She looked around. It was impossible to see the camp from here, but she assumed that the walkway would take her to a good vantage point.
They slipped rubber bands over their shoes and started. The way was steep, mostly dirt and grass, but some stepping-stones were smooth and seemed intentionally planted. Was this an ancient Roman route?
Climbing, breathing hard. And sweating. The day was hot, even at this early hour.
A breath of wind surrounded them with a sweet smell.
"Telinum," Ercole said. He'd apparently noted her head turn toward the scent.
"A plant?"
"A perfume. But made of some of what you're smelling: cypress, calamus and sweet marjoram. Telinum was the most popular perfume in Caesar's day."
"Julius?"
"The only and one," Ercole said.
"One and only."
"Ah."
They crested the top of the hill. It was free of trees and, looking down, she saw that, yes, she did have a good view of the camp. She was discouraged to see no obvious signs that the Composer had been here. They walked farther, to the center of the clearing.
Ercole asked, "Milano? Captain Rhyme reported that you found nothing."
"No. But we eliminated a clue. That's as important as finding one that pans out."
"As important?" he asked wryly.
"Okay. No. But you have to pursue it anyway. Besides, I just had croissants on a private jet. So, I'm hardly complaining. You know, I don't see any footprints or...well, anything. Where would he have stood?"
They both looked about, and Ercole walked in a careful perimeter around the clearing. He returned to Sachs. "No, I see nothing."
"Why would the Composer come here? It was after the murder, the witness said."
"To see who was after him?" The young officer shrugged. "Or to communicate with the gods or Satan or whoever might be directing him."
"That makes as much sense as anything."
Ercole shook his head. "He would have some cover behind those trees. I will look."
"I'll check out down there." Sachs stepped off the crest of the hill and walked to a small clearing closer to the camp.
Wondering again: What was his point in coming here?
It would have been out of his way--would have taken ten minutes of precious time needed for his escape--to climb the path.
Then she stopped. Fast.
The path!
The only way to see the camp--and to be seen from it--was here, on the crest, after climbing from the road. Yet the emailer had said the suspect had been spotted standing "beside" a dark car as he looked over the camp.
Impossible.
There was no way to get a car up here; the vehicle would have had to remain in the valley, out of sight.
It's a trap!