Page 126 of The Collector
“They entered Italy on Ukrainian passports,” explained Ferrari. “Evidently, they were posing as well-to-do residents of Kyiv who had decided to flee their homeland rather than fight for it. They rented a rather substantial villa not far from Lukas van Damme’s. Interestingly enough, they left Amalfi quite suddenly on the night of the murder.”
“Thief came to dinner, thief stole painting, Russian assassin killed Van Damme.”
“I’m afraid we can’t prove it.”
“Nor would we want to,” said Gabriel.
“Because that would threaten to unravel your elaborate cover-up of what really happened.”
“Thief stole painting, thief saved the world.”
“With the help of the Danish energy executive who commissioned the theft on behalf of his masters in Moscow. And now the Danish energy executive is being treated like a conquering hero.”
“And the thief is in hiding at her luxury villa on Mykonos.”
“How much did she make on the deal?”
“Ten million for the job in Amalfi and another ten million shooting pool in Moscow.”
The general frowned. “And who says crime doesn’t pay?”
“You were the one who granted me the power of absolution.”
“In exchange for information leading to the recovery ofThe Concertby Johannes Vermeer. Needless to say, the painting is still missing.”
“What about Coetzee?”
“I gave his name and description to the South African authorities and asked them to quietly pursue the matter. They informed me yesterday that they’ve been unable to locate him.” Ferrari shook his head slowly. “He and his partner made out rather well, didn’t they? One billion dollars and one of the world’s most valuable paintings.”
“But the unaccounted-for eighth South African nuclear weapon has been taken off the black market. And the best part is that the operation was financed by the Kremlin.”
“But what about the Vermeer?”
Gabriel made no reply.
“Is there no chance that you would consider going to South Africa to look for it?” asked Ferrari.
“I’m afraid I have pressing business here in Venice.”
“Finding a buyer for your latest forgery?”
“Preventing my daughter from getting arrested at tomorrow’s Ultima Generazione protest in San Marco.”
“She’s an activist, your daughter?”
“Irene? She’s a true radical.”
“And you?”
“I’m worried about the world we’re going to leave her, Cesare.”
“If anyone can repair it, my friend, it’s you.”
Gabriel raised his glass. “What do you think the carbon footprint of a Bellini is?”
“Quite small, I imagine.”
“In that case, we should probably have another round.”
