“Thank you. When I was younger, I worked as a cook for the American air base near Ankara.” He smiled, displaying a brilliant gold tooth. “The pay was good, I worked very hard and saved the money to buy this boat.”

“I noticed you named it after a great admiral.”

Kemal raised a bushy eyebrow, impressed. “Turgut was a big hero to my people.”

“I know. I read a biography about him.”

The captain studied Kurt with deep-set liquid brown eyes. “Thank your NUMA people for me. It would be very hard for Mehmet's family if they did not have his body to bury.”

“I'll be sure to tell Captain Atwood and the Argo's crew of your appreciation. Miss Dorn mentioned your name.”

The captain smiled. “The beautiful television woman came by last night. She said Mehmet's widow will be well provided for. It will not bring Mehmet back, but it is more than he could have earned in his whole life.” He shook his head in wonder. “God is great.”

“I called the hotel earlier, and they told me Miss Dorn had checked out.”

“She has gone to Paris. She wants to hire my boat again, but must get permission from her bosses.”

Austin received the news of Kaela's departure with mixed feelings. He regretted not having had the chance to get to know Kaela better, but the lovely TV reporter would have been a distraction.

“What else did Miss Dorn say?”

“She told me what happened to Mehmet. She said men on horses shot at the TV people and killed my cousin.” He frowned. “They are very bad men. Mehmet never hurt anyone.”

“Yes, they are. Very bad men.”

“She told me how you shot at them with your little plane. How many did you kill?”

“I'm not sure. There was one body.”

“Good. Do you know who these people are who killed him?”

“No, but I intend to find out.”

Kemal raised his eyebrows. "You are going back to that place?”

“If I can find a boat to take me there.”

“But you have the big NUMA ship.”

“It wouldn't be a good idea to use a government vessel.” Austin glanced around at the Turgut. “I need something that won't attract attention.”

The light of understanding dawned in the dark eyes. “Something like a fishing boat maybe?”

Austin smiled. “Yes, something very much like a fishing boat.”

The captain studied Austin's face, then got up and went into the wheelhouse. He reappeared with a large bottle and two chipped coffee mugs. He uncorked the bottle, poured liberal quantities into the mugs and handed one to Austin.