Beyond the Poseidon Adventure Read Online Free PDF Page A

going to meet in Athens. There’s a very important . . . okay, parcel if you like, on it. I must pick it up. Perhaps there’s still a chance if we can get there.”
    The irritation was evident in Klaas’s unfinished response. “Perhaps so, and perhaps your business is very important, but I am due in Athens . . .”
    Jason was studying the Magi’s captain closely. Suddenly he changed tack. “Of course. But look, there are thousands of people on board that ship. We may be the nearest vessel.”
    “Yes,” the Dutchman said, rereading the messages. “But the owners have also asked all other ships to keep clear.”
    “A salvage swindle,” Jason said promptly. “It’s obvious. Are you going to let that stand in the way of saving perhaps hundreds of lives? Come on now, Klaas, you can’t leave them all stuck out there in the middle of the goddamn sea. We can be there by eight in the morning.”
    Klaas checked his watch and nodded. He was thinking. Coby grabbed his hand between both of hers. She pleaded, “Please, papa, think of all those poor . . .”
    “Very well.” He had made up his mind. “I shall tell Piet to make for the liner at once.” He paused and thought again. “I shall have to claim salvage rights if we are the first vessel there, of course. But the main thing is to see if we can help. I suggest we all get a little sleep.”
    As he opened the door, he looked back and caught the relief on Jason’s face. “In the morning, Captain Jason, I shall hope for a fuller explanation. Your amusing mysteries are beginning to trouble me now.”

“IT’S A DISAPPOINTING WORLD”
    3
    At first the French officer had been quite unable to take in the combination of Rogo’s bizarre request and the gun in his fist. He gaped.
    Then he said, “But, monsieur, this is impossible.”
    “No, it isn’t,” Rogo replied. “I’m going back on board that tub and you’re taking me. Now tell the guys up there.” The barrel of the gun indicated the steps leading to the pilot in the bubble.
    The Frenchman still could not accept that Rogo was serious. There was a placatory note in his voice as he said, “Monsieur Rogo, there is no reason on earth why you should return. It is dangerous. It could sink. And our orders are . . .”
    Impatience flared in Rogo’s face. He fished his left hand into his trousers and produced his gilt badge. “You take your orders from this now, buddy, so tell those fellas to turn around.”
    Again the officer spoke reasonably. “Yes, I see the badge, but monsieur the lieutenant must understand that this badge has no jurisdiction here. When we reach base, of course, you may put your request to the commandant and perhaps he will agree.”
    Rogo stepped forward and jammed the slim pistol into the officer’s stomach. “Okay, forget the badge. This is my authority from here on out.”
    For a moment there was complete silence aboard the craft. Every clack of the engine turning the huge rotors sounded louder than ever. The officer looked down at the gun, gave a small shrug and called up the stairs, “Marcel, Eddy, I have a gun pushed into my stomach by a madman who wishes to go back to the ship.”
    After a pause, a voice came back, “What did he forget—his hat?”
    The tremble in the officer’s words underlined his sincerity. “There is no joking, I promise you. Please do as he says and return.”
    A face appeared at the top of the short staircase and looked down. “Mon Dieu! He really means it.”
    Rogo confirmed, “You gotta believe it, pal. Now get moving and don’t touch that transmitter.”
    The pilot had seen enough in that one moment to understand the seriousness of the situation. “If you are determined, monsieur, there is little we can do about it.”
    There was a slight change in the note of the engine and the floor of the helicopter tilted. Rogo caught the look on the warrant officer’s face and said, “Don’t try it, bud. Bigger guys than you have been on the end of