04x03 - The Scent of the Night

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Inspector Montalbano:
The Scent of the Night

Who's the woman?
The name of the hostage.

Cosentino.
Gargano's secretary.

I see. Galluzzo,
how old is the man?

About . A good person.

I can't understand why he...

Salvo is here.

Excuse me.

Hello, Inspector.

- ls he still inside?
- Yes.

- ls he armed?
- Yes.

I want my money back
from Gargano.

That son of a bitch!
He stole from me.

I want my money
or I'll k*ll his employee!

My dear Mr Garzullo!

It's nice to see you.
How are you?

Fine, thanks.

- Stop or I'll sh**t!
- For the love of God!

I'm ready to sacrifice myself
for Mr Gargano.

Don't talk nonsense,
no need for sacrifices.

Where were you last night,
Mr Garzullo?

What's it to you?

Just answer me.

At home. I'd just come back
from the hospital.

You didn't watch TV?

What's this TV crap?
What are you on about?

That's why you haven't heard!

Heard what?

Mr Gargano has been arrested.

Ls... that a fact?

On my word!

Yesterday, in Messina.

He had suitcases
full of money.

The restitution of money
starts today in Montelusa.

- Do you have a receipt?
- Yes, here in my pocket.

Sure?

Right here.

There's no problem, then.

Can I go tomorrow?

Sure.

Galluzzo, Fazio,
into the car, quickly!

To the hospital.

Please send
all these people away.

If someone asks about Gargano,
don't say anything.

Shall I warn the authorities

about the false news
of Gargano's arrest

because lots of people
will apply...

- Will you see to it?
- Yes.

- See you at the station.
- Bye, Salvo.

Are you all right, Miss?

Want a glass of water,
coffee, anything?

A glass of water, please.

Tortorella, a glass of water
for the lady.

Right away, sir.

Why do they hate
Mr Gargano so much?

Why? Because he disappeared
with their money.

But why think the worst?

He could have lost his memory
due to an accident, a fall,

who knows?

I can understand...

even appreciate
your loyalty to your employer,

but this man has swindled
half of Vigata,

and run away
with several million euros.

Yes, I know.

Do you have any idea
where the money is?

I only know that
he invested the money.

In what and where I don't know.

- Did he and you...
- What?

What are you suggesting?

I was asking if he's contacted
you since his disappearance.

If he had,
I'd have told Mr Augello.

He questioned me.

I'll repeat what I told him.

Mr Gargano's one aim in life
is to make others happy.

Yes.

Your water, Miss Cosentino.

Thank you.

I'll give you some advice,
if I may.

- Lock up and go home.
- Why?

Because soon the whole town

will have heard about
what Garzullo did

and I wouldn't like some idiot
to attempt the same thing.

No, I can't leave the office.

What if he returns
and finds it empty?

I can imagine
his disappointment.

One last thing.

Do you intend to lodge
a complaint against Garzullo?

- Absolutely not.
- Better this way.

- Bye, have a good day.
- Bye.

Silence!

Sorry, but the news
you heard was wrong.

Gargano has not been found.

Silence!

Know what I suggest?

Go home and relax.

I promise we'll do our best
to find that bastard.

We want our money back!

If I find him,
I'll eat him alive.

Did you warn the authorities

to expect lots of people
making claims?

Yes, I said there was a false
rumour about Gargano's arrest.

And I'm sorry that bastard
hasn't been caught, Salvo.

You don't mean you too...

Forget it, me too.

Bloody hell!

Salvo, forget it!

Yes, let's forget it.

Let me see if I've got it.

About two years ago,

this accountant Gargano
arrives from Milan, right?

Yes, and to promote
the economic awakening

of our beloved
and suffering land,

he opens four companies,
in Vigata, Montelusa,

and two other important towns.

Soon he gets

After six months
he pays them % interest.

As you can imagine,

people were queueing
to hand over money

until the accountant
disappeared.

- What do you think?
- About what?

What are we talking about?
Where do you think Gargano is?

I think he had some mafiosi
among his biggest clients

who realised
Gargano was swindling them...

Where can we find
a mafioso so stupid

he can't see
that Gargano is a swindler?

Look, Guarnotta thinks that
as well as me.

Why Guarnotta?

He's an expert in fraud

so he's decided
to take part in the case.

Wonderful!

So we'll have Guarnotta
in the way as well.

It's marvellous!

Damn!

How much money do you think
Gargano managed to get?

According to Guarnotta,
about million euros.

When was the last time
anyone heard from him?

A month ago he rang Cosentino

to say he was
coming from Milan.

How?

A month ago he told Cosentino
he was coming from Milan.

Has Catarella
infected everyone?

"How" as in "by what means?"

By plane, car,
jumping from a helicopter?

Cosentino didn't know.

Here in Vigata, he travelled
in a BMW Series,

but we haven't found it.

Come in.

Sorry, sir, the Commissioner
in on the line.

Thanks. Excuse me.

Hello, Commissioner.
Montalbano here.

Montalbano,
come here immediately!

Yes, I'll be there
in about an hour.

Do you understand
the adverb "immediately"?

Be in my office in minutes.
Clear?

All right, as you say,
Commissioner, immediately.

Goodbye.

Right, as we were saying,

did he have other employees
in Vigata?

Two. A Giacomo Pellegrino,
an economics graduate,

and a Michela Manganaro,
who's about to graduate.

- Do you have their details?
- Yes.

- Will you give them to me?
- Yes.

All right.

Listen, do me a favour.

In half an hour,
call the Commissioner

and say that on my way there
my car ran off the road.

Nothing serious, three stitches,
and if I feel better later,

- I'll visit him. Okay?
- Okay.

Bye, Mimi.

The old olive tree!

What have they done?

What a disaster!

Those sons of b*tches!

Look at this!

Ls that so?

