He had to hide a pleased grin at that. Bianchi was turning out to be quite the accomplice. But he'd expected as much from her, given her childhood potential. He stroked her back soothingly. "Officers," he said, modulating his tone somewhat, though still with some underlying hostility that wasn't at all difficult to fake. "I'd appreciate it if you could speed your investigations-"

He noted the detachment coming down the stairs excitedly to report the presence of the obvious murder weapon - and the body. The officers gave him a once over and dismissed him - he could tell the exact moment when they were written off, particularly in light of all the other guests who were now clamoring to be freed or demanding to know what had happened. He wouldn't recall them now. He turned away slightly - and then he heard a gun cocked right by his ear.

"Of course," he muttered, in Italian, "you choose now to cause trouble, Antonio Barelli."