“Ted, it’s seven o’clock,” Jim said. “Count us off.”

Stone did so, and they swung into a medium-tempo version of “C Jam Blues,” to loosen up everybody and get them accustomed to playing together. Stone held his head still, so as not to appear to be watching his hands or looking around. With his peripheral vision he could see the formally dressed and bejeweled crowd. With the end of the number he led the group into a ballad, and some of the guests began dancing.

“Seven-fifteen,” Dante said. “All is on schedule. The number of arriving guests is declining. I count forty-six present, twelve still to arrive.”

Suddenly, a man in a white dinner jacket was standing next to Stone, and there was a hand on his shoulder. He flinched a little.

“Sorry to startle you,” Casselli said. “I just want to tell you the band sounds wonderful.”

“Mille grazie,” Stone replied, and continued to play.

Another quarter of an hour passed, and a woman’s voice was heard over the radio. “Hedy is not present in any of the maids’ rooms,” she said. “Nor have we found her anywhere in the house. The security room has been taken and three occupants immobilized and drugged.”

“Roger,” Dante replied. “Guido, as soon as our three officers rejoin the others, you may begin the operation. The time is up to you. Announce your intentions when ready, and give us a countdown.”

“Roger wilco,” Guido replied. “Mr. C is in the room, and he likes the music.”

Stone heard all this, and his pulse quickened.

57

They finished playing the number, and Guido set down his guitar in its stand and stepped forward to the microphone. Stone and Dino provided a little fanfare to quiet the crowd.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Guido said. “I’m sure your host, Signor Casselli, would like to say a few words of welcome to you.” There was loud applause, and Guido beckoned Casselli to the microphone and stepped back.

Casselli gave a modest little wave to the group. “Good evening to all of you. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to my new home, and I hope this will be the first of your many visits.” The crowd applauded again. “Also, I would just like to mention that my former residence in Positano is available for purchase.” That got a laugh and another round of applause. Before the noise could die down, Guido stepped forward and pressed his gun against Casselli’s spine. “There is a gun in your back,” he whispered into his ear. “You are under arrest. Do exactly as I say, or you will be shot. Put your hands behind you.”

Stone took off his dark glasses, stood up, and went to Casselli. He grabbed his hands and pulled them behind his back, while Guido applied the plastic tie. The room fell quiet, and then all hell broke loose.