Damn you!

- Hello, Paola.
- Hello.

How are you?
Can I help you?

May l?

Come and sit down.

Thank you.

Montalbano, against my will

I've been forced to poke
my nose into some files

concerning one of your
unsavoury investigations

of a few years ago,
before my time.

It's a case involving
a Tunisian prost*tute,

later found dead,
who had a son called François.

Apparently, you once had
intentions of getting married

and adopting this boy.

Ls this true or not?

Yes, it's true.

Later, you changed your mind
about adopting the boy,

so François was later entrusted

to a sister of your deputy,
Mr Domenico Augello.

- Correct?
- Yes.

All in the family, eh?

I can see that you already
have a firm view

about something
which I'd almost forgotten.

Anyway, I'd ask you
to weigh your words carefully.

Don't you dare thr*aten me!

Come on, tell me
what happened to the book.

- What book?
- Stop pretending!

What f*cking book
are you talking about?

You haven't a leg to stand on.

But before the book,
let's talk about the child.

The prost*tute's child.

Without telling anyone,
you took this orphan home.

That's child abduction,
and there's a court for that.

There are special judges
for minors, do you know that?

You should follow the law,
not flout it.

We're not in the Far West.

That's not all.

Not satisfied
with this brave deed,

you then gave the child
to your deputy's sister,

as if he were a toy.

Deeds of heartless people.

Criminal deeds.

But we'll talk about this again.

There's worse.

The prost*tute had a passbook

with million in it.

This passbook
passed into your hands,

then it disappeared.

What happened to it?

Did you divide the money
with your accomplice,

Domenico Augello?

I'll say this man to man.

Forget about the boy.

François has been
legally adopted

by Augello's sister
and her husband.

Leave him out of this.

For your vendettas
and stupidities, I'm here.

I'm more than enough.
Agreed?

Agreed?

Agreed.

And the passbook?

Commissioner, where do you get
all this information?

- Someone wrote to me.
- An anonymous letter?

Let's say... it's unsigned.

No, let's say it's anonymous.
Aren't you ashamed of that?

Montalbano...

Montalbano,
come back here at once!

Don't tell me I've lost it!

As you tend to listen
to anonymous letters,

l won't sign this.

Meanwhile, I send you
a copy of a receipt

from notary Giulio Carlentini
to whom Mr Salvo Montalbano

entrusted the sum
you asked me to account for.

The original
is in the hands of Montalbano.

It can be seen by kind request.
Signed, a friend.

- Come in.
- Hello. May l?

- By all means.
- Good afternoon.

- Remember me?
- Yes, Inspector.

- Take a seat.
- Thanks.

I need some information.

Do you recall me
bringing you a passbook

with about million in it?

Of course, it belongs
to the Tunisian boy.

Exactly....
And you still have it?

- Yes.
- Sorry for asking,

but I feared you might have
invested it in a certain way...

What do you mean?

There was this nasty
Gargano business.

I don't know if...

You think I'm such a fool
to trust a swindler like him?

I put the money in the bank,
as I told you.

In the bank, right...

Sorry, I don't know
what came over me.

Just forget it.
Thanks a lot.

- Don't mention it.
- Good evening.

Mimi...

Listen, Mimi...

Mr Augello isn't here?

No, he's not here today.

- He's away the whole day?
- Tomorrow and the day after...

Why?

Have you forgotten?

His marriage license.
He's marrying Beatrice.

When is he getting married?

Mother of God!
In five days.

And you're his best man!

Of course I remember, Fazio.

Who's that?

He's come to report vandalism
to a villa he's renovating.

- When did it happen?
- Yesterday.

- What's his name?
- Giacomo Pellegrino.

- What did you say?
- Giacomo Pellegrino.

- Has he signed his statement?
- He can do it now.

Well, Mr Pellegrino, if you've
read it, you can sign there.

Hello,
I'm Inspector Montalbano.

Hello, Inspector.

You didn't give
your phone number.

It might come in handy.

- - - .

- You're not from Vigata?
- No, I'm from Montereale.

You're renovating
a seaside villa?

It's not mine,
it's my nephew's.

He has the same name as me.

He's the Giacomo
employed at the King Midas?

Yes, sir, that's him.

I see. Why didn't he come
to report it himself?

Because, Inspector,
this is what happened...

About a month ago,
the day before that bastard,

the accountant Gargano
was due to arrive...

l remember it well, Inspector,
it was August ...

Mr Gargano didn't
swindle you too?

Yes, sir, everything I had.

Don't remind me, because
it makes my blood boil!

So as I was saying,
on August

at about a.m. my nephew
came to see me in Montereale

saying that Gargano
had phoned him

and ordered him
to leave for Germany

to do some business.

My nephew had a flight
leaving Palermo at p.m.

So he left word that he'd be
away for about a month

and I was to take care
of his villa.

Pardon my asking, but
could you explain something?

Go ahead.

How did you know Pellegrino
had a villa in Marinella?

I didn't tell you.
Would you satisfy my curiosity?

No.

They also broke the windows,
right?

Yes.

Do you think I talk to fortune
tellers, have a crystal ball?

- Don't get angry, Inspector.
- I am angry.

I passed by it yesterday,
to see how the olive tree was.

Was it okay?

It's gone.
They removed it

to make way for the villa
of that idiot, Giacomo Pellegrino.

I see.

What do you mean you see?
What do you see?

- Nothing.
- Good. Nothing.

Listen,
seeing Giacomo Pellegrino

is squandering money
in Germany,

do we have
Michela Manganaro's address?

Yes, Inspector,
l wrote it here.

- Here.
- Thanks.

Who is it?

My name's Montalbano,
I'm a police Inspector.

Hello.

Inspector? You sure?

That I'm an Inspector,
I'm sure.

- What do you want?
- ls Michela Manganaro home?

