Page 159 of Clive Cussler's Quantum Tempest
Huxley forced a smile. “You probably won’t lose the hand.”
“But I won’t get it fully back, either, will I?”
Huxley laid a hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “If anyone can work a miracle, it’s Jimmy.” She turned to Cabrillo. “I need to forward Kevin’s complete medical records to him. I’ll be back shortly.”
Huxley’s departure left just Cabrillo and Nixon in the room.
“Need anything?” Juan asked.
“I’m guessing forgiveness.”
“I’m not sure if I should keelhaul you or kiss you for what you did.”
“Kinda nutso, I know. But I just figured one broken-down makeup artist wasn’t as important as the captain of theOregon.”
“I couldn’t disagree more. That was a heck of a thing you did. I’m more grateful than you know.”
“Seemed like the right thing to do.”
“You could’ve gotten yourself killed.”
Kevin chuckled. “For a moment there, I thought I was a goner. Just glad I didn’t soil my skivvies.” Nixon laid his head back down on his pillow and closed his eyes. He was still groggy from the anesthesia. In just moments, he fell back to sleep.
Cabrillo slipped away, not wanting to disturb him. But he stopped in the doorway, remembering the last time he’d visited Kevin’s private quarters. A framed photo of Nixon’s beloved sister stood on the nightstand by his bed. Juan had picked it up and studied it closely. They were fraternal twins, and according to Kevin, very close. Etched into the frame was his sister’s favorite saying:
There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends.
Cabrillo thought that fit Kevin to a T.
And the rest of his crew, too.
