06x01 - The Patience of the Spider

[bunniefuu]

INSPECTOR MONTALBANO:
"THE SPIDER'S PATIENCE"

Hello?

Are you awake, sir?

Catarella...
let's see...

It's six in the morning!

Actually, my watch says
three minutes past six.

It's fast.

- I'll put it back three minutes.
- Good idea.

- Thank you, sir.
- You're welcome.

Sorry, but that discussion
about the time

made me forget to mention
the reason I called.

Go ahead.

They sequestered
a young girl's scooter.

Sequestered?

Sequestered, sir!

You call me
at six in the morning

to tell me they sequestered
a scooter?

If it's all right with you,
l don't give sh*t!

You don't need my permission
to not give a sh*t, sir!

But it wasn't sequestered by us,
or the "Beneamata".

The Benemerita. Who then?

It's a puzzle, sir.
No one knows.

They found the scooter,
but the owner's vacated.

Vacated? I don't get it!

You recovered a scooter,
but you can't find the owner.

Ls that it?

Exactly, sir.

Let me talk to Fazio.

He's at the scene.

Ls Augello there?

No, he's at the scene too.

They're all at the scene?
So, why did you call me?

Augello told me
to call you right away, sir.

Augello told you? Great!
I'll take care of him.

Get a photo of this.

Mimi! Would you mind explaining
what the hell's going on?

Salvo, this looks tricky.
That's why I called you.

- Where's Fazio?
- At the villa with the girl's father.

- In case someone calls.
- Who is this girl?

Susanna Mistretta.
She disappeared yesterday.

She went to a friend's house
and didn't return home.

Her father called her cell phone,
but it was off.

He got in his car and drove
along the road she usually takes,

but he didn't see her.

- Who found the scooter?
- Her boyfriend, Francesco.

He took the usual route too,
but there was no sign of her

so he tried this one...

even if it takes longer
to get to her house this way.

That's how he spotted the scooter.

It's in perfect condition.

There are no dents,
it's just a bit dusty.

- Did he leave it like that?
- No, he swears he didn't touch it.

- Found anything here?
- No.

The girl's father said she had
a backpack with her stuff in it.

Cell phone, keys, wallet,
but we haven't found it.

What's up, Salvo?

- There's something I don't get.
- What?

The scooter's direction.

If she came from there
and was on her way home,

why is the scooter
facing that way?

The phone's in the room
with the sofa. Set everything up.

Good morning, Inspector.

This is the girl.
We found the photo in her room.

This is her father.
Dr. Mistretta, Det. Montalbano.

- Good morning. Any news?
- Nothing.

Can we talk privately?

Yes.
if you hear a bell ring upstairs

would you let me know?
You see, my wife...

- Yes, don't worry.
- This way.

- ls your wife sick?
- She's dying.

- Does she know about this?
- No.

She's on tranquillizers
and sleeping pills.

- But...
- What?

She keeps calling for Susanna.

It's as if she knows
there's something going on.

Mr Mistretta,
l have to inform the authorities...

about this kidnapping.

Judges...

the chief of police,
my colleagues at Montelusa...

Excuse me.

I haven't done so yet

because I want to be sure.

- Of what?
- That it really is a kidnapping.

- What else could it be?
- I don't know. We'll see.

- Could you pay a ransom?
- No, Inspector.

We live on my pension.

The only thing we have
is this house...

me and my brother, Carlo,
and we've had to mortgage it.

- Your wife has to be looked after?
- Constantly, day and night.

Susanna and I take turns.

How long has this been going on?

She started to go downhill
six months ago.

What if your daughter had
a breakdown and ran away?

That's out of the question.

She's got a strong character
and she's very giving.

She'd never do something like that.

Never!

And where
would she have gone to hide?

Any friends or relatives
she was particularly close to?

She used to visit
my brother, but not often.

And she'd see Francesco,
the boy who helped me look for her.

She wasn't on close terms
with anyone else.

- And the girl she went to visit?
- They just studied together.

This Francesco,
her boyfriend...

- Did they get on well together?
- I think so.

Sometimes they'd argue
over the phone,

but just the usual kids' stuff.

Could she have got involved
with another boy

who convinced her
to run away with him?

Inspector,
my daughter is very honest.

If she'd been seeing
anyone else,

she'd have told Francesco
and ended their relationship.

Excuse me.

- I heard the bell ring.
- I'll be right there.

Poor devil!
l feel very sorry for Mistretta.

Weird that there's been
no ransom demand, isn't it?

I don't know,
I'm not an expert on kidnapping.

Me neither.

We didn't find anything.
What now?

Notify the chief of police
and Jacomuzzi.

I need the number of Francesco,
Susanna's boyfriend.

And the address of the girl
she studied with. Got them?

Here they are.

- What are you going to do?
- I'm going to headquarters.

If the kidnappers call soon,
like I hope, let me know.

Why do you hope they call soon?

Girls like Susanna get kidnapped
for two reasons: money

or r*pe.

If the kidnappers call,
they want money.

That's better for everyone,
especially the girl.

- I'll call you later.
- Okay.

Good morning.

Good morning.

- Inspector Montalbano?
- Yes.

How fantastic!
l never thought I'd meet you!

Come in, Inspector.

- Thanks.
- You're welcome.

I know you,
I've seen your photo in the papers.

I read a lot of thrillers,
I'm a big fan.

But can I tell you something?

You're better!
You're better than Maigret, Poirot...

Would you like a coffee?

Yes, please, if it's no trouble.

Of course not!

My mother's out shopping,
it's the maid's morning off...

and I'm all alone in the house.

I'll make coffee right away.

Come through.

Listen to me a minute.

Yes, I'm telling you...
Wait a second.

Will you shut up?

I'm telling you he's here.

Out of the blue...
Inspector Montalbano!

He's here, I tell you!
He just turned up!

He's making inquiries.

Sure, but hurry up
or he'll be gone.

Yes, I'll expect you.

Tell Emanuela too,
she'll definitely want to come.

Sandra, bring your camera.

What for?

So we can have our photos
taken with him!

- How much sugar?
- None, thanks.

Are you close friends with Susanna?

I wouldn't say we're close.
We met at university in Palermo.

