THE REACTION WAS WHAT he expected. With the exception of the American detective, the other two paled upon hearing his decision to implicate the authorities in the matter.
— We'd better talk first — the lawyer advised gravely. — If we rush, we might hasten Monroe's demise.
The young German woman looked at him nervously. Her mouth moved in a nervous twitch.
— What do you mean by that...? — She shifted restlessly in her chair. — Where is my father really? — she asked in a distressed voice. — I need to know what happened to him! — she demanded hysterically.
— We don't know — the lawyer admitted.
Sephy had a hunch. It was quite possible that the same fanatics who had hired her to murder a poor paleographer and the sleeping pill-addicted director had the architect in their possession, perhaps because he and Gregory Evans had their noses into the store's affairs. If so, she'd better say the magic word.
— Tell me the truth! — he exclaimed. — Was he kidnapped?
— If I'm really honest with you, I have to admit that's what I imagine — Antonia stated bluntly. — I warn you that it's impossible to tell you anything more than that.
— Forgive me, but in my situation, I'm not willing to accept your motives... — the young German woman addressed her kindly, just as Antonia had treated her. — As far as I'm concerned, mine are more important. It's clear that you treat this matter discreetly and that you're not willing to ask the police for help, but I don't feel the same way. So, try to give me a better explanation before I decide to get up and go to the first guard I see on duty.
It sounded like a threat, or so the young woman's three interlocutors understood her statement.
— This is not a game — Gregory Evans warned softly. — Your life could be in danger the moment we tell you our story.
— That's true — Colmenares added. — We would be very sorry if anything happened to you.
— You don't seem to understand — she sighed irritably, addressing the lawyer. — ...my father is the only thing that matters to me. I'm willing to take the risk if I can meet him personally... My God!... — she murmured, anguished. — ...do you know what it's like to live with the hope of seeing the father you were denied? I'd rather die a thousand times than forget him.
— Do you know anyone else in Murcia? — Antonia asked, taking responsibility for the girl's situation.
Sephy shook her head.
— Let's agree on one thing... — the cryptographer continued, — ...come with me to Madrid, stay at my house. In the meantime, leave us free to search for your father. Trust us, but don't interfere in our plans in any way. I promise you that if you back down, we'll be able to get those who kidnapped you to release you.
She seemed to think for a few seconds. Finally, she gave in to the charming redhead's proposal.
— I give you my word of honor — she said gratefully. Antonia affectionately held Sephy's hands in a gesture of solidarity.
That woman suited him well. She would be the last to be murdered.