ S!a"e /2m'i &i '%#'ia l i 1n -o#m% "e ()( se asc 0i &i mai m lt+ <ise9 4 Cai#oE Ce6antin l 1&i 1ntoa#se chi! l '# net &i nelini&tit !este m%#+ S!a"e 1i s! se9 4 Cas%*l s% se o"ihneasc% o 6#eme+ . s%*l "%m !e m2na !oli0iei+ T#e' ie s% a#an8%m am%n ntele 1nainte ca el s%*&i #e6in%+ 4 , c#e"e0i c% i*a0i -%c t "est l #% &i -%#% asta5 1l 1nt#e'% am%#2t Cai#o+ 4 , , #%s! nse S!a"e+ Cai#o !lec% "e l2n$% so-a &i se a!#o!ie "e $#%san+ 4 )% #o$ s% n -ace0i a&a ce6a, "omn le > tman, 1l im!lo#% el+ T#e' ie s% 6% "a0i seama c%+++ 4 S*a hot%#2t, 1l 1nt#e# !se S!a"e+ P#o'lema e ce*ai "e $2n" s% -aci 1n aceast% !#i6in0%5 E&ti c noi, sa #en n0i5 De&i /2m'et l l i > tman e#a ! 0in t#ist, chia# melancolic 1n -el l l i, $#%san l "%" a-i#mati6 "in ca!+ 4 , *mi !lace nici mie, 1i s! se el le6antin l i, "a# n mai a6em "e ales ac m+ C#e"e*m% c% n a6em+
4 Ce inten0ii ai, Cai#o5 )ii c noi, sa te #et#a$i5 .l 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ Cai#o 1&i me/i ' /ele &i se 1ntoa#se 1ncet s!#e S!a"e+ 4 S% 6%", /ise el &i 1n$hi0i 1n sec+ Pot+++5 Pot s% ale$5 4 Fi#e&te, 1l asi$ #% S!a"e se#ios, "a# a# t#e' i s% !#ice!i c% "ac% #%s! ns l e (#e- /(, o s% te "%m !e m2na !oli0iei 1m!#e n% c t2n%# l t% amic+ 4 C%sa0i, "omn le S!a"e, !#otest% > tman+ 4 ,ici s% n 6% 1nchi! i0i c*am s%*l las s% !lece, /ise S!a"e+ .#i 6ine c noi, o#i 1l "a !e m2na !oli0iei+ , ! tem s% l%s%m l c# #ile 1nc #cate+ Se st#2m'% la > tman &i i/' cni ene#6at9 4 oim l e !#im l l c# !e ca#e l*a0i - #at5 S nte0i ni&te a$eamiiE Ce*o s% mai -ace0i ac m 4 o s% 1n$en nchea0i &i*o s% 6% # $a0i la D mne/e 5 7&i m t% #2n8et l as !#a l i Cai#o+ 4 Ei5 Ce*ai hot%#2t5 4 , *mi "a0i !osi'ilitatea nici nei ale$e#i+ Cai#o 1&i 1n%l0%, 1nt#* n $est "e "is!e#a#e, me#ii 1n$ &ti+ 4 )in c 6oi+ 4 Bine, s! se S!a"e &i se it% la > tman &i la B#i$i" .M Sha $hness;+ 4 Sta0i 8os+ Fata se a&e/% "elicat !e ma#$inea so-alei, l2n$% !icioa#ele '%iat l i le&inat+ > tman se 1ntoa#se la 'alansoa# l ca!itonat, ia# Cai#o la -otoli l s% + S!a"e ! se cele t#ei !istoale !e mas% &i se a&e/% l2n$% ele, !e n col0+ Se it% la ceas l "e la m2n% &i /ise9 4 E o#a "o % noa!tea+ , !ot s% -ac #ost "e &oim "ec2t 1n /o#i "e /i sa !oate !e la o#a o!t+ A6em "est l tim! ca s% a#an8%m tot l+ > t#nan 1&i "#ese $las l9 4 =n"e*i &oim l5 1nt#e'% el, a!oi a"% $% $#%'it9 De -a!t, n *mi !#ea !as%, "omn le+ M% $2n"esc "oa# c*a# -i m lt mai 'ine !ent# noi to0i cei inte#esa0i, "ac% n ne 6om sc%!a #eci!#oc "in 6e"e#e !2n% se 1ncheie t2#$ l+ Se it% la so-a, a!oi "in no , atent, la S!a"e+ 4 A6e0i !lic l5 S!a"e cl%tin% "in ca!, se it% la so-a, a!oi la -at%+ 7i /2m'i -etei "in ochi &i s! se9 4 7l a#e "omni&oa#a .M Sha $hness;+ 4 Da, e la mine, m #m #% ea &i 62#1 m2na 1n !a#"esi + C*am l at+++ 4 7n #e$ l%, 1i /ise S!a"e+ Gine*l 'ine+ I se a"#es% l i > tman9 4 , 6a -i ca/ l s% ne sc%!%m "in 6e"e#e, !ot s% a#an8e/ ca &oim l s% -ie a" s aici+ 4 A# -i eDcelent, s s #% > tman+ At nci, "omn le, 1n schim' l celo# /ece mii "e "ola#i &i al l i :ilme# ne 6e0i "a &oim l &i o o#% sa "o % "e #%$a/ 4 ca s% n mai -im 1n o#a& c2n" 1l 6e0i !#e"a a to#it%0ilo#+ 4 , t#e' ie s% 6% asc n"e0i, /ise S!a"e+ Ali'i l o s% -ie "e ne/"# ncinat+ 4 S*a# ! tea, "omn le, "a# o s% ne sim0im tot &i mai 1n si$ #an0% !leca0i "in o#a& c2n" 6a -i anchetat :ilme# "e c%t#e !#oc #o# l " mnea6oast#% "ist#ict al+ 4 C m 6#e0i, 1i #e!lic% S!a"e+ Pot s%*l 0in aici toat% /i a, "ac% 6#e0i+ 7nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ 4 Hai s% sta'ilim am%n ntele+ De ce l*a 1m! &cat !e Th #s';5 i "e ce, n"e &i c m l*a 1m! &cat !e Faco'i5 > tman /2m'i 1n$%" ito#, "%" "in ca! &i s s #%9 4 C%sa0i, "omn le, n *mi ce#e0i a&a ce6a+ )*am "at 'anii &i !e :ilme#+ E !a#tea noast#% a 1n0ele$e#ii+ 4 A&te!t tot &i #%s! ns l, /ise S!a"e+ Ri"ic% '#icheta la 0i$a#%+ 4 Am ce# t n 0a! is!%&ito#, &i n 6a ! tea -i 0a! is!%&ito# "ec2t "ac% 6a a6ea ce is!%&i+ T#e' ie "eci s% &ti ce s*a 1nt2m!lat+ 7&i st#2nse s!#2ncenele+ 4 De ce 6% 6%ita0i a&a5 ,*o s% mai -i0i 1n !#ea ma#e si$ #an0% "ac% 1i l%sa0i o !o#ti0% "e sc%!a#e+ > tman se a!lec% &i 1ntinse n "e$et $#os s!#e !istoalele "e !e mas%, al%t #i "e !icioa#ele l i S!a"e+ 4 EDist% "o6e/i am!le as !#a 6ino6%0iei l i, "omn le+ Am2n"oi a -ost 1m! &ca0i c aceste a#me+ E -oa#te sim!l !ent# eD!e#0ii !oli0iei s% "ete#mine c% $loan0ele ca#e a cis !e cei "oi a -ost t#ase c aceast% a#m%+ . &ti0i+ A0i !omenit*o chia# " mnea6oast#%+ Ia# asta, mi se !a#e, e o am!l% "o6a"% a 6ino6%0iei l i+ 4 Poate, #ec nosc S!a"e, "a# l c# #ile s nt mai com!licate &i t#e' ie s% a-l ce s*a 1nt2m!lat, 1nc2t s% -i si$ # c% am%n ntele ca#e n se !ot#i6esc s% -ie m &amali/ate+ .chii l i Cai#o se -%c #% #ot n/i &i - #io&i+ A!a#ent a0i itat c% ne*a0i asi$ #at c% 6a -i o chesti ne -oa#te sim!l%, /ise Cai#o+ 7&i 1ntoa#se -a0a '# net% &i ene#6at% s!#e > tman+ 4 )*am s-%t it s% n -ace0i ce 6% ce#e+ ,
c#e"+++ 4 , contea/% a'sol t "e loc ce c#e"e0i 6oi "oi, le #%s! nse S!a"e '# tal+ E !#ea t2#/i !ent# asta ac m+ De ce l*a cis !e Th #s';5 > tman 1&i 1m!#e n% "e$etele !e ' #t% &i se le$%n% 1n 'alansoa#+ )ocea l i, ca &i /2m'et l, e#a 6%"it t#ist%+ 4 S nte0i o !e#soan% neo'i&n it "e "i-icil% !ent# a 6% m l0 mi, s! se el+ 7nce! s% c#e" c*am -%c t o $#e&al% c% n 6*am l%sat 1n !ace "e la ' n 1nce! t+ Ca nai'a, a&a c#e", "omn leE S!a"e mi&c% ne$li8ent o m2n%+ 4 , 6*a me#s at2t "e #% + , s nte0i la 1nchisoa#e &i o s% !#imi0i &oim l+ Ce mai 6#e0i5 7&i 62#1 0i$a#a 1n col0 l $ #ii &i 6o#'i !e l2n$% ea+ 4 7n o#ice ca/, ac m &ti0i ca#e e sit a0ia+ De ce l*a cis !e Th #s';5 > tman 1ncet% s% se mai le$ene+ 4 Th #s'; e#a n asasin noto#i &i aliat l "omni&oa#ei .M Sha $hness;+ tiam c% "ac% 1l c #%0%m 1n acest chi!, a6em s*o s!e#iem &i s*o -acem s% se $2n"easc% la -a!t l c% !oate a# -i mai 'ine s% 1nl%t #e ne1n0ele$e#ile c noi, ia# a!oi o li!seam "e n !#otecto# at2t "e 6iolent+ )e/i, "omn le, s nt since#+ 4 Da+ Fi0i &i mai "e!a#te+ ,*a0i c#e/ t c% el a#e &oim l5 > tman cl%tin% "in ca!, ia# o'#a8ii l i #ot n/i t#em #a#%+ 4 ,*am c#e/ t nici o cli!%, #%s! nse el+ <2m'i 'ine6oito#+ 4 A6eam a6anta8 l "e a o c noa&te m lt !#ea 'ine !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; &i, "e&i n &tiam at nci c% ea "%" se &oim l c%!itan l i Faco'i la Hon$ Pon$ !ent# a -i a" s !e 6a!o# l %a 7aloma, 1n tim! ce ei "oi !leca c n 6as mai #a!i", n*am c#e/ t tot &i nici o cli!% c% "ac% n l "int#e ei &tia n"e se a-l% !as%#ea, acela a# -i -ost Th #s';+ S!a"e "%" $2n"ito# "in ca! &i 1nt#e'%9 4 ,*a0i 1nce#cat s% a8 n$e0i la n a#an8ament 1nainte "e a*l ci"e5 4 Fi#e&te c*am 1nce#cat, "omn le+ Am "isc tat chia# e c el 1n noa!tea aceea+ :ilme# 1l "e!istase c "o % /ile mai 1nainte &i 1nce#case s%*l #m%#easc% !este tot n"e se 1nt2lnea c "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness;, "a# Th #s'; e#a !#ea a'il, chia# "ac% n &tia c%*i #m%#it+ A&a c% 1n acea sea#%, :ilme# s*a " s la hotel l l i, a a-lat c% n *i acolo &i l*a a&te!tat a-a#%+ C#e" c% Th #s'; s*a 1nto#s ime"iat " !% ce l*a omo#2t !e asociat l " mnea6oast#%+ In"i-e#ent "e ce s*a 1nt2m!lat, :ilme# l*a a" s la mine+ ,*am a8 ns la nici n #e/ ltat c el+ E#a a'sol t c#e"incios "omni&oa#ei .M Sha $hness;+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, :ilme# l*a #m%#it "in no !2n% la hotel &i a -%c t ce*a -%c t+ S!a"e #e-lect% o cli!