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    Tidal Trap
    Tidal Trap
    Tidal Trap
    Ebook413 pages5 hours

    Tidal Trap

    By Derek Hart

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    About this ebook

    Tidal Trap finds Jefferson Parker quickly embroiled in an international chase of global proportions. When invited to visit his old friend at a Naval station in Maine, Parker is recruited to undertake a covert mission. At first he refuses, but after an attack on the station and the disappearance of his friend, Parker accepts this dangerous assignment.

    From the coast of Maine across the North Atlantic, from Iceland to Spain, Parker and his schooner crew are drawn ever deeper into intrigue and betrayal. At stake, the security of America’s submarine force and the lives of countless people. Behind the obvious conflict arises a secret past for both Parker and Taylor Stephenson, a seemingly innocent bystander and new love interest. But nothing is as clear as it seems. Don’t discount Parker’s second mate, Carla Gianni, who has a few secrets of her own to hide as well.

    Join Parker and his allies, as they struggle to find solutions to a rogue submarine, hidden agendas that reside in the Navy Department and the White House, and environmental issues revolving around dolphins used as weapons. Through it all, Parker must come to terms with a past mission gone astray, a crew to lead and protect, and a choice between two women he professes to love.

    Be prepared for suspenseful and twisting plots, complex characters you care for and edge-of-your-seat action. Tidal Trap will take you on a journey into nuclear submarines, across storm-swept oceans in a fast sailing ship, and behind closed doors with top-secret political maneuvering.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDerek Hart
    Release dateJun 24, 2018
    ISBN9780463021972
    Tidal Trap
    Author

    Derek Hart

    Derek Hart is the prolific author of 28 action and adventure novels, known for their historical accuracy, while still maintaining a high level of entertainment. Romance is also a vital part of Derek Hart's trademark style and his novels generally appeal to men and women alike. Mr. Hart authored Secret of the Dragon's Eye, his first novel aimed at all age groups, which met with instant success and outstanding reviews. The author has since followed with Secret of the Dragon's Breath, Secret of the Dragon's Claw, Secret of the Dragon's Scales and Secret of the Dragon's Teeth. The final volume of the 6-episode series, Secret of the Dragon's Wings, will be available in November of 2018. He has since started a new series, post-apocalyptic in nature, with Minerva's Shield and Nike's Chariot. The third installment, Apollo's Plague came out in November 2017. Abandoned was published in March 2018 and Game Over premiered in June 2018. List of published books: Secret of the Dragon’s Eye Secret of the Dragon’s Breath Secret of the Dragon’s Claw Secret of the Dragon’s Scales Secret of the Dragon’s Teeth Secret of the Dragon’s Wings Claws of the Raven Danger Cruise Favor for FDR Crooked Cross Factor Tracks of the Predator For Love or Honor Bound Tales of the Yellow Silk Element of Surprise Seas Aflame Ice Flotilla High Altitude Low Opening Tangles of Truth Shadows in Replay Flag of Her Choosing Tidal Trap Dangerous (Poetry) Executive Firepower The CARLA Conspiracy The Wreckchasers Minerva's Shield Nike's Chariot Apollo's Plague Abandoned Game Over Mercury's Wings Before the Dead Walked Books coming soon: The Samuel Clemens Affair Pearl and Topaz By the Moon Darkly Broadmoor Manor Neptune's Trident Operation Sovereign Primary Weapon Saturn's Fire Tails of Thaddeus Enchanted Mesa Eagle Blue Last Guidon Excess Baggage Container Carta Codex Shipwreckers Romeo Tango The 5x5 Gang Desert Salvage

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      Book preview

      Tidal Trap - Derek Hart

      TIDAL TRAP

      A Novel

      By

      Derek Hart

      Copyright © 2004 Derek Hart

      No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

      This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, places, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy.

      Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Published by Derek Hart at Smashwords

      This book is available in print at most online retailers.

      Cover designed by David M. Burke

      TABLE OF CONTENTS

      Dedication

      Foreword

      Preface

      Acknowledgments

      Introduction

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Chapter 15

      Chapter 16

      Chapter 17

      Chapter 18

      Chapter 19

      Chapter 20

      Chapter 21

      Chapter 22

      Chapter 23

      Chapter 24

      Chapter 25

      Chapter 26

      Chapter 27

      Chapter 28

      Chapter 29

      Chapter 30

      About the Author

      DEDICATION

      Dedicated to my sister Linda.

      The voice of reason,

      the giver of sound advice,

      and the stable, sensible one.

