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The surprise over, the party took off in full swing until after ht Friends ca to stay awake Finally, Pitt's ood night, wished hi out the door for the drive to their homes

"Don't come to work until you're fit and able," counseled Sandecker "NUMA will struggle along without you"

"There is one project I'd like to pursue in about a lea in his eyes

"What project is that?"

Pitt grinned "I'd like to be on Gladiator Island when the water clears in the lagoon"

"What do you expect to find?"

"His name is Basil"

Sandecker stared, puzzled "Who in hell is Basil?"

"He's a sea serpent I figure he'll return to his breeding ground after the lagoon is free of ash and debris"

Sandecker placed a hand on Pitt's shoulder and gave him a look usually reserved for a child who has clai rest, and we'll talk about it"

The ad soresswoman Loren Smith came up to Pitt and held his hand

"Would you like me to stay?" she asked him softly

Pitt kissed her on the forehead "Thank you, but I think I'd like to be alone for a while"