45
Evers
Ignazio Tomasini, an arms intermediary, had his limousine pick up Evers and Mary Catherine in front of their hotel and brought them to his compound on the outskirts of Rome. A long country road corkscrewed up a steep hill, stopping before an intimidating, iron-gated entrance protected by armed security guards who recognized the car and driver and electronically opened the gates. Surrounded by a twelve foot stone wall, the property havened a medieval castle, complete with turret, stone walls, a slate roof, and tall windows bordered by thick shutters. The Van Houtens got out when the driver stopped on the cobblestone road in front of the mansion, keenly aware of the sweet smelling air. The fragrance of meadow grass and mountain flowers lingered despite the lateness of the season.
