“Your appreciation is misdirected. I didn't do it to help SOS. It was a personal favor for Miss Weld. She's the one who persuaded me to take a close look at your boat.”

“I don't know of many people who can resist her persuasiveness, and she deserves a lot of credit. Nevertheless, you did a great service for the creatures of the sea.”

“Spare me the hearts and flowers, Mr. Ryan. I gave Therri the ev- idence of sabotage because it was the right thing to do, not because I believe in your cause.”

“Then you know I had no responsibility for that collision.” “I know that you purposely ratcheted up the tension, hoping some- thing would happen so you could get it on the TV cameras.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures. From what I know about NUMA, your organization isn't above using unorthodox methods to achieve its goals.”

“There's a big difference. Every one of us, right up to Admiral Sandecker, is ready to bear responsibility for our actions. We don't take refuge behind posters of puppy-faced little harp seals.”

Ryan's face turned the color of a cooked beet. “I've always been willing to take the consequences for my actions.”

“Sure, as long as you knew there was a way out.”

Ryan smiled over his anger. “You're a difficult man, Mr. Austin.”

“I try to be.”

The waiter arrived just then with their dinners.

“Well, I won't spoil your evening,” Ryan said. “It was fun talking to you, Mr. Austin. I'll give you a call later, Them.”

With a jaunty wave, he joined the throngs moving past the restau- rant.

Austin watched Ryan depart and said, “Your friend takes an ex- alted view of himself. I thought the oceans already had a god. Nep- tune or Poseidon, depending on your language of choice.”

He expected Therri to defend Ryan, but she laughed instead. “Congratulations, Kurt. It's nice to know that Marcus isn't the only one who has a talent for irritating people.”

“It comes naturally to me. You should tell him that the next time you set up an accidental meeting.”

She glanced at the Ferris wheel, avoiding his steady gaze, then toyed with her fork before answering. “Was it that transparent?”

“Any more transparent and it would be invisible.”

She sighed heavily. “Sorry for the clumsy attempt to deceive you. You didn't deserve it. Marcus wanted to meet you so he could thank you. He was sincere about that. I didn't expect you to get into a spit- ting match. Please accept my apology.”

“Only if you'll have a nightcap in the Palace lounge after we take a long walk around the neighborhood.” “You drive a hard bargain.” Austin gave her a devilish grin. “As your friend Mr. Ryan said, I'm a difficult man.”

NUMA 4 - White Death

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