"I have one other request," Luigi Amedeo said. "I would like information on La Mimosa, or rather, on the occupants of that mansion. It is located in Carmel, north of the autostrada dei fiori, near Ventimiglia. I would need information on where they come from, on their habits, their lives in general." He paused, looking intently at the Commissario.
"Delighted, Conte. I have no problem with your little request. When do you start on the search for the boy?"
"As soon as I can locate my aircraft. In the meantime, I will plan a good strategy."
"Ah, Mr. Ismeen was right on all counts about you…timely, efficient, expensive…" Caltabieni laughed. "But look, my glass is empty. I'll have another, if you don't mind, and perhaps a few more canapés. It's a pleasure doing business with you."
"Don't make a habit of it," Luigi Amedeo said. "I prefer to operate outside the country and far from the authorities, if possible."
"Beppe, the aircraft Il Falco. Is it available?" Shortly after his meeting with the Commissario, Luigi Amedeo set up a teleconference with his two long-time friends, Beppe and Mario. Beppe was a pilot, Mario an expert in reconnaissance. "I'll need your help, Beppe, as well as Mario's. I have a reconnaissance job in the maritime Alps."
"Il Falco is all yours, as always, my friend. But…you said a job in the maritime Alps? That may not be simple. Air currents change direction constantly in those deep valleys. What are you searching for?" Beppe asked.
"Three men and one small boy, thirteen years old. Your infrared imaging system may be useful once more. Mario could handle the evaluation of the physical parameters-size of projections versus altitude, heat dispersion versus temperature-"
"Whoa, my friend," Mario interjected with a laugh. "Don't make it sound so simple. It is not. We have access to average weather conditions for every day of the year, but there is always the rogue. We have accurate cartographic data of the region, too, but flying over those mountains creates irregularities in the data acquisition. Plus, you would need to take into account the cattle. They are there this time of year. Some may be stranded or lost in the woods."
"We have a unique configuration to search for, Mario-three sizable spots, though smaller than cattle, and one small spot-the boy is quite small for his age. It makes a pattern, don't you see? You just have to count four spots of known size," Luigi Amedeo said.