what does "one of several near misses for Godfrey?"
Mac had reacted quickly. The flight to Washington, he realized, would have to be postponed. He had headed for Swindal, and as he darted forward he must have passed McHugh—one of several near misses for Godfrey, which can only be understood in the light of the turmoil in the staff area.
"Cut it off!" Mac had told Swindal. He offered no explanation, but he was a member of the Presidential staff. The pilot had obediently reached for his instruments.