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As had happened the previous evening, there was a knock on his apartment door just as Cortez settled down with his dinner and a glass of wine. Cursing, he got to his feet to answer the door.
“Is this going to be a regular thing, Diego?” he asked when he saw who was at the door. “If it is, I’ll get you a key. That way I won’t have to keep disturbing my dinner to answer the door.”
“That’s okay, Miguel, I don’t think that will be necessary,” Vega said as he stepped into the apartment. “I don’t intend visiting you any more frequently than necessary.”
“I’m glad to hear that. If anyone sees you coming here regularly it might result in some awkward questions, and I’d rather not have to try and explain what you’re doing visiting me. So, what brings you here this time?”
“Mr Abrantes has sent me with a thank you for the information you passed on today,” Vega handed over an envelope. It was not as thick as the one he had given Cortez the previous evening, but it was the same in all other respects. “And some instructions.”
“What does he want me to do?” Cortez dropped the envelope onto the table at the side of him without checking the contents. Whatever Roberto Abrantes had decided his information was worth, it was good enough for him, especially since arguing would not get him any more money.
“He would like you to continue to report any developments in the investigation. Anything you learn will help him to find and deal with whoever ordered his brother’s murder.”
“That can’t be all of his instructions. He already knows I’ll report anything Francisco discovers. What else does he want me to do?”
“It has occurred to Mr Abrantes that once it is known there is a witness, the person responsible for his brother’s death will want to eliminate her. Common sense dictates that he can’t leave a potential witness alive,” Vega said. “He would like you to ensure that nothing happens to her. He doesn’t expect the situation to result in a need for her to testify at a trial, but he would like her to be available should the need arise.”
“An officer is on duty outside her hospital room at all times. And I’m sure Francisco will arrange for more protection if he thinks it’s needed.”
“I’m not sure Mr Abrantes will be satisfied by that. His instructions are clear, he wants you to do everything you can to ensure that Miss Torres stays alive. It’s entirely possible that whoever is responsible for the attack on Tomas’ estate will employ a similar level of violence to eliminate her. A single officer is unlikely to be of much use against an attack like yesterday’s. You are to persuade Pizarro and Meteiros that Miss Torres should be given adequate protection. Their reasons for keeping her alive are just as compelling as Mr Abrantes’, so you shouldn’t have too much difficulty. Mr Abrantes would also like you to volunteer to take charge of the security operation.”
“I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee anything. I might be able to persuade them to increase the security around Sofia, but it’s doubtful they’ll want me in charge of it. Mr Abrantes will have to remember that I’m no longer held in high regard by my fellow officers.”
“At the least, I imagine you will be able to persuade them to let you be a part of the security team. It’s unlikely they will refuse you that, though you’re probably right that they wouldn’t want to put you in charge,” Vega conceded. “Just make sure everything possible is done to keep Miss Torres alive. Mr Abrantes will be satisfied with that. He is understanding enough to accept when someone has done their absolute best, no matter what the result.”
“Is he also understanding enough to realise that soldiers who go into combat zones are paid extra for hazardous duty?” Cortez asked.
“I’m sure you will be compensated adequately should an attack take place. If you get injured, you might even be able to retire on what you get.”
“I’m not sure being able to retire will make up for being injured, but I’ll bear it in mind. Is there anything else?”
Vega shook his head.