%+ 4 Mi se !a#e con6in$%to#+ Ac m "es!#e Faco'i+ > tman se it% $#a6 la S!a"e &i s! se9 4 Moa#tea l i Faco'i se "ato#e&te $#e&elii "omni&oa#ei .MSha $hness;+ Fata eDclam% c $las t%iat9 4 .hE &i " se o m2n% la $ #%+ S!a"e 6o#'i $#os &i calm9 4 , mai contea/% ac m+ S! ne*mi ce s*a 1n*t2m!lat+ D !% o !#i6i#e &i#eat% a# ncat% l i S!a"e, > tman /2m'i9 4 EDact c m s! ne0-, "omn le+ Ei 'ine, Cai#o, " !% cite &ti0i, a int#at 1n le$%t #% c mine 4 e l*am chemat 4 " !% ce*a !lecat "e la comisa#iat 1n acea noa!te 4 sa "iminea0% 4 &i a 6enit la mine+ Am #ec nosc t a6anta8ele #eci!#oce "e a ne ni -o#0ele+ 7i /2m'i le6antin l i+ 4 Domn l Cai#o e n om c o 8 "ecat% 1n0elea!t%+ El s*a $2n"it la 6as l %a 7aloma. A citit an n0 l "es!#e sosi#ea l i 1n /ia# 1n acea "iminea0% &i &i*a amintit c*a a /it la Hon$ Pon$ c% Faco'i &i "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; a -ost 6%/ 0i 1m!#e n%+ Asta s*a 1nt2m!lat !e c2n" 1nce#ca s*o "esco!e#e acolo &i*a c#e/ t la 1nce! t c% !lecase !e %a 7aloma, "e&i a a-lat mai t2#/i c% n*a !lecat+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, c2n" a citit in /ia# an n0 l sosi#ii 6as l i, a '%n it eDact ce s*a !et#ec t9 "omni&oa#a .M Sha $hness; "%" se c%!itan l i Faco'i !as%#ea ca s% i*o a" c% aici+ Faco'i n &tia, -i#e&te, "es!#e ce e 6o#'a+ Domni&oa#a .MSha $hness; e m lt !#ea "isc#et% ca s% i*o -i s! s+ Se it% 'ine6oito# la -at%, se le$%n% "e "o % o#i 1n 'alansoa# &i contin %9 4 Domn l Cai#o, :ilme# &i c mine ne*am " s s%*l 6i/it%m !e c%!itan l Faco'i &i*am -ost "est l "e no#oco&i s% a8 n$em 1n tim! ce se
a-la acolo &i "omni&oa#a .M Sha $hness;+ 7n m lte !#i6in0e, a -ost o "isc 0ie "i-icil%, "a# 1n cele "in #m%, !e la mie/ l no!0ii, am con6ins*o !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; s% ca"% la 1n6oial%, sa a&a ne*am 1nchi! it+ At nci am !lecat "e !e 6as la hotel l me n"e #ma s*o !l%tesc !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; &i s% !#imesc !as%#ea+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, noi 'ie0ii '%#'a0i, a# -i t#e' it s% ne "%m seama c% n ! tem a8 n$e la o 1n0ele$e#e+ n route, ea, c%!itan l Faco'i &i &oim l ne*a sc%!at com!let !#int#e "e$ete+ R2se 6esel+ Ca nai'a, "om* n le, a -ost -oa#te a'ili+ S!a"e se it% la -at%+ .chii ei, ma#i &i 1nt neca0i, ce#&ea mila, &i 1i 1nt2lni#% !e ai l i+ S!a"e 1l 1nt#e'% !e > tman+ 4 A0i "at -oc 6as l i 1nainte "e*a !leca5 4 , , n inten0ionat, "omn le, #%s! nse $#%san l, "e&i a& 1n"#%/ni s% a-i#m c% noi 4 sa :ilme# cel ! 0in 4 s ntem #%s! n/%to#i "e incen"i + E#a &i el !e 6as, 1nce#c2n" s% $%seasc% &oim l, 1n 6#eme ce noi "isc tam 1n ca'in%, &i -%#% 1n"oial% a -ost neatent c chi'#it #ile+ 4 S!len"i", /ise S!a"e+ Dac% "in 6#eo sc%!a#e 6om -i sili0i s%*l 8 "ec%m n mai !ent# asasina#ea l i Faco'i, 1i ! tem ! ne 1n c2#c% &i o ac /a#e "e incen"iato#+ Ac m, s! ne0i*mi, ce*i c 1m! &ca#ea l i Faco'i5 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, am '%t t o#a& l toat% /i a, 1nce#c2n" s%*i $%sim &i i*am $%sit "oa# t2#/i , a/i " !%*amia/%+ ,*am -ost si$ #i la 1nce! t c% i*am $%sit+ Da# e#am si$ #i c% am "esco!e#it a!a#tament l "omni&oa#ei .MSha $hness;+ C2n" am asc ltat 1ns% la &%, i*am a /it mi&c2n" *se 1n% nt# , a&a c*am -ost a'sol t con6in&i c% i*am !#ins, &i*am s nat+ C2n" -ata a 1nt#e'at cine e &i i*am s! s 4 !#in &% 4 am a /it c m se #i"ic% o -e#east#%+ Fi#e&te, ne*am "at seama ce 1nseamn% asta+ A&a c% :ilme# a co'o#2t sc%#ile c2t a ! t t "e #e!e"e &i a ocolit cl%"i#ea !#in s!ate ca s% 0in% s ' o'se#6a0ie sca#a "e incen"i + Ia# c2n" a int#at !e alee, a "at chia# !este c%!itan l Faco'i, ca#e - $ea c &oim l la s 's oa#%+ E#a o sit a0ie -oa#te $#ea "e #e/ol6at, "a# :ilme# a -%c t tot ce*a ! t t+ C*a 1m! &cat !e Faco'i 4 "e mai m lte o#i 4 "a# Faco'i e#a !#ea 6oinic ca s% se !#%' &easc% sa s% "ea "# m l &oim l i, &i mai e#a &i !#ea a!#oa!e "e :ilme# ca acesta s% se -e#easc% "e el+ C*a t#2ntit !e :ilme# &i*a - $it+ Toate astea s*a !et#ec t 1n !lin% l min% a /ilei, " !%*amia/a, 1n0ele$e0i5 C2n" :ilme# s*a #i"icat, a 6%/ t n !oli0ist ce 6enea !e o st#a"% "e mai s s+ A&a c*a t#e' it s% #e* n n0e+ S*a asc ns " !% o &% "osnic% a nei cl%"i#i "e l2n$% 'loc l Co#onet, a!oi a 6enit la noi &i*a a6 t ma#e no#oc, "omn le, ca s% a8 n$% -%#% s% -ie 6%/ t+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, ne 1m!otmolisem ia#+ Domni&oa#a .MSha $hness; "eschisese &a !ent# "omn l Cai#o &i !ent# mine " !% ce 1nchisese -e#east#a 1n #ma l i Faco'i, &i 4 se 1nt#e# !se ca s% /2m'easc% nei aminti#i 4 am con6ins*o, acesta e c 62nt l, "omn le, s% ne s! n% c% l*a # $at !e Faco'i s% " c% &oim l la " mnea6oast#%+ ,i se !%# ! 0in !#o'a'il ca Faco'i s% mai ai'% "est l tim! &i ene#$ie ca s% a8 n$% acolo, chia# "ac% n l*a# -i #i"icat !oli0ia, "a# e#a sin$ #a noast#% &ans%, "omn le+ A&a c% "in no am con6ins*o !e "omni&oa#a .MSha $hness; s% ne "ea o mic% m2n% "e a8 to#+ Ei 'ine, am con6ins*o s% 6% tele-one/e la 'i#o 1nce#c2n" s% 6% 1n"e!%#te/e "e acolo 1nainte "e sosi#ea I i Faco'i &i l*am t#imis !e :ilme# !e #mele l i+ Din neno#oci#e ne*a l at !#ea m lt tim! ca s*o con6in$em !e "omni&oa#a .M Sha $hness; s%+++ B%iat l "e !e so-a $em &i se 1ntoa#se !e o !a#te+ Deschise &i 1nchise ochii "e c2te6a o#i+ Fata se #i"ic% 1n !icioa#e &i se " se "in no 1n col0 l "int#e mas% &i !e#ete+ 4 +++ s% coo!e#e/e c noi, 1ncheie > tman, a&a c*a0i o'0in t &oim l 1nainte ca s% a8 n$em la " mnea6oast#%+ B%iat l ! se n !icio# 8os, se !#o!ti 1nt#* n cot, "eschise ochii la#$, ! se &i cel%lalt !icio# 8os, se #i"ic% 1n ca! l oaselo# &i se it% "e 8 # 1m!#e8 #+ =imi#ea 1i "is!%# "in !#i6i#e c2n" 1l 6%/ !e S!a"e+ Cai#o !%#%si -otoli l &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e '%iat+ 7l l % "e me#i &i 1nce! s%*i s! n% ce6a+ B%iat l se 1n"#e!t% '# sc 1n !icioa#e &i se -e#i "e '#a0ele l i Cai#o+ Se it% "in no !#in came#% &i 1&i -iD% ia# !#i6i#ea as !#a l i S!a"e+ E#a cont#actat la -a0% &i 1&i 0inea t# ! l at2t "e #i$i", 1nc2t !%#ea chi#cit &i mic&o#at+ A&e/at !e col0 l mesei, S!a"e 1&i '%l%'%ni !icioa#ele ne!%s%to# &i s! se9 4 Asc lt%, ! i le+ Dac% 6ii !2n% la mine &i 1nce#ci s% -aci !e ne' n l, te !ocnesc !este m t#%+ Stai 8os, taci "in $ #% &i ai s% t#%ie&ti mai m lt+ B%iat l se it% la > tman+ > tman 1i /2m'i !#ietene&te &i 1i /ise9
