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Pitt came to his feet and paced the room. "No, no, I'm not an administrator."
"Gunn and his team can handle the day-to-day business," explained Sandecker. "With your background of achievement, you'd be the perfect choice to act as NUMA's chief spokesman."
The enormity of the decision was not lost on Pitt. "I've got to think about this."
Sandecker came to his feet and walked to the door. "Think about it during your honeymoon. We'll discuss it when you and Loren return."
"I've got to discuss it with her first, now that we're married."
"We've already talked. She's in favor."
Pitt fixed the admiral with an iron stare. "You old devil."
"Yes," said Sandecker cheerfully. "I am that."
Pitt returned to the reception and mingled with the guests, posing for pictures with Loren and their parents. He was talking with his mother when Dirk came up and tapped Pitt on the shoulder.
"Dad, there's a man at the door who wants to see you."
Pitt excused himself and walked through the rows of old cars and the throng of friends and guests. When he reached the door, he found an older man, around seventy with white hair and beard. He stood almost the same height as Pitt, and though his eyes were not as green they had a similar twinkle.
"Can I help you?" asked Pitt.
"Yes, I contacted you some time ago about coming by and viewing your car collection. We parked next to each other at a concourse a few years ago."
"Of course, I displayed my Stutz and you had a Hispano Suiza."
"Yes, that's right." The man looked behind Pitt at the festivities. "It seems I've come at a bad time."
"No, no," said Pitt in a happy mood. "It's my wedding day. You're welcome to join the party."
"That's very gracious of you."
"I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name."
The old man looked at him and smiled. "Cussler, Clive Cussler."
Pitt studied Cussler pensively for a long moment. "Strange," he said in a vague tone, "I get the feeling I've known you for a long time."
"Perhaps in another dimension."
Pitt put his arm around Cussler's shoulders. "Come on in, Clive, before my guests drink up all the champagne."
Together, they stepped into the hangar and closed the door.
