Chapter 23

“Marco,” Stefano said from the front seat, “if you have any questions about what we discussed on the plane, it will take us at least three hours to get to where we’re going.”

“Make that four,” the driver said, “if you want to stop for lunch.”

“That will be fine,” Stefano said. “We’re not expected at the inn until five or six.”

“Inn?” Marco said.

“We have rooms at an inn not too far from the villages in question. In fact, it’s the only public accommodation in the area.”

“And we go from there to one of the villages?” Marco said.

“That won’t be necessary. A woman from each of the villages has been persuaded to visit the inn in the hope that ConteMarcowill grant them an audience.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Marco said.

“Not at all. One more thing, Marco, and this applies to you, Danilo, as well.”

“What?” Marco said.

“When we get to the inn, there is a need for circumspection.”

“In what way?” I said.