The sewer was approximately ten feet tall and it was easy to walk through it. The system was flushed at noon and one a.m., and refuse was slightly more than knee-deep. But the relief of being inside and on the way compensated for the discomfort of the viscous liquid and its stench. They followed Sondra's flashlight to the west and the catacombs.

As they walked, August put in his EAR plug-Extended Audio Range. This device looked like a hearing aid and allowed secure audio reception within a two hundred mile range. A Q-tip-shaped microphone taped to his chest allowed him to communicate with Interpol headquarters.

The sewer turned to the north at a brick wall that stood almost shoulder-high. There was a nearly three-foot gap at the top-the entrance to the catacombs. DeVonne handed the flashlight to Private George while Private Scott boosted her up and over. It had been agreed ahead of time that she would handle point for the mission. August was next in line followed by Aideen, with Corporal Prementine bringing up the rear. Private DeVonne was still suffering from occasional emotional slumps over Lt. Col. Squires's death. That had occurred during her first mission with Striker. However, August was pleased to see that she'd been completely focused since they'd reached Madrid. And she was even more so down here-moving like a cat, quiet and alert. Since they'd entered the sewer, not a rat had passed that she'd failed to notice.

After the seven Strikers and Aideen had gone over the brick wall, they pressed on following a map Luis had had printed out. It wasn't as easy moving in here. The roof was only five feet high here, and the rubble and dirt crunched loudly under their feet. Their clothes were clammy at first, then thick and hard as they dried in the cool, extremely musty air.

Suddenly, August stopped.

"Incoming message," he whispered to the others.

The Strikers formed a tight circle around him. Sondra reminded in front and Corporal Prementine stayed behind. The other Strikers and Aideen had gathered close in on either side. Their proximity would enable Colonel August to speak quietly if there were new orders.

"Are you in?" Luis asked.

"We're about fifty feet into the catacombs," August replied. Since the audio line was secure, scrambled on both ends, there was no chance of it being intercepted and no reason to speak in code. "We should reach the dungeon in about three minutes."

"You'll probably get the go-ahead then," Luis informed him. "We've just heard from the spotters."

"What's happening?" August asked.

"María Cornejas has been taken outside, into the courtyard," he said. "It looks like she's bleeding."

"Those shots we heard-?"

"Very possibly," Luis agreed. "The problem is, it doesn't look like those will be the last ones."

"What do you mean?"

"It looks as if one of the officers is selecting men for a firing squad," Luis told him.

"Where?" August asked.

"Outside the chapel," he said.