4 Ei 'ine, :ilme#, 1mi !a#e -oa#te #% c% te !ie#"em &i 6#ea s% &tii c% nici "ac% ai -i co!il l me n*a& 0ine mai m lt la tine+ Da#, la nai'aE Dac% !ie#" n -i e !osi'il s% -ac alt l, 1n tim! ce &oim malte/ n *i "ec2t n l+ S!a"e #2se+ Cai#o se a!#o!ie &i 1i &o!ti '%iat l i ce6a la #eche+ B%iat l n *&i "e/li!i ochii c%!# i &i #eci "e la > tman+ Se a&e/% la loc !e so-a+ Ce6antin l se a&e/% al%t #i+ S s!in l l i > tman n a-ect% s #2s l s% !#ietenesc+ 4 C2n" e&ti t2n%#, ! # &i sim!l n !#ice!i nele l c# #i, ii s! se el l i S!a"e+ Cai#o 1l a! c% "in no !e '%iat "e me#i &i 1i &o!ti mai "e!a#te+ S!a"e #2n8i s!#e > tman &i se a"#es% l i B#i$i" .M Sha $hness6+ 4 C#e" c*a# -i 'ine "ac*ai 6e"ea ce ne !o0i $%si "e m2nca#e 1n ' c%t%#ie, &i -%*ne &i ni&te ca-ea+ Ce /ici5 , 6#ea s%*mi !%#%sesc in6ita0ii+ 4 Desi$ #, s! se ea &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e &%+ > tman 1ncet% s% se mai le$ene+ 4 Stai o cli!%, "#a$a mea+ 7ntinse o m2n% $#as%+ 4 ,*a# -i mai 'ine s% la&i aici !lic l acela5 S% n se !%te/e+ B#i$i" 1l 1nt#e'% !e S!a"e "in ochi+ Detecti6 l s! se in"i-e#ent9 4 S nt 1nc% 'anii l i+ Fata 62#1 m2na 1n !a#"esi , scoase !lic l &i i*l "%" l i S!a"e+ S!a"e i*l a# nc% l i > tman 1n !oal% &i 1i /ise9 4 Stai !e el "ac% 0i*e -#ic% s% n *l !ie#/i+ 4 M*a0i 1n0eles $#e&it, s! se > tman s a6+ , "e asta m% tem, "a# a-ace#ile s nt a-ace#i+ Deschise !lic l, scoase "in% nt# 'ancnotele "e o mie "e "ola#i, le n m%#% &i chicoti "e i se '%l%'%ni ' #ta+ 4 De !il"% ac m s nt n mai no % 'ancnote 1n% nt# + Ce #%s-i#% !e $en nchii &i ! l!ele sale $#oase+ 4 E#a /ece c2n" 6i le*am "at, " !% c m &ti0i !#ea 'ine+ <2m'et l l i e#a la#$, 8o6ial &i t#i m-%to#+ S!a"e se it% la B#i$i" .MSha $hness; &i o 1nt#e'%9 4 Ei5 Fata cl%tin% "in ca! 6iolent+ , s! se nimic, "e&i ' /ele i se mi&ca#% &o#, ca &i c2n" a# -i 1nce#cat s% 6o#'easc%+ A6ea o -i$ #% s!e#iat%+ S!a"e 1ntinse m2na s!#e > tman &i $#%san l 1i "%" 'anii+ S!a"e 1i n m%#% 4 no % 'ancnote "e c2te o mie 4 &i le 1na!oie l i > tman+ A!oi S!a"e se #i"ic% 1n !icioa#e, 1nt necat &i !laci"+ C % cele t#ei !istoale "e !e mas%+ )o#'i c o 6oce ne!%s%toa#e9 4 ,oi, /ise el &i "%" "in ca! s!#e -at%, -%#% s% se ite la ea, o s% me#$em 1n came#a "e 'aie+ =&a a#e s% -ie "eschis% &i e am s% sta c -a0a la ea+ A-a#% "e ca/ l c2n" 6#e0i s% s%#i0i "e la eta8 l t#ei, n mai eDist% alt% ie&i#e "ecit cea "e !e l2n$% sala "e 'aie+ , 1nce#ca0i s% ie&i0i !e acolo+ 4 Da# 6% asi$ #, "omn le, !#otest% > tman, c% n *i necesa# &i, e6i"ent, nici !#ea !oliticos "in !a#tea " mnea6oast#% s% ne amenin0a0i ast-el+ T#e' ie s% &ti0i c% n a6em c2t &i "e ! 0in inten0ia s% !lec%m+ O Am s% 6%" la #m%+ S!a"e e#a #%'"%to#, "a# hot%#2t+ 4 Fa#sa asta a 1nc #cat l c# #ile+ T#e' ie s% a-l #%s! ns l "e la ea+ ,*o s% 0in% m lt+ Atinse cot l -etei+ 4 Hai 1n% nt# + 7n came#a "e 'aie, B#i$i" .M Sha $hness; c%!%t% $las+ 7&i ! se m2inile c !alma "eschis% !e !ie!t l l i S!a"e, 1&i li!i chi! l "e al l i &i 1i &o!ti9 4 ,*am l at e 'ancnota, Sam+ 4 ,ici n c#e" c*ai l at*o t , /ise el, "a# t#e' ie s% -i si$ #+ De/'#ac%*te+ 4 , *0i a8 n$e c 62nt l me 5 4 , + De/'#ac%*te+ 4 , 6#ea + 4 Foa#te 'ine+ At nci am s% te " c 1n cealalt% came#% &i*am s%*i ! n !e ei s% te "e/'#ace+ B#i$i" se t#ase 1na!oi &i*&i " se m2na la $ #%+ .chii 1i e#a #ot n/i &i 1n$#o/i0i+ 4 Ai -i 1n sta#e5 1l 1nt#e'% ea !#int#e "e$ete+ 4 Desi$ #, 1i #%s! nse el+ T#e' ie s% a-l ce s*a 1nt2m!lat c acea 'ancnot% &i n*o s% m% #e0in% "e la asta 8ena -ecio#elnic% a nim%n i+ 4 , *i 6o#'a "e asta+ B#i$i" se a!#o!ie "e el &i 1i ! se "in no m2inile !e !ie!t+ 4 , mi*e # &ine s% sta $oal% 1naintea ta, "a# 4 n 1n0ele$i5 4 "a# n 1nt#*o asemenea sit a0ie+ , 1n0ele$i c% "ac% m% sile&ti, ai s% "ist# $i acel sentiment5 S!a"e n #i"ic% 6ocea+
4 , &ti la ce te #e-e#i+ T#e' ie s% a-l ce s*a 1nt2m!lat e 'ancnota+ De/'#ac%*te+ Fata se it% la ochii l i $al'en*cen &ii, neclinti0i3 B#i$i" #o&i, a!oi !%li+ 7&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l &i 1nce! s% se "e/'#ace+ S!a"e se a&e/% !e ma#$inea ca"ei, o'se#62n"*o !e -at% &i #m%#in" &i &a "eschis%+ ,ici n /$omot n 6enea "in "o#mito#+ B#i$i" 1&i scoase #e!e"e hainele, -%#% s% e/ite, &i le l%s% s%*i ca"% la !icioa#e+ C2n" #%mase $oal%, !%&i a-a#% "int#e haine &i 1l !#i6i+ Pe chi! l ei se citea m2n"#ia, "a# -%#% nici o s-i"a#e sa 8en%+ S!a"e ! se !istoalele !e ca!ac l closet l i, #%mase e ochii la &% &i 1n$en nchie c n !icio# 1naintea l c# #ilo# ei+ C % -ieca#e a#ticol 6estimenta# &i 1l ce#cet% at2t c "e$etele c2t &i c ochii+ , $%si 'ancnota "e o mie "e "ola#i+ C2n" te#min%, se #i"ic% &i 1i 1ntinse hainele+ 4 M l0 mesc, /ise el+ Ac m &ti + B#i$i" l % hainele "e la el+ , s! se nimic+ S!a"e 1&i l % &i el !istoalele+ 7nchise &a "e la came#a "e 'aie 1n #ma sa &i int#% 1n "o#mito#+ > tman 1i /2m'i ama'il+ 4 A0i $%sit*o5 1nt#e'% el+ Cai#o, a&e/at !e so-a, l2n$% '%iat, se it% la S!a"e c o !#i6i#e 1nt#e'%toa#e &i o!ac%+ B%iat l n #i"ic% !#i6i#ea+ St%tea a!lecat 1nainte, c ca! l 1n m2ini, c coatele !e $en nchi, c ochii a0inti0i la " & mea a "int#e !icioa#e+ S!a"e 1i s! se l i > tman9 4 , , n*am $%sit*o+ D mneata ai &te#!elit*o+ >#%san l chicoti9 4E 5 4 Da, #%s! nse S!a"e 62nt #2n" !istoalele 1n m2n%+ )#ei s% #ec no&ti, sa te s ! n nei !e#che/i0ii5 4 S% m% s ! i+++5 4 Rec noa&te, s! se S!a"e, sa am s% te !e#che/i0ione/+ , eDist% a t#eia cale+ > tman se it% la -a0a " #% a l i S!a"e &i i/' cni 1n #2s9 4 Ca nai'a, "omn le, 6% c#e" 1n sta#e+ )% c#e", 1nt#*a"e6%#+ S nte0i o -i$ #%, "omn le, "ac% 1mi 1n$%" i0i s% 6% s! n ast-el+ 4 Ai &te#!elit*o, /ise S!a"e+ 4 Da, "omn le, am &te#!elit*o+ >#%san l scoase "in ' / na# l 6estei o 'ancnot% mototolit%, o nete/i !e ! l!a l i lat%, l % !lic l c celelalte no % "in ' / na# l hainei &i 62#1 'ancnota nete/it% la loc c #est l+ 4 Mai $l mesc &i e "in c2n" 1n c2n" &i e#am c #ios s% &ti ce*o s% -ace0i 1nt#*o ast-el "e sit a0ie+ T#e' ie s% 6% s! n c% a0i t#ec t !#o'a c '#io, "omn le+ , m*am $2n"it nicio"at% c 6e0i $%si o meto"% at2t "e sim!l% &i "e "i#ect% ca s% a8 n$e0iEa a"e6%#+ S!a"e 1i #2n8i -%#% am%#%ci ne+ 4 Ca o mane6#% "e $en l %steia m% a&te!tam "oa# "e la n om "e 62#sta $olan l i+ > tman chicoti+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, 1m'#%cat% "in no , mai ! 0in !a#"esi l &i !%l%#ia, ie&i "in came#a "e 'aie, -%c n !as 1n o"aie, se 1ntoa#se, se " se 1n ' c%t%#ie &i a!#inse l mina+ Cai#o se t#ase mai a!#oa!e "e '%iat, !e so-a, &i 1nce! s%*i &o!teasc% "in no la #eche+ B%iat l "%" "in me#i ene#6at+ S!a"e se it% la !istoalele "in m2n%, a!oi la > tman, ie&i !e co#i"o# &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e " la! l "in !e#ete+ Deschise &a, 62#1 a#mele 1n% nt# , !e n c -%#, 1nchise &a, o 1nc ie, ! se cheia 1n ' / na# l !antalonilo# &i se " se s!#e &a ce "a 1n ' c%t%#ie+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; m!lea c a!% n i'#ic elect#ic+ 4 Ai $%sit tot l5 o 1nt#e'% S!a"e+ 4 Da, #%s! nse ea #ece, -%#% s% #i"ice ca! l+ P se i'#ic l la o !a#te &i 6eni s!#e &%+ Ro&i3 a6ea ochii ma#i, me/i &i "o8enito#i+ 4 ,*a# -i t#e' it s%*mi -aci na ca asta, Sam, /ise ea 1ncet+ 4 T#e' ia s% a-l a"e6%# l, 1n$e#a& leE S!a"e se a!lec%, o s%# t% &o# !e ' /e &i se 1ntoa#se 1n came#%+ > tman 1i /2m'i l i S!a"e &i 1i 1ntinse !lic l al', s! n2n" *i9 4 )a -i 1n c #2n" al " mnea6oast#%+ ,*a6e0i "ec2t s%*l l a0i ac m+ S!a"e n l % !lic l+ Se a&e/% 1n -otoli &i s! se9 4 E "est l tim! !2n% at nci+ ,*am "isc tat s -icient "es!#e chesti nea '%neasc%+ Mi se c 6in mai m lt "ec2t /ece mii+ 4 <ece mii "e "ola#i s nt o $#oa/% "e 'ani, s! se > tman+ 4 M% cite/i, "a# n #e!#e/int% to0i 'anii "in l me+
