As though she had understood exactly what she was returning.

Matteo called the man who had arranged the flight to London.

“I need the arrival confirmation.”

There was a pause.

“I’ll retrieve it.”

“Now.”

Another pause.

Then keyboard sounds.

Matteo stood.

“Well?”

“The aircraft departed.”

“I asked whether she arrived.”

Silence.

He felt something cold open beneath his ribs.