Rock steady, unflappable, solve-it-all Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok and helicopter pilot Teri Howe are next. A jet allegedly carrying an American senator’s daughter is hijacked in Kazabek, and, thankyou Suzanne Brockmann, the boys go into explosive action. This time they take along reserve helicopter pilot Teri Howe. She’s a brilliant flyer, but has some major hang-ups from past sexual harassment. Stan takes her under his wing, allegedly to teach her some coping skills. He’s protective, hovering, determined to toughen her up, and equally determined push her into another man’s arms. Teri, however, is determined to push herself only into Stan’s arms. Forget being friends. When you’re pushed over the edge you become lovers, whew! We’re also introduced to the cool, unflappable FBI negotiator, Max Bhagat, who uncharacteristically falls for the girl held hostage. Max is amazing. Now there’s a story we can’t wait to read. Also amazing is the WWII story told by the Jewish Israeli ambassador, who struggles with encroaching Alzheimer’s. Simple and poignant. Okay, and Sam and Alyssa are back, practically vibrating with sexual tension! Just when you think they might be able to get together, a bombshell rips them apart. Not a real bomb, but the effect is almost the same.