Yes, she's resting.

Wait, I'll call my husband.

Filippo, come here.

Someone who says
he's an Inspector is here.

Speak a bit louder, he's deaf.

Who is it?

My name's Montalbano.
I'm a police Inspector.

Inspector,
you must speak louder.

Manganaro is deaf,
he can't hear. Understand?

Police!

- What do you want?
- What's happened?

Police?
Come in.

Thank you.

Mind your f*cking business!

Bastards!

Go in. Let's stay quiet,
my daughter's sleeping.

I know why you came
to see my daughter.

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

Because of that bastard
Gargano.

Yes. Are you a victim
of his scam too?

Filippo!

I've told Michela,
she won't be long.

Thanks a million.

Do you think I, Filippo
Manganaro, am so stupid

I'd be taken in by a scam
concocted by Mr Gargano?

I didn't want my daughter
even to work for that thief.

Why? Did you know of Gargano
from before?

There was no need,

because all those dealing
with money are swindlers.

Have you ever heard
of a book called...

Das Kapital by Karl Marx?

Here and there...
Why, are you a communist?

Communist?

Communist...

Begin, Beppe.

So comrades, come rally
And the last fight let us face

The Internationale
unites the human race.

Here I am...
At your service.

Glad to meet you.
Inspector Montalbano.

- Michela, it's a pleasure.
- Sorry to disturb you.

Don't worry.

I came to ask a few questions
about your work and Mr Gargano.

Go ahead, but I've already
been questioned

by someone in your department.
Mr Augello, I think.

You've been questioned?

Yes.

- On the record?
- Yes.

Strange!

Why didn't Mr Augello
tell me anything?

Ask him.

Mr Augello, besides being vain,

has his head in the clouds,
because he's getting married.

Could be.

I see... Having said that,
l won't bother you any more.

Goodbye, then.

I'll see you out.

Bye once again.

Glad to have met you,
Inspector.

- Where shall we talk?
- The police station?

And if we meet
that jerk Augello?

I don't like police stations.

- Let's go to a bar.
- You're joking.

People gossip about me enough.

But with you,
there's no danger.

Why is there no danger?

You could be my father.

Where to, then?

- Where do you live?
- There are people there.

- Married?
- No. So, will you decide?

Take the first left.

It's a work day, so it's empty,

but it's packed on weekends.

- You come often?
- Sometimes.

I'd like to know more
about Gargano's methods.

The money you collected,
what did he do with it?

Gargano often
brought the cheques.

Then I, Mariastella or Giacomo

deposited them
at the local bank.

The same if the client
came to the agency.

Later, Gargano had the money
credited to his Milan bank.

And as far as we know,

the money
didn't stay there long.

It ended up in Germany
or Liechtenstein.

Apparently he was
accumulating money abroad

so he could swindle us all
when he chose.

- Were you too...
- Swindled?

No. I didn't give him
a single lira.

And even if I'd wanted to,
l couldn't. You met my papa.

But I lost two months' salary.

- May I ask a personal question?
- Sure.

Did Gargano try to lay you?

Well, officially,
he did court me,

just as he courted Mariastella.

She was very jealous.

But if I'd told Gargano
l was ready to sleep with him,

he would have fainted.

- Why?
- He was gay.

- Gargano was gay?
- Yes.

It took me a while
to discover it.

Whereas Giacomo knew
right away.

Maybe because he was gay.

- Was Giacomo gay as well?
- Yes.

Before you ask,

l must tell you
l forgot to mention it

to that arsehole, Augello.

What have you got against him?

You see, Inspector,
l slept with Augello.

Because I liked him.

But before I left
the hotel bedroom,

Augello,
with a towel over his willie,

told me he was engaged
and was soon to be married.

It was so mean
l regretted sleeping with him.

That's all.
I'd like to forget it.

Let's forget it. Listen...

does Miss Cosentino know
that Gargano is gay?

Well, I think she was
so much in love

she wouldn't have noticed.

She can't tell the difference
between a hen and a cock.

Do you think
that Pellegrino and Gargano...

- Were they...
- Did they sleep together?

Yes.

I think it was more probable
than not.

No news from Pellegrino
since Gargano's disappearance?

I only know that when Gargano
disappeared, so did Pellegrino.

And I'm not surprised.

Only Giacomo
knew Gargano's business.

Maybe the previous morning
he went to the bank

and learnt that the money
from Milan hadn't arrived.

So he made himself scarce.
That's my theory.

No, it's wrong because
Giacomo left for Germany

a day before Gargano
was due to arrive.

Ls that so?
What for?

To do some business,
on Gargano's orders.

- Really?
- Aren't you convinced?

Gargano sent Giacomo
to deal with certain situations.

But things of little importance,
and always in our agencies.

I doubt he'd send him
to Germany for important deals.

Giacomo knew more than us,
but he wasn't up to that level.

He lacked the experience.

I think he used that excuse
on his relatives

to disappear for a while.

Scared of irate clients.

- To stay away for a month?
- I don't know what to say.

- Do you mind if I smoke?
- No, go ahead.

Got a light?

There should be a lighter
there in the pocket.

There isn't.

I put it there
a couple of days ago.

Be good.

Good... here.

- Sorry, Inspector.
- Got the registration number?

I can't find Mr Augello,
not even on the mobile.

- Check his desk.
- You authorise me?

- Yes, go ahead.
- No need, all done.

I should hammer you for that.

Look in Augello's papers

and tell me exactly
when Gargano was expected.

September ,
when the interest was due.

At a.m. people
were awaiting him.

Today is October so there's
been no news for days.

Hello, Miss Cosentino,
Montalbano here.

- I need some information.
- Ask.

How did Gargano come to Sicily?

- By car, in his car.
- Milan-Vigata by car?

No, he'd put the car
on the Naples-Palermo ferry.

