Mountains of Dawn

Caltabieni nodded, his expression dour. "More than you know."

"Ah, but I do know. But let us consider the situation. The kidnapers are stranded, and, with a 'small boy,' cannot move as fast as they might like. They must feed him, keep him healthy, shelter him. It's a very difficult situation." Luigi Amedeo yawned and stretched, his gaze on the distant mountains.

"I'm offering you three hundred thousand dollars for a successful rescue of the Olfrandi heir. We'll cover all expenses in addition to that."

"Perhaps you should give me a profile of the kidnapers before making any plans."

"They aren't, from all I can see, professionals. The three of them are alone in this, with one of the three as the leader. The Olfrandi boy left home to see a friend he met on the beach a few days before, according to our sources. Somehow, this friend came across a few individuals who decided to make easy money once they discovered the boy's identity." He paused to retrieve another canapé, carefully selecting a biscuit with smoked salmon and capers. He smiled, then sighed in pleasure. "Exquisite," he said, his eyes half closed. He cleared his throat. "We believe the kidnapers are local people. This would explain their familiarity with the hills, their preference for hiking, and the fact no ransom has been asked."

"Going by your assumptions, the kidnapers must be tired," Luigi Amedeo said. "They must be ready to let the boy go, or, perhaps…"

"To kill him. Yes. That is what the Olfrandis fear. I have a great deal of pressure to find the boy, and I can't afford to use any more of my men in the search. I'm at the end of my rope."

"I understand." Luigi Amedeo stroked his chin with the fingers of his right hand, his expression thoughtful. "I could do some detailed air reconnaissance over the area, if I decided to take the case. I could… The weather is excellent." He glanced at Caltabieni. "I'll navigate, as well as set up and operate the instruments. I'll need two other people to help me." He paused, still thoughtful.

"I can count on you, then?"

"Yes, I would say so…in principle. Four hundred thousand, you say? Plus expenses?"

"Actually, I said thr… Yes, four hundred thousand plus expenses. That's exactly what I said." He exhaled a slow, contented sigh and took another canapé from the tray, then lowered himself back into the lounge chair. He finished his vermouth, as did Luigi Amedeo.