Treasures in the Tackle Box

Plans never kept up with change. Henry had intended to cut loose once they were far enough out at sea, but first, they received a distinguished guest in the form of a helicopter. Helicopters were not uncommon in New York; plenty of wealthy people grew tired of New York's traffic and simply used helicopters to get around. For instance, Kobe Bryant, the NBA Lakers star who would later die in an accident, had been killed when his rented helicopter crashed.

New York also had sightseeing helicopters that flew fixed routes. Some wealthy tourists from out of town would ride them to view famous New York City landmarks from the air, including the Statue of Liberty.

So at first, the sound of helicopter rotors and engines did not draw the attention of anyone aboard the Dragon. It was only when the noise drew closer and closer that someone felt something was wrong.

Marty Franklin, who looked equally annoyed, glanced up at the helicopter. "Am I the only one who thinks that helicopter is heading toward us, or does anyone else feel the same way?"

The black girl's words made the others pay attention to the helicopter overhead as well. "It really does look like it's coming for us." "Is it a Coast Guard helicopter?" "The color doesn't look right."

Once it got close enough, the helicopter suddenly turned, presenting its side toward the Dragon out at sea. At almost the same instant, Cathy cried out, "Girls, get back in your seats!" She yanked Anya Corazon, who had leaned her head outside, backward!

A man holding a rifle leaned out through the helicopter's opened side door. He sprayed gunfire at the boat from a distance as the helicopter kept closing in. He seemed very accustomed to firing this way, so his accuracy