5th June Isola Mario, Venice They come at dawn.
High-speed patrol boats slam on to the sandbanks. Troops race up the bankings. Guns zip from holsters.
Warrants and sledge-hammers flash in fast hands.
Before monitor-watching security guards can put down their coffee and get to their feet, Vito Carvalho's unit crashes through a side door.
They're in.
Valentina and Rocco rush a team to the boathouse.
More wood splinters.
Everything inside is swept up and bagged by forensics.
In the main body of the mansion, pale-faced sleepers stir in their beds. Some groggily make their way down the grand oak staircase to see what's happening. Others can barely raise their head off the pillows.
Nuncio di Alberto holds up his ID and a warrant. 'This is a police raid! Back to your rooms, immediately!'
They don't need telling twice.
Toilets flush all over the mansion. Thousands of euros' worth of dope and pills hit the water and head down the pipes.
Mario Fabianelli appears barefoot, dressed in ripped-knee jeans and an open white shirt over a chiselled and tanned stomach. 'Buongiorno, Major.' A relaxed smile plays across his lips. 'You could have just rung the bell, you're always welcome here.'
Vito bats away the charm. 'It's not that kind of visit, Signor Fabianelli. I'd be grateful if you and your lawyer would accompany me back to the station to answer a few questions.'
Mario pulls a face. 'Before breakfast? I'd rather not.'
Vito smiles back at him. 'I have to insist.'
Mario fingers his shock of uncombed hair. 'I suppose you have a warrant that justifies this intrusion?'
Vito produces it.
'Bene. I suggest you wait in the south drawing room. The view of the sunrise across the gardens is best from there. I need to finish dressing.'
'I'll wait where I am.' Vito motions to a uniformed officer. 'My young colleague here will accompany you to your bedroom. '
Confidence drains from Mario's face. He nods. 'As you wish. But before we go any further, what exactly is the basis of your warrant, Major?'
'Murder, signor.' He watches the billionaire's face. 'And that's just to start with.'