We're both from Vigata
and we enrolled in the same faculty.

Susanna came here to study
in the afternoons, from to .

- And Francesco, her boyfriend?
- Lipari?

- Why? Are there any others?
- No!

I've never met him,
but she mentioned him sometimes.

We girls talk about boyfriends!

For example, a boyfriend
is something...

l haven't got.

Did Susanna and Francesco
get on well?

I think so.

Did Susanna ever mention
another boy?

No! She's a good girl,

kind, honest... like me.

But she's not very outgoing.

Did she get any phone calls
before leaving yesterday?

No, no one called her.

She left at the usual time
and should have come back at today.

Inspector, can I tell you what
l think's happened to Susanna?

- Of course.
- Yes?

Heavens!

Inspector, I definitely don't think
she's been kidnapped.

I think she wanted to go
and that she'll come back soon.

She needed a break
because she couldn't stand

seeing her mother like that.

Every day, every night...

Thanks, you've been very helpful.
Now I must go.

Already?

Wait five minutes! I want a photo
with you, some friends are coming!

- I'm sorry...
- You're not going to summons me?

- I'll summons you.
- I'll see you out.

- Didn't you like the coffee?
- it was delicious.

- Can't you spare five minutes?
- Not a even second.

- Goodbye.
- See you soon.

- Catarella!
- Sir...

No, me first. Call the second
number, Francesco Lipari's.

- Francesco Lipari.
- Call him down to headquarters.

- Now you.
- I've got to call Lipari.

No! What did you want to say?

To you?
Nothing, sir!

But...
Okay, forget it!

Oh, sir!
Excuse me, I was forgetting.

The chief of police
wanted to speak to you urgently!

Call him
and put him through to my office.

Good morning, sir!

- Good morning to you.
- How may I help you?

- You heard about the kidnapping?
- Yes, I heard.

- Terrible, isn't it?
- Awful.

I wanted to inform you
that Valente's handling this.

Being from Calabria,
let's say he's...

..an expert on kidnapping
like everyone from Calabria!

And don't tread on other
people's toes like you usually do.

No, of course not!

Your actions must be supportive
and converge with those of Valente.

Of course!
Can you give me an example?

Of what?

Of what...
of how I can converge.

- You really want me to explain?
- No, I'm sorry! I understand.

"To converge" means that
if I'm the River Dora,

Valente is the River Po, right?

Exactly!
See you soon.

Thank you, sir.

Converge...

Con...

Me and my big mouth...
Converge my ass!

- Hello, Inspector.
- Hello!

- Here's your fish.
- it looks marvellous.

- Shall I serve you?
- Yes, thank you.

Thanks.

- Thanks a lot.
- Shall I leave it here?

No, keep it warm.

Inspector,
there's a phone call for you.

For me?

Thanks.

Hello? Montalbano speaking.

Hello, it's Valente.

Fifi! Just a second.

- What is it?
- I'm calling about Fazio.

Can I borrow him?
The chief won't give me any men.

All I've got is some
telephone surveillance technicians.

- He says I'm enough.
- Because you're from Calabria!

Who's from Calabria?

You're a kidnapping expert
because you're from Calabria.

I've got nothing against Calabria,
but I'm from Messina.

Exactly! But he thinks you're
from Calabria, what can I do?

Can I borrow Fazio till tonight?

If he lasts that long.

Isn't it strange that the kidnappers
haven't made contact?

No, it's normal.

I handled a case where
they waited a week.

See, you really are
the expert from Calabria!

- The chief of police is right!
- Go to hell, both of you!

- Bye, Fifi.
- Bye, Montalbano.

Hello, Inspector.

Hello, sir.

Inspector?
You wanted to see me?

Me? No.
Catarella!

You told me to call him.
You even gave me a note.

- I'm Francesco Lipari.
- Of course, come through.

- Thanks, Catarella.
- Always at your service, sir.

- Did Valente question you?
- No, no one's questioned me.

I called Susanna's father
to see if there was any news.

But he's heard nothing.

This silence makes me
fear the worst.

- Meaning?
- Someone kidnapped her...

so they could sexually abuse her.

What makes you think that?

Everyone knows
that Susanna's father is broke.

And there's something else
that worries me.

Susanna took a different route
home yesterday,

one that's longer
than her usual one.

I don't know why, but that road
seems perfect for a kidnapping.

- How old are you, Mr Lipari?
- .

Call me Francesco, please.

- Do you study or work?
- I study law.

- I graduate next year.
- Then what do you want to do?

- The same thing as you.
- Join the police?

- Why?
- Because I like it.

Did Susanna ever mention
getting obscene phone calls,

indecent proposals?

She got lots of compliments.
She's a beautiful girl.

But if anything weird had happened,
I'm sure she'd have told me.

Tina is convinced that Susanna
wanted to go away.

Why?

Her mother's illness
was taking its toll on her nerves.

She was worn out
from taking care of her.

No, Inspector.

I'm sure Susanna's nerves
will give out one day.

But I'm also sure it won't happen
till after her mother dies.

What's wrong with her mother?

To be honest, I don't really know.

Susanna told me her mother
has an incurable illness.

She's lost the will to live:
it's a kind of terminal depression.

- How did you meet Susanna?
- We met in a bar.

- And you hit it off immediately?
- Hit it off?

It was love at first sight.

When you're a policeman, you'll have
to ask embarrassing questions too.

Did you do it with her?

What?

Francesco, what...
Did you make love?

No.

But...

But we met before
she went to Tina's yesterday...

she asked if she could come
to my place. I said yes.

That's how we made love
for the first time.

I'm Carlo Mistretta,
Susanna's uncle.

Hello. Montalbano.

I was informed about
the kidnappers' phone call.

I rushed over here
because my brother felt unwell.

How is he?

I hope I've given him a chance
to get some sleep.

- His wife knows what's going on?
- No, of course not!

My brother told her that Susanna
is sitting exams in Palermo.

My poor sister-in-law
isn't very lucid.

She often lapses
into complete confusion.

Valente!

- Where did the call come from?
- it was over too quickly.

We'll discuss it when
you've heard the tape.

Fazio!

- Excuse me...
- Don't worry. Let me hear it.

