In the dead of night, a decrepit, unmarked motor yacht drifts into the medieval port of Vernazza, Italy.
The run-down vessel forms a jarring contrast to the pastel colored tower homes and terraced vineyards surrounding the natural harbor along the coast of Cinque Terre.
Less than fifty yards away, a man wakes up on board a small rowboat, covered in blood.
Lying next to him is a woman with two execution style bullet holes to her forehead.
In his right hand he holds a small suitcase. Tucked into his pocket is a Russian built Makarov semiautomatic handgun with two rounds missing.