The car speeds through the streets of Armibar for about half an hour. “This is great,” whispers Pete to Jackson, “just great!” Jackson doesn’t reply. All he can see ahead is trouble. He may get another scoop, but at a very high personal price. There is unlikely to be the chance of another similar operation to capture Binnie, and Jackson’s dream of riches is rapidly turning into the darkest of nightmares.
The car turns off the road and parks up a gravel driveway. Jackson and Pete, still with their heads covered by blankets, are led by the two men into a building of unknown type and taken to a room where the blankets are removed.
The room is different from the one where they did the previous interview. Again, there are two chairs facing each other and a video camera set up on a tripod. Pete is told to prepare the camera for filming. He notices that Jackson is agitated, but doesn’t remark on this because of the presence of the Arab guards. In any case, he assumes that it is no more than pre-interview nerves.
******
Mack is growing concerned that Yassin has yet to deliver Jackson and Pete to the bureau. They have missed the morning editorial conference and his concern turns to alarm when he discovers that their phones appear to be turned off. He calls out to Samira: “Have you heard from Jacko or Pete this morning?” She shakes her head. “Perhaps they’ve been held up in heavy traffic.”
“Possibly,” admits Mack, “but why have they switched off their mobiles?”
“Do you think they’ve been snatched again by Bin Hassan?”
“That wasn’t the plan.”
“What plan?” she asks.
Mack realises that Samira hasn’t been told about the interview. “It’s just that they’re supposed to be here by now to talk about a possible feature,” he lies.
“I’ll call their home numbers. If there’s no answer, they may have been lifted again and are on their way to do another scoop interview with Bin Hassan. I wouldn’t worry too much. They’ll probably turn up before long.
******
As usual, Felicity drives Thomas’s embassy Jaguar to the rehab centre, dropping Sophie and Sam off at the International School on the way. She has her bag with her and is so pre-occupied by her marital concerns that she has all but forgotten that Jackson is due to collect his “microphone”. Immediately she enters the centre she is immersed in various problems that have arisen overnight with some of her more seriously injured child patients.
******
Jackson is increasingly tense as he and Pete wait for the interview to begin. When Bin Hassan finally enters the room, there are no friendly handshakes and he abruptly announces: “If you are wondering why the plans were changed, it’s simply an extra security precaution.”
“I can’t see why that was necessary,” says Jackson, trying not to display too much irritation.
“I don’t trust anyone,” replies Bin Hassan, “and that’s why I’ll remain a free man.”
Jackson makes no further comment.
“Let’s get this done,” instructs Bin Hassan. “I’ll make a statement and will not answer any questions, but your viewers will be able to see that I’m very much alive and as determined as ever to carry out my mission.”
Jackson is unhappy about this. “I think there should be questions, otherwise it might appear that we have become your mouthpiece. My bosses in London might even choose not to run the statement.”
“I don’t believe that. They’d be mad not to.”
“You’re probably right,” admits Jackson, “but we’ll have to accompany your statement with a declaration that you refused to answer questions.”
“So be it, Roger.”
Jackson has another idea. “Let’s compromise. I’ll ask you a question that will allow you to make your statement, then when you finish, you must allow me to ask at least one question for my own professional credibility. Whether you choose to answer it is up to you. As you well know, I’m in no position to force you.”
Bin Hassan thinks about this for a few moments, then agrees. “Okay, but let’s do this standing up and let’s make it quick.” The guards remove the chairs and Bin Hassan orders them to stand each side of him, but a pace behind. “I want you to make sure my guards are in the frame,” he instructs Pete. “I want your viewers to see that I’m not alone.”
Everyone gets in position and Pete starts filming.
Jackson begins his introduction:
My cameraman, Peter Fox, and I were snatched off the streets of Armibar this morning by members of the Soldiers of Allah terrorist group…
Bin Hassan angrily cuts the introduction short:
No, no. I won’t allow you to describe us as terrorists. We are soldiers fighting a just war. Now, start your introduction again…
Jackson does as ordered:
My cameraman, Peter Fox, and I were snatched off the streets of Armibar this morning by members of the group calling itself Soldiers of Allah. They did so because they wanted us to see that their leader, Ahmed Faisel Bin Hassan, is still alive, contrary to the claims on the group’s official website which appears to have been hacked. As is now widely known, Ahmed and I went to school together in London and we were, at that time, good friends. We have since taken very different paths and Ahmed knows that I do not approve of the way he and his group are waging their war. He wishes to make a short statement before allowing my cameraman and me to go free.
Bin Hassan responds:
First let me repeat to you in the strongest of terms: We are not terrorists. We are freedom fighters – fighting to shake off the yoke of the callous, imperialistic American military machine and to avenge what their own terrorists did by destroying my entire peace-loving family in Iraq. Let me tell you that our fight will go on until we have achieved victory. Our destruction of the United States Embassy in Armibar is just the first of many such operations, not just here, but in other parts of the world. Clearly, the Americans now know that we are a serious challenge to them, which it why they have carried out a cyberattack on our website and are manipulating it to spread lies about my death and the alleged collapse of Soldiers of Allah. That is the end of my statement.