There.

Hello? Who's speaking?

- Listen and don't interrupt.
- This is Mistretta. Who's calling?

- Recognize this voice?
- Who is this?

Dad, please! Help me!

Get me out of here!
Dad, please!

Hear that? The girl's with us
and she's fine for now.

Have plenty of cash ready.
I'll be in touch.

Hello?

Let me hear it again.

- Listen and don't interrupt.
- This is Mistretta. Who's calling?

- Recognize this voice?
- Who is this?

Dad, please! Help me!

Get me out of here!
Dad, please!

Hear that?

- The message was recorded.
- I agree.

- The voice was disguised.
- Obviously.

There's at least two of them.
I'll tell you why.

Susanna's voice was some distance
away from the tape recorder.

When the kidnapper said:
"Recognize this voice?"

there was a brief silence
while his accomplice

took the girl's gag off.

I think he could be operating alone.

He said, "Recognize this voice?"
and went to remove the gag.

The silence
would have been longer in that case.

You know, they're not following
the standard procedure.

Meaning what?

How is a kidnapping usually
carried out?

They use thugs
to handle the actual kidnapping.

The hostage is then handed over
to the keepers,

who are responsible for
hiding and guarding him.

Only then do the ringleaders
communicate their demands.

Therefore the ransom demand comes
a few days after the kidnapping.

Here, it's only been
a matter of hours.

So?

I think the people
that kidnapped Susanna

are the same ones
who are holding her prisoner.

The same ones
who made that phone call.

It's not a big set up.

It's more like a cottage industry.

If so, they're not professionals
and that makes it more complicated.

And it's riskier for the girl.
ls that clear?

Perfectly.

This could mean
that she's being held close by.

They're not in a hurry either.

The price for the victim's release
is usually established right away.

They don't have time to lose.

Listen, was it standard procedure
to let Susanna speak on the phone?

Not usually.

You only see it in films.

If you're not willing to pay,
they get the hostage to write to you

or they send a piece of his ear
to your house.

These are the only forms
of contact

between hostages and families.

Did you notice anything
about that man's voice?

- Like what?
- Standard ltalian, no accent.

You're right.

Catarella,
make sure we're not disturbed.

Yes, sir.

Sit down.

- Got anything to tell me?
- Nothing in particular.

There is something I didn't tell you,
but I don't know if it's important.

Go ahead, it could be useful.

When I found her scooter,
l didn't call her dad right away.

I followed the path
down to Vigata and back.

- Why?
- An instinctive reaction.

I thought she might have fallen,
or fainted and lost her memory.

So I hunted up and down
for her.

- On the way back, l...
- You looked for her helmet.

- You thought of that too?
- Yes, but we haven't found it.

I can't see the kidnappers
driving around with Susanna...

- ..still wearing her helmet.
- Me neither.

You've got no idea
what could've happened?

There are a lot of things
that don't add up.

First of all, why did Susanna take
a route she'd never taken before?

Maybe she knows someone
who lives around there.

No, she didn't.
And no one saw her either.

It could all stem
from a chance meeting...

- ..but I don't think so.
- Why not?

The kidnappers seem to be
quite well organized.

They're not in a hurry
to release their hostage

because they've got
a safe place to keep her.

But you need to find
a safe place,

then you have to plan,
organize etc.

So you think Susanna
was kidnapped by someone...

..who knew
she'd take that route home?

No, wait. We can speculate
as much as you want,

but the more we examine details
that seem essential,

the more blurred they become.

For example, you came
to talk about Susanna's helmet.

- Yes.
- We didn't mention it again.

Did you notice?
it slipped into the background.

The problem isn't figuring out
how they kidnapped her,

but why.

Sorry about the noise,
l lost control of my hand.

What is it?

You said you didn't want to be
disturbed by any disturbers.

- So I'm here to ask a question.
- Well then, go ahead!

Does Zito, that journalist,
belong to the disturbers category

or vice versa? I say so.

No. He's on the line?
I'll take the call here, thanks.

Okay, sir.

- Excuse me.
- No problem.

- Hi, Salvo. It's Niccolò.
- Hi, Niccolò.

Listen,
I've just got into the office.

What do I care
about your timekeeping?

Salvo, I've got to talk to you.

- What is it?
- No, you've got to come here.

Montalbano! Come in.

Come in!
Excuse me a moment, guys.

Hi, Niccolò.
What's happened?

We got an anonymous
phone call this morning.

I recorded it
and I wanted you to hear it.

Hello?
Who's speaking?

- Listen and don't interrupt.
- This is Mistretta. Who's calling?

- Recognize this voice?
- Who is this?

Dad, please! Help me!

Get me out of here!
Dad, please!

Stop it.

- Why? What is it?
- I've already heard it.

Where?

At Mistretta's house, yesterday.

Why do they want
to get us involved too?

I'm convinced
they want everyone to know

they've got the girl.

- Why?
- That's the big mystery.

It's in a kidnapper's interests
to keep things as quiet as possible,

but this lot want to make
as much noise as they can.

I don't get it.

What do I do now?

If you broadcast it,
you're playing their game.

My dear Montalbano,
l don't play along with crooks.

Good for you!

I'll get them to write
those noble words on your tombstone.

You bastard!

If you want to be
a credit to your profession,

hand the recording over
to the judge

and the chief of police.

I'll do it right away...

..or my name's not Zito!
Bloody hell!

Look at this.

We will now broadcast a disturbing
message we received this morning.

What?

Hello? Who's speaking?

Listen and don't interrupt.

Damn,
they even sent it to them!

And those buggers
are broadcasting it!

- Having second thoughts?
- No, but they b*at me to the scoop.

You're either a credit
to your profession or a disgrace.

I'm a credit!
But to lose a scoop like that...

We were very uncertain
about transmitting

the phone call you just heard.

The terrified, distressing voice
of Susanna Mistretta...

l can't stand watching
this jerk anymore, I'm off!

I'll see you out,
l don't want to watch either.

Franco, speed things up
we're running late.

What do you think
these kidnappers want?

I don't know, but it isn't cash.

The Mistrettas can't even pay
for their groceries.

They haven't even got any
handkerchiefs left to cry into.

