Pedro moved smoothly into autopilot. “Since the 2001 crash I, like many of my fellow countrymen, decided it was pointless keeping cash in a current bank account. I always used to keep my savings at home but, as you know, in recent times, house break-ins have become a regular occurrence in the city, so a few years ago I decided to take out a box. I could only afford one of the smaller ones and, at the beginning of each month, I made cash withdrawals from it to top up my earnings. I’m self-employed and, to be honest, in the last year, work has been hard to find, so my savings have basically run out and my box is now empty. I was about to end the rental at the end of this month as I can’t afford to keep it going.”

Detective Martin appeared quite disinterested in the story, which was a great relief to Pedro, who had delivered his rehearsed lines perfectly.

“One last thing, Señor García. I believe you work as an air-conditioning engineer. How much do you know about underground ventilation?”

Pedro kept his composure. “Detective Martin, you flatter me. The truth is I’m nothing more than a glorified repairman.”

* * *

Maria had a spring in her step as she walked down the street, heading for the bus station. Maybe her luck was changing. She planned to use some of her windfall to treat herself and buy the blue designer cardigan she had been eyeing for weeks, and which was now on special offer in her local department store.

She paid no attention to the blacked-out transit that was tracking her every move as she walked along. Without warning, it accelerated past her and screeched to a halt. Two figures wearing black balaclavas leapt out and grabbed Maria from behind, dragging her into the back of the van. The whole operation took less than ten seconds and, rather than resist, her body went limp, paralysed with shock. The van doors slammed shut and, moments later, she found herself sitting on a bench between her two kidnappers, facing a third man who was unmasked.

Luciano Herrera was holding the diamond ring in one hand and the red velvet pouch in the other. Maria felt her bladder give way, and she wet herself. He smelled the sudden whiff of urine and saw the terror in Maria’s face.

“Hello, Maria. There is nothing to worry about as long as you are completely truthful with your answers to my questions.”

Maria was transfixed by the diamond ring Luciano was holding in the palm of his hand. Her mind was racing, trying to work out what was happening. “I didn’t steal the ring – it belonged to my late mother.” She found herself blurting out the lie without really meaning to.