“I’ll watch my step.”
“And as your doctor, I’d suggest you take a rest before doing whatever it is you’re planning.”
“I’ll listen to your advice as both my friend, and my doctor.”
“But you may not necessarily take it.”
“I did not say that.”
Melville’s smile was rueful. “I know you too well, Bill. Now I’d better be going. Mmm…I suppose you want me to hold fire on my report.”
“Only for a short while. What’s more, I don’t want the news going round the Base. I don’t want anyone getting ideas of going off base to kick some ass. We don’t need that kind of trouble.”
Melville nodded. “I’ll see to it.”
“Can I talk to Josh? Or should I leave him alone for now?”
“You can talk with him. He’ll probably pop off in the middle of your conversation, though. If he switches moods, don’t read too much into it. He’s got plenty to assimilate emotionally. He may also avoid talking about Elisabeth.”
“I understand.” Jackson held out a hand. “Thanks for coming, Pete.”
“What for?” Melville said as he shook the hand. “You watch yourself, Bill. You hear?”
Jackson nodded as he showed Melville out.
“If there’s any ass to be kicked,” he said to himself as he heard Melville’s car leaving, “I’ll be the one doing it.”
He went up the stairs to the boy’s room. Josh was awake, playing the same game on his mobile.
“Hey, soldier. Winning that game yet?”
The boy looked up from his game with a huge smile as Jackson sat down next to him on the bed.
“Dad! Ahh,” he went on in some annoyance. “It’s tough…but I won’t give up.” Then he brightened. “Did the Doc tell you? I’m going to get a cool headband.”
“He told me. Ninjas?”
“Well, not exactly. More like rapper stuff. I know you don’t think rap is cool…”
“Some rap. Not all.”
“So? Can I have one?”
“You can.”
“Cool! I might change my mind, though.”
“That’s okay. Josh,” Jackson, tentative, continued, “can we talk some more about what happened? Not a long talk. Just a few things I’d like to clear up.”
The green eyes looked at him with unnerving directness. “You want to know if I spotted anything.”
“Yes. Anything that might help. Anything you might have noticed about the men who did this.”
“Their cars. They were driving dark Mercedes cars.”
“Sports car? Sedans? Coupes?”
“The one that blocked us in front was a sedan. The one at the back a coupe.”
“That’s good. Anything else?”
“They all had masks, but when I was on the ground, I saw that the men from the car in front had jeans and trainers…”
“Trainers. You’re sure? Not paratroop-type boots?”
Josh shook his head, clear about what he had seen. “Trainers.”
“And the other man?”
“He’s the one that hit me, and cut me. He had normal pants on, and shoes. Good shoes.”
“Two goons, and their boss,” Jackson said, almost to himself.
“And…and there’s the knife,” Josh said, voice rising in a quavering excitement. “I was so afraid, I was looking at it to see what he was going to do with it. It was a small knife with a black handle. He pressed it, and the blade came out.” Josh shivered as memory of the experience came rushing back.
Jackson put an arm about the boy’s shoulders. “It’s okay, son. We’ll leave it for now.”
But Josh wanted to talk. “There…there was a strange…marking on the handle. It seemed to be inside. And the men with the trainers…one of them talked about something called ‘semper’. He didn’t sound very happy. The man with the shoes shut him up. I think the man said something that was important. I pretended I did not hear.”
“That was very smart. The man who said ‘semper’…a Marine?”
“I know about the Marines, Dad.” Josh was almost scornful. “That’s semper fidelis. That’s not what the man was talking about. Anyway, it was all in German.”
“Alright, Josh. That was very good. Now you must get some rest.”
Suddenly, the boy’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s not coming back, is she, Dad? Mom’s not coming back!”
Jackson held his son tightly. “I’m going to get her back for us, Josh. I swear to you. Do you hear? Josh?”
Jackson looked down.
The boy was fast asleep, the mobile still in his hand, the game still on.
Gently, the colonel settled his son into the bed, took the mobile away, and put it on the bedside table. He left it on. The display asked whether the game should be saved at its present level, or deleted. Jackson saved it.
He went on silent feet to the door, and looked back.
“I promise, Josh,” he vowed quietly.
Jackson was back in his study, this time recording a video message.
As he had done when writing, he was deliberate in his choice of words. When he had finished, he made an extra copy. He put each video into a padded envelope, and addressed them.
Just as he had finished, the doorbell rang.
He put the padded envelopes into a drawer, and locked it. Picking up the white envelope, he left the study to go to the door.
He opened the door to Dales.
“Thanks for coming, Jack.” He stood back for Dales, who gave him a wary look, to enter.
As they went into the living room, Dales glanced at the envelope. “Is that what I think it is, sir?”
“What do you think it is, Jack?”
“I’m guessing. You’re going after those people, and that’s the explanation.”
“You’re right…in part.”
“Sir, if I may…”
“You may, Jack. Forget the ranks. This is Bill, and Jack. And this…,” Jackson held up the envelope. “…is for you. Don’t open it until the right moment.”
