02x09 - The King of the Beggars

[bunniefuu]

Shakespeare wrote about
the "high and palmy state of Rome".

The Eternal City is not only one of
the most thrilling places in the world,

it's a city of tremendous contrasts.

On one side you have the high society,
the dolce vita, anything-for-kicks set-

in short, the rich.

People with so much money
they hardly know what to do with it.

And on the other side you have the poor.

People with no future, no hope,

and most of all, no money.

People so poor they...they have to beg.

Like him.

Prego.

He's dead.

- Did anyone see this?
- Yes, I did.

It wasn't an accident.

The blue Mercedes with the
number plates covered up just hit him.

- Do you mean it was deliberate?
- Yes.

- And your name, signor?
- Simon Templar.

Signora.

- Cosa vuole, signore?
- Niente, niente. Cosi.

Grazie, signore.

- Mr Simon Templar!
- Marco di Cesare! Va bene?

- I am magnificent! And how are you?
- It took you long enough to find me.

Well, as soon as I get the word
that you are in Rome...

Boom! I drop everything. Pshoo!

Mr Templar - my taxi, my life are
at your disposal.

- How much?
- The taxi for the normal rates.

My life is for nothing!

Well, before you die for me, Marco,
how about a drink?

- Oh, thank you.
- Santa...

A whisky with soda, large.

A coffee, small.

Thank you.

- So how long have you been in Rome?
- I arrived a week ago yesterday.

So you been here a week already

but you don't get in touch
with your friend Marco.

Oh, no. You're too busy
with the pretty girls. La dolce vita.

As a matter of fact, I've been
sitting at this table all week.

- What's the matter? You sick?
- No, I'm not sick.

I'm wondering why an old blind beggar
should be run down deliberately.

- Deliberately?!
- It was m*rder.

I saw it happen.
His name was Pietro Mancinelli.

He was run down by two men
in a Mercedes.

The number plates were covered.
Now I'm wondering why.

Well, these beggars, signor, I mean,
Rome is full of them.

They are... What you call... Bumps?

- Bums.
- That's what I say. Bumps.

Men who want something for nothing.

(Clink)

- Curious.
- What are you curious?

About her.

- She never works in the evenings.
- So maybe she get tired.

No, Marco, beggars don't get tired
at the profitable hours.

It's the after-dinner and
the theatre crowds that really pay off.

So you want to be a beggar, huh?
You got to pay protection, understand?

Signore, please!

You heard of
the Beggars Protection Association?

The head man is King of the Beggars.

Get after her, Marco.

Aspetta, aspetta, signora!

(Marco shouting in Italian)

Non c“e fretka'.!

- Go and get the cab.
- Si.

Congratulations. It was a marvellous
performance. You almost had me fooled.

- Who are you?
- Simon Templar.

Now, where shall we talk?
My place or yours?

Phew!

My Templar, I do not understand.

This beggar woman, she lives here?

This is the finest apartment in Rome.

Hey, I am in the wrong business.

- Didn't you recognise her?
- No.

Teresa Mantania.

- The moving picture actress?
- Mm-hm.

The film star? Impossible!

"Small is the worth of beauty from
the light retired. Bid her come forth."

- "Suffer herself to be admired."
- Yes.

I'm beginning to see the reason
for your reputation, Mr Templar.

- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.

How did you know who I was?

I saw you on the street
and wondered why a beggar

wouldn't work in the evenings.

I saw your play. You wore
the beggar outfit in the last act.

You're very clever.

Signorina Mantania...

You are... You're beau...

Thank you.
Won't you get yourself a drink?

A drink, yes, thank you.

Tell me all about this
from the beginning.

L, um... How do you say?

Set a trap, with myself as the bait.
I got in over my depth.

- How did it start?
- A friend of mine, Pietro Mancinelli,

he was a character actor.

He lost his sight
and began to drink heavily.

One thing led to another
and at last he became a beggar.

