“A sort of global Al Capone?” Austin offered.

“There are similarities. Capone was ruthless about exterminating the competition and had a fine instinct for organization. His economic power gave him political clout. Bootleg booze is a far cry from water. The world can't do without water. Those who control its flow will have the ultimate political power. Who will stand up against someone whose word can condemn you and your country to die of thirst? That is why I say with all due respect, Dr. Cabral, that there are more important matters to be taken care of first.”

“You're right, Admiral Sandecker,” Francesca conceded. “If this Gogstad finds the main supply of anasazium, it will control my process as well.”

“Intelligence and beauty are such a welcome combination,” Sandecker said with unveiled appreciation. “The young lady has stated my fears exactly. It's imperative that we find that long-lost cache before Gogstad does.”

“I was trying to figure out how to pinpoint the location when you called. I'm going to need some help.”

“That's not a problem. Use any NUMA resource that you need, and if we don't have them we'll find them else where.”

“I think Joe and I should leave as soon as possible for Alaska.”

“Before you go dashing off to the Yukon there's something else we have to discuss. This buildup of tankers that Joe's reporter friend told him about has me worried. What do you make of it?”

“At the very least Gogstad is expecting to move lots of water from Alaska to someplace that needs it. There has been talk of transporting water to China.”

“Perhaps,” Sandecker said, unconvinced. “I'll talk to Rudi Gunn. Maybe he and Yaeger can shed light on this mystery. While you and Joe are trying to nail down this flying wing, they can see what they can find about the tankers.”

Austin rose and said, “I'll start things moving.” He shook hands with Francesca and said, “I'll show you out, Dr. Cabral.”

“Thank you, and please call me Francesca,” she said as they strolled to the elevator.

“I will if you call me Kurt. Tell me, do you prefer Korean, Thai, Italian, or just plain old American cooking?”

“I beg your pardon.”

“No one told you?” he said with mock amazement. “Dinner is part of the Austin rescue package. I hope you won't refuse. Who knows how long I will have to subsist on whale blubber and walrus steaks after today.”

“In that case, I would be happy to accept your invitation. Would seven o'clock be convenient?”

“That's fine. It will give me plenty of time to start making preparations for our trip to Alaska.”

“I'll see you then. As you know I am staying with the Trouts. And Korean would be fine.”

Austin bid Francesca good-bye near the huge globe that rose from the center of the sea-green floor in the NUMA lobby, an atrium surrounded by waterfalls and aquariums filled with colorful and exotic sea life. Then he went back to his fourth-floor office, called Zavala to let him know of his meeting with Sandecker, and lined up transportation for their trip.