Book excerpt: In this classic international crime thriller by a New York Times–bestselling author, a man is caught between the Mafia and a mercenary army. There’s a side of Sicily that the tourists see—golden beaches and cheerful locals—and there’s the side of Sicily Stacey Wyatt knows. It’s dark and savage. His grandfather raised him to follow in his footsteps as a leader in the Mafia, to live by its code of honor and violence. It’s also not the life Stacey wants. Unfortunately, trying to cut himself free only lands him in an Egyptian prison. He is broken out, only to be brought back to Sicily where he’s given a job. He must rescue the daughter of a corrupt businessman from an infamous bandit—and completing the mission could mean a big paycheck and his freedom. But only as Stacey plunges back into the shadowy world of the Mafia does he realize it’s a trap . . . Praise for Jack Higgins “Higgins is the master.” —Tom Clancy “A seasoned pro . . . Mr. Higgins knows how to tell a story!” —The New York Times Book Review “Jack Higgins has written some of the best suspense fiction of the past fifty years.” —The San Diego Union-Tribune “When it comes to thriller writers, one name stands well above the crowd—Jack Higgins.” —Associated Press