Pitt had been aware all along that G.N.T.O. guides do not carry guns or have the authority to make an armed arrest. He also knew that the guides drove around the island in boldly-advertised and gaily-colored Volkswagen buses, not black, unmarked Mercedes-Benz sedans. Time was getting expensive. He and Giordino must make a move, and make it soon.

Zeno opened the rear door and stepped back. He made a slight bow and gestured with the gun.

"Please remember," he said, his tone rock hard. "No foolishness."

Pitt climbed from the car and turned, offering his hand to Teri through the open front door. She looked up at him seductively for a moment and, squeezing his hand gently, slowly uncoiled from her sitting position. Then quickly, before Pitt could react, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to her level. Both pairs of eyes were open, Pitt's mostly from surprise, as she brazenly covered his sweating face with kisses.

It never fails, Pitt thought in detached fascination, no matter how cool or sophisticated they act toward the world, show a woman danger and adventure and they'll always turn on. It's really a pity, she's ready but it's the wrong time and the wrong place. He forced her back.

"Later," he murmured, "when our audience has gone home."

"A most stimulating little scene," said Zeno impatiently. "Come along, Inspector Zacynthus rapidly loses all compassion when he is kept waiting."

Zeno dropped about five paces behind the group, holding the automatic at hip level. Darius then escorted them across the football field length of the building, up a rickety flight of wooden stairs that led to a hallway, lined on both sides by several doors. Darius paused at the second door on the left and pushed it open, motioning Pitt and Giordino inside. Teri started to follow but was suddenly halted by a huge barrel of an arm.

"Not you," Darius grunted.

Pitt whirled around, anger clouding his face. "She stays with us," he said coldly.

"No need to play rescuing hero," Zeno said lightly, reinforced with an expression of seriousness. "I promise you, no harm will come to her."

Pitt studied Zeno's face carefully, finding no sign of treachery. For some strange reason Pitt experienced a marked degree of trust in his captor.

"I'll take you at your word," he growled.

"Don't worry, Dirk." Teri threw an icy look at Zeno. "As soon as this stupid inspector, whoever he is, finds out who I am, we'll all be free of these wretched people."

Zeno ignored her and nodded at Darius. "Guard our friends here, guard them closely. I suspect they're very cunning."

"I'll be alert," Darius promised confidently. He waited until Zeno and Teri, padding the dusty floor in her bare feet, were gone. Then he closed the door and leaned lazily against it, arms folded across his massive chest.