Paz sat in the cemetery at his usual spot. He stared at the imposing statue of Firpo, desperately hoping to find some inspiration to help determine his next move. He had two important phone calls to make and opted to make the easier one first. He pulled out his newly acquired burner and punched in Luciano’s number from memory.

“Luci, it’s been a shitstorm of a morning. Can you believe that bastard Ramos hid his cut under the fucking floorboards of his flat? We went through everything but no sign of our stuff.”

Herrera could sense the desperation in Paz’s voice. “Boss, did he give up anything that can help us find out where the hell García is and what he did with his share?”

“He knew fuck all, Luci. He said the three of them made a pact not to make any contact with each other for twelve months and they all did their own thing with their share of the boxes. I worked the bastard over and there’s no way he was lying. Did you find anything at García’s flat?”

“Boss, we ripped it apart but found nada. Also, unlike Ramos, his apartment floor is solid concrete, so that wasn’t an option for him. It doesn’t feel to me like he has done a runner. I think the rat will return and we’ll be waiting for him.”

There was a short pause before Paz continued the conversation. “Luci, I’ve fucked up big time. I left my phone at Ramos’s flat. The bastard smashed it up. When the police suddenly turned up, I left without it.”

Luciano was clearly stunned by this news but tried to sound positive. “Boss, that phone is secure. They won’t get anything from it.”

A cynical smile broke out on Paz’s face. “For all our sakes, Luci, I hope you’re right. If not, we’re all fucked.”

Paz took a deep breath before making the second of his planned calls. He’d already made a decision on whether to tell his employer the grim news about the lost mobile. Richard Franklin was working at his office desk and reached for the red phone, knowing that Paz would be on the other end.

“Paz, I hope this time you are calling with some better news.”

“Yes, Señor. We continue to make progress. This morning we located the second of the three thieves and his stash from the break-in.”

Paz heard the sharp intake of breath from the other end of the line.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t have the contents of your box.”

Franklin grimaced before replying. “For Christ’s sake, Paz, I thought you had some good news for me. My patience is running out fast.”