“Which will be?”
“You’ll know when. This envelope also gives you the Base, in my absence. Take the envelope, Jack.”
Dales stared at him. “Are you nuts? I can’t stand by and watch you sink your career…”
“And I can’t stand by and leave my wife in the hands of some sick bastards, especially after I promised my son I would get her back. I promised myself too.”
“Jesus, Bill. I know I cannot possibly understand what you’re going through. But think! We’ve got channels for this kind of thing…”
“Channels that will take forever, while Elisabeth is out there in the hands of some maniacs, scared, and wondering what they might do to her. Do you want a picture?”
“Christ, no. But you’re doing what you would stamp on any other soldier for.”
Jackson’s smile was grim. “The penalties and privileges of command. You can make your own decisions – within certain limits – and be hanged by them. Do you remember that time in the desert? We were standing by a Humvee. Do you remember what you said to me?”
“I remember. ‘Bill, I think you should duck’. Then we both hit the deck.”
“And a bullet hit the Humvee, exactly where I’d been standing. Now the crazy thing about that bullet, was that it was fired from nearly two miles. No way could you have known there was a sniper’s bullet with my name on it, at that very moment.”
“It was a feeling,” Dales said. “Couldn’t explain it then, can’t explain it now.”
“I have that same kind of feeling right now,” Jackson said. “The people who took my wife and assaulted my son, tried to make it look like a racist attack. Now I asked myself, why would anyone want that? Answer, to cause some very nasty trouble. But why? And that’s what’s been exercising me. That’s why it’s scaring the shit out me, because they’ve got Elisabeth. It’s also scaring me that there have been no attempts at contact. Nothing. It’s as if she has disappeared off the damned planet.
The kind of people who would go to all that trouble, including cold-bloodedly doing what they did to Josh, tells me these are not your average lowlife no-brains.
“We are dealing with something far more sinister. They are so sure of themselves, they can’t even be bothered to make a single call, like any normal sicko kidnapper. They are making no demands. They’re saying to me, we’ll be in touch when we’re good and ready. Meanwhile, you sweat. I overheard an argument between them, through Josh’s cell phone. One man was worried. He never thought his orders meant he was to attack an American colonel’s family. He mentioned a name, and was immediately told to shut up. Josh heard that name. Josh also saw something else, which I hope will help nail them.”
“I still say use our channels…”
Jackson shook his head. “No way. I can’t risk it. I may be blocked by those same channels, or it may take too long while people argue; and meanwhile, Elisabeth runs out of time. My way will get results much faster.”
“And perhaps your head and career handed to you on a plate.”
“Jack, as far as my wife and kids are concerned, if I can’t protect them, to hell with career. Would you risk your career for Phoebe?”
“That’s a low blow.”
“I got two low blows today.”
Dales gave a sigh of resignation. “I can see there’s no arguing.”
“None at all.”
Dales made a last effort. “If you won’t use channels, how about the German cops?”
“I have a cop in mind; from Berlin, but I don’t know how to reach him…”
“Use the cops. They will know.”
“No. I don’t want whoever is behind this to even know what I plan, until I want them to. For all I know, they’ve got access to the cops as well.”
“How can you tell? You could be going way off-beam on this…”
“Sure I could.”
“So?”
“I’ll do it my way.”
“Jesus, Bill. You’re heading for a fall.”
“If I don’t do this, Jack. I’m not fit to hold a command. I’m not fit to be a husband, and a father. I’m not being emotional. I think you know me well enough to understand that.”
Dales gave a reluctant nod.
“I need a favour. Two favours.”
“Whatever I may feel about this, you know you don’t have to ask.”
“Thanks, Jack. First, you say nothing about what I have told you regarding what I think I know. No exception, Jack.”
“You got it.”
“Second, I want you and Phoebe to look after the kids for me.”
“That goes without question.”
Jackson nodded. “Then that’s it. When Elene gets back, I’ll let her know what happened as gently as I can, then let she and Josh know they’ll be staying with you for a few days.”
“When should we pick them up?”
“Sometime this evening, if that’s okay.”
“No problem.”
Jackson was still holding out the envelope. “You’ll need this.”
With some reluctance, Dales took it.
“The Base is now yours, Colonel,” Jackson said. “Officially, I’m now on a few days’ vacation. ”
“Yes, sir. Let’s hope it isn’t permanent.”
“We’ll see. And Jack…”
“Sir?”
“Keep a tight lid on things. No one must even think of going hunting for these people, when the news gets out about Elisabeth and Josh. I’ll have no vigilantes in my command, as long as I’ve still got it.”
“I’ve already started. I’ve given Cody Henderson a heads-up.”
“That’s good. Cody will sit on them.”
“And I’ll instruct all the other officers.”
Jackson nodded in approval.
“That cop you mentioned,” Dales said. “Do I get the name?”
“Sorry, Jack. I’m keeping this one very close. I have to, for Elisabeth’s sake. If I can reach him the way I believe I might be able to, you’ll be hearing from him.”
