“All this is a mistake,” she murmured at last.

Leandro shrugged. “Perhaps. But it’s no longer in our hands. The task that was required of us—to track down Valls’s whereabouts—has been accomplished. And it has produced results.”

“That’s not true,” protested Alicia.

“That’s how it is perceived by voices with more authority than mine and, needless to say, than yours, Alicia. We have to know when to let go of things. All we need do now is remain discreet and let matters take their natural course.”

“Señor Montalvo is right, Alicia,” said Vargas. “There’s nothing more we can do.”

“It seems like we’ve done enough already,” said Alicia coldly.

Leandro shook his head disapprovingly. “Captain, would you mind giving us a couple of minutes?”

Vargas stood up. “Of course. In fact, I’m going to go over to my rooms on the other side of the street to call police headquarters and get my orders.”

“I think that’s an excellent idea.”

Vargas avoided Alicia’s eyes as he walked past her. He held out his hand to Leandro, who shook it amiably.

“Thanks so much for your help, Captain. And for taking such good care of my Alicia. I am greatly indebted to you. Don’t hesitate to knock on my door if you ever need my help with anything.”

Vargas nodded and left discreetly. Once they were alone, Leandro beckoned Alicia to come and sit next to him on the sofa. She obeyed reluctantly.

“A great man, Vargas,” he said.

“And with an even greater mouth.”

“Don’t be unfair. He’s proved he’s a good policeman. I like him.”

“I think he’s single.”

“Alicia, Alicia . . .” Leandro put a fatherly arm around her shoulders, with a hint of an embrace. “Go on, let it out before you explode. Get it out of your system.”

“All this is a pile of shit.”

Affectionately, Leandro drew her toward him. “I agree. It’s a botched job. It’s not the way you and I do things, but in the ministry they were getting very nervous. And El Pardo sent the message that enough is enough. It’s better this way. I wouldn’t have liked it if they’d started to think or say that we were the ones who weren’t getting results.”

“What about Lomana? Has he reappeared?”

“Not for the moment, no.”

“It’s odd.”

“It is. But it’s one of the loose ends that is sure to be resolved in the next few days.”

“There are lots of loose ends,” Alicia pointed out.

“Not that many. The Sanchís bit is pretty solid. A well-documented matter involving a lot of money and a personal betrayal. We have a confession and proof to support it. It all adds up.”

“Apparently.”

“Gil de Partera, the minister of the interior, and El Pardo all think the case has been resolved.”

Alicia opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again.

“This is what you wanted, Alicia. Don’t you see?”

“What I wanted?”

Leandro looked at her sadly. “Your freedom. To get rid of me, of the wicked Leandro, forever. To disappear.”