4 , , "omn le, n #e!#e/int%+ De aco#"+ Da# s nt tot &i o $#oa/% "e 'ani o'0in 0i 1n c2te6a /ile, &i at2t "e &o# c m i*a0i o'0in t+++ 4 C#e/i c*a -ost chia# a&a al "#ac l i "e &o#5 1nt#e'% S!a"e &i "%" "in me#i+ Ei 'ine, !oate c*a -ost, "a# asta*i t#ea'a mea+ 4 F%#% 1n"oial%, #ec nosc $#%san l+ F%c ochii mici, a#%t% c ca! l s!#e ' c%t%#ie &i 6o#'i c $las sc%/ t9 4 7m!%#0i0i c ea5 4 M% !#i6e&te, #%s! nse S!a"e+ 4 Fi#e&te, #ec nosc "in no $#%san l, "a#+++ e/it%+++ a& 6#ea s% 6% "a n s-at+ 4 S! ne+ 4 C#e" c% o s%*i "a0i 1n o#ice ca/ 'ani, "a# "ac% n *i "a0i at2t c2t 1&i 1nchi! ie ea c% t#e' ie s% !#imeasc%, 6*a& s-%t i s%+++ -i0i atent+ 7n ochii l i S!a"e se a!#inse o l mini0% "e "is!#e0+ 4 E a&a "e !#ime8"ioas%5 4 Foa#te, #%s! nse $#%san l+ S!a"e #2n8i &i 1nce! s%*&i #%s ceasc% o 0i$a#%+ Cai#o, ca#e m #m #a 1nc% la #echea '%iat l i, 1l l ase "in no "e me#i+ Deo"at% '%iat l 1i 1m!inse '#a0 l la o !a#te &i se 1ntoa#se !e so-a c -a0a la le6antin+ Pe chi! l l i se 6e"ea "e/$ st &i - #ie+ 7&i st#2nse ! mn l &i*l !lesni c el !e Cai#o !este $ #%+ Cai#o st#i$% ca o -emeie &i se #et#ase la ca!%t l so-alei+ Scoase "in ' / na# o 'atist% "e m%tase &i o " se la $ #%+ . l % !lin% "e s2n$e+ 7&i tam!on% ia# ' /ele c ea &i se it% !lin "e #e!#o& la '%iat+ B%iat l #%cni la el9 O S% n te mai a!#o!ii "e mineE &i 1&i l % "in no ca! l 1n !alme+ De !e 'atista l i Cai#o se #%s!2n"i 1n came#% mi#os l "e (Ch;!#e(+ St#i$%t l l i Cai#o o a" se !e B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 1n !#a$+ S!a"e #2n8i, a#%t% c "e$et l ma#e s!#e so-a &i 1i s! se -etei9 4 Iat% a"e6%#ata "#a$oste+ Ce se a "e c m2nca#ea5 4 )ine, /ise ea &i se 1ntoa#se 1n ' c%t%#ie+ S!a"e 1&i a!#inse 0i$a#a &i se a"#es% l i > tman+ 4 Hai s% "isc t%m "es!#e 'ani+ 4 . "o#esc "in tot s -let l, #%s! nse $#%san l, "a# t#e' ie s% 6% s! n -oa#te since# c% cele /ece mii "e "ola#i s nt to0i 'anii !e ca#e 1i !ot st#2n$e+ S!a"e scoase - m l !e n%#i+ 4 A# t#e' i s% am "o %/eci "e mii+ 4 i e a& 6#ea s% a6e0i+ )i i*a& "a ' c #os, "ac% i*a& a6ea, "a# /ece mii "e "ola#i s nt tot ce !ot st#2n$e, !e c 62nt l me "e onoa#e+ Fi#e&te, "omn le, 1n0ele$e0i c% e n mai o !#im% t#an&%+ Mai 1ncolo+++ 4 Mai 1ncolo &ti c*o s%*mi "ai milioane, #2se S!a"e+ Da# s% #%m2nem la aceast% "isc 0ie+ 4 7mi "ai cincis!#e/ece mii5 > tman /2m'i, a!oi se 1nc# nt% &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 Domn le S!a"e, 6*am s! s since# &i onest &i !e c 62nt l me "e onoa#e "e gentleman c% cei /ece mii "e "ola#i s nt tot ce am 4 ltim l 'an 4 &i tot ce !ot st#2n$e+ 4 Da# n*ai s! s -oa#te hot%#2t+ > tman #2se &i s! se9 4 Hot%#2t+ 4 , *i ma#e sco-al%, /ise S!a"e !osac, "a# "ac% asta*i tot ce !o0i 4 "%*mi*iE > tman 1i 1ntinse !lic l+ S!a"e n m%#% 'ancnotele &i tocmai le 62#a 1n ' / na# c2n" int#% B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 0in2n" o ta6%+ B%iat l #e- /% s% m%n2nce+ Cai#o l % o cea&c% "e ca-ea+ Fata, > tman &i S!a"e m2nca#% 8 m%#i, sl%nin%, !2ine !#%8it% &i ma#mela"% &i '% #% -ieca#e c2te "o % ce&ti "e ca-ea+ A!oi se a&e/a#% s% a&te!te s% t#eac% noa!tea+ > tman - m% o 0i$a#% "e -oi &i citi Cazuri criminale celebre din America chicotin" "in c2n" 1n c2n" as !#a 6#e n i !asa8 sa coment2n" !%#0i ca#e 1l am /a + Cai#o 1&i 1n$#i8ea #ana "e la $ #% &i st%t 1nc# ntat, !e ma#$inea cana!elei, B%iat l #%mase c ca! l 1n m2ini !2n% ! 0in " !% o#a !at# + A!oi se 1ntinse !e so-a, c !icioa#ele s!#e Cai#o, se 1ntoa#se c -a0a la -e#east#% &i a"o#mi+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; mo0%i 1n -otoli , asc lt% comenta#iile $#%san l i &i " se o con6e#sa0ie s !e#-icial% &i c m lte !a /e c S!a"e+ Detecti6 l 1&i #%s ci &i - m% 0i$%#i &i se mi&c% !#in came#% -%#% s% -ie
ne#6os sa a$itat+ Se a&e/a neo#i !e '#a0 l -otoli l i -etei, !e n col0 "e mas%, !e 8os la !icioa#ele ei, sa !e n sca n ta#e+ Ca cinci &i 8 m%tate se " se 1n ' c%t%#ie &i mai -%c ni&te ca-ele+ . 8 m%tate "e o#% mai t2#/i , '%iat l se t#e/i &i se sc l% 1n ca! l oaselo#, c%sc2n"+ > tman se it% la ceas &i 1l 1nt#e'% !e S!a"e9 4 P te0i s%*l o'0ine0i ac m5 4 S% mai a&te!t%m o o#%+ > tman "%" "in ca! &i se 1ntoa#se la ca#tea l i+ Ca o#a &a!te S!a"e se " se la tele-on &i -o#m% n m%# l l i E--ie Pe#ine+ 4 Alo5 Doamna Pe#ine5 Aici e "omn l S!a"e+ )#e0i s% mi*o "a0i, 6% #o$, !e E--ie la tele-on5+++ Da, a&a e+++ M l0 mesc+ Fl ie#% "o % aco#" #i "in n Cuba 1ncet+ 4 Alo, 1n$e#a& le+ 7mi !a#e #% c% te*am t#e/it+++ Da, -oa#te+ =ite "es!#e ce e 6o#'a9 1n c tia noast#% !o&tal% "e la o-ici l !o&tal ai s% $%se&ti n !lic a c%# i a"#es% e sc#is% "e mine+ 7n !lic se a-l% o #eci!is% "e la 'i#o l PicA?icA Sta$e 4 !ent# !achet l !#imit ie#i+ )#ei s% iei !achet l &i s% mi*l a" ci5 F%#% s% ! i 1nt#e'%#i+ Da, s nt acas%+++ B#a6o 0ie+ >#%'e&te*te+ Ca #e6e"e#e+ Sone#ia "e la int#a#e #%s n% la o!t -%#% /ece+ S!a"e se " se la c tia tele-on l i &i a!%s% !e ' ton l ca#e "esc ia &a "e la int#a#e+ > tman l%s% 8os ca#tea &i se #i"ic% /2m'in"+ 4 , 6% s !%#a0i "ac% 6% 1nso0esc !2n% la &%5 1nt#e'% el+ 4 7n #e$ l%, 1i s! se S!a"e+ > tman 1l #m%#i !2n% la &a co#i"o# l i+ S!a"e o "eschise+ E--ie Pe#ine, " c2n" 1n '#a0e !achet l am'alat 1n h2#tie ca-enie, a!%# "in "i#ec0ia li-t l i+ Fa0a ei '%ie0oas% e#a 6esel% &i st#%l citoa#e 1n tim! ce 1nainta c !a&i #e!e/i, a!#oa!e ale#$2n"+ , *i a# nc% "ec2t o !#i6i#e l i > tman+ 7i /2m'i l i S!a"e &i 1i "%" !achet l+ Detecti6 l 1l l % &i s! se9 4 M l0 mesc m lt, "oamna mea+ 7mi !a#e #% c% 0i*am st#icat /i a li'e#%, "a# aceast%+++ 4 , *i !#ima oa#% c2n" mi*ai st#icat /i a li'e#%, 1i #%s! nse ea #2/2n", ia# a!oi, c2n" "e6eni lim!e"e c% n*a6ea inten0ia s*o in6ite 1n% nt# , 1l 1nt#e'%9 Mai e ce6a5 4 , , m l0 mesc, s! se el &i cl%tin% "in ca!+ 4 Ca #e6e"e#e, 1i s! se ea &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e li-t+ S!a"e 1nchise &a &i " se !achet l 1n came#%+ Fa0a l i > tman se #o&ise &i o'#a8ii 1i t#em #a + Cai#o &i B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se a!#o!ia#% "e mas% c2n" S!a"e ! se !achet l !e ea+ E#a ne#%'"%to#i+ B%iat l se #i"ic%, !ali" &i 1nco#"at, "a# #%mase l2n$% so-a, !#i6in" !e s ' $enele on" late s!#e ceilal0i+ S!a"e se t#ase "e l2n$% mas% &i /ise9 4 Iat%*l "eci+ De$etele $#ase ale l i > tman "e/no"a#% #a!i" -#2n$hia, "%" #% la o !a#te h2#tia &i # me$ & l &i 0in #% !as%#ea nea$#%+ 4 Ah, s! se el #%$ &it, 1n -ine, " !% &a!tes!#e/ece aniE .chii i se me/i#%+ Cai#o 1&i linse ' /ele #o&ii &i 1&i 1ncle&t% m2inile+ Fata 1&i !#inse 1nt#e "in0i ' /a in-e#ioa#%+ Ea, Cai#o, > tman &i S!a"e, ca &i '%iat l #es!i#a $#e + Ae# l "in came#% e#a #ece &i st%t t, 1n$#o&at "e - m "e t t n+ > tman l%s% "in no !as%#ea !e mas% &i m'l% !#in ' / na#e+ 4 Ea e, "a#, /ise el, "a# 6#em s% -im si$ #i+ Pe o'#a8ii #ot n/i 1i st#%l cea '#o'oane "e s "oa#e+ De$etele 1i t#em #a 1n tim! ce scoase n '#icea$ &i 1l "es-%c + Cai#o &i -ata #%mase#% 1n !icioa#e al%t #i, 1nca"#2n" *l+ S!a"e st%tea mai 1n s!ate "e n"e ! tea #m%#i at2t !e '%iat, c2t &i $# ! l "e la mas%+ > tman 1ntoa#se !as%#ea c ca! l 1n 8os &i 1i /$2#ie, c '#icea$ l, o ma#$ine a socl l i+ Email l ne$# se 8 ! i 1n &!an #i mici, eD! n2n" metal l 1nne$#it "e "e"es 't+ B#icea$ l l i > tman m &c% "in metal, sco02n" n &!an s '0i#e &i ne$# + Pa#tea inte#ioa#% a &!an l i, ca &i '#a/"a s '0i#e l%sat% !#in elimina#ea l i, a6ea consisten0a moale, mat% &i cen &ie a !l m' l i+ > tman & ie#% !#int#e "in0i+ Fa0a i se in8ect%+ S ci !as%#ea &i o atac% la ca! c '#icea$ l+ i acolo, lama '#icea$ l i "e/$oli !l m' l+ D%" "# m l !%s%#ii &i '#icea$ l i s% ca"% !e mas% &i se 1ntoa#se '# sc !ent# a*l 1n-# nta !e S!a"e+ 4 E n -als, s! se el #%$ &it+ S!a"e se 1nt nec% &i mai m lt la -a0%+ D%" lent "in ca!, "a# n e#a nimic lent 1n $est l l i "e a o !#in"e "e 1ncheiet #a m2inii !e B#i$i" .MSha $hness;+ . t#ase s!#e el, 1i !#inse '%#'ia c cealalt% m2n% &i 1i #i"ic% '# tal ca! l+
