Brunner didn’t seem to understand the irony. He turned robotically, his cross-examination apparently at an end, and murmured a few words in German into his wrist mic. They had left the diplomatic quarter and were speeding now along the rue de Lausanne. Towering hedgerows and stone walls lined both sides of the road, concealing some of the world’s costliest and most exclusive real estate. The gates seemed to grow grander the farther they moved from central Geneva, though none matched the imposing elegance of the entrance of Villa Elma. A two-story stucco guardhouse stood just to the right, its turret poking vigilantly above the groomed hedge. Limousines lined the shoulder of the road, waiting to be admitted by the clipboard-wielding foot soldiers of Zentrum Security. Brunner motioned for the driver to go around.

Seeing the approaching Maybach, the guards stepped aside and allowed it to pass unchecked through the gate. Directly ahead, at the apex of a long, tree-lined drive, Villa Elma glowed like a wedding cake. Another line of limousines stretched from the entrance, tailpipes gently smoking. This time, Brunner ordered the driver to join the queue. Then he looked over his shoulder at Zoe.

“When you’re ready to leave, Ms. Reed, just tell one of the security guards and we’ll have the car brought around.” He glanced at Mikhail. “Enjoy your evening, Mr. Danilov.”

“I intend to.”

The car came to a stop at the entrance of the mansion. Mikhail climbed out and offered Zoe his hand.

“What just happened there?” Zoe whispered as they headed toward the entrance.

“I believe your friend Martin Landesmann just marked his territory.”

“Is that all it was?”

“We’re here, aren’t we?”

She gave his arm a brief squeeze. “You handled that very well, Mr. Danilov.”

“Not nearly as well as you, Ms. Reed.”

They stepped into the soaring entrance hall and were immediately set upon by a phalanx of attendants in formal attire. One relieved Mikhail of his overcoat while a second saw to Zoe’s wrap. Then, after being presented with an embossed reception card, they were instructed to join a short receiving line of jeweled women and envious men.