Malcolm grabbed the steaming mug without looking at it, still lost in his thoughts. "So that explains the dismissal of the executives and the absolute silence of the bar association. Three of the executives were lawyers."
"Right," Paul said. "We may learn names and details by tomorrow morning."
"Any news about Tanya's case?"
"Zilch for today. Nothing new."
"You go on home, then, Paul. It's already late."
As Paul closed the door behind him, Malcolm decided to contact Luigi Amedeo di Monteturro. Maybe he will learn something of substance if he spoke to him directly. He dialed the number of the count's New York residence.
"I have a problem," Malcolm began. He introduced himself to Luigi Amedeo. "I'd like to talk to you about someone you came in contact with recently." Malcolm paused, waiting for a reaction from Luigi Amedeo. There wasn't any. He continued, "I wonder if I could fly down and talk to you. Perhaps you can help me."
After a moment's hesitation, Luigi Amedeo asked, "May I ask you who this person might be?"
"Mr. Kevin Matwin. I would like to see you tomorrow, if possible. I could take an early flight…"
"Tomorrow is fine, but I'll only be available in the late afternoon," Luigi Amedeo said.
"Just name the time."
"I'll be at home after 4:30 pm." Luigi Amedeo paused. "And I'd appreciate it if you came alone."
At precisely 5:00 pm, Malcolm was ushered into the count's den by a tall, silent butler. He didn't talk: he only bowed and gestured.
Luigi Amedeo invited him to sit in the off-white leather chesterfield as he turned on a floor lamp. He sat in a companion chair, crossed his legs and waited for Malcolm to initiate the conversation.
"I heard that you're a possible investor in Mr. Matwin's new CD laboratory," Malcolm said, casually.
"Yes," Luigi Amedeo replied. "I am."
"Excuse me, but it appears you aren't really an investor. You're the owner of a travel agency in the States. Do you have any other business?" Malcolm waited silently for an answer.
Luigi Amedeo appeared flustered. "I have another travel agency in Italy." He paused. "You must excuse my poor grasp of the English language. My understanding of the word 'investor' is that of a person who has money and is willing to invest it in a business. Please correct me if I'm wrong."