PROLOGUE

“He’s summoned the American.” The voice was little more than a whisper.

The tower room was illuminated by a single candle. The two who met there in secret dared not light a fire, for fear of being discovered. With each word, their breath plumed on the frosty air.

“Why?”

“He suspects something and thinks his brilliant friend will come to his aid.”

“Then we must stop him.”

There was a momentary pause. “Are you suggesting…?”

The hooded head nodded. The silence seemed to stretch out until it was broken by an ominous murmur. “One more makes no difference. We must do whatever is necessary. No one will be allowed to alter our plans.”

A chilling gust of wind snuffed the candle, leaving the two in darkness.

“Did you feel that? It seemed…unnatural.”

Cold hands clasped cold hands. A voice said soothingly, “Just a draft in the tower. It changes nothing. The American must be eliminated.”