'Yeah, that's about it. He had us all chasing around in America, while the big show was about to go down in Italy.' Jack grimaces as he thinks how close the serial killer had come to adding to his death toll. 'And let's not forget that this sick fuck would have enjoyed planning all that. He would have fantasized for years about carrying out these killings, and I guess Sarah's anniversary gave him the nudge to try to push fantasy into reality.'
'Almost ready,' shouts Nancy, her eyes fixed disapprovingly on Jack and Marsh.
Carlo quietly makes his way over to his boss and whispers discreetly in her ear, in the way that only the best of matred's can manage. She nods and instructs her waitresses to top up everyone's glasses.
'Ladies and gentlemen,' says Nancy, raising her voice to grab their attention, 'Jack and I want to say a special thank you to you all for coming here. I think you know that you all now have a unique place in our hearts. But before we raise our glasses and toast the wonderful fact that we are all alive and healthy, I want you to give a very warm welcome to our most special guest of all.' She waits a beat and then waves a hand back towards the hotel.
All heads turn.
Down the patio, walking gingerly with the aid of crutches, comes Ludmila Zagalsky. Her face reveals the widest and happiest of smiles.
Half a step behind her walks a tall young Chechen man with a kindly smile and a steadying hand.
As the applause dies down, Joe Marsh checks that he can't be overheard and then puts his hand on his host's shoulder. 'Jack, I'll give this to you straight, I need you back on the team. We've got a case over in the States that we really could do with your help on.'