The Angel's Game (The Cemetery of Forgotten 2)

“But it’s reasonable to assume that now you’re feeling better?”

“Yes. Much better.”

“I’m glad to hear it. In fact, you’re looking enviably well. Don’t you agree?”

Castelo and Marcos nodded.

“Anyone would think you’ve had a great weight taken off your shoulders,” the inspector pointed out.

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m talking about the dizzy spells and the aches and pains.”

Grandes was handling this farce with an exasperating sense of timing.

“Forgive my ignorance

regarding your professional life, Señor Martín, but isn’t it true that you signed an agreement with the two publishers that didn’t expire for another six years?”

“Five.”

“And didn’t this agreement tie you, so to speak, exclusively to Barrido & Escobillas?”

“Those were the terms.”

“Then why would you need to discuss an offer with a competitor if your agreement didn’t allow you to accept it?”

“It was just a conversation. Nothing more.”

“Which nevertheless turned into a soirée at this gentleman’s house.”

“My agreement doesn’t forbid me to speak to third parties. Or spend the night away from home. I’m free to sleep wherever I wish and to speak to whomever I want.”

“Of course. I wasn’t trying to imply that you weren’t, but thank you for clarifying that point.”

“Can I clarify anything else?”

“Just one small detail. Now that Señor Barrido has passed away, and supposing that, God forbid, Señor Escobillas does not recover from his injuries and also dies, the publishing house would be dissolved and so would your contract. Am I wrong?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t really know how the company was set up.”

“But would you say that it was likely?”

“Possibly. You’d have to ask the publishers’ lawyer.”

“In fact, I already have. And he has confirmed that, if what nobody wants to happen does happen and Señor Escobillas passes away, that is exactly how things will stand.”

“Then you already have the answer.”

“And you would have complete freedom to accept the offer of Señor …”

“Corelli.”

“Tell me, have you accepted it already?”

“May I ask what this has to do with the cause of the fire?” I snapped.

“Nothing. Simple curiosity.”