      With love.

      FOREWORD

      Tides are the periodic (occurring at regular intervals) variations in the surface water level of the oceans, bays, gulfs, and inlets. Tides are the result of the gravitational attraction of the sun and the moon on the earth. The attraction of the moon is far greater than the attraction of the sun due to the close proximity of the earth and the moon.

      A device for catching fish is a weir or tidal trap. It is made of netting or mesh set on the shore at low tide. During high tide, it is under water so fish can get into it to feed. When the tide goes out again, the fish are imprisoned inside the trap.  

      Sea mines are sophisticated, expensive weapons that are designed to work in the ocean where they can sink ships, destroy landing craft, and kill or injure personnel. Sea mines are made so that wave action or marine animals bumping into them can’t set them off easily. If undetected, sea mines can be deadly, destructive weapons. Just as the dog's keen sense of smell makes it ideal for detecting land mines, the U. S. Navy discovered that the biological sonar of dolphins, called echolocation, makes them uniquely effective at locating sea mines so they can be avoided or removed. Other marine mammals like the California sea lion have also demonstrated the ability to mark and retrieve objects for the Navy in the ocean. In fact, marine mammals are so important to the US Navy that there is an entire program dedicated to studying, training and deploying them.

      Preface

      During the spring of 1993, Iran put the first of its new Russian built submarines through sea trials in the Persian Gulf. Its presence raised the specter of an Iranian attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which a fourth of the world's oil passes.

      Throughout the cold war, the U. S. Navy's highest priority mission was to engage Soviet nuclear-powered submarines in a global game of hide-and-seek. When that threat disappeared, conflicting priorities emerged. On one hand, the U. S. Navy was concerned about the danger Third World naval forces pose to its ability to operate in coastal waters around the world. On the other hand, concern about the fate of the cold war industrial base created pressures for the U. S. to join former allies and enemies in supplying advanced diesel-powered attack submarines to developing countries.

      More than twenty countries currently operate over 150 diesel attack submarines. Third World nations have purchased their most advanced vessels from Russia and western European countries, both of which have a submarine manufacturing base far in excess of their own needs.

      Germany, in particular, is a major exporter of advanced super-quiet diesel submarines. Its sales are of special concern because they frequently involve the transfer not only of vessels but also of production equipment and know-how for building submarines.

      Russia looks to weapon sales as a source of desperately needed hard currency. The Russian navy stated several years ago that it intended to continue producing two diesel submarines a year, selling them for ready cash. Russian customers have included Libya, North Korea, India and Algeria. More recently Iran purchased two Kilo-class boats with the option to buy a third.

      Other nations are in the business, too. France has supplied its Daphne and more modern Agosta models to Pakistan. China has sold somewhat outdated Romeo-class submarines to North Korea and Egypt. Sweden is marketing submarines to Malaysia and is looking for other sales in South Asia. The Netherlands is considering the sale of 10 submarines to Taiwan in what is expected to be the last big sale of the century. Britain, meanwhile, is selling off four new Upholder-class diesel boats that its fleet no longer has the money to support, even offering to lease them complete with mercenary crews.

      As shrinking military budgets add to economic woes, arms manufacturers are aggressively seeking to expand their markets. Submarine merchants have targeted nations bordering on the Gulf of Oman, the Mediterranean, the Arabian Sea and northern Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and Pacific waters near the north Asian coast. If successful, their sales campaign could pose serious risks to international stability.

      The deadliness of submarine-launched weaponry makes early detection and destruction of attacking submarines a crucial factor in antisubmarine warfare. Submarines in general are obviously much more difficult to detect than are surface ships or aircraft. Diesel attack submarines can be very quiet. When moving slowly, they can rely for days on battery power, eliminating engine noise or any need to surface or snorkel for air.

      Although diesel submarines have many advantages when deployed under appropriate conditions, they are not without weaknesses. Their engines make more noise than do nuclear reactors and can’t drive a submarine as fast. When running at high speed under electric power, a submarine can deplete its batteries in a few hours. Even at slower speeds it must still approach the surface to take in air every four to 10 days, depending on the submarine's capabilities and the captain's willingness to risk running out of power to avoid detection.

