Page 39 (1/2)

“Like sunlight reflecting off glass?”

“Yeah,” Bradshaw said slowly “Yeah, I think I did”

Kurt nodded He was no closer to an answer But he was pretty sure that whatever happened to Bradshaw had also happened to Joe Maybe Thero had more than one weapon at his disposal

He grabbed the file and stood “I’ll send the nurse in”

“I’ll rest better when I know you’re on the case,” the ASIO chief grunted

“Then I’ll let you know as soon as I can”

FOURTEEN

Washington, DC, 2200 hours

Under the soft light of antique chandeliers, a crowd of aled in the East Room of the White House They spoke quietly, accoilded Steinway piano that graced the room

At the conclusion of a state dinner for the Priiven the chance to talk, network, and discuss ideas unencu-held official positions It had been said thatall the official otiation sessions, and carefully orchestrated overnments combined

Dirk Pitt didn’t doubt it

As he le roo discussed, and myriad other activities As Director of NUMA, he’d used such occasions hiht, however, he was on hand mainly as a favor to an old friend

Tall and rugged, with the weathered good looks of an outdoorsman, Pitt was a reatest sense of calo off down the hall and others begin racing for the exits, Dirk Pitt ht assess the situation, finish his drink, and then caluisher

With thatfor the only potential flash point he expected to find that evening: his good friend James Sandecker, NUMA’s former director and the current Vice President of the United States

Pitt found hie of the reception Sandecker’s red hair was now partially gray, but his bantaht frame still taut and fit He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, presu to shake theh to warn most of the spurious human traffic to steer well clear