Same for the return journey.
I'd book him a single cabin.

I see. Thank you.
Sorry for the trouble.

Here, have this bundle
and take it away.

- Did you sign them?
- Yes.

Sit down, I'll tell you
what to do.

Now then...

Montalbano here, who is it?

- Am I disturbing you?
- Who is it?

- It's Mimi.
- Ah, tell me.

Do you have five minutes?

Yes, tell me.

Not on the phone!

Do you want to come here?

Yes, if it's no bother.

Come then, I'll be waiting.

Who is it?

Mimi.
l was calling from outside.

Damned mobiles!

- Mimi...
- Good evening.

- What's happened?
- Nothing.

- Nothing?
- I'll tell you.

Got two fingers of whisky,
straight?

Sit down.

Were you eating?

No, don't worry.

- I'm disturbing you.
- Don't worry, I said.

Here.

Well, here we are.

Tell me.

- I have a problem.
- You don't want to marry.

- Who told you?
- Never mind.

It's not that I don't want
to get married...

l love Beba.

I like everything about her.
The way she walks,

how she dresses, cooks...

the way she makes love,
l like everything.

But?

But I don't feel like
marrying her.

Or rather,
l feel like marrying her...

but some nights I count
the hours to the wedding day.

I'd like to fly off to Papua.

I've a couple of places
I'd like to send you.

I didn't come here

for you to take the piss
out of me, Salvo!

I'm just saying that
to downplay the situation.

Downplay...
l feel terrible!

Want to continue?

- Are you really interested?
- Of course I am.

It's... I don't know
what's happening to me.

Some nights I feel
l have the heart of an ass.

The next night
l have the heart of a lion.

I feel torn in half.

Understand?

Sure.

Sometimes, I avoid
taking on commitments

because I'm sure
l won't keep them.

And the next night I see myself
as a father with four kids.

I don't know what to do.

I'm scared of freaking out
at the last moment.

And Beba?

How would she take such a blow?

It's a constant agony, Salvo.

Understand?

Yes.

Am I boring you?

No.

Stuff you, Mimi!

- Got some for me?
- Sure.

- One?
- Thanks.

Salvo, forget what I said
last night.

It's all nonsense.
l want to marry Beba.

All the best, then.
Congratulations.

For what?

Your work on Gargano.
Your contribution was miniscule.

My participation was minor,
Guarnotta was in charge.

Don't blame me.

You have no idea
where the money went?

No. We think that Gargano
used the usual trick

of smoke and mirrors.

He set up many companies
overseas

and shifted the money
from one to the other

hoping to lose all trace of it.

Didn't you think he could have
disappeared around here?

There's no proof of that.
No airline or train ticket,

nothing to show he left Milan.

At least in the days
before his disappearance.

He could have come by car.

No, his car is well-known here
and no one saw it.

Paradoxically, Gargano
may never have left Milan.

Anything else?

I think Beba is rather angry.
Do you mind?

Go, by all means.

Why are you pissing about
with Gargano?

I have no idea.
Any news of François?

I spoke with Franca, he's well.

- See you at the wedding.
- Bye.

Fazio,
forget what I said yesterday.

Augello said
they searched for him.

But no one
saw Gargano around here.

- As you wish, Inspector.
- Any news?

I found a note
among Mr Augello's papers,

a man who says
he saw Gargano's car

in a country lane near the sea
on the night of August .

But Mr Augello wrote
"Do not take into account."

- So they ignored it.
- Why was that?

Because the witness
is Antonino Tommasino.

What matters
is that he saw Gargano!

No, two years ago this man
went to the police

to report that he'd seen
a three-headed monster.

And last year he came here

saying he'd seen
a flying saucer.

He told Catarella,
who got excited and began...

- I can imagine. Thanks.
- it's all right.

Salvo!

- The wedding is postponed.
- Changed your mind again?

No, Beba received a call
this morning.

Her father's had a heart att*ck.
She left at once.

- What do I do?
- Meaning?

I can't wait another month.

One night looking forward
to the wedding,

the next,
wishing to run away from it.

Take me to the altar
in a straitjacket or I'll cr*ck.

Forget that. Go and see
how your father-in-law is,

then come back to duty.

Meantime, I'll tell Livia.

No need, I already told her.

His future father-in-law
falls ill,

his aunt cries and despairs,
his wedding is screwed up,

and the first thing he does
is call my fiancé!

The idiot!

Anyone home?

Hello, Inspector.

I was passing and I wanted
to see if you had any news.

None.

- Take a seat.
- Thanks.

No news from
Giacomo Pellegrino in Germany?

Germany?

Yes, he had to go there
for work. Didn't you know?

No, I didn't know.

I was wondering
what happened to him.

I thought he didn't show
to avoid...

No, his uncle,
who has the same name,

told me he had to go to Germany
on business for Mr Gargano.

He left on August .

The day before Mr Gargano's
expected arrival?

Correct.

Something wrong?

- Frankly, yes.
- Tell me.

Giacomo worked most closely
with Mr Gargano

in making payments
and working out the interest.

For Mr Gargano to send him
far away when he was needed,

seems strange to me.

Besides, Giacomo...

didn't really understand
high finance.

But Mr Gargano did,
he was a wizard.

Of course.

You wouldn't have
Giacomo Pellegrino's address?

Sure.

Mrs Caterina!

- Mrs Caterina!
- Who is it?

Come here.

- This gentleman wants you.
- Tell him to come up.

I'm coming. Thanks a lot.

- Hello.
- Hello. Who are you?

- Inspector Montalbano.
- I was expecting you.

I felt it.
He's a degenerate criminal!

He should go to prison
and rot there!

Who do you mean?

My husband, of course.

He hasn't slept at home
for three nights!

He lives it up, gets drunk,

goes with whores...
he's a real bastard!

