Austin saw a flitting shadow against the blue-blackness of the night sky. The SeaCobra had arrived in the nick of time. It flew like an arrow toward land. As it drew near Barker's complex, it slowed and, instead of unleashing the expected destruction on the igloo, went into a circle. It was searching for its target and not finding it. The igloo's camouflage had been turned on, and the huge building blended in with the dark forest.

It was a fatal moment of indecision. Searchlights illuminated the helicopter like a German bomber in the London blitzkrieg. Seeing that they had been discovered, the helicopter crew launched a mis- sile at the plaza. Too late. The missile smashed into the plaza and killed a handful of Barker's men, but at the same time, a streak of light shot upward. The heat-seeking ground-to-air missile couldn't miss at such close range. It zeroed in on the helicopter's exhaust. There was a brilliant flash of hot yellow and red light, and the chop- per fell in fiery, sizzling pieces into the lake.

It happened so fast that the people watching from the catamaran could hardly believe what they saw. It was as if the cavalry had come to the rescue, only to be wiped out in an Indian ambush. Even Austin who knew the tide of battle could turn in an instant, was in a state of shock, but he quickly got over it. There was no time to waste. Barker's murderous myrmidons could be on them within minutes. He called Ben over and told him to ferry those on board to land where they could hide in the woods.

Ryan came over and said, “Look, I'm sorry about all this, but I do owe you again.”

“This one's on the house, but the next time you get into trouble, you're on your own.”

“Maybe I can repay you by lending a hand.”

“Maybe you can repay me by getting your butt out of here. Make sure Therri and the others make it safely to shore.”

“And what are you going to do?” Therri said. She had come up behind Ryan.

“I intend to have a few words with Dr. Barker, or Toonook.” She stared at him in disbelief. “Now who's being reckless. You're the one who scolded me for putting myself in needless danger. He and his men will kill you.”

“You're not getting out of our dinner date that easily.” “Dinner? How can you think about such a thing with all this in- sanity going on? You're crazy!”

“I'm quite sane, but I'm determined to get through a romantic meal for two without interruption.”

Her face softened and a faint smile came to her lips. “I'd like that, too. So be careful.”