The steaming heat was beginning to fade, and the lengthening shadows were stretching far behind the late afternoon sun when Pitt limped out onto the sidewalk. He paused a moment and looked at the city. The streets were busy with homeward-bound traffic, and soon all the surrounding buildings would be mute and deserted. He looked toward the Capitol building in the distance, its white dome transformed into a blazing gold tint from the falling sun, and he remembered another scene on a faraway beach and a white ship and a vibrant blue sea. It seemed so long ago, nearly an eternity.

Giordino and Zacynthus came down the steps and joined him.

Zacynthus spoke jovially. "Gentlemen, I suggest that since we are all single, debonair men-about-town we combine forces and engage in a bit of fun and frolic."

"I'll buy that," Giordino volunteered.

Pitt shrugged in mock sadness. "It wounds me deeply, but I must decline your intriguing invitation. I already have a previous engagement."

"I think this is where I came in," Giordino moaned.

Zacynthus laughed. "You're making a big mistake. I happen to possess a little black book which contains the phone numbers of some of Washington's fairest—"

Zacynthus suddenly stopped in midsentence and stared at the street, his eyes wide in blank astonishment.

A gargantuan black-and-silver car rolled silently up to the curb and stopped. Elegant in design, majestic in appearance, the regal coachwork seemed out of place beside the more modern mechanized traffic, like a queen of the realm amid a bustling crowd of foul-smelling rabble. And as a fitting touch, the pièce de résistance, a lovely dark-haired girl graced the steering wheel.

"Good Lord," Zacynthus gasped. "Von Till's Maybach." He turned to Pitt. "How did you get it?"

"To the victor belong the spoils." Pitt grinned slyly.

Giordino raised an eyebrow. "Now I see what you meant by a bulky souvenir. I might add that your other souvenir isn't half bad either."

Pitt opened the front door of the car. "I think you both know my ravishing chauffeur."

"She reminds me of a girl I once met in the Aegean," Giordino said, smiling. "But this one is much better looking."

The girl laughed. "Just to show that flattery has its reward, I forgive you for that rough ride through the labyrinth. Only next time give me warning so I can put on some decent clothes."

Giordino looked genuinely sheepish. "I promise."

Pitt turned to Zacynthus. There was a faint smile in Pitt's eyes. "Do me a favor, will you, Zac?"

"If I can."

"I'd like to borrow the services of one of your agents for a couple of weeks. Do you think you can arrange it?"

Zacynthus looked down at the girl and nodded. "I think so. The Bureau owes you that much."

Pitt climbed into the front seat and closed the door. Then he handed his cane out to Giordino. "Here, I don't think I'll be needing this anymore."