How come they lost everything?

I'm don't really know.

I heard they had to sell off
practically everything six years ago.

So, they urgently needed cash
six years ago too.

But there hadn't been a kidnapping.

So? There could have been
lots of reasons.

I get what you mean!
You're too much, Montalbano!

We have our humble logic

yet you use intuition,
just like that!

I won't tell you where to go
in front of your colleagues!

- I'll say goodbye.
- Bye.

Don't worry, sir.
Right away!

I'm going for a coffee.

Sir, the chief of police is on
the line. Can you speak to him?

Yes, give me the phone.

Thanks.

- Good morning, sir.
- Good morning.

Get onto this immediately.

Yes sir! What have I got to do?

I just heard
that Augello had an accident.

What happened?

Nothing serious,
he had a fall and hurt himself.

He must be substituted right away.

Someone's got to coordinate
the men working under him.

You go,
but don't take any initiatives.

I'll send another replacement
as soon as I can.

All right, thanks.

- Where's Galluzzo?
- He's around somewhere.

Galluzzo!

- Seen Galluzzo?
- No.

Where did he go?
Galluzzo!

Yes, sir?

Augello's hurt,
we're standing in for him.

- Jesus Christ!
- No, it's nothing serious.

- I was speaking for myself.
- What've you done?

I don't know what I ate,
but I keep running to the bathroom.

- Well, you'll just have to hold it.
- Good morning, sir.

- What's up?
- I can't do it anymore, sir.

What do you mean?

I can't hold it in any longer!

- We're nearly there. It's only km.
- I can't go any further.

FRESH EGGS.

I'm almost done, sir!

- Galluzzo!
- I'm coming!

Come here.

- Here I am.
- I think this is the girl's helmet.

- What luck!
- You bet your ass!

This could mean she's nearby.
Shall I call for backup?

No, I think they want us
to believe that.

- It's a false lead.
- What'll we do?

Tell Augello to send someone
to keep an eye on it.

In the meantime, you stay here.

- Where are you going?
- To see if there are any fresh eggs.

Good morning.

Why did you park so far away?
You could have parked here.

Don't worry, it's fine.

Eggs or something else?

Something else?

Something else.

Come with me then.

- Stop. I'm Inspector Montalbano.
- Holy Mary!

- You have a license to sell eggs?
- Yes, I'll show you.

Don't worry,
but my colleagues will want it.

- Why? What's happened?
- Tell me first.

- Do you live alone?
- No, with my husband.

- Where is he?
- In the barn.

- Go and get him.
- He can't come.

Why not?

He's got no legs. They were
amputated after the accident.

- What accident?
- He was on his tractor...

and it overturned.

- When did it happen?
- Three years ago.

We'd been married two years.

I want to see him.

At night, the pain is terrible.

Why don't you take him to hospital?

I do a better job looking after him.

Dr. Mistretta told me to give him
an injection when it gets too bad.

But medicines cost money
and he can't go without.

I'd sell my eyes if I had to.

That's why I do what I do.

Well! You heard about
the girl who got kidnapped?

Yes, on television.

Noticed anything strange
around here recently?

Nothing, Inspector.

You're sure?

Well, maybe the other night,
but it could've been nothing.

Try me.

The other night, I was in bed
when I heard a car coming.

I got up thinking it was
someone for me.

But the car pulled up here
then drove off.

Because there's room
to turn the car around here.

I found something here
which may belong to the girl.

No, Inspector...
we've got nothing to do with this...

l know, but you'll be questioned.

Tell them about the car.

But don't tell them you...
don't let them see you like this.

All made up, with those shoes on.

You just sell eggs, is that clear?

Yes, Inspector.
Thanks.

Thanks, Inspector.

- Hello, Catarella.
- Always at your service, sir.

Are you leaving?

No, I'm going back to the villa.
Valente wants me to tap the phone.

This is clean underwear and stuff.

Inspector, there's something
l must tell you.

After the programme on TeleVigata,
they got lots of calls at the villa.

Requests for interviews,
supportive calls, prayers and so on.

But a couple of calls
were slightly different.

The first one was from
the manager of Peruzzo.

- What's that?
- No idea. It's just what he said.

He said the name didn't count,
but wanted me to tell Mistretta

that pride is good,
but too much brings trouble.

- What about the other call?
- it was an elderly lady

who wanted to speak
to Mrs. Mistretta.

When she realized that she couldn't
come to the phone,

she begged me to
say the following to her:

"Your daughter's life
is in your hands.

Get rid of everything
and make the first move."

- Meaning?
- I don't know.

- Did you tell Valente?
- No.

- Why not?
- I didn't think he'd be interested.

But perhaps they'll get you thinking.

Good work, Fazio.
Thanks.

See you, Inspector.

- Bye, Catarella.
- Goodbye, sir.

May I come in?

Good morning, Inspector.

Come in, won't you?
Follow me.

I've just finished eating.
Would you like a coffee?

Yes, thanks.

This country house may seem
too big for just one person.

It used to be,
but that's all changed now.

There were vineyards
and olive trees all around here.

The house,
the building next door,

has an oil press, millstones...

wine cellars that are no longer used.

And the top floor's
been off limits for years.

I came here to ask...

if you'd care to tell me anything
about your sister-in-law's illness.

Inspector, there's no...

breach of confidence.

My sister-in-law was poisoned.

An irreversible poisoning
which makes her death unavoidable.

They poisoned her?

Why do you say "they"?

It was just one man.

- Do you know his name?
- Of course.

- Why didn't you report him?
- He can't be legally prosecuted.

Why not?
What was she poisoned with?

Life.

Or rather,
somebody cruelly forced her...

to enter into one of life's
worst areas.

At a certain point,
Giulia refused to continue.

She gave up her fight

and let herself go completely.

Sorry, I don't understand.
Can you be more specific?

Her brother.

- Whose brother?
- Giulia's.

- She has a brother?
- Yes. Antonio.

Why hasn't he been here...

You're right.
Why hasn't he been here

considering the tragic situation?

You see, they haven't seen
each other for a long time.

Let's say, six years?

You already know, Inspector.

Yes, it all began about six years ago.