I'm not here for that.

- You aren't?
- No.

- Take a seat, then.
- Thank you.

Why did you come?

Giacomo Pellegrino.
He rented the flat below, right?

He's such a good lad!

Clean, polite.
I'm sorry I lost him.

- What do you mean?
- Because he left.

- He no longer lives there?
- No.

Tell me from the beginning.

What beginning?

About August ,
he told me he was leaving.

As he hadn't given notice,
he gave me three months' rent.

On the morning of the th,
he packed his suitcases,

said goodbye
and left the flat vacant.

That's the beginning and end.

You're sure it was the th,
not the st?

Absolutely. Because the th
was my birthday.

And on that day,
that great bastard of a husband

left me here all alone.

Ah, I see.

Did he tell you where
he was going to live?

He told me he'd be going
to Germany for a month,

and when he got back
he'd live in his house.

Did anyone
come looking for him?

No, no one.

Last question.
Do you know if he had a car?

Giacomo?
No, he didn't.

He had an old moped
which only worked sometimes.

I see.
Okay, signora, thank you.

I won't see you out because
I'm behind in preparing lunch.

Don't worry, have a good day.

Goodbye.

- Hello, who's speaking?
- it's Montalbano, Catarella.

- Good morning, sir.
- Put Fazio on.

One moment.
Fazio, it's the Inspector.

Fazio here, Inspector.

Check the p.m. flight
to Germany on August

and see if there was a booking
for Giacomo Pellegrino.

Yes. Whereabouts in Germany,
Inspector?

I don't know.

Germany is a large country,
it has many cities.

Ls that so?
Trying to be funny?

No, I was trying to get
more precise information.

If I knew, I'd give it to you.

- I'll check right away.
- Good.

Franca.

Salvo!

What a big surprise!

- How are you?
- Fine.

Heard about Mimi's wedding?

That it's postponed?
Yes. Where is everyone?

The adults are working, Giuseppe
and Domenico are at school,

and François
should be back soon.

A seasonal worker
has gone to fetch him.

- I have something to ask you.
- Yes?

Remember
when I brought François here?

I didn't tell you
that his mother Kerima

had put aside a sum of money...

- Salvo! You're back!
- François, how are you?

- Will you sleep here?
- No, I can't.

I want to show you something.

Roberto!

- Like it?
- Beautiful!

Papa gave it to me.

- Who?
- Papa.

Ah, Papa.

Come on.

There you go.

- I must tell you a secret.
- Tell me.

When I'm big I want to be
a policeman like you.

- ls that so?
- Yes.

Come...

Dear Commissioner,

l hope you've received
my anonymous letter

and photocopy of the receipt
for million lire

from notary Carlentini.

I enclose copies of all documents
pertaining to the legal adoption

of the child
you accused me of abducting.

I consider the matter closed.

If you wish
to go over that again,

l warn you I'll sue you
for defamation.

Salvo Montalbano.

- Did you want me?
- Come...

Here, Catarella.

Take this money, attach a stamp
and post this letter.

But we have
lots of stamps here.

I know, but I want to pay
for this stamp myself.

- ls that clear?
- Yes, sir.

Fazio!

- Coming.
- Any news?

Yes, Inspector. Thanks to
a mate in the airport police

whose mate is going out with...

Fazio!

Pellegrino had a ticket
issued by a travel agency

for a flight at p.m.
on August .

- Like his uncle said.
- But guess what?

- He never took that flight.
- Sure?

Gospel truth.

Let's see. Movements
of Giacomo Pellegrino,

on August ,
the day before he disappeared.

At a.m. he meets his uncle.

At p.m.
he goes to the airport

and changes his ticket.

What does he do in between?

Where did I put it?

Here it is.

- Hello, who's speaking?
- it's Montalbano.

Sorry to bother you,
l need information.

- Go ahead.
- Okay.

We've had no news of Pellegrino
since September .

Can you remember if he came
to the office on August ?

Inspector,
l can't forget those days.

I've thought about them
constantly.

On the st Pellegrino
came to the office late,

about , and left
almost immediately.

Said he had to see a client.

He came back after lunch,
about . ,

and stayed until closing time.

Thanks a lot and congratulations
on your excellent memory.

Goodbye.

So, at he meets his uncle,
then goes to the office.

At lunchtime he rents a car,
goes to the airport,

changes his ticket
and returns to his office.

Why all this rigmarole?

To cover his tracks, sure...

But from whom?
And especially why?

Mr Gargano had

But Giacomo Pellegrino,
what reason did he have?

- Hello, Inspector.
- Hello.

- I made that call.
- Well?

Pellegrino
didn't sleep anywhere.

He rented a car
on the morning of the st

and returned it at p.m.

The car hire girl,
who's quite bright,

said the mileage corresponds
to Palermo and back.

That fits.

She also said he specifically
requested a car with a big boot.

Of course, for the two cases.

There's one more thing
we need to know.

- Where he slept on the th.
- Exactly.

- What do you think?
- No idea.

What an idiot!

- What is it?
- Get in the car and follow me.

Understand why I got so angry?

Let's go inside.

This is where Pellegrino slept
on August .

See?

He probably shaved here.

Inspector!

- There are bags here.
- Bags?

Big bags, Inspector.

They're his.

- There are only clothes.
- Same here.

Did he go without
even a pair of briefs?

Where the hell has he gone?

- Who is it?
- Inspector Montalbano.

Sorry, I can't ask you in
because I'm not dressed.

I only wanted to ask
a few questions.

Good morning.
l wanted to ask you this.

When Pellegrino left, you said
he had two large suitcases.

Anything else?

Yes, he had a briefcase.
He kept papers in it.

Papers?
How do you know?

I saw it open once.

There were pages,
letters, diaries,

and some square things
for the computer.

- Disks?
- Yes.