- Last week he had an accident.
- He was run over.

- You knew?
- I saw it happen.

- Did you see who was driving?
- No.

Who is behind all this?

- Ever heard of the King of the Beggars?
- That was said to me today.

- But who is he?
- What else was said today?

He asked if I'd heard of
the Beggars Protection Association,

that the King of the Beggars
was the head of it.

Having seen your play, I must admit
you're awfully good in the role

but I hardly think you're right
for the real-life part.

Meaning you want the leading role
for yourself.

I'm more used to dealing with
the ungodly than you are.

He's absolutely right, signorina.

What do you propose to do?

For a start
I'll do a little begging myself.

- Arrivederla.
- Arrivederci.

Marco, your meter's running.

For three days now,
you are a street beggar.

- And what happen? Nothing.
- Nothing?

- I sold a pencil yesterday, didn't I?
- Big deal.

- You're being paid, aren't you?
- Paid? And what about my overheads?

You have no idea how much petrol
I used looking for these clothes.

You must have done a lot of looking -
the suit has your name in it.

Yes, ahem...
Well, erm, it belonged to my uncle.

Marco di Cesare the first.

L, um...bought the suit from him...
for, um...quindicimila lire.

, lire! Oh, brother, does
your uncle have a sense of humour!

I let you have it for , lire, eh?

Five?

- Two.
- Two?!

I don't know why I bother.

I don't believe in this
King of the Beggars. It's too fantastico!

I know it's fantastic.
It's straight out of Frangois Villon

but it's here today in Rome.

And it's as coldly evil
as a levelled g*n barrel.

- Now, how do I look?
- Terrible.

- Even more terrible than yesterday.
- Good.

Now, remember, do nothing
until you see my signal.

Please, Mr Templar, don't worry.
I don't forget a thing.

Let's go.

Marco...

You forgot your cap.

(Guitar music, chatter)

Fate la carité per un povero cieco.

- Eh, tu.
- Si, signora.

- I haven't seen you here before.
- No, signora, I am new.

- And where are you from?
- Di Milano.

Well, good luck to you.

Grazie, signore.
Grazie, signora. Benedico.

- Hey, look out.
- (Car horn)

- Drink, dear?
- Yes, thank you. A sherry.

You have been very thoughtful, Stephen.

I was thinking about
that poor devil outside the café.

- But why?
- Makes me feel ashamed.

Ashamed?

Guilty is probably a better word.

It's wrong, Dolores,
that we live like this.

I drive a $ , car
and we've got all this.

Well?

We spent enough on lunch
to feed that poor devil for a month.

You think in all conscience
I should now have indigestion?

I'm serious. It's wrong that some people
have so much and others have to beg.

Yes, I know, Stephen, but in Italy,
there are always the poor people.

You know...that man we saw today
outside the café,

suppose you were to offer him a job -

washing the streets, cleaning windows -
I'm sure he would not take it.

How can you be so sure?

There are always some people who
will try to get something for nothing.

- But they're not all like this.
- No, that's true.

I'm interested in the deserving ones.

I know. But you are too sensitive.

Gave away a million dollars last year
with no visible effects.

But even if you cannot see it,

I know there are a great many people
to whom you have done a lot of good.

And you know that man we saw today?

In his own way, he is probably
quite happy just the way he is.

Just begging-

I wonder.

Reba per vendere.

Reba per vendere.

Reba per vendere.

Chi compra?

Chi compra?

- Mr Templar, it's nearly midnight.
- So what?

- So I am very tired, that's so what.
- You're getting paid.

Marco, b*at it.

Buy a pencil from a blind man.
Buy a pencil from a blind man.

I haven't seen you here before, amico.

No, signore, I am new.
There was another man but he die.

- Do you know why he die?
- No, signore.

He wasn't smart, see.

Maybe you are smart. You think so?

Si, si, signore.

You heard of
the Beggars Protection Association?

