“I wasn’t going to. That lousy park ranger. Do I look like a vagrant to you guys?”

“He called you a vagrant?” Harv asked.

“The jackass. Don’t get me wrong, I like the federal park rangers and think they do a great job, but this particular turd has it out for me. He’s constantly harassing me.”

Harv smiled. “Maybe he doesn’t like the Oakland Raiders. He wouldn’t be the only one.”

“Hey, watch it.”

“Is there anything else unusual or out of the ordinary that’s happened around here lately?” Nathan asked.

“Except all the commotion a few days ago, not really. It’s a fairly quiet place expect for a few partying college students now and then. I don’t mind too much, lots of T and A in the narrows.”

Nathan stood. “I think we’ve taken enough of your time, Lars.”

“Y’all are stand-up guys. I’m sorry I made you chase me down.” He turned toward Jeremy. “If you talk to that park ranger again, will you let him know I cooperated? I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already on his way. You raised quite a ruckus landing in here.”

“I will,” Jeremy said. “Thanks for talking to us.”

Leaving offered less of a challenge. From a hover, Nathan executed a vertical takeoff, cleared the canyon walls, and headed back toward the marina. Stiegler waved from his sundeck.

“That went better than I expected,” Jeremy said. “He seemed like a pretty decent guy.”

“He told me he flew Hueys in Vietnam.”

“Professional courtesy?” Harv asked.

“Probably.” Nathan’s cell interrupted them.

Harv patched it through. “It’s Thorny,” Harv said.

“Hi, General.”

“Where are you?”

“We just left our rendezvous with the houseboat owner. We’re flying back to the marina.”

“Flying?”

“Our contact left the marina. We had to track him down by air.”

“How did it go?”

Nathan filled him in.

“Good work.”

“General, we’re not alone. We have an FBI special agent with us.”

“This is for your ears only.”

“I’ll… ah… remove my headset,” Jeremy said.

Nathan nodded his thanks. With all the engine and slipstream noise, Jeremy wouldn’t be able to hear them, especially from the rear seats.

“Okay, it’s just Harv and me now.”

“This isn’t easy for me to say, but I have to back off. I just finished a face-to-face with the secretary of the navy. He thought it was important enough to meet in person, and he was crystal clear. I am not to inquire into Kramer or the kidnapped Dalton family ever again or support you in any way. He asked me to forget I ever heard those names. He also let me know that certain people in high places are questioning your ability to deliver a live prisoner. I’m sorry about this, Nate, but I’m a good soldier. I follow orders even when I disagree with them.”