Page 111 of Clive Cussler's Quantum Tempest

“Time’s up, gents. What do you have for me?”

Remembering the steak and forgetting the sizzle, Eric pointed at the map pin and the fifty-mile-radius marker.

“We have Fierro’s type of aircraft and the approximate location of theBaktun.”

“That data is about two hours old,” Murph said. “Can’t guarantee he’ll stay put or that he’s even still there.”

“Let’s assume he is.” Cabrillo studied the map. “He’s out in the middle of nowhere—just about where we ran into the pirate vessel.”

He looked at the boys. “You think theBaktunis one and the same?”

“We do.” Both techs nodded, like telepathic twins.

“And I take it no other radar or other signals in the area?”

They both shook their heads. “No, sir.”

Juan gave an approving dip of the chin. “That’s outstanding work, gentlemen.” He threw a thumb over his shoulder at the analog clock behind him. “And with seven minutes to spare.”

Both men beamed with pride.

“You’ve busted your tails. Take a break and head to the galley and fill ’er up. I’m going to need you both shipshape and in Bristol fashion when we get underway.”

“Aye, sir.” They both stood to leave.

The two techs turned to go, but Cabrillo snagged Murphy by the elbow and pulled him aside.

“One more thing.”

“Sir?”

“We’re most likely headed for a gunfight. I need you to get your girlfriend off this boat for her sake, and yours. I need your head in the game.”

Murph nodded grimly. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Get her packed and put her on the Joby immediately. I want her in San Salvador within the hour. I’ll have Linda make the travel arrangements. Any idea where she wants to go?”

“She told me she has an aunt in Toronto. But I’m not sure.”

“Then we’ll get her an open ticket. She can fly anywhere she wants. Tell her to bill us later for any expenses.”

“Thank you.”

Juan laid a hand on Murph’s slumping shoulder.

“Don’t look so glum, kiddo. You can catch up with her when this is all over and play all the kissy-face you want.”

Murph blushed. “It’s not quite like that.”

Juan winked. “Yet.”

Murph grinned hopefully.

“I’ll head up to her cabin right now.”

60

Still trapped in her claustrophobic cabin, Linlin Zhang was grateful for the CCTV cameras deployed in theOregon’s research lab. Those four cameras afforded her a perfect view of everything, including the big screens on the computers Murph and Stone had used to crack Eidolon’s code and locate theBaktun.