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Pitt exhaled a deep breath, removed his shoes and unlimbered in his leather chair "Admiral, this is Dirk"

"About tirunted "I could have written et committee"

"Sorry, sir, I was attending a party"

There was a pause "A party on a NUMA vessel dedicated to scientific research?

"A farewell get-together for the ladies we rescued from Polar Queen," Pitt explained

"I'd better not hear of any questionable actions" Sandecker was as open and receptive as the nextless than scientific procedure on board his fleet of research ships was not his strong point

Pitt took great joy in needling the admiral "Do you mean hanky-panky, sir?"

"Call it what you ht We don't need any exposure in the scandal rags"

"May I ask the nature of this call, Admiral?" Sandecker never used the phone simply to reach out and touch someone

"I require the services of you and Giordino here in Washington damned quick How soon can you fly off Ice Hunter for Punta Arenas?"

"We're within the helicopter's range now," said Pitt "We can lift off within the hour"

"I've arranged for afor your arrival at the airport"

Sandecker was never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Pitt thought "Then Al and I will see you sometime tomorrow afternoon"

"We have much to discuss"

"Any new developments?"