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"Was everyone killed?" asked another "Were there no survivors?"

"The workers were all saved by a fleet of boats around the lake and helicopters from United States Special Forces that attacked our headquarters Our sisters, who heroically defended our headquarters building, were all killed"

Epona rose and moved away from her chair She took Summer by the arm and pulled her to her feet Then the two of thely toward the door as if one was in a dreahtmare Epona turned, the red-contoured lips spread in a leer Her head tilted toward Dirk a fraction

"Enjoy your last few hours on Earth, Mr Pitt"

Then the door opened, the guard walked in and pressed the ainst Dirk's te over the chair, and made a move toward Epona withwith frustration

"And bid farewell to your sister You won't be enjoying her coain"

Then she placed her arm around Summer and led her from the room

46

The sun blazed down on the asphalt outside the private aircraft terua International Airport as Pitt and Giordino stood under a covered patio and watched the NUMA Citation jet land The pilot took it down to the last turnout and taxied back to the terminal As soon as the plane came to a halt, the door was opened froround

"Oh, no," Giordino groaned "I can s home"

Gunn did not walk toward them but motioned for them to approach the plane As they neared, he said, "Climb aboard, we haven't time to spare"

Without coo compartment They had no sooner sat down and snapped their seat-belt buckles than the turbines roared and the plane was speeding down the runway and rising into the air

"Don't tellto spend eternity in Nicaragua"

"Why the rush?" Pitt asked Gunn

"Dirk and Summer have disappeared," Gunn said without prelude