“And where will you be?”
“You’ll know when the time comes, just as you’ll know when to open the envelope.” Jackson paused. “I’m going to get those bastards to come looking for me, Jack.”
CAFA Base 19.00, Commander’s residence.
Elene and Josh were in the hall, the personal things they would need for their short stay, in their small back packs. The childless Phoebe and John Dales, concern upon their faces, stood to one side, waiting for the children to take leave of their father. Above their heads, the throbbing of the Apache helicopters continued.
Elene Jackson seemed a perfect, smaller replica of her mother. There was more blonde in her hair, which had more curls than Josh’s. Her eyes, a dark green that was almost black, were brimming with tears as she hugged a squatting Jackson tightly.
“Okay, baby.” He cleared his throat. “Just a few days with and Auntie Phoebe, and Uncle Jack. You already spend as much time there as here, so it will be just like going to your other bedroom.” He took her by the shoulders to look at her with a smile. “Won’t it?”
She nodded, wiping at the tears. “Mm hmm.”
“There you go.” Jackson straightened at looked at Josh, who had put on a brave face, and was not crying. “Look after your sister, Josh.”
“Yes, sir.” Josh
He gave Josh a hug. “Okay, son. Off you go.” He nodded at his two friends, who took the children’s hands and led them out.
Just before he went outside, Dales glanced back .
Jackson had the distinct feeling that the look in Dales’ eyes gave the impression that the lieutenant-colonel thought he was seeing his commander for the last time.
Jackson returned to his study.
There were two backpacks on the floor. In one, was everything he felt he needed for his purposes. This included a micro Uzi submachine gun, and a Sig Sauer P226 automatic pistol, a large calibre special duties pump shotgun with folding stock - with plenty of ammunition for all – and a combat knife. The second pack held a change of clothing for when he got to the destination he had in mind, and the padded envelopes.
He picked up his mobile from the desk, held it contemplatively for some moments, wondering whether he should leave it behind. He decided to take it.
He closed the packs.
He checked through the house to ensure that all was secure, then returning to the study to pick up the packs, went out to place them into the boot of the Audi. He then went back to lock the door, trying hard not to think of his wife in the hands of the people who had taken her. Face grim, he got into the car and drove towards the main gate.
Henderson was still there when Jackson arrived. The lieutenant approached the car and saluted.
Jackson looked up at him. “I’m taking a few days vacation, Cody.”
“Yes, sir.” Henderson’s eyes were lively with questions he refrained from asking.
“Colonel Dales has the Base.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I believe he’s given you a heads-up.”
“Yes, sir. He has.”
“I’m relying on you, Cody.”
“You can, sir.”
Jackson nodded, and began to drive off.
“Sir?”
Jackson stopped. The gate barrier had already been raised in anticipation.
“Just be careful out there.”
“I consider that serious advice, Cody. I’ll take it.”
“Yes, sir.” Henderson saluted.
Jackson acknowledged in his usual way, and drove off CAFA Base.
He drove towards Würzburg, taking his time. Just under an hour later, he arrived at his first destination: a large house on the outskirts of the city. He parked the Audi in front of it, leaving the entrance to the double garage clear.
He got out, went to the boot to get the two envelopes, locked the car, and went up to the house. The door was answered almost immediately to his first ring, by a man about his own
age with blond, neck-length hair. There was a distinct resemblance to Jackson’s wife.
“Bill!” Klaus Neusser beamed in welcome. He extended a hand as he peered past Jackson. “My little cousin with you?” He spoke English.
Shaking the hand, Jackson said, “No. That’s what I’m here for.”
Neusser frowned uncertainly. “Trouble? I can’t imagine any trouble between you two.”
“Not what you think, Klaus. Something else entirely.”
“Come in. Come in,” Neusser said. “I am on my own at the moment. Martha’s away on one of her teacher’s courses and Markus is, of course, at his college in the north; so we can talk in absolute privacy, if that’s what you want.”
“That’s exactly what I want. Markus is about seventeen now, isn’t he?”
“Nearer eighteen.”
“They do grow fast.”
“Oh yes. Before you know it, yours will be eating you out of house and home.”
Jackson gave a fleeting smile that was tinged with sadness. “I think they’ve already started.”
Neusser gave him a searching look. “Your voice tells me this is serious.”
“That, Klaus, is an understatement.”
“You beginning to make me worried.” Neusser glanced down at the envelopes Jackson held. “To do with these?”
Jackson nodded. “I have something to show you, then we can both worry together. I have a video I’d like you to see.”
“We can play it in the living room,” an increasingly puzzled Neusser said, “or my study.”
“Your study. Best place.”
“Okay. Drink?”
“No. You might need one afterwards.”
“You are not worrying me,” Neusser commented. “You’re scaring me.”
They entered Neusser’s large study, which accurately reflected the nature of his profession. It was set up like a mini television studio, with several monitors and different recording systems on a console bank that took up an entire wall.
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