No, signore.

It's a society to protect people
like yourself. You want to join?

No, no, signore.

The guy that had this pitch before you,
he didn't want to join either.

If the King of the Beggars
is on your side, you're OK.

If he's against you, you've had it.

You want to join?

- Si, signore.
- I thought you would.

Right, I fix it for you now.

You know, Carlo, I think this guy's
gonna be a smart apple.

But why a blindfold, signore?
I cannot see.

Hear that, Carlo?

Yeah. He's blind. Poor guy.

- But it is true, signore.
- Save it for the police, huh?

We don't care.
A guy has a right to make a living.

We don't make any stink
about handing out licences.

You can pretend to be anything,

so long as you don't try
anything tricky with us.

Signore, I do not understand all this.

Well, I will tell you.

The Beggars Protection Association
is a kind of...a lodge.

A brotherhood.

And tonight you're going to be
introduced and sworn in.

Carlo, the lights.

(Man on tape)
'Welcome to our association,

'an organisation designed to help you
and protect you.

'In return for protection,

'you will turn in one half
of your daily take to Maria Calvetti

'at the Albergo Capitale,

'where you will be given decent lodgings
at a nominal price.

'Maria will be your contact
and will supply you with all information.

'You will be watched constantly,
so don't try any cheating.

'If you have any questions, Catelli,
who brought you here, will answer them.'

Any questions, amico?

No, signore. No questions.

Right. We take you
back to your b*at, huh?

You understand everything?

Si, signore.

- What is your name?
- Arturo.

OK, Arturo.

You turn in half your take every day
to Maria at the Albergo Capitale.

Si, signore. But it is not fair.

Hear that, Carlo?
What do we do for guys that argue?

(Laughs) Show him.

(Simon gasping)

We do that first.

And after, a lot worse.

Half your take every day
to Maria Calvetti.

Otherwise, you might find
your teeth pulled out.

Or maybe your fingers broken.

Understand?

Si, I understand.

Taxi? Ta...

Oh! Oh, Mr Templar.

Mr Templar, are you all right?

I'm all right, except for an urge
to commit m*rder.

Well...what did you find out?

You ever heard of the Albergo Capitale?

Oh, yes. It's famous in Rome.

Go to the records office in the morning
and find out who owns it.

- But I know who owns it.
- Who?

Stephen. Stephen...Stephen Elliot.

Mr Templar,
this could be very dangerous.

Sure.

Why go back tonight?
Why not tomorrow morning?

What? Can't you find it in the dark?

What?! I know Rome
like the back of my hand.

Then we have no problems, do we?

If you ask me,
it's a matter for the police.

Marco, I am not asking you.
Are you chicken?

Me? Marco di Cesare?

Any man who works for Simon Templar,
he must be idiot!

Allora, andiamo, idiot.

'Welcome to our association,

'an organisation designed to help you
and protect you. In return for...'

(Tape stops)

(Sinister chuckling)

Looking for somebody?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.

Who, for instance?

For instance, the King of the Beggars.

The KL...

- You're kidding.
- No, I'm deadly serious.

I know the atmosphere is not exactly
conducive to a quiet, cosy little chat,

but I suggest we do a trade.

I'm willing to give you ...

(Clangiflg)

(Carlo grunting)

Now start talking. What's your name?

- Carlo.
- Carlo what?

Carlo Leghetti.

Well, Carlo Leghetti, the atmosphere
has changed, hasn't it?

It's now quite right
for that cosy little chat.

I don't know anything.
Honest. I have done nothing!

The offer stands at your life.

If you k*ll me,
then you'll learn nothing at all.

He's right.

I got a better idea.

Once I see this moving picture
at the filmoteca.

There is this guy, just like him,
only more ugly.

And he won't talk.
So what do they do? What do they do?

They stuff up his ears,
they stuff up his nose,

and into the mouth they put this tube
for blowing up the tyres.

