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Satisfied, the pilot spoke into a portable transmitter "We're in position Slow aft and drop the hook"

The order was relayed to the bow, and the anchor payed out as the ship very slightlyinto the harbor silt, the slack was taken up and the order was given to ring the engines to

"off"

Captain Oliver Collins, a sliht as a plumb line in an impeccably tailored white uniform, nodded at the pilot in respect and offered his hand

"Neatly done as always, Mr Campos" Captain Collins had known the pilot for almost twenty years, yet he never referred to anyone, even his closest friends, by his Christian name

"If her length stretched another thirty meters I couldn't squeeze her in" Harry Ca an array of tobacco-stained teeth

His accent was more hish than Spanish "Sorry we can't slip her into a berth, Captain, but I was told to moor you in the harbor"

"for security reasons, I should iine," said Collins

Cas have the whole island turned upside down You'd think there was a sniper behind every pal"

Collins stared through the bridge s at the popular playground of South A the presidents of Mexico and Egypt during the conference

"That a fact?" muttered Campos "No wonder they wanted to keep your vessel offshore"

"May I offer you a drink inthe hour, would you do the honor of dining with me?"

Campos shook his head "My thanks for the invite, Captain" He paused andthe harbor "But she's a busy time Maybe a rain check for your next layover"

Campos filled out his docuned Cae s at the immaculate decks of the ship

"One of these days I'll take a holiday and sail with you as a passenger"