“Not yet. It’s going to be transported to the Smithsonian where it can be readied for the tour.”

“I’ve been a bit concerned about security in view of the attempt to steal the statue,” Baltazar said. “As Mr. Saxon’s unauthorized visit shows, security is lax. The statue might be particularly vulnerable while it is being moved. I’ve taken the liberty of arranging for a trucking company to come in this morning to move the statue under guard. They should be here in a short while. If you don’t mind, of course.”

Carina pondered the offer. As more people knew where the Navigator was, the less secure it would be.

“That’s very kind of you,” Carina said. “I’d be glad to accept your offer.”

“Good, then. It’s done. I know it’s early in the morning, but I suggest we celebrate our success with a toast.”

He signaled his valet who set the case in his hand on a shelf and unsnapped the lid. Inside the case was a bottle of Moët. The valet popped the cork, poured from the bottle into three champagne flutes, and passed them around.

They clinked glasses, and Baltazar held his high. “To the Navigator.”

Austin studied Carina’s benefactor over the rim of the glass. He looked as if he had been carved in stone. Under the charcoal pin-striped suit, Baltazar had the powerful body of a wrestler. Even with his wide shoulders, the head that rested on the thick neck still seemed too big for his physique.

Baltazar was unaware of Austin’s scrutiny. He couldn’t keep his eyes off Carina and seemed to be studying her every move. Austin had detected a veiled hostility behind the warm smile. He wondered if Baltazar was interested in Carina and resented Austin’s friendship with the lovely Italian woman.

The valet began collecting the empty champagne flutes. The others were focused on the statue and no one noticed when the valet took Carina’s glass and slipped it into a plastic bag, which he tucked into the case. Then he went over and whispered in Baltazar’s ear. A moment later, Baltazar glanced at his watch and said he had to go.

Carina ushered him to the door. When she came back, she apologized to Kurt for cutting his visit short but said she had to prepare the statue for the movers. They agreed to stay in touch by cell phone and meet later in the day for their drive to Virginia to see the National Geographic photographer.

A BLACK YUKON with dark-tinted windows was parked close to Austin’s Jeep. A glance at the license plate told Austin it was a U.S. government vehicle. His conclusion was confirmed when the back door of the Yukon opened and a man in a dark blue suit and sunglasses got out and flashed a badge under Austin’s nose.