They pump him up and he gets bigger
and bigger, just like a balloon!

- So what happened?
- He want off bang!

It's very messy! (Laughing)

Very funny, Marco.

You don't think so? You're not laughing.

Hey. Hey, look what I got.

I always carry for an emergency.
So this is an emergency, no?

OK.

Open. Open wide!

You see? There's a bad one.
Got to come out.

Marco, he'll never talk that way.

You don't like?
All right, I give him a manicure.

What? I haven't touched you yet.

- Who's the King of the Beggars?
- I don't know.

I've never seen him!

- Is it Stephen Elliot?
- I swear to you, I don't know!

- I'm only the collector.
- Do you believe him?

- No.
- I swear it!

- What do you collect?
- The beggars.

- And if they don't want to go with you?
- We convince them.

- By b*ating them up.
- Yes.

- Suppose they're women?
- What's the difference?

To you, none, I suppose.

- Tell me about Maria Calvetti.
- Maria Calvetti is...

Drop that g*n, you're under arrest.

Mister...

Signor Templar, I'm aware that several
beggars have been att*cked recently.

- We are working on the case.
- What have you accomplished?

- That is none of your affair.
- I intend to make it my affair.

Then you will regret it.

Inspector, am I being charged
with anything?

No. The b*llet that k*lled
Carlo Leghetti wasn't from your g*n.

This we have established.

You may go.

You know, you make it very difficult
for us to be friends.

Inspector, I am
on the track of something.

But if I talk about it,
the King may go underground.

The minute I find out something definite,
I'll be back, I promise.

- Buonanotte.
- Buonanotte, signore.

It could have been anybody.

Right now I'm thinking of
Stephen Elliot.

- What did you say?
- Stephen Elliot.

But you're not serious.

Why not?
He owns the Albergo Capitale.

That's where the beggars report,
sleep and pay off.

- But Stephen is a rich man!
- What difference does that make?

He's famous in Rome for his charities.

Sometimes I suspect charitable people.

I don't believe it! Stephen Elliot is also
a personal friend of mine.

When my play needed backing, I went
to him and the money was provided.

- I'd like to meet him.
- I can arrange that.

He's giving a cocktail party today.
Come with me.

- Fine. I'll pick you up at six.
- Good.

Simon, I hope you're wrong.

Stephen is such a...a good man.

- Appearances can be deceptive.
- Yes, I know.

- So are people.
- You don't seem very complicated.

Oh, but I am. My mother was Hungarian.

So?

- You know what they say.
- No, tell me.

A Hungarian will follow you
into a revolving door

and come out first.

I must go. Thanks for the coffee.

(Horns blaring)

(Chattering)

See anything interesting?

The usual - men about town,
wives, mistresses and prospectives.

- Oh, Dolores.
- Teresa, I'm so happy you could come.

Thank you.
May I present Mr Simon Templar?

The Countess Dolores Marcella.

- Not the Simon Templar? The Saint?
- I'm afraid so.

Stephen, we've captured a real celebrity.

Stephen, how nice to see you.

- Mr Simon Templar, Mr Stephen Elliot.
- How do you do?

Darling, where in the world
did you find him?

I saw Signorina Mantania's play
and went backstage to introduce myself.

- Are you in Rome for long?
- That depends.

- You must dine with us one night.
- I'd love to.

- Cheers.
- To crime.

That's an odd toast for you.
I thought you'd changed sides.

I have. In fact, I'm resolutely
against the ungodly now.

I'm working on a problem
which might interest you.

Really?

Mr Templar, I have a feeling
that we have met somewhere before.

I'm sure we haven't, Contessa.

Meeting you is an experience
a man would never forget.

I never forget a face, though I have
a terrible memory for names.

You were saying you had a problem.

Yes. In view of the work I understand
you do for the poor of Rome,

I wonder whether you've heard
of the mysterious King of the Beggars.