      The newest submarine designs aim to reduce these liabilities. The Kilo and Type 209, for example, emit much less noise when snorkeling than do their predecessors. Moreover, Swedish, German, Italian, Russian and South Korean ship yards are developing air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, which eliminate the need for frequent snorkeling and may enable a vessel to remain at depth for up to a month. Sweden has tested and incorporated into its next generation design an AIP system using a Stirling engine, an external combustion engine that does not burn fuel explosively and is thus much quieter than a standard gasoline or diesel engine. Other designs may use liquid oxygen and high-efficiency combustion systems, or chemical fuel cells with up to five times the net energy density of lead-acid batteries.

      The new Kilos, to be based in southern Iran, are regarded by one US intelligence official as so easy for U. S. aircraft to find and destroy that eliminating them would be little more than a live fire exercise. Less capable submarines do not necessarily pose a serious danger even in large numbers. North Korea's fleet, for example, consists of antiquated Chinese-built Romeo-class vessels, a type the Soviet Union stopped selling in 1960. Libya's submarine crews have a reputation for being poorly trained, and their boats are so shoddily maintained that only one or two out of six may be operable and not one has routinely gone to sea since 1985.

      Given the long lifetime of submarines and other advanced weapons, exporting them even to countries that are now staunch allies is a risky business. Iran had six German Type 209 submarines on order at the height of its fundamentalist revolution. Had those weapons been delivered, Iran would likely have used them to great effect against Kuwaiti and Iraqi oil shipments during the Iran-Iraq war and could have turned them against the US fleet when it intervened to protect those deliveries.

      Acknowledgements

      To the Dolphin Research Institute: For their wonderful assistance in providing information on dolphins, especially the ongoing military research into the capabilities of dolphins as weapons of war. The Institute is outspoken in its campaign to halt these projects and has succeeded on many fronts, most notably the cessation of operations by the US Navy to train dolphins for delivery of deep-water mines against enemy submarines.

      To Arelis Breton: A dedicated reader who helped with critical research, editing and proofreading, as well as becoming a big Derek Hart fan and effective critic.

      To Carla Malerba: The inspiration, the vital force, the passion behind the passion, the critical critic, the powerful reminder, the instigator and investigator, the cynic and skeptic, and a true believer in the author’s art.

      To David Burke, whose skills with cover art have surpassed the author’s wildest expectations and who provided astute criticism during the writing of this novel.

      To Michele Desjardins, Alex McCarthy, Gary Jordan, JoBeth Watson, Bobbi Lott, Todd Sirmans, Koko Kuzmanoff, Patti Zajick and so many others who have been influential in this journey, thank you.

      Introduction

      The rugged, deeply indented coast of Maine has more than sixty lighthouses. Fifty-four of the lights are still active. Lighthouse preservation is strong in Maine, as evidenced by the large number of local preservation societies and trusts. The Maine Lights program, passed by Congress in 1996, led to the transfer of 28 lighthouses from the Coast Guard to local preservation groups or other agencies. Except for eight privately owned towers, all but a handful of Maine's lighthouses now have local support groups. In addition, two powerful national forces for lighthouse preservation, the American Lighthouse Foundation and Lighthouse Digest magazine, are based in Maine.

      THE BAIT

      CHAPTER 1

      Winter Harbor, Maine

      The Invitation

      The Capshead Lighthouse was built in 1913 with bright-red brick and still looked sturdy, standing like a solitary sentinel on the rocky shore. The sky was clear and blue, a warm sea breeze keeping the temperature at about 68 degrees. The central coast of Maine was experiencing a wonderful fall morning, the sun melting away the frost of dawn. Far off in the distance, however, tumbling white thunderheads moved relentlessly across the horizon.

      US Navy Seaman Arnold Bullington adjusted his white cap again, squaring it off just above his eyebrows. He rubbed the tops of his perma-shine shoes against the back of each pant leg. Satisfied with this attention to detail, the sailor rang the doorbell.

      The old lighthouse had long since lost its usefulness to the Coast Guard. It had not been included in the sites chosen for automation, nor did the National Registry protect it. Lighthouses International had tried to raise funds for its preservation as a state historical site, but had failed with a fund-raising campaign. So now it was home to Jefferson Parker. As owner and operator of Julianna’s Star, a coastal touring schooner, his hailing port was Winter Harbor, Maine. The lighthouse, though, was actually on the other side of the peninsula, marking the dangerous boulder-strewn shallows. Parker purchased it for cash, quickly renovating the structure to its former glory, with some hidden modern conveniences added as well.

      Parker came to the door and opened it, more than a little surprised to see a sailor from the US Navy.

      Mr. Parker, sir? The sailor straightened automatically.