Giulia and her brother
were orphaned at an early age.

They grew up,
like most orphans do,

very close to each other.

When Giulia married my brother,
Salvatore,

they moved to Uruguay for work

and Giulia took her brother along.

Hello?

Yes, it's me.

When?

I'll be right there.

Inspector Montalbano's here.
Do you want a word?

Hello? Fazio.

- Where's my brother?
- Upstairs with the nurse.

He heard the phone call and fainted.

I'm going up to see him.

Fazio, let me listen.

Hello?
Who is it?

Listen to me, Susanna is fine.
But she wants to be with her mother.

Get six billion ready.
l repeat, six billion.

You know where to get it.
Speak soon.

They didn't get Susanna to speak.

- No.
- And they're talking about billions.

- What else should they talk about?
- Euros.

- isn't it the same thing?
- No.

Whoever left that message is used
to doing things the old way.

It's easier for them
to calculate the money in liras.

Or maybe they want to fool us,
like with the helmet and the bag.

I'm going to get some fresh air.
if anyone calls, you get it.

Off you go.

This call contains
an important new element.

The kidnapper says he knows
the Mistrettas don't have the money

but claims they know where to get it.

Whereas we don't have a clue.

- But we could have one.
- How?

We have to persuade the Mistrettas
to take the necessary action

to get the six billion.

If they do that,
we'll find out a lot.

- The judge knows about this call?
- Not yet.

You could ask for Mr. and Mrs.
Mistretta's bank accounts to be frozen

and inform the press of this.

What for?

To force them to take action
to get the money,

to put them under pressure
from public opinion.

And as soon as he's better...

I'm going to question
Susanna's father.

Good idea.

Is it true they want
six billion?

Unfortunately, yes.

My poor niece!

- Doctor, can I have a word?
- Of course.

You see, the phone call
my brother told me about

gets to the heart of the matter
l was telling you about.

You said the Mistrettas
went to Uruguay

and that Giulia
took her brother along.

Antonio has an engineering degree.
He found work right away in Uruguay

thanks to my brother.

He made a fortune in five years.

Antonio, I mean.

Not as an engineer

but thanks to his expertise
regarding tax evasion.

There was a lot of that in Uruguay.

In other words,
he found a sort of legal way

to evade taxes
and help others evade them.

So after five years,
with all the money he'd made,

he came back to Sicily

and got various contracts
for the public sector.

Don't ask me how.
l don't know and I don't want to,

even though I can guess.

Eventually, Antonio
was investigated for these contracts.

In order to save himself he needed
to get rid of some documents.

One evening, about six years ago,
he went to Giulia's house

and with tears in his eyes
he asked...

for two billion liras.

At that moment, he had no cash
and didn't want to ask his bank.

Inspector, the Mistrettas sold
everything they had in a month.

We managed to raise
one billion, million liras.

But Antonio Peruzzo
needed two billion liras.

Who put up the rest of the money?

Must I tell you, Inspector?

Yes.

I did.

You?

And then?

A year or so later, Giulia decided
to send her daughter, Susanna,

to study in Florence.

So she asked her brother for
some of the money she'd lent him.

But he said it wasn't the right time.

To put it simply,
it was never the right time.

You mean this debt
still hasn't been settled?

Exactly.

He got off scot-free at his trial

and then mysteriously
his engineering firms

started to go bankrupt,
one after the other.

Everyone lost out.

Creditors, suppliers, workmen,
employees, everyone.

He fell out with his sister.

And Giulia got ill.

She lost the will to live.

How's Antonio Peruzzo's
business doing now?

Marvellously, Inspector.

What are you doing here?

I like coming to hospital
and strolling down the corridors,

back and forth!

- You miss me? You're here for me?
- Don't be stupid. How are you?

Two broken ribs
and aches and pains all over.

You fell into a ditch!

Forget it!
How's the investigation going?

Nothing definite,
but I have a theory.

What is it?

These men didn't want to kidnap
Salvatore Mistretta's daughter

but rather, Peruzzo's niece.

- Who's this Peruzzo?
- That building contractor...

- He's involved in politics too now.
- I've not heard of him.

He's Susanna Mistretta's uncle,
the very wealthy one.

I don't think this kidnapping
is about money,

it's about getting revenge on Peruzzo.

- What makes you think that?
- The kidnapper's method.

They're slowly getting Peruzzo
involved in the matter,

without anyone realizing that he was
the target from the start.

Revenge?

Now we know the motive,
it's easy to find the culprit.

I wish!

When Peruzzo's businesses
collapsed a few years ago,

lots of people lost out.
Lots of people are after him.

- What shall we do?
- Nothing, we wait for the next move.

How are you, Mimi?

I told you,
I've got two broken ribs!

- Has her father seen this?
- You're kidding?

I didn't let him see this
or the television.

I told the nurse
to keep him in his room.

- Did you inform her uncle?
- Yes, he'll be here in a few hours.

They may be hiding her
in one of those unused reservoirs.

- In the countryside?
- Yes.

Without a gag, if she screams, she'll
be heard where there are people.

- She's not blindfolded either...
- Yes, but that's, you know...

When they go to her,
they can just cover themselves up.

Well!

What are you thinking?

I don't know.

"To whom it may concern".

The first thing we must do
is speak to Antonio Peruzzo.

- What do you say?
- Let's go.

- Do you have the number?
- Yes, here it is.

Thanks.

This is Inspector Montalbano.

I'd like to speak to Mr. Peruzzo.

Mr. Peruzzo is out.

Out of the office? Out of town?

Out of town.

- When will he be back?
- I don't know.

- Do you know where he is?
- In Palermo.

- What hotel is he staying at?
- At the Hotel Excelsior.

May I have the number?

-

Thank you.
Does Mr. Peruzzo have a cell phone?

Yes.

- Can you give me the number?
- Well, actually, I'm not sure if...

Must I come to ask
for it in person?

No, I'll give it to you right away.

.

Thanks for your help.

- Hotel Excelsior..
- This is Inspector Montalbano

from Vigata.

I'm looking for Mr. Peruzzo.

I'm afraid he's not here.

When will he be back?

Actually, Mr. Peruzzo
didn't come back last night.