4 Pe#-ect, 'om'%ni el, it2n" *se -iD la ea+ Te*ai am /at "est l+ S! ne*ne ac m ce -acem+ 4 , E SamE , E st#i$% -ata+ Aceasta e stat eta !e ca#e am !#imit*o "e la Pemi"o6+ F #+++ Foel Cai#o se 62#1 1nt#e S!a"e &i > tman &i 1nce! s% #e6e#se n to#ent "e c 6inte st#i"ente &i '2l'2ite9 4 Asta*iE Asta*iE Pemi"o6E A# -i t#e' it s%*mi 1nchi! iE C*am c#e/ t -#aie# &i ne*a !#ostit el !e noiE Pe o'#a8ii le6antin l i c #$ea lac#imi 1n tim! ce s%#ea "e colo*colo+ 4 D mneata ai #atat tot lE 1i st#i$% el l i > tman+ D mneata &i 1nce#ca#ea " mitale st !i"% "e a o c m!%#a "e la elE Bo#0os t2m!itE C*ai l%sat s% 1n0elea$% c%*i "e 6aloa#e, ia# el a "esco!e#it ce ma#e 6aloa#e a#e &i a scos o co!ie !ent# noiE , *i "e mi#a#e c*a -ost at2t "e &o# "e - #atE , *i "e mi#a#e c% 0inea at2t "e m lt s% !lec 1n 8 # l l mii s*o ca tE Im'ecil leE Bo#0os i"iotE 7&i " se m2inile la -a0% &i "e6eni incoe#ent+ B%#'ia l i > tman c%/ + Cli!i c !#i6i#ea 1n $ol+ A!oi se sc t #% &i 4 1n cli!a c2n" ' l'ii "e $#%sime 1nceta#% s% mai t#em #e 4 #e"e6eni n ti! $#as &i 8o6ial+ 4 Hai, "omn le, s! se el 'ine "is! s, n *i ne6oie s% te !o#0i ast-el+ To0i $#e&esc neo#i &i !o0i -i si$ # c% &i !ent# mine e o lo6it #% la -el "e se#ioas% ca &i !ent# o#icine alt l+ Da, e m2na l i Pemi"o6, n *i nici o 1n"oial%+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, ce !#o! i5 S% st%m aici, s% !l2n$em &i s% ne 1n8 #%m5 Sa 4 se o!#i &i /2m'i 1n$e#e&te 4 s% !lec%m la Constantino!ol5 Cai#o 1&i l % m2inile "e !e -a0% &i se hol'% la el+ Bol'o#osi9 4 S $e#e/i ca+++5 =imi#ea " 'lat% "e #e6ela0ie 1i t%ie 6o#'a+ > tman '%t "in !almele l i $#ase+ .chii 1i a# nca 6%!%i+ )ocea l i s s #a #%$ &it &i satis-%c t9 4 De &a!tes!#e/ece ani am "o#it acest mic o'iect &i*am 1nce#cat s%*l o'0in+ Dac% t#e' ie s%*mi mai !ie#" n an c% t2n" *l 4 ei 'ine, "omn le 4 n 6a -i "ec2t o chelt ial% s !limenta#% "e tim! 4 ' /ele l i se mi&ca#% 1ncet 1n tim! ce calc la 4 "e ci#ca cinci &i cincis!#e/ece, &a!tes!#e/ece la s t%+ Ce6antin l chicoti &i st#i$%9 4 Me#$ c " mneataE S!a"e "%" "# m l '# sc -etei &i se it% !#in o"aie+ B%iat l "is!%# se+ S!a"e se " se !e co#i"o#+ =&a "e la co#i"o# e#a "eschis%+ S!a"e se st#2m'% nem l0 mit, 1nchise &a &i se 1ntoa#se 1n came#%+ Se s!#i8ini "e ca"# l &ii &i se it% la Cai#o &i la > tman+ Se it% ac# m lt tim! la > tman, A!oi, 6o#'i, maim 0%#in" s s # l $#%san l i9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, t#e' ie s% s! n c% s nte0i o -# moas% 'an"% "e ho0iE > tman #2se 1n- n"at+ 4 S nt ! 0ine l c# #i c ca#e ne ! tem l% "a, n*o ! tem ne$a, "omn le+ Ei 'ine, nici n l "int#e noi n *i 1nc% mo#t &i n me#it% s% ne 1nchi! im c% l mea s*a s-2#&it -iin"c% am s -e#it n mic e&ec+ 7&i scoase m2na st2n$% "e la s!ate &i o 1ntinse l i S!a"e, c !alma nete"% &i c%#noas% 1n s s+ 4 )a t#e' i s% 6% ce# acel !lic, "omn le+ S!a"e n se mi&c%+ Fi$ #a i se 1m!iet#ise+ S! se9 4 Mi*am 1n"e!linit an$a8ament l+ A6e0i o'iect l+ E $hinion l 6ost# , n al me , c% n e ce c% ta0i+ 4 Hai"e0i, "omn le, s! se > tman !e#s asi6, am $#e&it to0i &i n eDist% nici n moti6 s% ne a&te!t%m ca 6#e n l "int#e noi s% s !o#te sin$ # !a$ 'a, &i+++ 7&i scoase &i m2na "#ea!t% "e la s!ate+ Ginea 1n ea n !istol mic, n o'iect $#a6at "eco#ati6 &i 1nc# stat 1n a #, a#$int &i si"e-+ 4 Pe sc #t, "omn le, t#e' ie s% 6% #o$ s%*mi 1na!oia0i cei /ece mii "e "ola#i ai mei+ Fa0a l i S!a"e n se schim'%+ D%" "in me#i &i scoase "in ' / na# !lic l+ )oi s% i*l "ea l i > tman, e/it%, a!oi 1l "eschise &i scoase o 'ancnot% "e o mie "e "ola#i+ )2#1 'ancnota 1n ' / na# l !antalonilo#, 1nchise !lic l la loc !este celelalte 'ancnote &i i*l 1ntinse l i > tman+ 4 Asta !ent# tim! l !ie#" t &i chelt ielile mele, /ise el+ > tman, " !% o sc #t% !a /%, "%" &i el in"i-e#ent "in me#i ca S!a"e, &i l % !lic l+ S! se9 4 Ei 'ine, "omn le, 6% s! nem la #e6e"e#e, a-a#% "e ca/ l+++ ' l'ii "e $#%sime "in 8 # l ochilo# -#em%ta#% 4 c% 6% inte#esea/% s% #ma0i eD!e"i0ia noast#% la Constantino!ol+
, 6#e0i5 Ei 'ine, "omn le, ca s% 6% s! n cinstit, mi*a# !lace s% 6eni0i c noi+ S nte0i n om !e $ st l me , n om c m lte #es #se &i o 8 "ecat% 1n0elea!t%+ Fiin"c% &tim c% s nte0i n om c o 8 "ecat% 1n0elea!t% ne "%m seama c% ne ! tem l a #%mas ' n, a62n" toate asi$ #%#ile c% 6e0i 0ine sec#et micile am%n nte ale a-ace#ii noast#e+ tim c% ne ! tem 'i/ i !e " mnea6oast#% ca s% a!#ecia0i -a!t l c%, a&a c m sta l c# #ile ac m, o#ice "i-ic ltate "e o#"in le$al ce*a# s #6eni 1n le$%t #% c cele !et#ec te 1n ltimele /ile, 6*a# a-ecta 1n e$al% m%s #% at2t !e " mnea6oast#% c2t &i !e 1nc2nt%toa#ea "omni&oa#% .MSha $hness;+ S nte0i !#ea a'il ca s% n 6% "a0i seama+ 4 P#ice!, #%s! nse S!a"e+ 4 E#am si$ # c% 6e0i !#ice!e+ S nt "e asemenea si$ # ac m c% 6e0i a#an8a c !oli0ia &i -%#% n 0a! is!%&ito#+ 4 Am s% a#an8e/ !e#-ect, #%s! nse S!a"e+ 4 E#am si$ # c% 6e0i #e &i+ Ei 'ine, "omn le, "es!%#0i#ile cele mai sc #te s nt &i cele mai ' ne+ A"io+ F%c o !lec%ci ne m%#ea0%+ 4 Domni&oa#% .MSha $hness;, 6% s! n a"io+ )% las !e mas% aceast% rara a'is, ca o mic% aminti#e+ TT DACH TE SPW,<=RH Tim! "e cinci min te " !% ce &a "e a-a#% se 1nchise 1n #ma l i >as!e# > tman &i a l i Foel Cai#o, S!a"e #%mase nemi&cat, c ochii a0inti0i la clan0a &ii "eschise a came#ei sale+ A6ea o !#i6i#e !osomo#2t%, ia# -# ntea i se 1nc#e0ise+ C tele a"2nci "e la #%"%cina nas l i se #o&ise#%+ B /ele i se m-lase#%+ Ce st#2nse, -o#m2n" n ()( " # &i se 1n"#e!t% s!#e tele-on+ , se it% la B#i$i" .MSha $hness; ca#e st%tea 1n !icioa#e l2n$% mas% &i 1l !#i6ea nelini&tit%+ Ri"ic% tele-on l, 1l ! se la loc !e eta8e#% &i se a!lec% s% ca te ca#tea "e tele-on ce at2#na 1nt#* n col0 al eta8e#ei+ 7ntoa#se #e!e"e !a$inile !2n% $%si ceea ce c% ta, !lim'% "e$et l !e o coloan%, 1&i 1n"#e!t% t# ! l &i #i"ic% "in no #ece!to# l "in - #c%+ Fo#m% n n m%# &i s! se9 4 Alo5 E acolo se#$ent l Polha s5+++ )#e0i s%*l chema0i 6% #o$5 Aici e Sam el S!a"e+ Se it% 1n $ol, a&te!t2n"+ 4 Alo, Tom, am ce6a !ent# tine+++ Da, "in !lin+ =ite ce e9 Th #s'; &i Faco'i a -ost 1m! &ca0i "e n '%iat n mit :ilme# CooA+ Desc#ise '%iat l am%n n0it+ 4 C c#ea/% !ent# n ti! n mit >as!e# > tman+ 7l "esc#ise &i !e > tman+ 4 In"i6i" l %la, Cai#o, !e ca#e l*ai c nosc t aici, e &i el c ei+++ Da, asta e+++ > tman loc ie&te la hotel l AleDan"#ia, a!a#tament l 1R C, sa loc ia acolo+ Tocmai a !lecat "e la mine &i o 1ntin" "in o#a&, a&a c% 6a t#e' i s% ac0ione/i #a!i", "e&i n c#e" c% ei se a&tea!t% s% -ie a#es* ta0i+++ E &i o -at% c ei, -iica l i > tman+ . "esc#ise !e Rhea > tman+ 4 Fii !# "ent c2n" 1l a#este/i !e '%iat+ C#e" c%*i -oa#te 1n"em2natec c a#mele+++ 7n #e$ l%, Tom, &i am &i aici ce6a !ent# tine+ C#e" c% s nt a#mele !e ca#e le*a -olosit+ Ai "#e!tate+ A! c%*te "e t#ea'% &i no#oc+ S!a"e a&e/% ime"iat #ece!to# l la loc 1n - #c%, ia# a!a#at l !e eta8e#%+ 7&i me/i ' /ele &i 1&i !#i6i m2inile+ T#ase a"2nc ae# 1n !ie!t+ Palmele i se me/ise#%+ 7nt#e !leoa!ele cont#actate ochii 1i scli!ea + Se 1ntoa#se &i -%c t#ei !a&i !#in came#%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, s!e#iat% "e a!#o!ie#ea l i '# sc%, #%s -l% a"2nc, #2/2n" 1n%' &it+ S!a"e, 1n -a0a ei 4 1nalt, c oasele l i ma#i &i m &chi soli/i 4 1i /2m'i #ece c ochii as!#i &i c '%#'ia #i"icat%, &i 1i s! se9 4 A s% #ec noasc% at nci c2n" a s%*i !#in"%+++ &i*a s% s! n% &i "es!#e noi+ St%m !e "inamit%, &i n a6em la "is!o/i0ie "ec2t c2te6a min te !2n% 6ine !oli0ia+ S! ne*mi tot l, #e!e"e+ > tman te*a t#imis !e tine &i !e Cai#o la Constantino!ol5 Fata 1nce! s% 6o#'easc%, e/it% &i 1&i m &c% ' /a+ S!a"e 1i ! se o m2n% !e m%#+ 4 )o#'e&te, ce "#ac E s! se el+ S nt &i e 62#2t 1n a-ace#ea asta 1m!#e n% c tine, &i s% n m% 1n&eli+ )o#'e&teE El te*a t#imis la Constantino!ol5 4 Da, el m*a t#imis+ C*am 1nt2lnit acolo !e Foel+++ &i i*am ce# t s% m% a8 te+ A!oi, am2n"oi+++ 4 I*ai ce# t l i Cai#o s% te a8 te s% o'0ii !as%#ea "e la Pemi"o65