      Yes, Seaman Bullington, Parker replied, after reading the sailor’s nameplate. What can I do for you?

      Captain Malcolm Wright has extended a personal invitation to visit the Schoodic Point Installation at 0900 hours. The seaman was obviously reciting rehearsed lines, but added, That's 9:00 a. m., sir.

      Parker laughed to himself. Inform the Captain that I'll be at the base by 0900 hours. That's 9:00 o’clock this morning, right Seaman?

      Yes, sir, Bullington replied. Then he turned and hopped into the idling government-issue sedan. In a cloud of gravel chips and dust, the messenger was gone, squealing tires across the low stone bridge.

      Parker found his windbreaker, car keys still in the pocket. He locked up, but stopped to notice the continuing approach of an ominous wall of clouds moving over the North Atlantic. The weathermen were watching a major oceanic front move towards the eastern seaboard, a Nor’easter, as the rugged storms were called. Small craft warnings were already in effect, lobster trawlers returning home early.

      Parker's left leg ached badly too. It was a certain sign that the barometer was falling. With a permanent slight limp, he strolled to the garage, opening the doors with some hesitation.

      What do you suppose prompted Charlie to invite me today, of all days? Parker wondered aloud.

      The drive was a slow one, Parker enjoying the scenery, even though he witnessed the same view almost every day. The road was covered with a colorful coat of fallen leaves, which could prove slick to the unaware motorist. A light fog was creeping along the ground, sometimes even obscuring the pavement for a moment. The ospreys were scarce over the shoreline, another sign the weather would turn foul. He decided to make it a short visit, thereby allowing himself some extra time to buy more provisions and batten down the lighthouse for a possible gale.

      Two sailors, smartly clad in winter blues, their pea coats and white hats giving them the traditional Navy look, patrolled the base entrance. The water in the inlet was bluer and deeper than most along Maine's beautiful coast, some said perfectly suited to handle Navy submarines in an emergency. Schoodic Point was set on a bastion of pink granite and black basalt, surrounded with thick gnarled spruce forest. The surf rolled and crashed here, exploding off the rocks. Suddenly the forested canopy disappeared and Parker found himself at the former US Naval Communications Base.

      Parker pulled the SUV up to the unobtrusive wooden gate, idling before the stop sign. The window rolled down electronically.

      May I help you, sir? an armed seaman inquired.

      Parker smiled at the manners. They were a rare occurrence these days. Yes, thank you, Seaman. I have an appointment with Captain Malcolm Wright.

      Your name, sir?

      Parker, Jeff Parker.

      The ever-present clipboard came from behind the young man’s back. A quick scan of his list satisfied him completely. Yes, sir. He is expecting you. May I see some identification, please?

      Parker slipped out his driver's license and passport, both of which he always carried with him.

      Satisfied, the sailor began his instructions. The main multi-level office building to your left is off-limits. Please stay to your right. Upon reaching a row of camouflaged Quonset huts, you may park there. I will notify Captain Wright of your arrival, sir.

      Thank you, Seaman. Parker watched the gate rise and he shifted out of neutral. Following the winding road into the trees, he remembered to stay to the right. The top-secret installation on his left was guarded by several armed patrols, complete with German shepherd dogs. An array of antennas surrounded a cinder block building set off by itself in the forest

      Parker found the dazzle-painted Quonset buildings easily. He parked as Captain Wright emerged from one of them. Parker climbed out quickly. They shook hands warmly.

      Jefferson, Wright preferred using his full name. It's so good to see you again. Thanks for coming out here on such short notice.

      No bother, old boy, Parker tried a pitifully poor British accent. Really wouldn't have been sporting not to.

      They both laughed, jostling each other with harmless punches. Parker stopped long enough to adjust his pants, rubbing his aching thigh.

      Wright pointed to the door. Let's go inside, old buddy. I need to run something by you

      Parker followed the officer, ending up in a large conference room. The table was clear, except for a coffeepot and serving tray. Four chairs were spaced around the circular table, one seat occupied by a woman naval officer. She rose when they entered.

      Jefferson Parker, the captain began the introduction. I'd like you to meet Commander Mia Reyes.

      Parker shook her hand. She was immediately unforgettable and looked even sharper in a uniform. Her heritage was Filipino, hair trimmed shoulder-length and richly black. She was a little taller than most Asian women perhaps, but the regulation heels did that too. Her eyes penetrated, holding him with a trancelike effect, and neither looked away.

      She broke the spell with a smile. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Parker.