So Pellegrino had a laptop?

Indeed.
He always had it with him.

- He kept it with him?
- He didn't leave it to me.

Right.

If you've no more questions,
I'll say bye-bye.

- Thank you.
- Goodbye, signora.

Let's suppose Pellegrino
has fled abroad.

The first question is why?

He had little to do
with Gargano's swindle.

If that's the case, it leads
to the second question.

Where did he find the money
to buy and renovate his villa?

I don't know. The villa signifies
that he intends coming back.

Unless something happened
to make him leave for good

and to hell with the villa.

There's something else.
What happened to the moped?

Maybe the uncle has it.

No, because the day
he came to the station,

he wanted to report
the moped missing.

- Did he do so?
- He forgot the rego, model,

and even if it was
still there or not.

- So he did nothing.
- Correct.

- Fazio?
- Yes?

What's the name of the man
who saw the flying saucers?

Antonino Tommasino.

But he's a raving lunatic,
you can't rely on him.

Do we have a choice?
No, we don't.

Where does he live?

I'll draw you a map.

Do something else.
Go to all the banks in Vigata

and ask about Pellegrino's
financial situation.

How much money he had,
what he did with it,

any suspect payments,
everything, okay?

- Okay.
- Go.

- Wait, it must be precise.
- A map, not a painting.

You might get lost,
it's hard to find.

Nonsense.

May l?

May I come in?

Can I help you?

Signora, the door was open,
l even rang the bell, but...

The bell doesn't work.
Don't worry.

- I called out.
- Don't worry.

I won't. Inspector Montalbano,
glad to meet you.

I'd like to speak
to Mr Antonino Tommasino.

Of course. I'm his wife.
Come, I'll take you.

- Thanks.
- Come, Inspector...

Come.

Nino?

Come, Inspector.

Nino...

Nino, Inspector Montalbano
would like to speak to you.

- Glad to meet you, Inspector.
- Likewise.

- Please, sit down.
- I'll leave you.

- Coffee, Inspector?
- No, thanks a lot.

Please...

Sorry to disturb you.
Reading anything interesting?

The so-called Book of Roger
by ldrisi.

- ldrisi?
- An Arab geographer.

Satisfy my curiosity.
What did they say about me?

They told me that often

you see strange
and non-existent things.

You're kind, Inspector.

In simple terms,
they said I'm mad.

You're right, Inspector.

For some years now I've seen
things which don't exist.

I have a grandson, Michele.

Sometimes we play
right in front of the house.

One day, while we were playing,

Michele began making voices.

He said the clearing
was full of horrible dragons.

To play the game,
l screamed in fear,

so much so
that the little one got scared

and tried to pacify me,
saying "Grandpa,

"dragons don't exist,
you mustn't be afraid.

"l just invented them
as a game."

You see, Inspector,

for some years
I've been like my grandson.

In the same situation.

I happen to see things
which don't exist.

I see them for a while.

After a while,
l realise they don't exist

and they go away.

Ls that clear, Inspector?

Crystal.

May I ask what they said I saw?

A three-headed sea monster

and some flying saucers.

Did they forget
the dwarf from Venus?

It seems so.

Do you agree with me
that all those things don't exist?

- Of course.
- Good.

But if I come and tell you

that the other night
l saw a car such and such

why shouldn't you believe me?

Ls a car imaginary,
is it non-existent?

I'm talking about
an everyday item,

a car with four wheels
and a number plate.

I'm not saying I saw
a dwarf from Venus.

Take me to where
you saw Gargano's car.

- Are you sure it was here?
- I'm positive.

- Where was the car?
- Right there.

Are you sure it was
on the night of August ?

I'm willing to bet on it.

Sorry to insist, but it's vital.
How can you be so sure?

Because when I saw it
l thought that the next day,

September , Gargano
would pay me the interest.

Don't tell me
you're Gargano's victim too?

Yes, I fell for it
like an idiot.

He took me for , euros.

That's why I was surprised
to see the car.

But I was also glad
as I thought he'd keep his word.

Instead, the next day,
they said he didn't turn up.

Why were you surprised
when you saw the car?

The location, first of all.

Then the time.
it was well after midnight.

- Did you check your watch?
- I don't wear a watch.

In daylight,
l can tell by the sun.

In darkness,
by the scent of the night.

- The scent of the night?
- Yes.

Does the night have a scent?

Every hour, the scent changes.

Pay attention, Inspector.

The car was right there,
facing towards the sea.

Sure it was Gargano's car?

A BMW Series.

The same he used last year
to screw me out of my money.

Maybe he had company...

I don't think so.
This isn't a quiet place.

Two years ago,
a young couple was assaulted.

Besides, a man in his position,
with his money,

doesn't need to screw in a car.

Sure. Professor,
you don't have to answer me,

but what were you doing here
at that time of night?

I walk at night.

From my house to here
is a brisk -minute walk.

I came that way.
l walked right behind the car.

- Any passengers?
- I don't think so.

Unless they were inside

and they hunched down
on seeing my silhouette.

It should be here.

Well?

Found anything?
Mullet, white bream?

Such luck!
The car is right under here.

You're joking?

I'll check it again.

Wait, Salvo!

The discovery of Gargano's car
came after an anonymous tip-off

to the Montelusa police.

The recovery operation
is continuing.

Meanwhile, the divers

have brought up the body
of a man trapped in the vehicle.

Let's speak to Mr Guarnotta,
who's in charge of the case

and received
the anonymous call.

Has the corpse been identified,
Mr Guarnotta?

There hasn't been
an official identification,

but we can say
that it's highly likely

to be Giacomo Pellegrino,
Gargano's associate.

- Was there anyone else?
- In the car, no.

But there may have been
another person

who was thrown clear
when the car hit the water.

- Could it be Gargano?
- Possibly.

Thank you, Mr Guarnotta.

