He finished the sandwich, then used night binoculars to sweep the property. To his surprise, he caught a movement in the moon shadow of the nearest cottage and trained his glasses there. A man sat cross-legged on the ground, leaning against the cottage, eating a sandwich and drinking coffee from a thermos jug. A short automatic weapon rested on his lap. “One guard and counting,” Brand muttered to himself. This would be a much simpler job, he reflected, if he could just put a round into that man’s head, then enter the cottage and shoot everybody. Well, at least he knew where the family was sleeping. Nobody would guard an empty cottage.

—

STONE FINALLY GOT Mike Freeman on his cell phone in Brussels.

“Hello, Stone.”

“Hello, Mike.”

“We dropped your people last night, and all was well when I left them.”

“I’m afraid we have a problem. We’ve learned that two vehicles followed them from Cape May to Teterboro, and it’s likely that they got the tail number of your airplane and tracked it.”

“That’s bad news,” Mike said. “I think we’re going to have to increase security.”

“My very reason for calling,” Stone said.

“I’ll put six men on each shift—that way they can spread out and have a wider field of fire. I’ll also put two of them inside the cottage.”

“That sounds good.”

“I should think that any attempt would be made after dark.”

“I agree.”

“Then I’ll have everybody in place by nightfall. Is that satisfactory?”

“It is.”

“I’ll give you a ring when everything is complete.”

“Good.” Stone hung up.

—

THE PARKERS SLEPT late; it was eleven o’clock before they were up and dressed.

There was a knock on the front door, and Hank answered it.

“Good morning, Mr. Parker,” one of the guards said. “We’re changing shifts now. I just wanted you to know.”

“Thanks very much. Say, do you know the area around the estate?”

“I grew up near here.”

“Is there some nice place in the country where we could go for lunch?”

“Yes, there’s a very cozy country pub a couple of miles up the road toward the village. It’s called the Rose & Crown, and the food is very good.”

“That sounds ideal.”

“Just turn right out the gate and you’ll come upon the pub on your left a couple of miles up. A couple of our men will go along and show you the way, then tail you wherever you go.”

“Thanks so much.” Hank went back inside. “How about lunch at a country pub?” he asked his wife and son. They were agreeable.

“Can we take Maggie?” Tommy asked.

“I expect so, the Brits like their dogs.”

—