Berti took the call. It had to be the contact out west—no one else in the world had the number to this phone. Berti said nothing to the caller, but he spoke to Burim with his hand over the bottom of the phone.

“Yes, the plane belonging to Berman left Boulder that night, it’s confirmed. He was heading for Milan, Italy. That was the flight plan.”

Burim stood up.

“Wait, there’s more.” Berti listened.

“They know from a contact who was sitting in the tower when they were leaving. The pilot asked about another flight plan, for Stansted, wherever that is. Okay,” said Berti into the phone. “And thanks.” Berti ended the call.

“The pilot talked about a second flight plan they were going to file. He said they were going to turn right around and fly from Italy to Stansted, which is near London, England. That was the final destination.”

“Thanks, Berti,” said Burim. “Listen, I owe you.”

“Hey, it’s nothing,” said Berti. “We know people in London. There’s lots of family in London, and they can help you when you get there. I’ll make another call. I’ll have someone meet your plane with a sign that you’ll recognize. Just come back here safe, you’re valuable to me, you know that. And sort out the scumbag who took your daughter.”

•   •   •

FINALLY THE JETWAY retracted from Burim’s plane and the plane was pushed off from the concourse at Newark, with Berti’s helpful words resonating in his head.

Chapter 59

59.

THE OLD VICARAGE, CHENIES, U.K.

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2013, 1:15 P.M. BST

Pia couldn’t keep track of the days but she knew she hadn’t seen Berman in a long time. The only people she did see were the doctor and the same guard who never looked her in the eye. The slot in the door had been pulled back once and she could swear it was Whitney Jones standing out there, but she never came into the room. Pia’s arm was doing a little better, but she felt very dulled and listless. How long was Berman going to torture her this way? Her muscles felt flabby from lack of use.

It was on the sixth day since his last visit that Berman returned.

“What do you want?” she said. She thought she detected a slight smile on his lips, which just angered her that much more.

“How about a walk?” he asked as if this were the most normal thing in the world for the two of them to consider.

“If it’ll get me out of this room, sure,” said Pia. She had tried to keep flexing her arms and legs in basic Pilates moves but she knew she would be stiff if she walked any distance.