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Dirk came around to the rear of the car and opened the trunk so the porter could take their luggage and bags of dive gear into the hotel and up to their suites

"You're within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment clubs," said Moreau "I'll pick you up at nine o'clock to and take you to the dock, where I've chartered a boat for your search The subbottom profiler, underwater hted from Florida is on board and ready for operation I also had a small coe and jet probe"

"You were very thorough," Dirk complimented him

"We're grateful for your help and courtesy," said Suallantly kissed her hand

"And thank you for the interesting ride fro Moreau's hand

"Not entirely of ," Moreau said with a little smile Then his face clouded "Please be cautious There is sorasp I don't want you to end up like the others"

Dirk and Summer stood in the entrance to the hotel lobby and watched Moreau drive through the front gate "What do you think of all this?" asked Summer

"I don't have the vaguest idea," Dirk said slowly "But I'd give ht arm if Dad and Al were here"

41

The reception committee was far different than before when Pitt and Giordino exited the jet No beautiful congress-woant classic car The plane was surrounded by a uniformed security force from a nearby Army base The cars involved were one black Lincoln Town Car, a turquoise NUMA Navigator and a white unmarked van

Rudi Gunn was standing beside the Navigator as Pitt and Giordino dropped down the steps and touched the ground "I wonder if I' to see a shower and a steak dinner,"Sandecker had sent Gunn to transport them to NUMA headquarters

"We have nobody to blahed

"Spare lad to know the aduys around until to is set up at the White House at two You'll be debriefed by the president's advisors"

The Lowenhardts deplaned and came over to Pitt and Giordino Hilda stood on her toes and kissed Pitt on both cheeks, as Claus pumped Giordino's hand "How can we ever thank you?" she said, her voice choking with emotion

"We owe you ht sight of the buildings of Washington