Dino pulled the car off the road and into the construction site, which was unfenced, wide open. It was getting dark.

Stone leaned forward and looked up. “There are lights on at the top,” he said.

They got out of the car and were met by the two young men from the car behind them. “You think this is it?” one of them asked.

“It fits the description,” Stone replied. He pointed at a sign nearby, which said: CASSELLI COSTRUZIONE. “And the ownership is right.”

“We should call for backup,” the young man said.

“There are probably one or two people guarding her,” Stone said. “There are four of us, and you have automatic weapons.”

“We should let the Naples police handle this.”

“Casselli probably owns the Naples police. Call Lugano.”

The man produced a phone and pressed a button. “Jim,” he said, “we’re in Naples with Barrington and Bacchetti. We may have found the building.” He listened for a moment. “It fits the description, it’s enclosed, and there are lights on at the top floor. Barrington thinks it would be lightly guarded. He wants to go in. What do you want us to do?” He handed the phone to Stone.

“Yes, Jim?”

“This is highly irregular, but it has a good chance of producing results.”

“I agree on both counts.”

“The Agency can’t take responsibility for the girl’s life.”

“That is my responsibility.”

“As long as you understand that.”

“I understand it.”

“My guys go in first.”

“You won’t get an argument from me on that.”

“Not that you and Dino haven’t been through a door or two, but it must have been a while.”

“Right on both counts.”

“But my guys have the better weapons.”

“Dino and I will back them up.” He looked at Dino.

Dino nodded. “We’ll back them up.”

“Call me when it’s over, and I’ll deal with the local police.”

“I’ll do that.” He handed the phone back to the young man, who listened for instructions, then hung up.

“Whenever you’re ready,” Stone said.

“Let’s pull the cars up to the elevator and point them at the street.”

“Good idea.”

They moved the cars, and Stone got his spare magazines from the glove compartment and pocketed them; Dino checked his weapon.

The two young men removed two Heckler & Koch machine guns and donned vests. “Any advice?” the young man asked.

“Shoot first and ask questions later,” Stone said. “And don’t shoot at any females, unless they’re pointing weapons at you.”

“You have any idea how this elevator works?”

“I expect you press the up button,” Stone replied.

The elevator was not locked, and the four men got on, the younger ones first, so they’d be the first out through the door facing the building.

“It’s going to make a lot of noise,” Dino said, “so they might be ready for us.”