4 Da+ 4 Pent# > tman5 B#i$i" e/it% "in no , se -e#i "in -a0a ochilo# l i " #i &i - #io&i, 1n$hi0i 1n sec &i s! se9 4 , , n at nci+ Am c#e/ t c*o s*o o'0inem !ent# noi "oi+ 4 Pe#-ect+ i !e #m%5 4 ., !e #m% a 1nce! t s%*mi -ie team% c% Foel n*o s% se !oa#te co#ect c mine 4 a&a c% i*am ce# t l i Flo;" Th #s'; s% m% a8 te+ 4 i te*a a8 tat+ A!oi5 4 Ei 'ine, am -%c t #ost "e &oim &i*am !lecat la Hon$ Pon$+ 4 7m!#e n% c Cai#o, sa l*ai a'an"onat mai "inainte5 4 Da+ C*am !%#%sit la Constantino!ol, 1n 1nchisoa#e, int#ase "in !#icina n i cec+ 4 T ai a#an8at ca s%*l #e0in% acolo5 Fata 1l !#i6i # &inat% &i &o!ti9 4 Da+ 4 7n #e$ l%+ A&a"a# ai -ost 1m!#e n% c Flo;" la Hon$ Pon$, a62n" !as%#ea c 6oi+ 4 Da+ Ia# a!oi+++ n *l c no&team !e Flo;" -oa#te 'ine 4 n*am &ti t "ac% ! team a6ea 1nc#e"e#e 1n el, Am c#e/ t c*a# -i mai si$ # 4 o#ic m, l*am c nosc t !e c%!itan l Faco'i &i &tiam c% 6as l l i 6ine aici, a&a c% i*am ce# t s%*mi a" c% n !achet 4 !achet l c !as%#ea+ , e#am si$ #% "ac% m% ! team 1nc#e"e 1n Th #s';, sa "ac% Foel sa altcine6a 1n sl 8'a l i > tman n se 6a a-la !e 'o#" l 6as l i c ca#e am 6enit noi 4 mi s*a !%# t !lan l cel mai ' n+ 4 Foa#te 'ine+ A!oi, 1m!#e n% c Th #s'; a0i l at n 6as #a!i" c "i#ec0ia San F#ancisco+ Ce s*a 1nt2m!lat mai "e!a#te5 4 A!oi 4 a!oi mi s*a -%c t -#ic% "e > tman+ tiam c% a#e oamenii l i 4 le$%t #i 4 !#et tin"eni, &i*a6ea s% a-le 1n c #2n" "e noi+ i m% temeam c*a6ea s% a-le c*am !lecat la San F#ancisco "e la Hon$ Pon$+ E#a la ,e? @o#A &i &tiam c% "ac% a-l% !#int#*o tele$#am%, a6ea "est l tim! la "is!o/i0ie s% a8 n$% aici o "at% c noi, sa chia# mai 1nainte+ A &i sosit mai 1nainte+ ,*am &ti t !e at nci, "a# mi*e#a -#ic% &i t#e' ia s% a&te!t aici !2n% la sosi#ea 6as l i c%!itan l i Faco'i+ i mi*e#a -#ic% !e "eas !#a c% > tman a6ea s% m% "esco!e#e 4 sa s%*l "esco!e#e !e Flo;" &i s%*l mit iasc% !ent# a t#ece "e !a#tea l i+ D*asta am 6enit la tine &i te*am # $at s%*l !2n"e&ti+++ 4 E o minci n%, /ise S!a"e+ 7l a6eai !e Th #s'; la che#em l t% &i o &tiai+ E#a n -#aie# 1n #ela0iile c -emeile+ . a#at% ca/ie# l l i 4 toate ne!l%ce#ile !e ca#e le*a a6 t e#a "e !e #ma -emeilo#+ Ia# n -#aie# #%m2ne -#aie#+ Poate c% n *i c no&teai ca/ie# l, "a# &tiai c%*l ai !e Th #s'; la "isc#e0ie+ B#i$i" #o&i &i se it% timi" la S!a"e+ 4 Do#eai s%*l sco0i "in ci#c la0ie, 1nainte "e sosi#ea l i Faco'i c !#a"a+ Hsta a -ost !lan l t% 5 4 tiam c% !%#%sise Statele =nite 1m!#e n% c n 8 c%to# "e c%#0i, " !% nele 1nc #c%t #i+ , &tiam "es!#e ce e#a 6o#'a !#ecis, "a# mi*am 1nchi! it c% "ac% a# -i -ost ce6a se#ios, &i*a# -i 6%/ t c%*l #m%#e&te n "etecti6, a# -i c#e/ t c% a #ea!%# t 6echile ne!l%ce#i, s*a# -i s!e#iat &i*a# -i - $it+ ,*am c#e/ t+++ 4 I*ai s! s c%*i #m%#it, 1i /ise S!a"e con-i"en0ial+ Miles n e#a "e loc "e&te!t, "a# nici at2t "e !#ost ca s% -ie "e!istat "in !#ima sea#%+ 4 Da, i*am s! s+ C2n" am !lecat s% ne !lim'%m, 1n acea noa!te, m*am !#e-%c t c% l*am "esco!e#it !e "omn l A#che# ca#e ne #m%#ea &i i l*am a#%tat l i Flo;"+ Hohoti+ 4 Da#, te #o$ s% m% c#e/i, Sam, c% n*a& -i -%c t*o, "ac% mi*a& -i 1nchi! it c% Flo;" a6ea s%*l omoa#e+ Am c#e/ t "oa# c*a#e s%*l s!e#ie ca s% !lece "in o#a&+ , mi*am 1nchi! it o cli!% c*a#e s%*l 1m! &te ast-el+ S!a"e /2m'i -e#oce c ' /ele, "a# n &i c ochii+ S! se9 4 Dac% a&a 0i*ai 1nchi! it, ai a6 t "#e!tate, 1n$e#a& le+ Fa0a #i"icat% a -etei t#%"a o imi#e com!let%+ S!a"e s! se9 4 , Th #s'; l*a 1m! &cat !e A#che#+ Inc#e" litatea se a"% $% imi#ii !e -a0a -etei+ S!a"e s! se9 Miles n st#%l cea !#in "e&te!t%ci ne, "a#, la "#ac E a6ea 1n #m% !#ea m l0i ani "e !#actic% 1n mese#ia "e "etecti6 ca s% se lase ast-el s #!#ins "e cel !e ca#e 1l #m%#ea, 1nt#*o - n"%t #%, c a#ma 62#2t% la &ol" &i c !a#"esi l 1ncheiat5 ,ici 6o#'% "e a&a ce6a+ E#a -#aie# ca o#ice '%#'at, "a# n at2t "e -#aie#+ Sin$ #ele "o % ie&i#i "e !e alee ! tea -i 0in te s ' o'se#6a0ie "e !e ma#$inea l i B sh St#eet, "eas !#a t nel l i+ ,e*ai s! s c% Th #s'; e#a n acto# !#ost+ ,*a# -i #e &it s%*l a" c%
!#int#*o &meche#ie !e Miles !e o ast-el "e alee, &i nici n l*a# -i ! t t -o#0a+ Miles e#a -#aie#, "a# n at2t "e -#aie#+ 7&i !lim'% lim'a !este ' /e &i 1i /2m'i c a-ec0i ne -etei+ S! se9 4 Da# Miles s*a# -i " s acolo 1m!#e n% c tine, 1n$e#a& le, "ac% e#a si$ # c%*i ! sti loc l+ E#ai clienta l i, a&a c% n*a6ea nici n moti6 s% #en n0e la #m%#i#e c2n" i*ai ce# t+ A!oi, "ac% l*ai -i a8 ns "in #m% &i l*ai -i # $at s% mea#$% acolo c tine, te*a# -i #mat+ E#a "est l "e -#aie# ca s*o -ac%+ Te*a# -i a"mi#at, s*a# -i lins 1nc2ntat !e ' /e, a# -i #2n8it c $ #a !2n% la #echi 4 ia# t ai -i ! t t s% stai l2n$% el, 1n 'e/n%, &i s%*l 1m! &ti c a#ma l at% "e la Th #s'; 1n acea sea#%+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; se t#ase "e l2n$% el !2n% c2n" o o!#i ma#$inea mesei+ 7l !#i6i c ochii 1n$#o/i0i &i st#i$%9 4 SamE , *mi 6o#'i a&aE tii c% n*am -%c t*o e E tii+++ 4 7ncetea/%+ S!a"e se it% la ceas l "e la m2n%+ 4 Poli0ia !oate s% soseasc% "in cli!% 1n cli!% &i st%m !e "inamit%+ )o#'e&teE B#i$i" 1&i " se "os l !almei la -# nte+ 4 .h, "e ce m% ac /i "e n l c# at2t "e 1n$#o/ito#5 4 )#ei s% 1ncete/i5 o 1nt#e'% el c o 6oce sc%/ t% &i !lin% "e ne#%'"a#e+ 4 , *i ca/ l s% -aci !e -eti0a+ Asc lt%*m%+ ,oi "oi st%m s ' s!2n/ #%toa#e+ . a! c% "e 1ncheiet #ile m2inilo# &i o -%c s% se #i"ice 1n !icioa#e 1naintea l i+ 4 )o#'e&teE 4 E +++ e +++ De n"e &tii c% e +++ &i*a lins ' /ele &i s*a itat+++ S!a"e #2se as!# + 4 7l c no&team !e Miles+ Da# las% asta+ De ce l*ai 1m! &cat5 B#i$i" 1&i sm lse 1ncheiet #ile "in m2inile l i S!a"e &i 1&i " se m2inile la cea-a l i, a!lec2n" *i ca! l !2n% c2n" $ #a l i o atinse a!#oa!e !e a ei+ T# ! l i se li!i "e al l i "e la $en nchi la !ie!t+ S!a"e o l % 1n '#a0e &i o st#2nse la !ie!t+ >enele ei ne$#e se l%sase#% !e 8 m%tate !este ochii ei cati-ela0i+ )o#'ea 1n%' &it &i 6ocea 1i t#em #a+ 4 Ca 1nce! t n*am a6 t aceast% inten0ie+ 7nt#*a"e6%#, n*am a6 t*o+ Te #o$ s% m% c#e/i, "a# c2n" am 6%/ t c% Flo;" n se s!e#ia, am+++ S!a"e o lo6i &o# !e m%#+ S! se9 4 E o minci n%+ Mi*ai ce# t mie &i l i Miles s% ne oc !