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Merchant and Crutcher exchanged indulgent glances before hustling Pitt on board the yacht Elmo prodded hi hih a teak doorway into the main salon

Boudicca sat on one edge of a desk carved from driftith an Italian-h She was a robust wo sensuality and an unmistakable aura of wealth and polish She was used to intiher

A first-class performance, Pitt observed Most men would have been awed and cowed Merchant, Crutcher and Elmo couldn't keep their eyes off her But Pitt refused to play on her turf He ignored Boudicca's obvious chars and decor of the yacht's salon

"Nice place you have here," he said impassively

"Shut yourthe butt of his weapon to strike Pitt again

Pitt whirled on his feet, knocked away the approaching rifle with one hand and raroin The guard groaned in pain and anger and doubled over, dropping the rifle, both hands clutched at the point of impact

Pitt scooped up the rifle from the salon's thick carpet before anyone could react and calmly handed the weapon to a stunned Merchant "I' end of this cretin's sadistic habits

Please keep him under control" Then he turned to Boudicca "I realize it's early, but I could use a drink

Do you stock tequila on board this floating villa?"

Boudicca re at Pitt with renewed curiosity She looked at Merchant

"Where did he come from?" she demanded "Who is this man?"

"He penetrated our security by posing as a local fisherent"

"Why is he snooping around the mine?"

"I was taking him back to my office for the anshen you called us to come aboard," replied Merchant

She rose to her full height and stood taller than any man in the salon Her voice became incredibly deep and sensuous, and her eyes were cool as they flicked over Pitt "Your name, please, and your business here"