Milan, 27 October 1816, 5 p.m.
Piazza del Duomo
Irina and Ziani strolled along the overcrowded square amidst the afternoon rush and towards contrada Orefici.
Every so often, they’d linger over the square’s various amusements, such as the merchant’s selling wine, brandy and other spirits, the chestnut sellers, the booksellers, the dog shearers and a puppet show.
Irina witnessed a conjurer cracking an egg into his hat, mixing it with a spoon, adding sugar and finally producing an omelette. More interested in the pedestrians, Ziani recognised Sangalli from behind with Anna Molinari and Doctor Carlo Vercesi close by.
Stealthy of approach, he gave the sergeant a start with a powerful slap on the shoulder, with Sangalli having concentrated at the end of the performance.
‘Isn’t it e