%m !e#sonal+ )oiai s% -ii si$ #% c% cel ca#e 1l 6a #m%#i e cine6a !e ca#e 1l c no&ti &i ca#e te c no&tea, a&a ca s% mea#$% c tine+ Ai l at 1n acea /i 4 1n acea noa!te 4 a#ma l i Th #s';+ Ai 1nchi#iat 1nt#e tim! a!a#tament l "e la 'loc l Co#onet+ Gi*ai " s acolo c -e#ele+ , mai e#a nici n l la hotel, &i c2n" am ce#cetat a!a#tament l am "at !este o chitan0% "e chi#ie, mai 6eche c cinci sa &ase /ile "e /i a c2n" mi*ai s! s c% l*ai 1nchi#iat+ B#i$i" 1n$hi0i 1n sec c $#e tate, ia# 6ocea i se -%c mil%+ 4 Da, e o minci n%, Sam+ Am a6 t inten0ia s*o -ac, "ac% Flo;"+++ e +++ n !ot s% m% it la tine, Sam, &i s%*0i s! n asta+ 7i a!lec% &i mai m lt ca! l !2n% c2n" o'#a/ l ei a8 nse l2n$% o'#a/ l l i &i 1i &o!ti9 tiam c% Flo;" n se 6a s!e#ia c & #in0%, "a# am c#e/ t c% "ac% o'se#6% c%*l #m%#e&te cine6a, a6ea s%+++ .h, n !ot s%*0i s! n, SamE Se a$%0% "e el hohotin"+ 4 Ai c#e/ t c% Flo;" a6ea s%*l atace, &i n l "int#e ei #ma s% "is!a#%, s! se S!a"e+ Dac% "is!%#ea Th #s';, sc%!ai "e el+ Dac% "is!%#ea Miles, ! teai s% te 1n$#i8e&ti s% -ie !#ins Flo;" &i sc%!ai ast-el &i "e el+ , 5 4 Cam a&a+ 4 Ia# c2n" ai "esco!e#it c% Flo;" n inten0iona s%*l atace, i*ai l at a#ma &i l*ai c #%0at t !e Miles+ , 5 4 Da, "e&i n*am 6oit+ 4 Ai 6oit "est l+ i ai #m%#it "e la ' n 1nce! t acest !lan+ Ai c#e/ t c% Flo;" a6ea s% -ie inc#iminat+ 4 C#e"eam c*a6ea s%*l 0in% cel ! 0in !2n% sosea c%!itan l Faco'i c &oim l &i+++ 4 , &tiai !e at nci c% > tman e#a aici !e #mele tale+ ,*ai '%n it*o, c%ci n te*ai -i "escoto#osit "e $an$ste# l t% + Gi*ai "at seama c% > tman e#a aici, "e 1n"at% ce*ai a-lat c% Th #s'; a -ost 1m! &cat+ At nci ai sim0it ne6oia n i alt !#otecto# &i*ai 6enit "i#ect la mine+ , 5 4 Da, "a#+++ oh, i 'it leE+++ n e#a n mai asta+ M*a& -i 1nto#s la tine mai "e6#eme sa
mai t2#/i + Din !#ima cli!% c2n" te*am 6%/ t am &ti t+++ S!a"e s! se tan"# 9 4 7n$e#a& leE Ei 'ine, "ac% ai no#oc, ai s% ie&i !este "o %/eci "e ani "e la 1nchisoa#ea San V entin &i at nci te !o0i 1ntoa#ce la mine+ B#i$i" 1&i t#ase o'#a/ l "e l2n$% al l i, 1&i 1n"e!%#t% ca! l !ent# a*l !#i6i "#e!t 1n ochi !e "etecti6, -%#% s% !#icea!% "es!#e ce e 6o#'a+ S!a"e !%lise+ 7i s! se tan"# 9 M% #o$ l i D mne/e , sc m!a mea, s% n te s!2n/ #e, "e acest $2t -# mos+ 7ntinse m2inile &i 1i m2n$2ie $2t l+ 7nt#*o sec n"% B#i$i" se sm lse "in '#a0ele l i, c s!atele la mas% &i se $hem i c m2inile la $2t+ A6ea ochii ma#i &i 1ns!%im2nta0i+ > #a ei scat% se "eschi"ea &i se 1nchi"ea+ )o#'i c o 6oce scat% &i #e" s%+ 4 , e&ti+++ , #e &i s% mai a#tic le/e alte c 6inte+ Fa0a l i S!a"e se -%c se $al'en*al'%+ B /ele 1i /2m'ea &i 1n 8 # l ochilo# st#%l cito#i se a" na#% c te "e /2m'et+ )o#'i 'l2n" &i 'ine6oito#9 4 Am s% te !#e"a + S nt &anse s% sca!i c con"amna#e !e 6ia0%+ E&ti n 1n$e#+ Am s% te a&te!t+ 7&i "#ese $las l+ 4 Dac% te s!2n/ #%, n*am s% te it nicio"at%+ Fata 1&i l%s% m2inile s% ca"% &i #%mase 1n !icioa#e+ Chi! l i se nete/ise &i se lini&tise, c eDce!0ia nei l ci#i sla'e "e ne1nc#e"e#e 1n !#i6i#i+ 7i /2m'i &i ea 'l2n"9 4 , , Sam, s% n s! i asta nici m%ca# 1n $l m%+ )ai, ce m*ai s!e#iat o cli!%E Am c#e/ t c a"e6%#at c% t +++ 70i "ai seama c% s! n ni&te l c# #i at2t "e -io#oase &i "e nea&te!tate, 1nc2t+++ Se 1nt#e# !se+ 7&i 1ntinse -a0a &i 1l son"% c !#i6i#ea+++ .'#a8ii &i ' /ele 1i -#em%ta , ia# s!aima 1i #e6eni 1n ochi+ 4 Ce+++5 SamE 7&i " se "in no m2inile la $2t &i t# ! l 1&i !ie#" 0in ta "#ea!t%+ S!a"e #2se+ Fa0a l i $al'en*al'% se aco!e#ise "e t#ans!i#a0ie &i, "e&i contin a s% /2m'easc%, $entile0ea "in 6oce 1i "is!%# + )o#'i as!# 9 4 , -i ca#a$hioas%+ Ai s% s !o#0i #m%#ile+ =n l "in noi t#e' ie s% le s !o#te, " !% ce ti!ii %ia a s% 6o#'easc%+ Pe mine a# -i 1n sta#e s% m% s!2n/ #e+ T !oate ai o &ans% mai ' n%+ , 5 4 Da#+++ SamE n !o0i s*o -aciE , " !% ce*am -ost+++ n l !ent# alt l+ , !o0i+++ 4 ,ici 6o#'% c% !ot+ B#i$i" #es!i#% a"2nc &i t#em #%to#+ 4 Te*ai 8 cat c mine5 Te*ai !#e-%c t "oa# c% m% i 'e&ti5 4 ca s% m% !#in/i 1n c #s%5 , 0ineai "e loc la mine5 , ++++ m% i 'eai+++ n m% i 'e&ti5 4 C#e" c% te i 'esc, #%s! nse S!a"e+ Ce im!o#tan0% a#e5 M &chii ca#e 1i s s0inea /2m'et l se 1nco#"a#%+ 4 , s nt Th #s';+ , s nt Faco'i+ ,*am s% -i -#aie# l t% + 4 , e a"e6%#atE st#i$% ea+ I/' cni 1n lac#imi+ 4 , *i cinstit+ E n $est "e$#a"ant+ tii c% n*a -ost a&a+ , !o0i s% s! i a&a ce6a+ 4 Ca "#ac , n !otE s! se S!a"e+ Te*ai s it 1n !at l me ca s% m% o!#e&ti s% mai ! n 1nt#e'%#i+ M*ai at#as ie#i, 1n c #s%, la > tman c acel a!el tele-onic -als, ce#2n" a8 to#+ Ai 6enit aici 1m!#e n% c ei asea#%, m*ai a&te!tat a-a#% &i*ai int#at c mine+ E#ai 1n '#a0ele mele c2n" s*a "eschis t#a!a 4 n*a& -i ! t t s% scot o a#m%, chia# "ac% a& -i a6 t na as !#a mea, &i n*a& -i ! t t s% m% l !t, nici "ac% a& -i 6oit+ i "ac% n te*a l at c ei, e n mai -iin"c% > tman a#e !#ea m lt% minte ca s% se 1nc#ea"% 1n tine, "ec2t !oate 1n sc #tele !e#ioa"e c2n" n*a#e 1ncot#o, &i -iin"c% &i*a 1nchi! it c% m*am 1n"#%$ostit "e tine 4 c% n 6oiam s%*0i -ac #% 4 &i c% n*am s% !ot s%*i -ac nici l i+ B#i$i" .MSha $hness; 1&i &te#se lac#imile+ F%c n !as s!#e el &i*l !#i6i 1n ochi "i#ect &i m2n"#%+ 4 M*ai -%c t mincinoas%, s! se ea+ Ac m t min0i+ Min0i "ac% a-i#mi c% 1n - n" l s -let l i n*ai &ti t c%, 1n ci "a a tot ce*am -%c t, te i 'esc+ S!a"e se 1nclin% sc #t &i '# sc+ .chii i se in8ectase#%, "a# n se 1nt#e/%#ea alt% schim'a#e !e -a0a l i me"% &i $al'en%+ A6ea n /2m'et -iD+ 4 Poate c*am &ti t, /ise el+ Ei &i5 T#e' ie s% am 1nc#e"e#e 1n tine5 T , ca#e ai a#an8at acea mic% com'ina0ie+++ !ent# 1nainta& l me Th #s';5 T , ca#e l*ai omo#2t !e Miles, n om 1m!ot#i6a c%# ia n*a6eai nimic &i !e ca#e l*ai omo#2t c s2n$e #ece, ca at nci c2n" st#i6e&ti o m sc%, "oa# !ent# a*l t#%"a !e Th #s';5 T , ca#e i*ai t#%"at !e Cai#o, !e > tman, !e Th #s';, n l, "oi, t#ei5 T , ca#e nicio"at% n te*ai ! #tat cinstit c mine nici
m%ca# o 8 m%tate "e o#%, "e c2n" te c nosc5 S% am 1nc#e"e#e 1n tine5 , , n , sc m!o+ ,*a& a6ea, nici "ac% a& ! tea+ De ce s% am5 .chii ei #%mase#% calmi s ' !#i6i#ea l i, ia# 6ocea ei #%$ &it% e#a la -el "e lini&tit% c2n" 1i #%s! nse9 4 Dac% te*ai 8 cat c mine, "ac% n m% i 'e&ti, n eDist% n #%s! ns+ Dac% m*ai i 'it, n *i ne6oie "e nici n #%s! ns+ P !ilele l i S!a"e se in8ecta#% "e s2n$e, ia# /2m'et l l i 1n"el n$at se t#ans-o#m% 1nt#*o st#2m'%t #% 1n$#o/itoa#e+ 7&i "#ese 1n"el n$ $las l &i s! se9 4 , a#e nici n sens s% 0inem ac m "isc #s #i+ 7i ! se o m2n% !e m%#+ M2na t#em #a &i t#es%#ea+ 4 , m% inte#esea/% nici cine i 'e&te, nici !e cine an me+ ,*am s% -ac !e -#aie# l !ent# tine+ ,*am s% me#$ !e #mele l i Th #s'; &i !e ale cine &tie c i alt ia+ C*ai omo#2t !e Miles &i*ai s% t#a$i consecin0ele+ Te*a& -i ! t t a8 ta, l%s2n" *i !e ceilal0i s% !lece &i in" c2n" 1n e#oa#e !oli0ia c2t mai 'ine+ E !#ea t2#/i ac m !ent# a&a ce6a+ , te mai !ot a8 ta+ i n*a& -ace*o, chia# "ac% a& ! tea+ B#i$i" ! se o m2n% !este m2na l i, 4 , m% a8 ta at nci, 1i &o!ti ea, "a# nici n *mi -ace 6#e n #% + Cas%*m% s% !lec+ 4 , , s! se el+ . !%0esc "ac% n te am !e tine ca s% te "a !e m2na !oli0iei c2n" a#e s% 6in%+ Hsta e sin$ # l l c# ca#e m% !oate sc%!a s% n*o !%0esc la -el ca ceilal0i+ 4 , 6#ei s*o -aci !ent# mine5 4 , 6#ea s% -ac !e -#aie# l !ent# tine+ 4 , s! ne asta, te #o$+ 7i l % m2na "e !e m%# &i &i*o li!i "e -a0a ei+ 4 De ce t#e' ie s% -aci asta, Sam5 Desi$ #, "omn l A#che# n #e!#e/enta at2t "e m lt !ent# tine ca+++ 4 Miles, s! se S!a"e #%$ &it, e#a n tic%los+ Am "esco!e#it*o "in !#ima s%!t%m2n% c2n" am l c#at 1m!