He removed his gloves and overcoat, keeping his scarf around his neck. His name was Renato Bonotto. I had worked for him before. He paid well and liked to win. His latest case had to be something pretty big to make him come looking for me during the last weekend of the Christmas vacation. ‘What are you drinking?’ he asked, pointing at my glass. I looked at his manicured index finger. ‘Seven parts Calvados to three of Drambuie,’ I replied. ‘A lot of ice and a slice of green apple to chew on once I’ve emptied the glass. It’s called an Alligator and was invented by a barman in Cagliari, to add a little joy to my life.’ ‘A bit too strong for me. I’m not much of a drinker,’ the lawyer said, ordering a port. I noticed his cell phone. ‘Doesn’t happen to be GSM, does it?’ I asked. ‘Uh-huh.’ ‘Better hand it to the girl,’ I said, nodding at Virna to come over. Bonotto stared at me in surprise.