      Thank you, Commander. Parker stepped around her to take the spot offered by Wright. My pleasure as well.

      They were all seated in unison. Captain Wright grabbed the coffee carafe. Care for some, Jefferson?

      Yes, thank you. Black. Parker unzipped his windbreaker and waited for the steaming cup.

      Well, undoubtedly you're wondering why I finally asked you to come here today. Wright had waited until his companion officer had signaled her approval. Parker had noticed the subtle nod.

      Yes, but Charlie, I've known you for many years. Parker was one of the few people allowed to address this officer by his nickname. He sipped at the coffee. I'm used to you being abrupt about certain things. I figured you needed to check my security clearance or something like that. He chuckled.

      Wright laughed along. Good God, man. I assure you it wasn't a problem.

      Parker didn't miss the significance of the statement. He frowned. So, you did check?

      Commander Reyes spoke up. Yes, Mr. Parker, we checked. The Captain felt it necessary to cover our bases, so to speak.

      Parker smiled thinly. I trust the material, after my leaving the Navy, was satisfactory? No great national security risk am I, what? His voice was a little defensive.

      Jefferson, please, Wright said. There's no reason to get hostile. I'm bound by certain rules. You know that. I need your help and to get it, I had to obtain the approval of my superiors.

      Look, Charlie. Parker pushed his chair back and stood up. Schoodic Point is a classified Navy installation. You invited me here, after months of promising to get together, I supposed, to have a chance to catch up on old times. I have no use for your 'Anchors Aweigh' crap. I'll show myself out, thank you very much.

      Commander Reyes stepped in his path, gently placing her hand on his arm. I'm sorry if we've offended you, Mr. Parker. It wasn't my intention to do that.

      I understand, Commander. Parker continued moving, a bit slower, though.

      She gripped his arm even tighter. Please, Mr. Parker. I need your help.

      The way she said, I made him stop. There was emotion creeping into her voice and it hit a nerve. Maybe this Mia wasn't your typical uniformed cold fish, he thought. I'm sorry, Commander. He was trying to remain resolute. It isn't anything personal. I just don't want to get involved.

      Captain Wright had remained seated until then. He rose and headed for the door. You may go, Jefferson. We won't detain you any longer. I'm sorry to have bothered you.

      Yet Parker didn't move. He was staring into Mia Reyes's eyes, watching them fill with pools of tears. He was hooked, even though he suspected it was all a ploy. Reaching into a pocket for his handkerchief, Parker offered it to her as the first tear rolled down her cheek.

      Thank you. She took it, turning her back to wipe her eyes. He viewed this with fascination, as her back rose and fell spasmodically. She was crying quite hard now. He instinctively put an arm around her shoulder, but said nothing.

      Wright stepped around to face her. Commander, this really is uncalled for. I'm surprised at you. This isn't exactly the behavior of an officer.

      Oh back off, you ass, Parker snapped. Are you such an idiot you can't see she's truly upset?

      Wright returned to his chair, observing Parker as Jeff escorted Reyes to her seat. After he was certain she was all right, Parker moved to a window, gazing out over the stunning bay. The weather was deteriorating rapidly. He had noticed a steady drop in the barometer just before leaving the lighthouse.

      I'm sorry I let my emotions get the best of me, Mr. Parker, the commander said finally.

      Parker smiled. I wouldn't be. It got me to stay, after all. Didn't it?

      With only the slightest hesitation, Parker once again sat in his chair, taking a long swallow of his now tepid coffee. He eased himself back, waiting for someone to start.

      It was Captain Wright who once again began the discussion. Your name came up on our computer, Jefferson. I suspected it would after programming all the necessary requirements myself.

      Sort of like stacking the deck? Parker forced a grin.

      You could say that. Wright pushed a folder across the table. What we're about to discuss with you is top secret, Jeff. I don't think I have to remind you what that means.

      No, you don't.

      You'll see by the thickness of the file, that we've done our homework.

      More likely it was some underpaid pretty young clerk, who worked her fingers to the bone, just to please dear Captain Wright. Parker was now fully committed to sparring with his old friend.

      The captain, on the other hand, ignored it, or least pretended to. Let’s continue, shall we?

      Commander Reyes stood up and turned off the lights. A screen lowered itself from the ceiling and a video projector came on. The film footage panned across a series of yellow-limestone buildings, ancient towers of European design defining the corners of a castle. The immense stone walls were surrounded by several rows of modern wire fencing, topped with deadly razor-wire coils. This time Mia Reyes sat next to Parker.

