“Around our necks?”

“You know what I mean. All these leads are connected in some way. The more we pull at them, the closer we’ll be to finding the way in.”

“When you get metaphorical, I’m lost.”

“We’re waiting for someone to make a false move, that’s all.”

“Is that how you solve your cases? Through false moves?”

“It’s more efficient to let others make mistakes than to trust we’ll guess correctly first time around.”

“What if we’re the ones who make a false move?”

“If you have a better system, I’m all ears.”

Vargas raised his hands to signal a truce. “And what about this Fernandito. What’s he going to do?”

“He’ll be our eyes wherever we can’t be present. Nobody knows who he is, and nobody is expecting him.”

“You’re turning into Leandro.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear you say that, Vargas.”

“Pretend whatever you like. How are you planning to sacrifice the little partridge?”

“Fernandito will begin by following Sanchís. Division of labor increases productivity.”

“That smells like a trap. What about me—what do I do?”

“I’m thinking it through.”

“What you’re trying to do is get rid of me again.”

“Don’t be stupid. When have I done anything like that?”

Vargas groaned. “And while you’re thinking it through, what else are you planning to do?” he asked.

“Devote time and attention to the Sempere family.”

At that moment they heard a noise behind the door of the apartment, like the sound of something heavy falling, and a moment later the doorbell rang.

“Are you expecting anyone?” asked the policeman.

“Will you answer the door?”

Vargas stood up reluctantly and went to the door.

A flushed Fernandito stood in the doorway, panting. “Good afternoon,” he said. “I’m bringing Señorita Alicia’s books.” Fernandito held out a conciliatory hand.

Vargas ignored the gesture. “Alicia, the errand boy is here for you.”

“Don’t be grumpy. Let him in.” Alicia stood up and walked over to the door. “Come in, Fernandito—pay no attention to him.”

When he saw her, the boy’s face lit up. He lifted the box with the books and walked into the flat. “May I? Where shall I leave them?”

“Right here, by the bookshelves.”

Fernandito did as instructed and took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“You brought them like that, carrying all that weight?”

The boy shrugged. “Well, on the motorbike. But of course, since the building doesn’t have an elevator . . .”

“What dedication, Fernandito,” said Vargas. “A shame I don’t happen to have a medal for bravery at hand.”

Ignoring Vargas’s sarcasm, Fernandito concentrated his attention on Alicia. “It wasn’t that bad, Señorita Alicia. I’m used to delivering groceries.”

“That’s what’s made you so strong. Go on, Vargas, pay him.”

“What?”

“An advance for his services. And give him something extra for gas.”

“And how am I supposed to pay this?”

“Out of the expenses account. You’re the treasurer. Don’t make that face.”

“What face?”

“As if you had a urinary infection. Go on, pull out your wallet.”