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found the suite where Eric Hayes had been murdered , and the reporter was still there, just like the last gri s ly picture had depicted. No Argyle to be found, of course.
    The cruise line was going to wait for them, but at least security and some of the local detectives would do the leg work of interviewing passengers and staff. Manny knew there wouldn’t be much to act on. That’s how Argyle operated. But maybe this time . . .
    After shutting the top on his computer, he rubbed his e yes with a thumb and forefinger and reclined the seat. They had a couple hours to sleep, and sleep was a precious commodity.
    He took one last look at Alex and remembered his question. “ Minder, ” he said.
    “What?” asked Alex.
    “The word is ‘ minder. ’ ”
    The CSI squinted and then nodded. “Good one, Williams. It fits and beats the hell out of your partner’s guess.”
    Manny thought Alex was right : it was a much better word. But he wondered how to convert the concept of guardian and protector into action with animals like Argyle roaming the world.

Chapter -13
     
    The FBI’s jet skidded along the runway at Miami International and rattled to a manageable speed. Manny threw a quick glance Sophie’s way , grinning . “How you doin’ there , partner? How was that landing? I personally like d that bouncing part.”
    “Not funny , Williams . You know I hate the landings,” answered Sophie, obviously reli e ved that the plane was tax i ing up the runway. “We could have died really . Twenty-five percent of all airplane accidents happen during the landing , you know .”
    “Yeah, and fifty-seven percent happen while the plane is in the air , so I’ll take the landings . ”
    “Are you lying? If you are, I’m going to shoot you r ass , right here.” Sophie released her grip on the seat as the jet settled at the private gate , and she patted her holster. Manny could see her finger impressions imbedded in the tan leather.
    “When was the last time I lied to you? And I’ve seen your targets at the firing range. No worries for my ass .”
    “You’re not kidding? Are y ou? Just great. I’m walking to St. Thomas . ”
    “Long walk,” stated Alex.
    “Sharks too,” added Manny.
    “You guys suck.”
    “Just trying to help,” smiled Manny.
    “Okay. I’m renting a car. How deep can the ocean be?”
    T he passenger door swung up and open. Josh walked through the door followed by two agents . O ne Manny recognized as the very talented forensic expert, Max Tucker, who had teamed up with them on the Ocean Duchess . The third agent was a woman in her early thirties : long , red hair ; demanding , green eyes ; curvy build ; wearing a dark pant s suit ; and a serious look clouding her pleasant features. Very pleasant features . S he walked with a barely discernable limp.
    Agent Corner zeroed in on the Lansing crew and broke into a huge smile , accented by those startling, pilot - blue eyes. He stuck his hand out, moving to greet them .
    “Manny. How the hell are you?”
    “Al l right, under the circumstances. You’re looking well.”
    “Thanks . Been working out,” he laughed.
    Corner turned to the other two. “Alex. Good to see you. Sophie, glad you could make it.”
    Alex shook his hand and nodded. “Always good to see you guys.”
    Sophie took his hand. “I can tell.”
    “Tell what?”
    “You’ve been working out, big boy.”
    Manny watched as Josh’s face shaded red , and he tried to release Sophie’s hand quickly, except she wouldn’t let him . H is partner held on for a second or two longer, then reluctantly let go. Manny nudged her. She ignored him.
    Josh cleared his throat. “You remember Max Tucker , and this is Chloe Franson. Chloe recently transferred into my department from Domestic Terrorism. Lots of experience in the field , and we’re happy to have her.”
    Chloe greeted everyone with a tight, professional smile and a slight grimace , which she almost succeeded in hiding , b ut not from Manny.