She stepped outside into the heat and was rewarded with a spectacular view of the bay and, directly in front of the hotel, a castle, no less.

Ercole started to get out, keys in hand, but she waved him back into the driver’s seat, and a look of relief spread over his face. No need for Formula One driving today.

She was amused to see a tube of Dramamine sitting in the cup holder. It had not been there yesterday.

Sachs took off her black jacket, revealing a beige blouse, tucked into black jeans, and dropped the Beretta into her shoulder bag, which she set on the floor.

They belted in. Ercole signaled—though his was the only car on the road—and steered into the crowded, chaotic streets of Naples.

“The hotel, she is nice?”

“Yes, very.”

“It is quite famous. You saw the people who have stayed there?”

“Yes. It’s a landmark, I assume. Nineteenth century?”

“Oh, no, no. There are certainly old buildings here—as you and I know from the ruins where Ali Maziq was held. But many of the wood and stone structures on the surface were destroyed.”

“The war?”

“Yes, yes. Naples was the most bombed Italian city in World War Two. Maybe in all of Europe. I do not know that. More than two hundred air strikes. You understand, one thing I am worried about: You know I do not expect you to be my translator.”

“That was a bit odd.”

“Yes, yes. I know the area well. I know the countryside outside of Naples like my hand’s back. And I know there are no Arab-speaking communities there. But, you see, I think this is an important possibility of a lead.”

“Lincoln and I do too.”

“But I am not up to the task. I don’t know the questions to ask and the places to look. But you do. This is your specialty. And so I needed you.”

“You played Spiro.”

“Played?”

“Tricked.”

His long face tightened. “I suppose I did. Someone, another officer, told me Spiro needs to be flattered and his opinions, however wrong, must be respected. That is what I did. Or I tried to do. I am not used to such games.”

“It worked out. Thank you.”

“Yes.”

“Just as well. I only know a few Arabic phrases—like the one I answered Dante with. And then: ‘Can I see some ID?’ and ‘Drop the weapon, hands in the air.’”

“Let us hope we don’t need the last one of those.”

They drove for ten minutes in silence. The landscape grew from densely urban to a mix of factories and warehouses and residences, then finally to farmland and small villages dusty and dull in the hazy autumn sun. Ercole piloted the car with great care. Sachs was making every effort to avoid even the appearance of impatience. The Mégane hovered just under the limit of ninety kph, about sixty mph. They were regularly being passed by cars—and even trucks—going much faster. One driver—in a Mini Cooper—seemed to be going twice their speed.