- I see, thank you.
- Goodbye.

The person you are calling
is not available.

I knew it!
You know what I'm going to do?

I'm going to tap Mr. Peruzzo's
telephone and those of his firm.

- Inspector!
- What is it?

- There's a big ruckus in town!
- What do you mean?

Everyone's talking about Peruzzo.

Even though they didn't say
his name on TV, he was recognized.

Public opinion's split.
Some people say he should pay up,

others say he's got
no obligation towards his niece.

But there's less of them.

They nearly came to blows
at Café Constantine.

Peruzzo's screwed!

- Catarella!
- At your service, sir!

What's that friend of yours called?
The one who enlarges photos.

The tall, skinny one?
Cicco de Cicco!

- ls he still in Montelusa?
- That's right, sir!

Take this photo to him
and get him to enlarge it.

- Get the switchboard covered.
- Right away.

Spata, take over the switchboard.
I've got a job to do.

Oh, sir! I forgot. That young man
wants to speak to you.

- Who?
- His name's Francesco Lipari.

- Where is he?
- In your office. ls that okay?

- Good work.
- I'll go right away.

- Francesco! How are you?
- Fine.

Have a seat.

Well? ls there something
you want to tell me?

- You've seen the photo?
- Yes.

- How did she look?
- Well...

Considering the situation,
I'd say not bad.

- Can I see it?
- I've just sent it to Montelusa.

- Why?
- To have it analysed.

- What for?
- To see where it was taken.

Can you tell if she's been
mistreated or hurt?

I wouldn't say so.

- Could you see her face?
- Yes.

What was her expression like?

I'm smiling because it's the first
thing that struck me.

Susanna's got a strange
expression, I'd say...

- Determined.
- Right.

I know her, that means
she won't give up in this situation,

that she'll try to get away.

We ought to be careful.

You think Mr. Peruzzo will pay up?

Look, as things stand now,

Mr. Peruzzo has no choice
but to pay the ransom.

I hope so.

Good morning, Fazio.

- Any news?
- Nothing.

- Good morning.
- Hello, Montalbano.

We were going to search the place.

Go ahead.

Listen, Salvo?
Did you want to say something?

Yes, there's to be no sh**ting.

No sh**ting.

Inspector, excuse me.

- Can I ask you why?
- Because...

Once a person like you
sh*t and k*lled some loser

who'd kidnapped a girl.
They couldn't find her anywhere.

The man who knew
her whereabouts was dead.

She was found a month later.
She'd starved to death. Okay?

Good luck.

All right, where were we?
You're in charge of the first group.

You heard what Montalbano said?
No g*ns..

May I come in?

- Of course.
- I wanted a glass of water.

- Come in, please.
- Thanks.

- I'll get it myself.
- All right.

Are you Inspector Montalbano?

Yes.

- Are you the nurse?
- Yes.

- Where's Mr. Mistretta?
- He's sleeping. Doctor's orders.

I give him sleeping pills
and tranquillizers as he told me to.

- And Mrs. Mistretta?
- What do you mean?

Is she better? ls she worse?
Any improvement?

The only improvement for her
would be if she d*ed.

- Conscious?
- Me?

No, not you! I meant Mrs. Mistretta.

At times, yes. At times, no.

But even when it seems like she
understands, I don't think she does.

- Excuse me.
- Of course.

- Listen...
- Yes?

- Can I see her?
- Of course. Follow me.

I understand,
you want to report something.

You have to come here.

Hello, sir.

Wait!
Hold on one second!

The photo enlargements
came in this morning.

Good, you were fast!
Thank Cicco de Cicco.

As you wish.

What I thought was a cr*ck
is actually a thick string.

Someone had hung up
a wort thermometer.

The girl had been thrown
into an old wort t*nk.

Maybe in a fermenting house.

We have to find an old farm.

One of those old feudal homes
that had barns, stables...

By the way,
did you see TeleVigata this morning?

No, I don't watch TV in the morning.
What happened?

The kidnappers called.

The usual disguised voice saying...

"You've got until tomorrow night

or you'll never see her again."

A multimedia kidnapping!
What else?

Nothing, that was all.

They should bring the tape
if we want to hear it together...

No.

This whole thing
is starting to worry me.

Well, I'm starting to enjoy it.

Let's go and tell the guys
to follow this lead.

Mimi, what's wrong?

I got sick of the hospital,
l signed my release and left.

What did they do to you?

I even dislocated my shoulder.

The doctor said it will be a month
before my ribs are in place.

Did you hear about Peruzzo's wife?

No, what happened?

Three women
recognized and surrounded her.

They started pushing her
until she fell.

They even spat on her.

They told her to be ashamed

and to have her husband
pay the ransom.

The police had to intervene
to save her, she had a rough time.

- Are you serious?
- Yes, I saw her in hospital.

Her face was swollen, battered.

And two trucks
from her husband's company

were set on fire...

They wrote on the wall:
"Pay now, loser!"

It's going to end badly for him.

No!

- Why not?
- He'll pay.

The attorney is expecting you,
follow me.

Have a seat.

- My good friends!
- Oh, respected attorney!

- Attorney...
- Relax...

- Can I get you anything?
- No, thanks.

Rosa, you may leave.

So shall I talk
or are you asking questions?

- Go ahead.
- Can I take notes?

No, why would you need to?

All right.

- So where were we?
- We haven't even started.

Oh, right...

As I said on TV this morning,

my client, Peruzzo,

ever since
the day after the kidnapping,

is willing to collaborate
with the kidnappers

who are well aware
of the financial state

of the Mistretta family.

When was the first contact made?

The morning after the kidnapping

he received an anonymous phone call.

When?

Around am the next morning.

Fourteen hours later?

That's right, a male voice.

It said that since
the kidnappers knew

that the Mistretta family
couldn't afford the ransom,

they considered him
the only person

who could comply with their request.

The were going
to call back at pm.

So my client came over immediately.

We quickly came
to the conclusion

that my client had been
tricked into taking part

and the kidnappers
had the upper hand.

Backing out from that responsibility

would be a major blow
to his reputation

and would definitely compromise

his political ambitions.

Which is what happened,
l believe.

His win
was supposed to be guaranteed

in the next elections.

