The first contact was made on the morning of October the fifteenth—a telephone call, placed by Bloch from his hotel room to the headquarters of Global Vision Investments, requesting an interview with its chairman. The request was denied, and it was made clear to Bloch that further inquiries were not welcome. Bloch recklessly responded with an ultimatum. Unless he was granted an interview, he would take his material to Washington and show it to the relevant congressional committees and government agencies.

That seemed to get the attention of the person at the other end of the line, and an appointment was scheduled for two days later. Rafi Bloch would never keep that appointment—or any other, for that matter. A climber found his corpse the following spring in the French Alps, headless, handless, frozen solid. Martin Landesmann’s name never even came up in the investigation.

CHAPTER 36

36

BUENOS AIRES

The electricity failed with the first flash of lightning. They gathered in the semidarkness of the living room and leafed through the files of Rafael Bloch while the entire building shook with thunder.

“Behind every fortune lies a great crime,” said Ramirez.

“Honoré de Balzac,” said Chiara.

Ramirez gave her an admiring nod. “The old boy could have been referring to Walter and Martin Landesmann when he wrote those words. Upon his death, Walter Landesmann bequeathed to his son a small private bank in Zurich—a bank with a great deal of blood money on its balance sheets—and Martin turned it into an empire.” Ramirez looked at Gabriel. “How much do you know about him?”

“Landesmann?” Gabriel shrugged. “He’s one of the world’s richest men but likes to play the role of reluctant billionaire.” Gabriel furrowed his brow in mock concentration. “Remind me of the name of that foundation of his.”

“One World,” said Ramirez.

“Ah, yes, how could I forget?” Gabriel asked sardonically. “Landesmann’s devoted followers regard him as something of a prophet. He preaches debt relief, corporate responsibility, and renewable energy. He’s also engaged in a number of development projects in Gaza that have caused him to form rather close ties to Hamas. But I doubt that would upset his friends in Hollywood, the media, or leftist political circles. As far as they’re concerned, Martin Landesmann never puts a foot wrong. He’s pure of heart and noble of intent. He’s a saint.” Gabriel paused. “Have I left anything out?”

“Just one thing. It’s all a lie. Well, not all of it. Saint Martin does have many friends and admirers among the smart set. But I doubt even the sheep in Hollywood would stand by him if they ever discovered the true source of his enormous wealth and power. As for his charitable activities, they’re funded by capitalism at its most base and ruthless. Saint Martin pollutes, drills, mines, and exploits with the best of them.”

“Money makes the world go round, Alfonso.”