Casselli seemed momentarily nonplussed, then he collected himself and spoke. “I think perhaps it would be useful if you and I met.”

“Fine, how about lunch tomorrow?”

“I’m committed for that time. Would the day after tomorrow be convenient?”

“Brasserie Lipp, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés at one o’clock?”

“But that is in Paris,” Casselli said.

“And I am in Paris,” Stone replied. “I don’t know when or if I’ll be returning to Rome. I may have to go back to New York soon.”

“Paris is awkward for me,” Casselli said.

“All right, New York?”

“No,” Casselli said. “Brasserie Lipp at one o’clock the day after tomorrow.”

“I’ll book,” Stone replied. “See you then.” He hung up and turned to Rick. “Day after tomorrow.”

“I’m astonished,” Rick said. “It can’t be that easy.”

“Apparently, Casselli thinks that dealing with me would be easier than dealing with Marcel. As you heard, I told him I wouldn’t be returning to Rome.”

“Then I’ll get in touch with our French partners and arrange for him to be detained.”

“Not until after lunch,” Stone said.

“Why after?”

“Because I want to hear what he has to say. And I want to see if I can persuade him to leave us alone.”

“Good luck with that,” Rick said, standing up. “Now, I have a meeting at my office.”

“Thank you for the protection,” Stone said. “I feel better knowing your men are out there. If Hedy should leave the house, please see that she is followed.”

“Of course,” Rick said. They shook hands, and he departed.

Dino came downstairs, yawning. “What time is dinner?”

“Seven-thirty?”

“It’s dinnertime in New York.”

“No, it’s lunchtime. Go see Marie in the kitchen—she’ll find something for you.”

Dino disappeared into the kitchen, and Hedy came inside, carrying her easel. “I’m beginning to feel confined,” she said.

“Try the roof,” Stone replied. “There are some interesting views from up there.”

“Good idea.”

“Take the elevator to the top and walk up one flight. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a man with a gun.”

“Would he be theirs or ours?”

“Ours. Introduce yourself.”

She vanished into the elevator, and Dino returned to the living room, bearing a sandwich and a beer.

“What’s this called in French?” he asked, indicating the sandwich.

“Croque-monsieur. A grilled ham and cheese.”

Dino took the chair next to Stone’s and had a bite. “It tastes different from a ham and cheese at home.”

“Lots of butter.”

“I saw Rick LaRose leaving, didn’t I?”

“You did. He and his people are watching over us.”

“Well, that gives me a nice warm feeling inside.”

“It’s the croque-monsieur.”

“Maybe you’re right. What’s new with Rick?”

“I think you already knew that he’s the station chief in Paris?”

“I know.”