Awaiting the results
of the search...

There.

Did you make out
what Guarnotta thinks?

Guarnotta is quite clear,
at least in private.

In public,
he doesn't commit himself.

He thinks Gargano
trod on the mafia's toes.

Either because he took
someone's money,

or he encroached on territory
where he shouldn't have.

Even if that were so, what
has Pellegrino to do with it?

He was unlucky
to be with Gargano.

- Nonsense!
- Why?

According to Guarnotta,
they were found and sh*t,

put in the car
and pushed into the sea.

It's a matter of hours
until they find Gargano's body,

depending on the current.

- You believe that?
- No.

How could the mafia know
one day beforehand

that Gargano would flee,
and k*ll him?

If he'd been k*lled
two days after, sure,

but the day before?

You're right.
Something else is odd.

How do you explain
that they were alone together,

at that time of night,
in a place for screwing?

- I don't think they were...
- Yes, they were.

- ls that right?
- Yes.

f*ck!

You remembered the way.
You've been back here?

What was so urgent?

I must go to Palermo
for a few days

to sit for some exams.

So I wanted to see you,
to tell you something.

What is it?

Such haste!

What kind of exams?

If I have time,
I'll sit for one exam.

What else do you have to do?

- Come, come...
- Have you gone crazy?

What do you think...

Get stuffed!

I fell for it.

I should have let you continue
to see how you'd get out of it.

Exactly the same way
as when you tried to kiss me.

I was sure you'd do that.
You love to provoke, eh?

Yes. While you like to play
Mr Chastity.

- Peace?
- Peace.

Did you want to tell me
something or just play games?

Half and half.

This morning when I heard
Giacomo was dead,

l was horrified.

How did he die?

He was sh*t in the face.

A lot of things don't add up.

Let's hear them.

First, why was Gargano's car
found here?

There are two possibilities.

Either he left it for Giacomo,

or else Gargano is back.

But why come here
and risk everything?

Go on.

Let's suppose Gargano
was with Giacomo...

Why meet in a car
like illicit lovers?

Why not go to Gargano's hotel
or anywhere safer?

The other times
they didn't meet in a car.

Well, Gargano was miserly.

How do you know that?

Well, not miserly, but stingy.

Once he took me to dinner.

I could sense his dismay
when I chose expensive dishes.

Then he complained
about the bill.

But...

it only happened once.

It was part
of his seduction technique.

He took Mariastella out once.

The next day
she was in a complete daze.

She had a radiant smile.

- Know what?
- Tell me.

Mariastella reciprocated.
She invited him to her home.

She has a large villa
just outside Vigata.

She lives alone
since her parents d*ed.

Is it true that Mariastella

still pays the agency's
rent and phone?

- Yes.
- ls she rich?

Her father must have
left her something.

She wanted to pay my wages
out of her own pocket.

"Emanuele will reimburse me"
she said

and blushed all over.

Poor girl,
she's crazy about him.

She won't accept reality.

What do you think happened?

At best, Gargano is living it up
on some Polynesian island.

At worst,
he's being eaten by fish.

I'm going to sit
for three exams.

Good luck.
Let me know the results.

Okay. Bye.

Come in.

Hello, Chief.

- Where have you been?
- Doing my duty.

When I heard, I put myself
at Guarnotta's disposal.

As per instructions.
Did I do right?

Excellent.
Was Gargano's body found?

No, they've lost hope.

With all those currents,
it could be in Tunisia.

Come in.

- Sorry, Inspector.
- Come in, Fazio.

I have news. A scoop!

Sit down.

On October last year,

, euros went into
Pellegrino's account.

Another , arrived
on January this year,

and , on July ,
making a total of , .

- Who made these payments?
- Emanuele Gargano.

Emanuele Gargano?

f*ck!

From his personal account,
not the King Midas account.

And each time Pellegrino
received a payment,

next day he'd pay some money...

For the mortgage
and renovations.

Exactly, Inspector.

So, gentlemen,
my main question is;

why was Gargano
paying money to Pellegrino?

For love, why not?

It wasn't just
a sexual relationship.

I'd say it was blackmail.

He could have threatened
to out Gargano.

Nowadays, who gives a stuff
about being gay, Fazio!

Gargano tried
to disguise the fact.

Though it seems a bit weak
as a thr*at.

I think this is what happened.

Listen carefully to this.

Well, Gargano organises a scam

which takes time and needs
a real organisation,

such as an office,
some employees, and so on.

One of the employees
is Giacomo Pellegrino.

Pellegrino
has a particular mind.

What do you mean?

The mind of those people
who deal with money.

They know all about money,
like they know themselves.

How it shits, how it pisses,
how it eats, how it sleeps,

when it wants to reproduce,
make more money,

even when it gets suicidal.

And these particular minds

are called big bankers,
big operators, big speculators.

They are people who function
only in their field.

Because out of it
they become clumsy,

limited, primitive, agreed?

Giacomo Pellegrino
has a particular mind

and meets someone
even more particular,

Emanuele Gargano.

They fall in love.

Gargano entrusts Pellegrino
with more important tasks,

and Pellegrino, who's no fool,

soon learns that
something doesn't add up.

But he keeps quiet.

He starts to keep a record,
establish connections.

And Gargano is so much in love
he never suspects?

Even if he does,
what can he do?

Sack him? That would
make things worse.

He hopes Giacomo
is happy with the villa.

Precisely.
He'll take the money

and Pellegrino
will enjoy the villa.

Why tell his uncle
he was going to Germany?

So his uncle would tell us.
So he can appear squeaky-clean

and say his trip to Germany was
a ruse to get him out of the way.

Then why all this fuss
with the tickets?

To protect himself,
from Gargano and us.

Pellegrino had it all worked out.

But there was one hitch.

What hitch?

