Free The Mediterranean Caper by Clive Cussler Page A

of an inviting target for an aerial sniper.”
    Pitt flicked his Zippo and lit a cigarette. “Believe it or not, sir, that’s your answer.”
    Giordino and Lewis looked at each other and then at Pitt, puzzled.
    Pitt continued. “As you know, Colonel, Admiral Sandecker ordered Giordino and myself to Thasos to investigate the strange mishaps that have occurred during the NUMA’s offshore operations. This morning, while conversing with Commander Gunn, I discovered evidence of a sabotage which leads me to believe that there’s a definite connection between the raid and the accidents aboard the First Attempt . Now, if we take this assumption one step further, we begin to see that Brady Field was not the main objective of our reincarnated adversary. The raid was only an indirect means of removing Commander Gunn and the First Attempt from Thasos.”
    Lewis looked at Pitt thoughtfully. “I suppose the next question is why?”
    â€œI don’t have an answer yet,” said Pitt. “But I’m certain our mysterious friend and his flair for dramatics has a high-powered reason behind his game. He wouldn’t go to such devious lengths for penny-ante stakes. He’s most likely hiding something of great value and the NUMA researchers on the ship are in a position to stumble onto it.”
    â€œThat something you speak of could be sunken treasure.” Lewis’ lips gleamed wetly.
    Pitt pulled an overseas cap out of his suitcase and set it jauntily on his head. “That’s one obvious conclusion.”
    A faraway look came into Lewis’ eyes and he said softly, “I wonder what it could be and how much it’s worth?”
    Pitt turned and faced Giordino. “Al, contact Admiral Sandecker and ask him to research all possible lost or sunken treasure troves in the Aegean Sea within spitting distance of Thasos and send us the data as soon as possible. Tell him it’s urgent.”
    â€œConsider it done,” Giordino said. “It’s eleven o’clock in the morning in Washington so we should have an answer by breakfast.”
    â€œNow we’re getting somewhere,” Lewis boomed. “The sooner I get answers, the sooner I can get the Pentagon off my back. Is there any way I can help?”
    Pitt glanced at his watch again. “As the Boy Scouts say— Be Prepared . That’s all we can do for the present. You can bet Brady Field and the First Attempt are being closely observed. When it comes apparent no one is being evacuated and the oceanography ship still floats out there on the Aegean, we can expect another visit from the yellow Albatros. You’ve had your fun, Colonel. It’s my guess Commander Gunn’s turn is next.”
    â€œPlease tell the commander,” said Lewis, “I’ll give him whatever assistance I have at my disposal.”
    â€œThank you, sir,” said Pitt. “But I don’t think it would be wise to warn Commander Gunn just yet.”
    â€œFor God’s sake, why not?” gasped Giordino.
    Pitt grinned coldly. “So far, all of this is pure conjecture. Besides, any preparation on board the First Attempt would be a dead giveaway of our intentions. No, we’ve got to bait our unknown World War I ghost and bring him out into the open.”
    Giordino looked at Pitt evenly. “You can’t risk the lives of the scientists and ship’s crew without giving them a chance to defend themselves.”
    â€œGunn is in no immediate danger. Our ghost pilot will undoubtedly wait at least one more day to see if the First Attempt departs before he attacks again.” Pitt smiled until the mirth lines etched into the sides of his eyes. “In the meantime, I’ll put my creative talents to work on a plan for a trap.”
    Lewis got to his feet and faced Pitt. “For the sake of those men on the ship, I hope you come up with a good one.”
    â€œNo plan is considered foolproof,