I felt the constriction around my chest. ‘If I took off these bandages I’d probably fall apart, but I reckon I’m okay if I can pick up another suit. You won’t be getting yours back, I’m afraid.’ I grinned at him. ‘I’ll put it on my expense account and Hosmer can pay.’

III

Leotta stayed at the casino with instructions not to move out of the penthouse and Negrini agreed that if the police came looking for her, he’d keep her safe and out of the way. Hanna looked as though he was being torn in two. The conflict between his loyalties was in danger of breaking him. I watched him tell Negrini to keep Leotta out of police hands and it was positively painful.

I dosed myself up with painkillers and then Hanna and I went into town, to the shop where I had bought a suit previously, and I picked up another off the peg and paid by credit card. San Martin showed evidence of stress. The tailor’s shop had a broken window. The police and the army were highly visible and the populace subdued. Even the thronging tourists appeared to be sombre, but I reflected that if I’d booked a fortnight in the sun and arrived to find the place in violent uproar, I might feel a bit sombre too.

We came out of the shop and were crossing the pavement to the car when we were intercepted by a uniformed police officer. ‘Superintendent Hanna?’

‘Yes, Inspector?’

The officer indicated me. ‘Is this Mr Kemp?’

‘I’m Kemp,’ I said.

‘Commissioner Barstow would like to see you.’

‘What about?’

‘He didn’t tell me.’

Hanna said, ‘It’s all right, Inspector. Mr Kemp is in my charge.’

The inspector said, ‘Commissioner Barstow wants to see Mr Kemp as soon as possible.’

‘Yes, you’ve given me the message,’ said Hanna icily.

‘The Commissioner said immediately,’ insisted the inspector.

‘I heard you the first time,’ said Hanna. ‘Is there anything more?’

The inspector hesitated. ‘No,’ he said. ‘That’s all.’

Hanna said softly, ‘Inspector, how have you been trained to address superior officers?’

‘That’s all … sir.’

Hanna nodded and we got into the car, leaving the inspector on the pavement. He seemed to be uncertain about what to do. I said, ‘What now?’

Hanna put the car into gear and inserted himself in the traffic stream. ‘Two can play at that game. Barstow did it last night and I’m doing it now. To hell with him.’

‘We go to El Cerco?’

‘We go to El Cerco,’ agreed Hanna. ‘And we go fast.’