Austin rowed without gloves so he could feel the river with each dip of the oars. He wanted to sweat out the white-hot anger he felt over the Sea Hunter so that the heat would not consume him. He slipped into a meditative state and felt his rage ebb, although it didn't go away entirely. After rowing for a time, he turned in a wide circle and headed back. Before long, the scull was gliding up to the ramp of the boathouse. He threw his sweaty clothes in a hamper, took a long shower and shaved, and dressed in a tan sports jacket, navy blue polo shirt and light slacks.

A sound sleep and an energetic row had given him perspective. He brushed aside the distractions that had been pulling his mind apart in a hundred different directions and concentrated on the prime force behind all he had experienced. Razov. He had to find Razov. Everything else would flow from there. He picked up the phone and called Rudi Gunn, who had never shaken his old navy habits and was in his office before most commuters had poured their first cup of coffee.

“Kurt, I was about to call you. Admiral Sandecker told me about your successful mission. Congratulations to you and Paul.”

“Thanks, Rudi. Unfortunately, our job isn't over. Razov is the key to all this. I was wondering if you'd heard anything about his whereabouts.”

“That's what I wanted to tell you. The Mad Russian has come up for air. He and his super yacht are expected momentarily in Boston.”

“How'd you pick that up, through intelligence or satellites?”

"Neither one, actually. I saw it in the business section of the Washington Post. I'll read it to you:

Russian mining tycoon Mikhail Razov will arrive in Boston today to announce the opening of an international trade center. Razov, who is also a prominent political figure in his country, will host a reception for government officials and other guests tonight aboard his yacht, said to be one of the largest privately owned vessels in the world. The stop-off is part of a tour of major East Coast ports."

“Thoughtful of him to save us time and energy,” Austin said.

“It doesn't fit with what I have heard about the gentleman. Wonder what he's really up to?”

“Why don't I go aboard and ask him?”

“You're serious?”

“Of course. It might do some good for him to know that we're onto him. Maybe we can shake the trees and see what falls out.”

“Just as long as you're not standing under them.”

Austin thought of Yaeger's suggestion about finding the master control center. A man like Razov would never let anything get far from his control. And his yacht was both his home and the headquarters of his worldwide corporation.

“We can't let an opportunity like this go by. I want to get aboard that yacht.”

“We could fix you up with some NUMA credentials.”