It was ten o’clock when Daggat came awake. He was in his office alone. His staff had long since left for home. He looked at his watch and figured he had dozed for nearly an hour. He rubbed his eyes and stretched as he vaguely heard the outer-office door open and close. He didn’t bother to look up, thinking it was the cleaning crew. It was only after he failed to tune in the familiar sounds of wastebaskets being emptied and vacuum cleaners humming that he became aware of a strange presence.

Felicia Collins leaned languidly against the doorway, saying nothing, just staring at Daggat.

A thought triggered in the back of his mind and he rose and made an apologetic gesture. “I’m sorry, time slipped away from me. I completely forgot our dinner date.”

“You’re forgiven,” she said.

He reached for his coat. “You must be starved.”

“By the fourth martini, all hunger pangs disappeared.” She peered around the office. “I figured you and Hiram were probably tied up in conference.”

“I turned him over to the State Department this afternoon. They’re giving him the usual lukewarm treatment reserved for fourth-class visiting dignitaries.” ;

“Is it safe for him to be out in public?”

“I saw to it that he’s provided with round-the-clock security.”

“Then he’s no longer our houseguest.”

“No, he has a suite at the Mayflower, courtesy of the government.”

Felicia stretched her opulent body and flowed into the room. “By the way, I met Loren Smith for lunch. She poured out her love life to me.”

“She took the bait?”

Salvage I 143

“If you mean the key to your little hideaway in Arlington, the answer is yes.”

He took her in his arms, his eyes gentle but smug with satisfaction. “You won’t be sorry, Felicia. Only good can come from this.”

“Try telling that to Loren Smith,” she said, turning away.

He released her. “Did she mention any names?”

“I gather she’s teasing Phil Sawyer into marriage while she’s screwing some guy from NUMA on the side.”

“Did she say who?”

“His name is Dirk Pitt.”

Daggat’s eyes widened. “You did say Dirk Pitt?”

Felicia nodded.

Daggat’s mind raced to make a connection and then he had it. “Son of a bitch! It’s perfect!”

“What are you talking about?”

“The revered senior senator from California, George Pitt. Didn’t it occur to you? Congresswoman Holier-Than-Thou Smith is shacking with the senator’s son.”

Felicia shivered as her skin suddenly went cold. “For God’s sake, Frederick, drop this stupid scheme of yours before it gets out of hand.”

“I don’t think so,” Daggat said, smiling a sinister smile. “I do what I think best for the country.”

“You mean you do what you think best for Frederick Daggat.”