“Such as?”
“Another art masterpiece.”
Ames stared in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Tom declared. “Dad is a business friend of the millionaire who endowed the Abingdon Art Museum in Baltimore. Among their canvases is a famous Rembrandt.”
“A Rembrandt!” Ames let out a whistle. “You
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don’t think the museum would let us fool around with a priceless painting like that!”
“The painting would never leave the museum. All we need is their cooperation to make Vaxilis think it’s being sent out of the U.S.A.-to Kabulistan.”
The Shah of Kabulistan, a small Middle Eastern country, had been a good friend of the Swifts ever since Tom had carried out a project to industrialize his nation. He was also an avid art collector. Tom explained that the museum could announce it was selling the Rembrandt to the Shah. Naturally the news stories would include details on when and how the painting was to be shipped abroad.
“Ostensibly the painting will be sent on a freighter bound for the Persian Gulf with other goods destined for Kabulistan,” Tom continued. “When the ship puts to sea, I’ll trail it in the Sea Hound-and wait for Vaxilis to strike.”
Ames was astounded at the daring scheme. “What about the freighter?” he asked. “It might be sunk if you don’t detect the enemy in time.”
“From the bomb damage to the Centurion, I’m positive the explosion took place inside the ship,” Tom replied, “which means the bomb must have been planted aboard while the ship was still in port. If Vaxilis goes for our bait, he’ll probably try the same trick this time.”