- I can imagine which party...
- Yes, it's futile to ask.

Indeed!

As you all know,

the kidnappers
requested billion liras

and my client
was forced to accept.

In record time
he withdrew the six billion.

But so far,
he has yet to receive

as I said on TV this morning,

unexplainably,
any instructions.

You think that he will call you

as soon as he's told
where to deliver the ransom?

Why would he call me?

You know very well
that in this case,

you are obliged by law
to inform us immediately.

Yes, and I'd do it straight away.

- In what form?
- What do you mean?

What kind of bills?

euro bills.

Ls your client able
to record the serial numbers?

I don't know.

Okay.

- And that's that.
- Goodbye.

Thank you, Attorney.

Poor man,
he was protecting his ass.

He was hoping for a quick resolution
so people wouldn't find out.

It really is an unusual kidnapping.

They immediately called Peruzzo.

Six hours before calling us!

They treat us like puppets.

Right!

If they'd been in control
of the situation from the start,

they could've just called Peruzzo
and he'd have paid.

Why didn't they?

I don't know,
to draw things out a bit more...

The more time goes by,
the riskier it is for them.

I think Susanna
will be home soon.

What?
You said the opposite this morning.

That lawyer hadn't
been on TV at that point

and he hadn't used that adverb
he used so often with us.

- What adverb?
- Unexplainably.

- What does that mean?
- He can explain anything.

I don't understand sh*t
about this thing.

- What are you going to do now?
- inform the judge.

- Inspector, they freed Susanna.
- When?

An hour ago, you weren't answering
so I came here.

- How's the girl?
- Fine, a bit drained, as expected.

Her uncle examined her
and gave her the okay.

- Did they treat her well?
- There was no abuse, actually...

How many were there?

She said she only ever saw two
and they wore hoods.

They woke her up last night,
put a hood on her,

tied her hands
and threw her in a car.

They drove for two hours

and the car stopped, they got out
and walked for minutes.

They sat her down,
loosened the knots and left.

Then she got loose
and headed towards Vigata.

- All according to script.
- What?

We only see
the fake performance.

The real one was performed
for one person, Peruzzo.

And then they called him
to take part.

- Go and get some rest.
- That would be nice.

Valente wants me with him
for another day.

Tell him he's got his own men!

I know, but it's only one day.

I'll call him.
You can't k*ll yourself.

Don't worry.

- Inspector!
- What is it?

Someone's on the phone,
he says his name's Luna.

I thought he was kidding
and I said you are a lunatic!

Then he got mad,
l think he's crazy.

- Put him through.
- Right away.

Mr Lunatic,
here's the Inspector.

- Hello, Inspector.
- Attorney Luna.

First of all,
nice receptionist!

- What do you mean?
- Forget it.

Sounds like a good idea.
What is it?

I'm calling to remind you

of your pointless and offensive
sarcasm last night

towards me and my client.

Can you explain yourself?

When you came over
with your colleague,

you thought my client
wouldn't pay.

No, I was sure he would pay,
willing or not.

Did you contact him?

He called me last night
after doing what was asked,

what was expected by the people...

- Can we finally talk to him?
- He's not ready.

He's been through
a terrible experience.

Sure, he had to fork out
six billion liras!

Yes, and then put it in
a briefcase or bag.

- Where did he leave it?
- They called him at pm.

They described the road
he'd have to take to reach

that paleochristian
necropolis along...

Yes, I know which one.

He was to leave the bag
in a tomb and leave.

My client went there
just before midnight,

ex*cuted the order
and left quickly.

I have to go now.

I have a favour to ask you.

What is it?

That you collaborate honestly,
with restoring Peruzzo's reputation

which has been severely damaged.

Who are the other "restorers"?

Me, Dr Valente,

the party members,

anyone who's ever met...

if the occasion arises, I will.

- Thank you.
- Goodbye.

- Catarella!
- Yes, sir!

Do you have a cell phone?
Give it to me.

If Valente or Fazio want me,
have them call me here.

Okay.

Hello?

It's Fazio.

What's wrong?

Valente wanted me
to tell you something.

What is it?

Valente called Attorney Luna
to find out about Peruzzo.

Luna told him
he paid the ransom last night

and explained
where he left the money.

Valente's going there,
it's on the road to Brancato,

the necropolis, to inspect it.

Unfortunately some reporters
are following him.

They're coming here...
l mean going there?

Yes, they are.

Francesco, what's wrong?

- Sorry to bother you.
- What is it?

Susanna said...

You saw her?

No, I called her several times
after she was released.

Her father or uncle
kept answering

saying she couldn't talk.

Then I found out her mother d*ed
and I called back,

this time Susanna answered.

And...

Relax.

Follow me.

Well?

What did she say?

She doesn't want to see me anymore.

- She met someone else?
- Worse.

What could be worse?

There's no one else.

It's a vow.

A decision she made
during the kidnapping.

- She's religious?
- No... not excessively.

She made this vow to herself

if she got out
and saw her mother alive.

- She's leaving in a month.
- Where?

To Africa.

She's giving up university,
marriage, children, everything.

- To do what?
- To be useful.

That's what she said.
She wants to be useful.

She's going with
a humanitarian organization.

She applied two months ago
and didn't tell me.

The whole time
she knew she was leaving me!

What got into her?

It's just a phase...

She'll change her mind.

No, Inspector.

I know her too well.
She's hard-headed.

What does all this mean?

They att*cked Peruzzo
from all sides.

TeleVigata broadcast
a phone call from the kidnappers

saying he didn't pay the ransom

and that he'd tricked them.

But then they decided
to free the girl anyway

so they wouldn't have
a death on their conscience.

So Peruzzo tried to trick them,
risking the girl's life?

I don't know, I think
Attorney Luna's telling the truth.

- Attorney Luna?
- Yes, he called last night.

After the news that
the bag of paper was found.

Luna says Peruzzo
left a bag containing

six billion liras in a well.

Peruzzo just has to prove
he withdrew that money.

That's what I say,

but Luna says he didn't go to a bank

but can't say
who lent him the money.

I can only imagine
where that money came from!

So much for
a guaranteed win in the elections.

