Zacynthus stared at Pitt, his lips pressed tightly together. "Your arrogance arouses my professional curiosity," he said tartly. "During the years since I chose investigation as my life's work I've confronted scores of shrewd and dangerous felons. A few have spit in my face and threatened revenge, some stood immovable and silent, still others begged on their knees for mercy. But you, my bedraggled friend, have to be different." He waved his pipe accusingly at Pitt. "By God, it's classic, truly classic. I look forward to matching my wits against yours at the interrogation."

He broke off as Zeno stepped into the room. The Greek started to say something, but his mouth hung open and his great moustache appeared to droop in astonishment when he spied Darius, now sitting up in a tight ball. "Great thunderbolts of Zeus, my Inspector, what has happened?"

"You should have warned Darius to be more careful."

"But I did warn him," Zeno explained apologetically. "Even then, for Darius to be overpowered; I did not think it possible."

"My words exactly." Zacynthus knocked the ashes from his pipe. "See what you can do for our poor friend. I'm going to take these men to my office and determine if they're as cunning with words as they are with their hands and feet."

"After what they did here, do you think it wise, my Inspector, to be alone with them?"

"I think they realize they have nothing to gain by further physical activity." Zacynthus threw Pitt and Giordino a bantering smile. "Just to be on the safe side, Zeno, handcuff the little one's right wrist to this clever devil's left ankle. Not a foolproof restraint method, by any means, but at least it will make resistance somewhat inconvenient."

Quickly Zeno pulled a pair of chromium plated handcuffs from a clip on his belt, unsnapped the ratchets and secured them into place, leaving Giordino in an awkward stooped position.

Pitt glanced up through the hole in the roof at the evening sky. It was darkening by the moment as the sunlight began to retreat. His back still ached, but he felt grateful that it was Giordino, and not he, who was bent double. He flexed his shoulders, wincing at the pain that erupted from every square inch of his torso, then he looked back at Zacynthus.

"What have you done with Teri?" he asked quietly.

"She's quite safe," Zacynthus replied. "As soon as I can verify her claim of being von Till's niece, I shall release her."

"What about us?" Giordino's voice reached up.

"In due time," Zacynthus said curtly, motioning to the doorway. "After you, gentlemen."