“Similar MOs?”

“Almost identical,” Franco confirmed. “Four gunmen and one driver at each. They went after cash and safe-deposit boxes.”

“How much did they get?”

“The equivalent of 5 million euros, according to the initial reports, not including what they got out of the safe-deposit boxes.”

“Did they catch any of them?” Levi asked.

“One was killed fleeing the first robbery in Zurich. They’re assuming it was the same team because the second robbery only had three robbers.”

“Twenty-three robberies and the authorities only stopped one man?”

“That’s all we have under the official reports,” Franco said.

“Reach out to Interpol. See if you can get us the surveillance feed for the robberies and more detailed information on what was stolen.”

“They got at least 5 million euros. Doesn’t that tell you everything you need to know?”

“No. If they robbed safe-deposit boxes at every bank, I want to know if anyone had boxes at more than one bank,” Levi said.

“You think they were looking for something specific?”

“I don’t know, but I want to find out.”

“You got it.” Franco reached for the phone.

“Also, see if you can get the name of the man who was killed.”

“Already did. Nicholai Messi. He’s got a rap sheet a mile long. Armed robbery is his forte.”

“Known associates?” Levi asked.

“Interpol is working on it, but he looks like a hired gun. I’ll let you know if I find anything else out.”

“Thanks.” Levi headed for the door. “Call me if you meet any resistance.”

“Will do.”

Levi left the room and dialed Janessa’s brother, Jeremy, who was currently serving as an operative for Interpol.

“Levi. How is everything?”

“Hey, Jeremy. I need a favor,” Levi said. “Did you hear about the string of bank robberies today?”

“Yeah. My wife and I are in Rome right now,” he said, referring to Patrice’s daughter, Noelle.

“Franco is contacting your headquarters to request video footage of the robberies. Any chance you can grease the wheels for us?”

“What are looking for?”

“Same thing you are. Commonalities.” Without offering specifics, he added, “I have a private security matter I’m working on. I doubt it ties in, but the timing is pretty coincidental.”

“Anyone I know?”

“No,” Levi said, communicating in one word that his sister was not in danger.

“I’ll do what I can.”

“Thanks, Jeremy. Be safe, and give your wife my best.”

“Will do.”

Levi hung up, checked his watch, and dialed another number. The older man answered on the third ring. “Director? It’s Levi Marin.”

“Levi. It’s not often I hear from you. I hope you aren’t calling to beg out of your protection assignment.”

“No, sir.” Levi didn’t mention that he had thought about doing precisely that when Janessa had told him about it. “Are you aware of the string of bank robberies this morning? Twenty-three hits in nine European cities within three hours?”

“It’s up to twenty-three now?” Director Palmer asked. “Last I heard was nineteen.”

“Hopefully, the numbers won’t continue to climb,” Levi said. “I don’t know if we’re working with Interpol yet on gathering intel, but I want to rule out the possibility that these robberies might be related to the assassination attempt in Sereno.”