In Search of Murder--An Inspector Alvarez Mallorcan Mystery (23 page)

‘With respect, señor, it was sex that was the cause of the murder.'

‘Initiated and inflamed by the greed for money.' Salas cut the connection.

In the sharp sunshine, Vista Bonita could appear to be a home of taste, wealth and gracious living.

Alvarez walked up to the front door, rang the bell. Marta opened the door. She seemed to be very nervous and chatted for a while before he asked, ‘Is Rosalía here?'

‘She … That is …'

‘Tell me.'

‘She … When I arrived, the house hadn't been unlocked. I have a key to the back door. I found nothing had been prepared for the señora's breakfast. Her bell kept ringing and I hurried up to her bedroom. She demanded to know why breakfast hadn't been brought up to her. Rosalía's missing. What am I to do? The poor señora is beside herself …'

Alvarez sat in his office, a well-filled glass on the desk. The airport had rung back to report that Señorita Rosalía Mulet had left Palma airport and flown to Paris before any request had been made to block her departure.

Salas would accuse him of incompetence. The moment he had learned of her disappearance, he should have reasoned she would try to flee Spain, unwilling to face the possibility there would be sufficient evidence to name her Picare's murderer. He should have made contact with every channel of departure from the island and ordered her to be detained. Salas would list a dozen more things any other inspector would have done.

He drank, lit a cigarette, considered matters. Should an inspector, appointed to serve the law, regarding its demands as sacrosanct, knowing it was all-embracing and designed to protect the many from the few, accept it was unable to prevent a man from using his wealth to persuade women to betray their marriages and the distress that his hunting must cause? Did justice not demand a man should be prevented from seeking fresh gratification from a young, naive teenager who was likely to become the first victim of many, since perversity fed on itself. Could justice be served by a crime?

Salas would be outraged by the questions. Better not to try to justify any of the events which had led to Rosalía's escape. A broad back was more worthwhile than an over-active conscience.

Alvarez drank deeply, refilled the glass.