I suspect Peruzzo isn't going
to get a seat in Parliament,

he'll get one in a jail cell.

- Why?
- An investigation will be started.

They're searching his offices.

It seems they've already found
enough evidence

to send him to jail.

Good!
Well done, Peruzzo!

Any information from the girl?

No, she's still upset
about the kidnapping

and hasn't said much.

And she's always been a mama's girl.

I'll question her after the funeral.

By the way, Salvo...

I'd like you to be
at the questioning.

But the chief says
he doesn't want to take advantage

of your kindness anymore.

In laymen's terms,
he wants me off his back.

- Guess so.
- All right.

Bye, Montalbano.

- Thanks for everything.
- Thank you.

Inspector!
Hello.

Hello.

- Just one second.
- Of course.

How's your husband?

How do you expect?

I gave him a sh*t of morphine
so he'd sleep.

Here we are.

I'm ready.

- How about some coffee?
- No, don't trouble yourself.

It's no trouble!
Follow me.

You're hardly a cop to me.

Thank you.

- My colleagues questioned you?
- Inspector!

I did what you said,
but it was pointless.

I dressed normally,
l changed, but it didn't matter.

They searched the whole house.

They let all the chickens
out of the coop

and broke three baskets of eggs.

Then they went back inside
and looked under my husband's bed.

I kept saying
we had nothing to do

with Dr Mistretta's niece.

That doctor gave us
the medicine for free!

Look, I'm here to ask you
to think hard.

Anything for you.

You told me that one night
after Susanna's kidnapping,

you heard a car outside and
thought it was a customer,

but it just turned around
and took off.

Yes.

- What did you do?
- I turned on the light.

- Which one?
- The one outside.

It lights up the whole area.

When my husband was healthy,
we'd eat out here.

Then what?

I looked outside

but the car was leaving
and I could barely see it.

- Do you know about cars?
- Me? No way!

- But you saw it from behind.
- Yes.

Do you remember the colour?

I don't know, I don't remember.

It could have been
green, beige, white...

But I am sure
it wasn't a dark colour.

Like Dr Mistretta's car?

That's true, but
what does that matter?

It doesn't, I'm looking for
a car like Dr Mistretta's.

Thanks for the coffee, Angela.

No problem, goodbye.

Inspector!

Don't you want a fresh egg?

I'd love one.

Thanks.

It's delicious, thank you.

Thank you, Inspector!

- Inspector...
- Hello, Doctor.

What are you doing here?

I need to speak to you.

Have a seat.

Where are Susanna and your brother?

In the room, with the body.

What is it?

First of all,
l need to clarify something.

I'm not here officially,
though I could be.

- I don't understand.
- it depends on your answers.

Then ask me the questions.

You have a patient who lives
just off the road to Gullotta.

- The tractor accident patient.
- Yes.

Okay.

Have you heard of
the Good Shepherd Clinic?

Ls that the question?
l go there often.

Do you want a list of my patients?

No.

I just want you to know that
Susanna's helmet was on the path

leading to that patient's house

while her bag
was found near the gate

of the Good Shepherd Clinic.

Right.

How did you know that?

The papers, television...
l don't remember.

No, the papers and the TV
never mentioned it.

Now I remember, you told me
during one of our talks.

No, Doctor.

I told you they were found,
but not where.

Do you know why?
You never asked.

Look, there could be
plenty of explanations

why I never asked.

Do you realize
what state of mind I was in?

You're trying to
reconstruct who knows what

on the thread of a spider web.

The thread of a spider web...

You don't know
how appropriate that metaphor is.

Actually, at first
my logic was based on something...

something more fragile
than a spider web.

You niece's behaviour.

Something Francesco told me,
her ex-boyfriend.

By the way,
did you know she broke up with him?

Yes, she told me.

It is a very delicate matter
that I'm reluctant to discuss.

Francesco and Susanna,
despite being together,

had no sexual relationship.

What does this have to do
with the investigation?

It does because Francesco told me
the day of the kidnapping,

Susanna asked to meet up
and they made love for the first time.

I honestly cannot see
what her sexual behaviour

has to do with all this.

Let me ask again...
what does this matter?

It does...

because Francesco told me
that Susanna might have had

a sort of premonition.

I don't believe in premonitions,
it was something else.

What do you think it was?

A sort of farewell.

She applied to go to Africa
two months earlier.

Two months...

Probably ever since
the other idea came to mind.

What other idea?
You're going too far!

Doctor, I'm warning you...

you're choosing the wrong questions
and the wrong answers.

I'm here to lay
my cards on the table,

to tell you my suspicions.

Actually...

my hopes.

- Did you say hopes?
- Yes.

That an extreme capacity to hate...

can turn into
an extreme capacity to love.

Susanna, that night...

you took a different route home.

But you forgot one detail
in that meticulous performance.

- One detail?
- Yes.

In the Polaroid picture,
right under the t*nk,

there is a cr*ck.

I zoomed in on that detail
and it's not a cr*ck.

It isn't?

What is it?

It's a wort thermometer.
it's covered with spider webs.

You didn't notice it,
but it's there.

And it's irrefutable evidence.

I just have to request a warrant
to search your villa.

That would
really advance your career!

Once more you're wrong
and you're pissing me off.

I'm not doing this for you,
me or my career.

For me?

The nurse said
you wanted to see mother.

I wanted to understand

why for me the idea of getting revenge
on your uncle started in there,

on one of those terrible nights
spent watching over your mother.

Your plan was developed
in there night after night

and then you asked
your uncle for help.

- Why...
- Say it.

Because Susanna realized
I've always loved Giulia.

A hopeless love...

that prevented me
from living my own life.

And so you were overjoyed
to take part

in the plan to destroy
Peruzzo's image.

The final blow was
using paper instead of money.

I'm leaving now, but I can't
allow you to keep that billion.

Us?

The money's no longer here.

We didn't even take the money
mother lent and never got back.

The money was divided
and transferred abroad.

It's on its way to about
humanitarian organizations.

I can show you the list.

It's not necessary.

I'm going now.

Inspector!

Are you coming to
the funeral tomorrow?

- I'd like you to.
- No.

I just hope that you, Susanna...

don't betray my hope.