#e n% &i 6oiam s%*l "a a-a#% !e la s-2#&it l an l i+ , mi*ai -%c t nici n #% , omo#2n" *l+ 4 At nci5 S!a"e 1&i t#ase m2na "in ale ei+ ,ici n mai /2m'ea, nici n mai #2n8ea+ Fa0a l i me"% &i $al'en% se 1nco#"ase &i se '#%/"ase "e c te a"2nci+ .chii 1i a#"ea 6iolent+ 4 Asc lt%+ In til s% ne t2#$ im+ ,*ai s% m% !#ice!i nicio"at%, "a# am s% 1nce#c s%*0i eD!lic 1nc% o "at%, &i a!oi #en n0%m+ Asc lt%+ C2n" e omo#2t asociat l c i6a, l mea se a&tea!t% ca cel #%mas 1n 6ia0% s% 1nt#e!#in"% ce6a+ , a#e nici o im!o#tan0% ce !%#e#e ai a6 t "es!#e cel "is!%# t+ A -ost asociat l t% &i t#e' ie s% 1nt#e!#in/i ce6a+ Pe #m%, noi con" cem o a$en0ie "e "etecti6i+ Ei 'ine, c2n" n l "in asocia0ii a$en0iei e omo#2t, e o !#oast% a-ace#e s% la&i c#iminal l s% sca!e+ E !#ost "in toate ! nctele "e 6e"e#e 4 e !#ost !ent# a$en0ie, e !#ost !ent# o#ice "etecti6, o#i n"e a# -i+ 7n al t#eilea #2n", s nt "etecti6 &i "ac% "a "e #ma asasin l i &i*l las s% sca!e, a# -i ca &i c m i*ai ce#e n i c2ine "e 62n%toa#e s% !#in"% n ie! #e, ia# a!oi s%*i "ea "# m l+ Se !oate a#an8a, "e aco#", &i neo#i se 1nt2m!l%, "a# n *i l c# -i#esc+ Sin$ #a meto"% !#in ca#e te*a& -i ! t t l%sa s% !leci, a# -i -ost aceea "e a*i l%sa &i !e Cai#o, !e > tman &i '%iat s% !lece+ Asta*i+++ 4 , e&ti se#ios, s! se ea+ , !o0i s% c#e/i c% e am s%*mi 1nchi! i c% cele s! se "e tine constit ie n moti6 "est l "e se#ios ca s% m% t#imi0i la+++ 4 A&tea!t%*m% s% 1nchei &i !e #m% !o0i s% 6o#'e&ti &i t + 7n al !at# lea #2n", in"i-e#ent "e ce*a& 6#ea s% -ac ac m, a# -i a'sol t c ne! tin0% !ent# mine s% te las s% !leci, -%#% ca s% n -i &i e t2#2t la s!2n/ #%toa#e 1m!#e n% c ceilal0i+ A!oi, n eDist% nici n moti6 !e l me ca s%*mi 1nchi! i c% m% !ot 1nc#e"e 1n tine, &i "ac% a& -ace ce*mi ce#i, &i te*a& sc%!a, m*ai a6ea la m2n%, &i ai ! tea s% m% &anta8e/i o#ic2n" ai a6ea ne6oie+ Deci cinci moti6e+ Al &aselea a# -i c% 1nt# c2t &i e te am c ce6a la m2n%, n*a& ! tea -i si$ # c% n e&ti 1n sta#e s% te "eci/i 1nt#*o ' n% /i s% m% 1m! &ti &i !e mine+ 7n al &a!telea #2n", n *mi !lace i"eea "e a*0i 1nchi! i c% !oate eDista o &ans% la o s t% "e*a m% l a "e -#aie#+ Ia# 1n al o!t lea #2n"+++ "a# a8 n$e+ Toate astea !e "e o !a#te+ Poate c% nele moti6e n s nt im!o#tante+ ,*am s% te cont#a/ic+ Da# ite c2te s nt+ Ia# !e cealalt% !a#te, ce a6em5 Doa# at2t c% !oate m% i 'e&ti &i !oate te i 'esc &i e + 4 tii, 1i &o!ti ea, "ac% m% i 'e&ti sa n 5 4 , &ti + E "est l "e &o# s% 1nne' ne&ti " !% tine+ Se it% lacom la ea, "in ca! !2n% 1n !icioa#e, a!oi "in no la ochii ei+ 4 Da# n &ti n"e " ce+ tie oa#e cine6a5 S% !#es ! nem c*a& &ti5 Ce im!o#tan0% a#e5 Poate c% l na 6iitoa#e n*am s% te mai i 'esc+ Am
mai t#ec t !#in asta &i 1nainte 4 c2n" a 0in t la -el "e m lt+ Ia# a!oi5 A!oi am a6 t sentiment l c*am -ost n -#aie#+ Ia# "ac% te*a& sal6a &i m*a# 1nchi"e, a& -i si$ # c*am -ost n -#aie#+++ Ei 'ine, "ac% am s% te "a !e m2na !oli0iei, a#e s%*mi !a#% $#oa/nic "e #% 4 am s% !et#ec ni&te no!0i 1n-#ico&%toa#e 4 "a# a#e s% t#eac%+ . a! c% "e me#i, o l%s% !e s!ate &i se a!lec% as !#a ei+ 4 Dac% asta n 1nseamn% nimic !ent# tine, it% ce*am "isc tat &i iat% ce*o s% -acem9 n 6#ea s% te las s% sca!i tocmai -iin"c% 0in a&a "e m lt s*o -ac 4 s% "a "#ac l i toate #m%#ile !osi'ile, &i s% te sca! 4 tocmai -iin"c%, "#ac s% te ia, 4 ai contat !e acest l c# c mine, a&a c m ai contat !e acela&i l c# &i c al0ii+ 7&i l % m2inile "e !e me#ii ei &i le l%s% s% ca"%+ B#i$i" 1&i " se m2inile la o'#a8ii l i &i 1i a!lec% "in no -a0a+ 4 =it%*te la mine, /ise ea, &i s! ne*mi a"e6%# l+ Mi*ai -i -%c t asta "ac% &oim l a# -i -ost a tentic &i*ai -i -ost !l%tit !ent# el5 4 Ce im!o#tan0% mai a#e ac m5 , -i !#ea si$ #% c% s nt at2t "e co# !t c m se c#e"e+ Acest -el "e #e! ta0ie a# ! tea -i o ' n% #eclam% 4 m*a& a! ca "e a-ace#i 'ine !l%tite, !ent# a t#ata mai &o# c a"6e#sa#ii+ B#i$i" 1l !#i6i &i n s! se nimic+ S!a"e "%" "in me#i &i contin %9 4 Ei 'ine, o $#oa/% "e 'ani, a# -i -ost cel ! 0in n a#$ ment 1n !l s 1n cel%lalt tale# al 'alan0ei+ B#i$i" 1&i li!i -a0a "e a l i+ Ginea $ #a ! 0in "eschis%, c ' /ele ni0el 1n a-a#%+ o!ti9 4 Dac% m*ai i 'i, n te*ai !#eta la acest t2#$+ S!a"e 1&i st#2nse "in0ii &i 6o#'i !#int#e ei9 4 ,*am s% -i -#aie# l t% + B#i$i" 1l s%# t% 1ncet, 0in2n" *l 1n '#a0e &i st#2n$2n" *se l2n$% el+ Se a-la 1m'#%0i&a0i c2n" se a /i sone#ia+ S!a"e c '#a0 l 1n 8 # l l i B#i$i" .MSha $hness;, "eschise &a "e la co#i"o#+ Cocotenent l D n";, se#$ent l*"etecti6 Tom Polha s &i al0i "oi "etecti6i int#a#%+ 4 Sal t, Tom, s! se S!a"e+ I*ai !#ins5 4 I*am !#ins, #%s! nse Tom+ 4 Pe#-ect, int#a0i+ Mai am !e cine6a !ent# 6oi+ S!a"e o 1m!inse !e -at% 1nainte+ 4 Ea l*a cis !e Miles+ i am &i c2te6a "o6e/i 4 a#mele '%iat l i, na "in cele ale l i Cai#o, o stat et% nea$#%, 1n 8 # l c%#eia a -ost tot scan"al l, ca &i o 'ancnot% "e o mie "e "ola#i c ca#e se a&te!ta s% m% mit iasc%+ Se it% la D n";, 1&i st#2nse s!#2ncenele, se a!lec% 1nainte ca s% !#i6easc% a"2nc 1n ochii locotenent l i &i i/' cni 1n #2s+ 4 Ce "#ac s*a 1nt2m!lat c amic l t% , Tom5 Pa#e "ist# s s -lete&te+ R2se "in no + P n #%m%&a$, la "#ac E c% at nci c2n" l*a anchetat !e > tman &i*a 1nchi! it c*a ! s 1n s-2#&it m2na &i !e mine+ 4 7ncetea/%, Sam, 'om'%ni Tom+ ,*am c#e/ t+++ 4 Ca "#ac , n*a c#e/ t, s! se S!a"e 6esel+ Cole$ l t% a 6enit aici l%s2n" *i $ #a a!% s% m% a#este/e, "e&i t ai -i ! t t s% ai at2t ' n sim0 1nc2t s%*0i "ai seama c% l*am " s !e > tman+ 4 7ncetea/%, 'om'%ni ia# Tom, it2n" *se 8enat !este m%# la s !e#io# l s% + 4 .#ic m, am a-lat asta "e la Cai#o+ > tman e#a mo#t+ B%iat l 1l 1m! &case c2n" am sosit acolo+ 4 A# -i t#e' it s% se a&te!te la asta, #%s! nse S!a"e+ E--ie Pe#ine l%s% 8 #nal l "in m2n% &i s%#i "e !e sca n l l i S!a"e c2n" "etecti6 l int#% 1n 'i#o l l i l ni "iminea0a, ! 0in " !% o#a no %+ 4 B n% "iminea0a, 1n$e#a& le, s! se el+ 4 E a"e6%#at ce+++ sc#ie 1n /ia#e5 1nt#e'% ea+ 4 Da, "oamna mea+ P se !%l%#ia !e 'i#o &i se a&e/%+ E#a li6i" la -a0%, "a# t#%s%t #ile 1i e#a ! te#nice &i 6esele, ia# ochii, "e&i &o# in8ecta0i, e#a lim!e/i+ .chii c%!# i ai -etei se m%#i#%3 1&i st#2m'% ci "at col0 l $ #ii+ R%mase 1n !icioa#e l2n$% el, !i#onin" *l c !#i6i#ea+ S!a"e 1n%l0% ca! l, 1i #2n8i &i 1i s! se 'at8oco#ito#9 4 Int i0ia ta -eminin% n -ace "o % !a#ale+ >las l ei !%# st#ani , ca &i eD!#esia ei+ 4 T i*ai -%c t*o, Sam5
4 Sam al t% e "etecti6, s! se el c o mi&ca#e a ca! l i+ . !#i6i atent+ . c !#inse "e talie &i 1&i l%s% m2na !e &ol" l ei+ 4 C*a cis, 1nt#*a"e6%#, !e Miles, 1n$e#a& le, /ise el 'l2n", ite a&a, &i !ocni "in "e$ete+ E--ie se sm lse "in '#a0ele l i, "e !a#c% a# -i " # t*o+ 4 Te #o$ s% n m% atin$i, s! se ea "ist# s%+ ti +++ &ti c% ai "#e!tate+ Ai "#e!tate+ Da# n m% atin$e, n ac m+ S!a"e se -%c al' la -a0% ca &i $ le# l s% + Clan0a &ii "e la co#i"o# se mi&c%+ E--ie Pe#ine se 1ntoa#se #e!e"e, int#% 1n cel%lalt 'i#o , 1nchi/2n" &a 1n #m%+ C2n" a!%# "in no , 1nchise ia#%&i &a+ S! se c o 6oce !lat% &i !ie#" t%+ 4 A 6enit I6a+ S!a"e se it% la 'i#o l l i &i "%" a!#oa!e im!e#ce!ti'il "in ca!+ 4 Da, /ise el &i 1l t#ec n -io#+ Ei 'ine, t#imite*o 1n% nt# + S-2#&it

Hammett, Dashiell - Soimul Maltez

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Hammett, Dashiell - Soimul Maltez

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Dashiell Hammett

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