“What’s new is that the Agency, meaning Lance, is beginning to view the European community as one country, the United States of Europe.”

“That’s broad-minded of Lance. How will that help them do their job?”

“I think they’re trying to find that out right now. Sounds great on paper, though, or at a congressional hearing.”

“I never think of Lance reporting to anybody.”

“Lance has a budget, like every other top bureaucrat, and it has to be approved by Congress.”

“I suppose.”

“Still, I think Lance manages to be more of an autocrat than most other Agency heads. Right now, he’s taken the view that I should be a sacrificial goat in order to entrap Casselli, who is the lion in this scenario.”

“Are you going along with that?”

“To the extent that I have to, if I want his and Rick’s protection while I’m in Paris.”

“What about Hedy? Is she a goat, too?”

“No, just an innocent bystander who’s beginning to learn who she’s involved with. I’m doing my best to make her feel safe.”

“Is she safe?”

“I hope so.”

21

They enjoyed a very fine dinner at Lasserre that evening and Dino and Viv got to bed early to help with their jet lag.

While Hedy was getting ready for bed—a process that took half an hour—Stone took the elevator to the top floor, then walked up to the roof with a flashlight.

He opened the door and called out, “Hello? Anybody there? It’s Barrington.”

“Step out the door,” a voice said, from nearer than Stone had expected. He switched on his flashlight and walked outside. Another flashlight came on, pointed at his face. “Good evening, Mr. Barrington. What brings you up here tonight?”

“A little fresh air, and I like the view.”

“Everything all right down below?”

“Everything’s just fine, thanks. I hope I didn’t startle you.”

“No problem.”

Stone took in the view, including the Eiffel Tower, for a few minutes, then went back downstairs and got into bed. Hedy came in and snuggled up. “Are we safe?”

“We are safe.”

“Are we going to stay that way?”

“I’m working on it.”

“Then I feel safe.”

They made love for half an hour and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

—

The following day was sunny, and they drove out to Versailles in the old Mercedes convertible that had been part of the deal when Stone bought the house. They toured the palace, then had lunch at a local restaurant, and when they got back late in the afternoon, Rick LaRose was waiting for them in a black SUV, parked inside the gate.

“What’s up?” Stone asked.

“We picked up some chatter. Casselli is, apparently, going to show up tomorrow,” Rick replied. “He plans to have lunch, then return to Rome.”

“If I can reason with him, do you still want to bag him?”