"What would you do, then?"
Luigi Amedeo leaned toward Malcolm and whispered, "If I were sure of his guilt, I'd kill him. I believe in revenge: natural, pure, direct. Effective."
Malcolm stifled a laugh. "Killing isn't in your book, Count of Monteturro."
"Ah, but you see, that's because I'm never sure. In the case you're talking about, you have only suspects and some coincidental facts."
"You could help me with gathering more evidence."
Luigi Amedeo shook his head and pushed back slightly from the table. "Sorry, Mr. Clark."
Malcolm sighed. "So," he said and paused. "You're sure you don't want Tanya to know that she has a brother?"
"Positive. She worships her parents. I wouldn't take that away from her for anything in the world. It's the only decent past she has. She can't count on much from cleaning pig barns. No." Luigi Amedeo shook his head. "I'd like to stay in the background. In any case, my lifestyle wouldn't be one of example."
"Well, that could certainly change. She could be the motivation for a better-" Malcolm paused and coughed. "Let's say a more transparent life?"
Luigi Amedeo refrained from laughter. "I didn't know preaching was part of your job, Malcolm."
"It is not," Malcolm said, struggling to keep his expression serious. "In general, I make sure I don't convert criminals, since I want them convicted, not saved." He drew a deep breath. "Your case is somewhat different. First, I know I can't catch you or, at least, nobody has caught you in the wrong, so far. Second, you have class, style. Great style. And some principles I admire."
"Much obliged." The Count of Monteturro bowed his head.
For a long moment, no one spoke. "This is another item I'd like to discuss with you, a way in which you could help Tanya," Malcolm said, seriously. "She has heard of a top brain surgeon in South Africa who operated in three cases similar to Kevin's-all with success. The problem is that Kevin cannot be moved, and the surgeon doesn't go abroad." Malcolm paused and looked at Luigi Amedeo. "You were his guest a couple of years ago, at his house near Cape Town. His name is…"
"Justin Vander Groote. I know him well." Luigi Amedeo looked thoughtful and finished his wine. "I can give it a try. I should have thought of that myself, actually." He turned to Malcolm with a smile. "Thank you, Malcolm. That's an excellent idea. I'll work on it."