Buzzing about like angry hornets
The narrator compares the scene of the helicopters on the big ship to angry hornets. The narrator says, "A thousand feet above the water, no fewer than five helicopters buzzed about like angry hornets." The simile shows the spectacular view of the helicopters, illustrating America's readiness for war and giving the narrator a sense of security.
Sounding like a deal end
The narrator is optimistic that Tad will cooperate to give Mitch the evidence he seeks. However, Mitch compares the narrator's optimism to a dead deal when he says, "Sounds like a deal end." Mitch knows how prison authorities make it difficult for lawyers to obtain information from prisoners. The duration takes about 90 days, and this is certainly a dead-end deal because the chances of getting the required information are minimal.
The punch
Tad’s death is likened to beating them to the pinch. The narrator says, "Early this morning, they found tad Kearny hanging from an electrical cord in the shower. Looks like he beat 'em to the punch.” The simile shows the determination of the insiders within the prison to silence Tad to conceal evidence. Mitch is disappointed when he learns Tad is no more.
