"This theatre was excavated in 1952," the guide went on, flashing a set of bright teeth. "So buried under centuries of silt washed off the mountain that it took two years to reveal it all. Please notice the geometric mosaic of the orchestra floor. It was fashioned from naturally colored pebbles and signed Coenus Set It." He hesitated a moment, letting his flock of excursionists study the floral design of the worn and faded tiles. "Now, if you will follow me up the stairway to your left, we will take a short walk over the next mound to the Shrine of Poseidon."

Pitt, playing the part of a tired and worn-out sightseer, feigned exhaustion and sat down on the steps, watching the rest of the tour climb the granite stairway until their heads disappeared beyond the top. Four-thirty, his watch read. Four-thirty. Exactly three hours since he and Giordino left the First Attempt and casually strolled into Liminas, joining the guided tour of the ancient ruins. Now he and Giordino…the little captain was impatiently pacing the stone floor beside him, clutching a small flight bag…waited a few more minutes, making absolutely sure the tour was continuing without them. Satisfied that they weren't missed, he silently motioned to Giordino and pointed toward the stage entrance of the amphitheatre.