What hitch? A sh*t in the face
is a mere trifle?

- No.
- I think that Pellegrino,

on feeling the sting coming,
fled.

He went to Gargano
demanding more money.

And Gargano agreed.

What's more, he said
they'd go abroad together

and live happily ever after.

- And he accepted?
- On one condition.

That Gargano tells him
where the money is held

and gives him the access codes.

Gargano agrees,

but says it's better
to travel separately,

so it won't look like
they fled together.

Gargano had transferred
the money some hours before

and has no intention
of meeting him abroad, right?

Correct.

But Pellegrino is no fool.

And at dawn
on the morning of August ,

the day
they're supposed to leave,

he calls Gargano and tells him
to hurry to Vigata,

otherwise
he'll squeal to the police.

They must go abroad together.

Gargano has no alternative
and rushes here in his car.

We meet at last!

Bye.

I'm sorry.

- Hello.
- News about Miss Cosentino?

Yes,
she was born here in .

Her father, Angelo, merchant,
honest and respected.

Her mother,
Carmela Vasile-Cozzo...

- Her mother, Carmela...
- Carmela Vasile-Cozzo.

Thanks.

He made me waste
a whole morning.

Then didn't even ask
what I found out.

Carmela was my cousin,

Mariastella was her only child.

She was also my pupil.

She's always had
a certain disposition.

In what way?

She was awfully closed,

reserved, almost surly.

She was an only child,
and the loss of her mother at

undoubtedly had a negative
effect on her character.

Since that day, she dedicated
herself totally to her father

and never left home.

Were they well-off?

They weren't rich,
nor were they poor.

Five years
after Carmela's death,

Angelo d*ed, the father.

Mariastella was now ,
but she behaved like a child.

Why?

When I heard of Angelo's death,
l went to see her.

I hugged her,
wanted to comfort her.

She shoved me away

and said to me
"Why? Who's dead?"

She wouldn't accept reality,

wouldn't accept
her father's death.

The situation went on
for three days.

Poor Angelo's body
was lying there on her bed,

and Mariastella wouldn't let
the undertakers do their job.

I thought she'd gone mad.

I thought she'd gone mad,
but she wasn't mad.

She was simply scared.
Scared of being alone,

scared of being an orphan,

scared of having no one
to give her support.

- Miss...
- Are you hurt?

Sit up.
Slowly does it...

She just stepped out.
it's not my fault...

No damage done.
Thank you all.

- What do you want?
- I'll take her to hospital.

I'm not going to hospital.
I'm all right.

- I want a medical report.
- Why?

Because later on, the lady
can say she suffered fractures

and I'll be in trouble.

I'm Inspector Montalbano,
I'll take responsibility.

In that case, I'm going.

Where are you going?

Home.
Thanks for everything.

Out of the question.

You're shaking. Give me
the keys, I'll take you.

No, no...

Give me the keys.

Lean on me.

No, thanks, there's no need.

My car's there.

I'll get one of my men
to drive your car home.

- Please, come in.
- Thank you.

That's my father.

- Can I help?
- No, thank you.

If you'll excuse me
just for a moment,

I'll get some cold water,
it'll do me good.

Let's not stay
in the vestibule.

I'll show you the other rooms.

Come, Inspector.

This is the first drawing room.

Follow me.

This way.

This is a second drawing room.

Follow me.

And this is the smoking room.

I know, it's a very large house
for one person.

I live in one wing
of the house.

There are rooms over there
where I haven't been in years.

I know, it's a very,
very large house,

but I can't see myself
living anywhere else.

That's all.

Please...

Come, Inspector, come.

And this is the guest bedroom.

There's nothing else to see.

Forgive me,
but I need to sit for a bit.

My room is just there, come.

The pain is unbearable.

Shall I call you a doctor?

Yes, thank you.

Doctor La Spina.

His number should be
next to the phone.

Thank you.

- Hello, Dr La Spina?
- Yes.

Sorry to disturb you,
I'm Inspector Montalbano.

Yes, I'm Dr La Spina.

I'm calling you
from Miss Cosentino's home.

What's happened to her?

Nothing serious, she was hit
by a car and is in some pain.

- I'll be right there.
- Doctor...

l must ask you something
for which I'll take responsibility.

I need...
please don't ask why...

Miss Cosentino to sleep
for some hours.

- For her own good.
- Leave it to me.

Thank you.

He's coming.

Thank you, Inspector.

Inspector, nothing is broken,

only a bad hip contusion
which I medicated.

And I gave her something.
She'll sleep for a few hours.

I also persuaded her to rest,

just as...
as you advised.

What do I owe you?

I've known Mariastella
since she was a child.

She might need a nurse
or someone to keep her company.

Don't worry, I'll be here.

Good. Goodbye, Inspector.

Good night.

- Who is it?
- it's me.

Mr Gargano!

What's happened?

Mr Gargano...

Mariastella...
l need to talk to you.

Come on...

I'd like to stay here
for a few days.

Yes.

Gargano was only a con man,

he couldn't bear
Giacomo's m*rder.

After disposing of the car,

he took the briefcase
and ran to Mariastella,

certain that she wouldn't
betray him.

Mariastella received him,
comforted him, took him in.

And then?

After he fell asleep,
she k*lled him.

Why?

Jealousy?

A mad reaction to the news
of his affair with Giacomo?

No. Mariastella
would never do that.

What, then?

She k*lled him out of love.

She k*lled him,
the only being she loved,

to spare him from the scorn,
dishonour and jail.

- Did you call an ambulance?
- it's coming.

No need for you all to go in.

I told you
what you'll find inside.

You'll also find a briefcase

with the laptop and disks
of Giacomo Pellegrino

which will allow you to access
Gargano's bank accounts.

You must try to recoup
all the stolen money

and give it back
to those poor people.

See you.

You wait here.
You come with me.