- Indeed I have.
- Who is he?

All I know is that he preys on the poor

and is connected some way
with the Mafia.

His identity? A secret known
to only one or two people.

Would you help me expose him?

Surely that's a job for the police.

I've got it!

You were the blind beggar.

- I beg your pardon?
- The one outside the café.

- You remember. We talked with him.
- Impossible.

You said you came from Milano.

You're quite right, Contessa.
I was supposed to be incognito.

How fascinating! But why?

- Trying to get information.
- About the King of the Beggars.

- And you posed as a beggar.
- Not very successfully, it would appear.

Nonsense. You were marvellous.

Is this wise? I should hate to see
anything happen to you, Mr Templar.

I hear the King of the Beggars
is pretty ruthless.

I hate to spoil the party
but I have to get to the theatre.

Of course.

- I'd like to ask a great favour.
- Go ahead.

You may know
that I own Albergo Capitale.

It's a modest place - I give clean rooms
with cheap, wholesome food.

Tomorrow I'm giving them a party
and I hoped you'd say a few words.

- I'd love to.
- Then we'll see you tomorrow night.

Mr Elliot, Contessa.

- Buonasera.
- Goodbye.

You're quite a chess enthusiast.
Two sets - here and at the apartment.

Every spare minute I have,
I study my next move.

I wish I knew my next move.

A racket's being run under Elliot's nose
and you insist he knows nothing.

You don't know Stephen Elliot.
He's a dreamer, a visionary.

Men like that are the last
to recognise evil, however close it is.

Does he play chess?

- What has that to do with it?
- Just a crazy idea.

Queen's in a nice position.
It's black's move?

Yes. Stephen's a good player.
It's hard work to keep up with him.

I'm keeping you from getting ready.

Simon...

If what you say about Stephen is true,

then going to the Albergo Capitale
is putting your head into a noose.

Maybe, but they probably don't know
what size collar I take.

- (Knocking)
- Five minutes, Miss Mantania.

- I'll call you later.
- Good night.

Good night.

- Taxi, sir?
- It's only me, Marco.

(Sighing) Oh, Mr Templar,
I had a terrible dream...

and now you have spoilt it.

If it's terrible, how could I spoil it?

I had been captured
by a band of desperate women.

They will k*ll me
if I do not do what they say.

- So what happened?
- I agreed!

Before we start, you wake me up.
Hey, you're very late.

I took Miss Mantania to the theatre.

- So we go to work, huh?
- No, Marco, I'm operating solo tonight.

Oh! Just when I get used to it.

- Used to what?
- The excitement, the sh**ting,

the police.

You'll get plenty of that, I promise you.

That's what I'm afraid you gonna say.

- Maria, something is very wrong.
- That is nothing new.

- You've heard of Teresa Mantania?
- The actress? Who hasn't?

I tell you, huh?

Per favore, Albergo Capitale?

Hello, Arturo. You finally got here.

- Si, signore.
- We were expecting you last night.

I had paid rent in advance at a place.
I couldn't afford to waste it.

Maria, this is Arturo. Show him his room.

Si. Come with me, huh?

This is your room.
The bathroom is down the hall.

If you want anything, just ask.

Grazie, signora.

- What is your name again?
- Arturo.

Perhaps you'd like something hot
to drink? Chocolate or tea?

- Chocolate, per favore, signora.
- Si.

- Is good?
- Buono, grazie.

You'll like it here.
We have lots of company.

Sometimes we have concerts
and entertainment.

Tomorrow night,
we have concert as well.

The food is not bad.
Fridays we have movies.

Of course, that is not much point
to you, being blind,

unless you listen to the soundtrack
instead of seeing the pictures.

Sleep tight, Mr Templar.

Just the one sound, Miss Mantania,
and you've had it.

- Who are you?
- Never mind the questions.

Hurry up and change. And keep quiet.

- (Knocking)
- Come in.

