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“You did miss him three times,” Eric reminded him

“Fourth time’s the charm is therefore my new motto”

“Right,” Max said, chuckling “Put it on a T-shirt Now, let’s get our people back before we run out ofroom in the actual typhoon”

• • •

HIDALGO’S COURSE was taking the eye over Panay Island, so Goon as soon as possible As they hovered over the ship, he told Juan and the others that the landing ht be a little dicey

They had to wait until the pitching deck caon, Goine, and the helicopter dived into the next trough along with the ship Eddie and Linc jumped out and lashed the chopper to the tie-downs as the helicopter was lowered on the elevator platform

“That was so,” Juan said to Gomez

“All in a day’s work,” he replied matter-of-factly

“Thanks for keeping ,” Raven said as she hopped off Juan’s lap

He nearly replied, “My pleasure,” but thought that wouldn’t coht “Happy to” was almost as bad He just said, “Of course” A soft snicker caht, and Beth put a hand to her mouth

Juan got out and was met by Max and Julia Huxley as the deck closed above them

“You look like you need a thorough checkup,” Julia said to Juan

“I’ll be okay,” he said and nodded to Beth “There’s your patient”

When Julia saw the bloody bullet wound in Beth’s side, she called for the waiting stretcher Juan helped Beth out and onto the gurney

“Take care of the paintings,” she said with a beatific s any pain But when she saw Maurice suddenly appear next to Juan to deliver his traditional celebratory cigar, she barked, “Absolutely no ss!”