As arranged, Jackson attempts to ask a question:
Do you have any regrets about the innocent people who died in the embassy attack and might die in future attacks by your organisation?
Bin Hassan responds:
I will not answer any questions. It would be pointless.
Jackson persists:
You may think it pointless, but our viewers would surely like to know if you have any qualms about your operations. Is the killing of innocent people ever on your conscience?
Bin Hassan is annoyed:
I told you! No questions! Now switch off the camera. Now!
The two guards produce their hand guns and wave them at Jackson and Pete and there are no further attempts to pursue the questioning.
******
On the way back to Yassin, Jackson’s mind is in turmoil, but Pete is elated. “Another great scoop we’ve got, Jacko,” he whispers. “I even got those thugs waving the guns at us before I switched off the camera. Fucking brilliant!” Jackson is too emotionally drained to respond.
On their arrival back at their car, their phones are returned, but they are ordered not to move or call anyone for five minutes, so that the two Mercedes have a chance to get clear of the area. As they wait impatiently for the time to elapse, Jackson sags in the front seat, struggling vainly to plot a way out of his predicament. He now knows that the $2m promised by the Americans will never be his and that the $250,000 deposit will probably be withdrawn from the Roger Smith account. Then there is also the problem of having to deal with Thomas and any future demands he may decide to make. Pete, on the other hand, remains hyperactive with excitement and keeps repeating “Brilliant! Bloody brilliant!” until Jackson can stand it no more and tells him to “shut the fuck up!”
The five minutes waiting time expires and Jackson phones Mack to tell him about the surprise change of p
lans and to report that Yassin is driving him and Pete to the bureau. Mack is relieved to know that they are safe and is keen to view the fruits of their latest adventure.
******
When Thomas told Felicity that he was “off the coast and among friends”, the bald truth was that he was on the American aircraft carrier Advance, anchored in the Mediterranean. It is here that the top-level survivors of the attack on the Armibar Embassy were taken for their safety.
Thomas is seated in front of a computer on a small bench in one of the carrier’s battle rooms. Alongside him is a bespectacled and uniformed US Navy commander, Todd Chilton, aged about 50 and with greying hair, close-cropped in the accepted American military style. As a member of the armed forces since he was a teenager, he has the air of a man who has seen it all and done it all.
The room has all the appearances of a NASA installation. There is a wall full of video screens, one larger than the rest, and all operated by lower rank male and female officers seated at computers on a bench immediately in front of Thomas and Todd.
It is 11am and Thomas and Todd have been in the battle room since breakfast, preparing for the moment when Jackson will complete his mission by planting the tracking device. Both are getting tense.
Thomas points to the main screen showing an aerial map of Armibar with a series of flashing lights evenly spread about the city. “All our snatch squads seem to be getting into position. Once Jackson Dunbar’s tracker shows up, they’ll be ready to pounce.”
“My guess is that Bin Hassan will be somewhere in the north west of the city, hiding in the slums,” speculates Todd.
Thomas disagrees. “Sorry, but he’s from a well-off middle class family and I reckon he’d more comfortable in one of the reasonably affluent areas in the south-eastern suburbs.”
“Want a bet?” asks Todd with a grin.
“Righto. I’ll put 100 dollars on that. Will you match me?”
“Sure,” says Todd, reaching for his wallet and depositing a $100 note on the bench.
******
At the bureau, Mack and the rest of the team view the Bin Hassan recording. Mack is impressed, but says he will clear it with Marina Kerner before anyone else outside the bureau sees it. He also remembers that he promised to offer it to CNN and Al-Jazeera. He says he will do that once Marina has approved the video for broadcast.
Mack notices that Jackson has gone to his desk and is staring anxiously into the middle distance. “Hey, why so morose? This Bin Hassan stuff is great.”
“Thanks,” replies Jackson without enthusiasm, “glad you like it.”
“Yeah, mate, what’s got into you?” Pete asks him. “You’ve been acting funny ever since we got lifted.”
“Sorry about that, but I don’t feel very well.”
Mack estimates that it will be two or three hours before the video is cleared to go and suggests that in the meantime Jackson go upstairs to his apartment where Joan will show him to the spare room for a nap. “We’ll get the interview ready for transmission and will call you down when we’re ready to go. All being well, you’ll be feeling better by then.” Jackson agrees.
Joan greets Jackson at the apartment door. “Mack tells me that you are feeling a bit ‘off’.”
“Yes, not too sparkling,” he agrees. “I just need to rest a little, then I’ll probably be okay,” he says without conviction.
Joan shows him to the guest bedroom. “Make yourself comfortable here. I’ll be working in my study next door and I’ll knock on the door when they want you downstairs.”
“Thanks, Joan,” says Jackson. “How’s your book coming along?”
“Quite well, I think. My publishers like the idea of my imagining what it’ll be like for the royal family a hundred years from now.”
“Good luck with it, Joan. I hope it’s as successful as your other books.”
“Me too,” she says holding up a hand with her fingers crossed.
Jackson goes into the guest bedroom and closes the door behind him. He lies down on the double bed, but is in no mental state to sleep. He stares bleakly at the ceiling, hating himself for having got into such a fix with no easy way out.
