“I know what it is—what’s it doing there?”

“It’s lying in readiness.”

“Readiness for what?”

“You never know when a pheasant might disturb our sleep.”

“I’ll tell you what would disturb my sleep—the sound of a shotgun going off in my bedroom.”

“I’ll get a net for the pheasants—it’s quieter.”

“I’m going to get myself into a shower, if you’re fairly certain I won’t be disturbed by gunfire.”

“I’m fairly certain.”

She stalked off toward the bathroom. Stone picked up the phone and ordered breakfast, then he joined her in the shower.

“I hope you’re unarmed,” she said.

He pressed against her. “Not entirely.”

“Is that a shotgun?”

“No, it’s just glad to see you.”

—

Stone had finished his breakfast and was on coffee when his cell rang. He glanced at it, but the call was blocked.

“Good morning, it’s Mike. I understand there was a kerfuffle last night.”

“How is your man?”

“He was released from the hospital this morning, and I gave him the day off for some rest. Another half a dozen men are already on the job.”

“Did your man remember anything about last night?”

“Nothing. It’s disturbing that anybody could get past him.”

“Rob thought so, too. He thought that more men on the ground would send a message.”

“I’ve taken steps to get a pistol permit issued to you by the Hampshire authorities. It should be delivered to you before the day is out. Chief Inspector Holmes was very helpful. The shotgun is legal, as long as it’s not sawn off.”

“I don’t think Purdy’s, the makers, would approve of that modification.”

“Probably not. Are you feeling a little rattled?”

“No. Last night I was for a bit. Took me a while to get to sleep again.”

“I’d like you a little rattled as long as this goes on,” Mike said. “We view this as a serious matter.”

“What’s your advice?”

“You won’t take it.”

“Try me.”

“Leave the country. Go back to the States, where you can shoot an intruder without bringing the world down on you. Pick your state with that in mind.”

“My choices are New York, Maine, or California. Oh, and my girl has a place in Santa Fe.”

“New Mexico fills the bill. Do you have your airplane in England?”

“Yes.”

“Use it. I’d like you on American soil as soon as you can get there.”

“Is tomorrow night soon enough?”

“What’s wrong with tonight?”

“Am I in a hurry?”

“You should be.”

“All right, we’ll sleep tonight in the Azores and make New York tomorrow and Santa Fe soon after.”

“Where in the Azores?”

“Santa Maria, for refueling.”

“I’ll arrange dinner, bed, and breakfast. Two people?”

“Yes.”

“What time will you land?”

“I don’t know, late afternoon, maybe.”

“Does your airplane have a satphone?”

“Yes.”

“Got a pen?”

“Yes.”