I'm warning you.

Miss Mantania, understudy rehearsal
o'clock tomorrow morning.

- All right, Nicky. Good night.
- That was very smart of you.

Now get ready. Quick.

Miss Mantania, I don't like seeing you
frightened but this is a big operation.

- I know nothing!
- The King doesn't believe that.

- How much did Pietro tell you?
- Nothing!

- Do you know the King?
- No!

- Mr Templar?
- No! Please let me go!

(Horn)

You know, Dolores,
the more important people are,

the more ready they are to help.

For Mr Templar to come tonight
moves me deeply.

- But, darling, he is glad to.
- Why?

- Because of you.
- Ohh.

Stephen, this Simon Templar.

What do you really think of him?

- Oh, he seems quite pleasant.
- But you're not sure.

I don't like people who take the law
into their own hands.

- It's a matter for the police.
- Suppose the police do nothing?

I don't think it's the work
of the ordinary citizen to.

No, I suppose not.

Tell me, do you really think
that the King of the Beggars

is somehow connected with the Mafia?

So they say.

It's odd that you should know
so little about him.

- Why should I?
- After all, you work with them.

- Surely you have talked with them.
- Yes, a great deal.

And not one of them has ever hinted
who this man should be?

- No, never.
- Have you ever questioned them?

Of course. They all seem afraid to talk.

Dolores, what are you getting at?

I'm not getting at anything.

But of all the people in Rome,
you should know something about him.

Signor Templar,
I do not understand Miss Mantania.

She is never late for rehearsal.

- What time was she due?
- o'clock.

- She's two hours late.
- Did she know about it?

Yes. Last night I tell her.

- What did she say?
- "All right, Nicky. Good night."

- She is...with a friend.
- A friend?

- Yes, a gentleman.
- What did he look like?

He's about six foot tall,
broad shoulders and a big mouth.

- With long hair.
- What happened to the white queen?

- Pardon?
- Did you touch this?

The chess? No, not me. I never touch it.

Grazie tanto.

Oh!

Miss Mantania, don't get rough with me.

I can knock you right through the wall.

Who are you? Why am I here?

The point is you are here.
And here you are going to stay.

And we have ways
of keeping people quiet.

- Drink it.
- I don't want it. Take it away!

Miss Mantania, you're going to drink it.

No, " , no, no.

You asked for my cooperation,
I'm offering it.

- Signor Templar, why?
- They are holding Teresa Mantania.

I'll find her
if I have to tear that hotel apart!

I am asking you to be there tonight.

Very well, signor, I will be there.

I hope, for your sake,
you are not wasting my time.

Everything quite clear, Marco?

- Yes, Mr Templar, quite clear.
- Better hold on to this.

- Hey, it's a g*n!
- Very observant. Watch the road.

I don't know what to do with a g*n.

It's quite simple.

You just hold it in your hand, point it
at somebody and pull the trigger.

Mr Templar, sometimes I wish
I had never met you.

And other times...

I still wish I'd never met you.

(r Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata)

- Inspector Mateoli?
- Well, I'm here.

- I can promise a fascinating evening.
- That's why you insist I meet you?

No, I'm performing tonight
and I need you for moral support.

- Good evening, Mr Templar.
- Elliot.

- Have you talked to Teresa recently?
- No, why?

The Contessa and I have been
trying to call her.

- Where is the Contessa?
- She'll be here soon.

Follow me, please.

Signore e signori, one of
our special guests is with us now.

I'm going to ask him
to say a few words to you.

It is therefore a privilege to present
Mr Simon Templar.

It's all right, I won't be singing.

You're probably keen for refreshments
so I won't waste your time with a speech.

Instead I would like to show you
a few tricks which might come in useful.

Especially since I've learned
that some of you

are being victimised
by ruthless extortionists,

or shall I say racketeers?

Now, I'm sure you don't need
Inspector Mateoli

to remind you that carrying
concealed weapons is illegal.