      "This is the Centro Preventivos Correctional Facility in Rota, Spain. Besides being used by the Spanish authorities, one special section is leased by the US Navy, to house more dangerous, but as yet unsentenced prisoners." Her voice was lowered as she gave this information.

      Wright took up the description. The Brig/CCU unit at the Naval Station isn't set up to handle international problems of any degree, so serious criminals are transferred to the Spanish penal system.

      I'm aware of their limitations, Charlie, Parker said. He was feeling uneasy again.

      Wright laughed, but it was without humor. You're right, of course.

      This really is fascinating, but what the hell has it got to do with me? Parker asked. "I was Officer in Charge of the Brig on the USS Theodore Roosevelt."

      Wright nodded towards Commander Reyes. Her brother, Chief Petty Officer Miguel Reyes, is being held in that prison.

      So? Parker asked. He tried not to sound callous.

      He was arrested several days ago, for murdering an undercover intelligence officer in Cadiz, Wright continued.

      Parker looked at Mia Reyes. Their eyes met again and held. He really was becoming quite drawn to her, a certain animal attraction developing. Long ago he had surrendered the battle to resist Asian women. Parker noted her long lovely legs, which led him to accept the fact that he actually failed to resist the charms of any beautiful woman.

      Is he guilty? Parker inquired, forcing himself to break the train of thought he was following.

      No. Her answer was expected, but totally convincing.

      How can you be so sure? Parker asked, suddenly feeling very tired.

      He's being framed, Mr. Parker, to cover up something else. She had leaned forward in earnest to state her point. Miguel would never kill anybody, unless he was forced to, in self-defense.

      Parker could smell her perfume now. He didn't recognize it, but liked it. Sniffing the air slightly, he said, Can you prove that to me?

      Not beyond a reasonable doubt, if that’s what you mean? Wright said. We only suspect there's more here than meets the eye. Chief Petty Officer Reyes is the Sixth Fleet's Operational Communications expert. He has enough security clearances to sink a carrier. Something else is behind the allegations of this homicide.

      So how are you going to get him out of this mess? inquired Parker, without making a connection to his visit.

      That's what you're here for. Wright said.

      Huh? Parker shook his head. Come again?

      With Commander Reyes's assistance, you're going to break CPO Reyes out of prison and bring him back here. Corrections were your specialty and regulations haven't changed that much. We think his escape will expose the real culprits. Wright smiled, pulling out a pack of cigarettes.

      Parker stood up. First, you only smoke when you're really nervous, Charlie. Secondly, I smell a rat. You want me to go to Spain and bust someone out of prison, who's in there on murder charges, I remind you, and then bring him back here?

      Yes. It was so easy for Wright to say.

      Uh huh. Parker headed for the exit again.

      Mr. Parker? Commander Reyes's voice cracked.

      I'm sorry, Commander. He spun around on one heel. I know your brother is important to you. I can't get involved in this. I'm not even Navy anymore. You've got me mixed up with some other guy.

      Uniforms, identity cards, papers, passes, vouchers, anything you need to accomplish this mission, will be provided. Wright was putting on the sales technique. All expenses incurred by you will be reimbursed, plus a sizeable bonus incentive.

      Oh, that's just fine. Parker has having trouble with the entire scenario. This is ridiculous. I don't break people out of jail. I'm not the secret agent type. I'm a schooner captain now; sailing rich folk around who want to play pirates. I can't believe you people really were serious about choosing me. Get the friggin' CIA.

      As Parker caught his breath, Mia Reyes came to his side. She touched his arm and it made him want her again. She almost was purring as she said, Captain Wright and I need you to do this, because you don't have ties to the Navy any more, or any other governmental department. You can do this.

      Why should I?

      To help yourself, said Captain Wright.

      Help myself with what, Charlie?

      Wright went on, though hesitantly. To get back what the Navy took away.

      Parker stood stock still, unmoving, leaving some doubt as to whether he was even breathing. This time, when he left, nobody tried to stop him. The look on his face made clear his complete and utter contempt.

      Commander Reyes slapped her hand on the table. It wasn't enough to just appeal to his sense of gallantry, was it? You had to tamper with his dignity too.

      Remember Commander, that you are a commander, not the Chief of Naval Intelligence. Wright put out the barely smoked butt. Jeff will come around. I know Parker. Hours from now he'll be so intrigued by the possibilities of adventure, he'll come begging for the opportunity.

      There was a knock at the door. Wright opened it to face one of the

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