I just started reading the Mediterranean Caper and in chapter 1 when Dirk and Al are flying in their plane on the way to help Brady Air Force Base, Cussler gives a little flashback to Pacific Vortex, which I haven't read yet, but he says on page 15 that Giordino "shuddered slightly at the recollection as he glanced at the missing finger on his right hand". I have read ten of Cussler's later books and I cannot recall any mention of Al losing a finger. Just thought I'de see what you guys have to say.

*Warning of minor spoiler*
Al loses a finger in Pacific Vortex, which is the first adventure. Delphi is about to shoot Dirk, and Al sticks his finger into the end of the gun, and it blows the gun.
It's more like he lost half his finger, not all of it.

It's been awhile since I read it, so someone correct me if i'm wrong.

In PV it describes his pinkie as "smased to the base."
I'm embarrassed to say I don't remember a mention of it in TMC, though I'm glad it's there. I do however recall a mention of it in one of the most recent books, either Valhalla Rising or Trojan Odyssey, but I couldn't tell you where. There's no mention of it at all in all the intervening books, and maybe even one or two sentences that would leave you saying "Wait a sec, didn't Al lose a finger?"

okay, thanks guys. dont worry, i don't think that spoiled too much for me. I'm reading Pacific Vortex now, then gonna move onto TMC just for the sake to keep it chronological.