Chapter 1
As soon as they stepped off the plane, they were hit by an unbearable wall of heat and humidity.
It felt like walking into an oven: scorching air that seemed to muddle the mind.
Perhaps that was why they lost sight of the man following them, taking great care not to be noticed. They had an overpriced coffee at the airport, then boarded the train into the city. Their man took a seat at the far end of the carriage, making sure to keep them in sight.
At the station, they grabbed a taxi and were soon at the hotel.
The young man at reception gave them a warm but somewhat formal welcome.
“Did you have a pleasant journey? Would you like a welcome drink?”
“With this heat, it’s hard to have a pleasant journey. But the drink might help.”
“Was the train on time?”
“No. When is it ever, in Italy? Besides, it was packed with people making a terrible racket.”
“Everyone wants their slice of the pie these days.”
“Indeed.”
“You have to watch out for those who never get their hands dirty.”
“Perhaps.”
Meanwhile, their man got out of the taxi following them and entered the lobby with his suitcase.
Room 205 was hot as hell. The air conditioning wasn’t doing its job.
She headed straight for the shower. He decided to go downstairs to the bar for a drink. He stepped into the corridor and headed for the elevator.
He didn’t see the man watching him, pretending to read as he sat in the little lounge area on the floor.