******
It is now 1.30pm – 90 minutes after Jackson and Pete were due to be lifted – and Thomas and Todd are anxiously scanning the main screen for any sign of BH1, the identity given to Jackson’s tracking device. “We should have got something by now,” worries Thomas. “I hope nothing’s gone wrong.”
“Maybe your device isn’t working,” suggests Todd with a frown.
“No, I’m sure it’s not that. We made tests from all parts of the city and it never failed.”
“It’d better not,” says Todd with growing irritation. “And your mate Jackson had better not let us down either. There’s too much at stake here. We’re being keenly monitored by the White House and the Pentagon.”
“Jackson won’t let us down, Todd. He now agrees that Bin Hassan cannot be allowed to remain free. And two million dollars is a financial carrot that he’s in no position to ignore.”
******
It is a half day at the International School and Felicity leaves her assistants in charge of the rehabilitation centre while she takes Sam and Sophie out for the afternoon. She throws her bag on the back seat, having completely forgotten that it still contains the “microphone” that Jackson had failed to collect.
Sam and Sophie come running out of the school to greet their mother. They are in the school’s neat grey and green uniform. Sophie gets in the front seat, Sam in the back. They drive away.
“Have you got anything to eat, Mummy?” Sam asks.
“Haven’t you just had lunch?” Felicity wants to know.
“Yes, but I’m still hungry,” he says.
“There are some mints in my bag. Have one of those,” she tells him.
Sam rummages around in Felicity’s bag and finds a bag of sweets. He takes a couple and pops them in his mouth. He also finds Jackson’s “microphone” in its small cardboard box.
“What this, Mummy?” he asks, holding it up for her to see in the rear view mirror.
“Oh Heavens, that’s Uncle Jackson’s microphone! He was supposed to collect it this morning. Just put it back in my bag and he can get it some other time.”
Being a curious child, Sam ignores his mother’s order and opens the box to see what is in it. He takes out the tracker and sees that it has a toggle switch at the top. He flicks the switch and a tiny red light is illuminated. After a few seconds he switches it off, then on again. His mother sees him playing with the device and shouts at him: “Put that away immediately! Uncle Jackson will be cross if he knows that you’re messing about with it.”
Sam reluctantly switches it off, puts it back in its box and drops it onto the seat beside him. “Where are we going?” he asks.
“To the park for some fresh air.”
Sam groans. “The park is boring. Why can’t we go home so that I can play games on the computer?”
“You can play games after we’ve been to the park and you’ve done your homework,” she tells him.
“I don’t want to go to the park,” he moans.
“Well, you’re going, so that’s it!”
“Just shut up, Sam,” shouts Sophie. “I like the park. I want to play with my friends there.”
CHAPTER 29
On the aircraft carrier Advance, Thomas and Todd are relieved, then baffled, when the tracker BH1 pops up on the screen, then disappears, then returns, then disappears. “What in damnation is going on?” asks Todd.
“I don’t know,” replies Thomas. “It’s almost as though he’s trying to send us a message. The tracker is not in either of the places we thought it might be and it seems to be moving.”
Todd shouts to the row of officers in front of him. “Give us a satellite shot of where that signal came from.”
A picture comes up on one of the screens and it shows a street not far from the centre of Armibar. The road is busy with car
s and other vehicles. “Well, that doesn’t help, does it,” says Thomas. “The signal could have come from any of those vehicles. At least we know that the tracker seems to be working, so we’ll have to sit here patiently and see what happens.”
“I don’t like this,” says Todd tetchily. “Why is the tracker moving? It should be in a fixed position.”
“Let’s see what happens next. I’m sure that Jackson won’t let us down. Relax.”
“Is there any way we can make contact with him?” asks Todd.
“Impossible, at least not until he is released by Bin Hassan’s lot, but let’s see what they say when I ring his office.”
There is no mobile phone signal on the ship, so Thomas uses a control room phone to dial the BBC. The call is answered by Samira.
“Good afternoon,” Thomas says, “I wonder if I could speak to Mr Jackson Dunbar?”
“I’m sorry,” Samira replies, “but Mr Dunbar is not in the office at present.”
“That’s a pity. When will he be available?”
“Not for a few more hours, at least. I can pass on a message if you give me your name.”
“No, it’s okay. It’s not urgent. I will try again later this afternoon.”
“Tomorrow would be better,” advises Samira. “Mr Dunbar will be very busy for the rest of today.”
The call ends and Thomas turns to Todd. “See! It all looks okay. We just have to be patient.”
******
Felicity drives into the park through an avenue of palms and heads for the playground. She pulls up in the shade of a large tree next to a refreshments hut. She and the children get out of the car and she buys them each an ice cream. Sam is still complaining about being taken to the park. “Stop being difficult,” she tells him. “Be quiet and eat your ice cream!”
The three of them walk the 100 metres or so to the playground with its swings, roundabouts, slides and climbing frames. They finish their ice creams and the two children join in playing with a number of other children. Sam grudgingly begins to enjoy himself, first on the swings, then on the slides. Sophie prefers the climbing frames.
The Mortal Maze Page 29