However, it is possible to protect oneself

without the use of a g*n or Kn*fe.

One good judo hold is often worth
far more than any w*apon.

Now, to demonstrate this,
I'll need a volunteer from the audience.

Hmm.

Here's a good-looking man,
should be able to take care of himself.

Don't be shy. You never know
when a judo hold might be useful to you.

Now, for the first example,
I want you to imagine that I'm a beggar.

You want something from me,
like money.

I say I'm not gonna give it to you
so you take a swing at me.

Go ahead.

Bene, bene, bene!

Comfortable? Now, in this position
I can either break his arm

or fracture his shoulder blade.

Am I hurting you?

You can do better than that, amico.

Let's try it with a little more enthusiasm.

Go on, take another swing.

Va bene! Va bene!

Where is she?

I'll k*ll you.

Now, for this example,
let's pretend my back is to the volunteer

and he decides to take a kick.

Go ahead and kick.

Mom: bane'. Mom: bane'.!

Now, this is a very interesting hold.

It was developed in
by an old Japanese wrestler.

It's called the ashi-shingi gatami.

Now, the very nice thing
about this hold is...

if you struggle, you break your leg.

If I lean back two inches,
I tear out your hip joint.

- Where is she?
- Let me go.

I can easily say it was an accident.
Where is she?

In room .

I do believe our volunteer has fainted.
Would somebody get a doctor?

(Mateoli) What did you do to him?

- What have you done?
- Chiropractics.

Now we're gonna search
this flea sack without a warrant.

She's been here. She left this as a lead.

A chess piece tells you so much?

Mr Templar, would you explain
what's going on?

Teresa Mantania has been in this room.

Now, come on, Elliot, where is she?

He's absolutely mad.

I suggest you take Mr Templar and
his false accusations to the authorities.

I agree. Signor Templar, I arrest you
on a charge of disturbing the peace.

- (Engine starts)
- Mr Temp...!

Teresa? Teresa?

(Teresa groaning)

(Catelli) Hold it!

Things are a little different, eh, Templar?

- We must get them out quickly!
- In a minute, Maria, for this one.

I want to try some judo on him first.

Oh, no, no, no. Later!

You don't look very surprised to see me,
Mr Templar. Does he, Catelli?

Why should I be? Remember, Teresa?

Men like Elliot are the last
to recognise evil, no matter how close.

The girl first, Maria. And hurry.

- There's one thing I'd like to know.
- Go right ahead.

When did you first suspect me?

Well, Teresa can tell you.

Wait.

- Well?
- Go ahead, Teresa.

Tell her when we started to suspect her.

Does it really matter?

It matters to the Contessa,
because the longer we've known,

the more time we've had
to tell a lot of people.

Oh, it must've been at least hours ago

that we both agreed
that Elliot was not our man.

Because I remembered my chess.

The queen is the most dangerous piece
on the board

but the king the most vulnerable.

You'd better start guessing,
we've had at least hours to talk.

- You're lying.
- Am I?

Elliot's not even in on this racket, is he?

Since it will go no further, no.

It's a nice, cosy arrangement.

You just use his property -
the hotel and this place.

Stephen Elliot will give me
anything I ask for.

I intend to see
that his generosity continues.

That is a soundproof room,
part of an old Roman sewer.

Nobody will ever see either of you again.

I beg to disagree.

Inspector Mateoli is
on his way here right now.

An old bluff like that doesn't
frighten me, Mr Templar.

I know that he is
not even cooperating with you.

He's cooperating right down the line.

- He even helped fake my getaway.
- Hurry, Maria.

Are you all right?

- Mr Templar, I hit him!
- What were you aiming at?

I don't know, I wasn't looking.

Your Majesty,
may I present Inspector Mateoli?

Inspector Mateoli,
the King of the Beggars.

Thank you, Marco, I'll take that now.

Will you excuse us?