by S. L. Menear
“Thanks, Rodeo and Jersey. Not sure how I’ll explain my wing damage. I’d better land at the Navy base in Naples and keep this quiet. As far as the world is concerned, you guys shot down all the L-39s.”
“Rodeo suggests you call Commander Metz on the SATCOM. He’ll take care of it.”
“Good idea. In the meantime, I’ll tell ATC we have navigation malfunctions that require a landing in Naples.”
“We’ll shadow you to the Italian coast, Bücker. You now have legendary status with the Navy. Nobody will ever top this. You’re shit hot, man!”
Lance grinned. “He’s right about that, Jeff. Your ballsy maneuver will be recorded in the annals of Naval aviation history.”
“I’m just happy it worked.” Jeff blew out a sigh.
“Oh, and thanks for saving my butt, again.” Lance laughed. “Sam was right about you. She told me if she was flying a fully armed Super Hornet and you were in a Piper Cub with a BB gun, you’d still find a way to take her down.”
“Yeah, thanks, Jeff. Guess we can’t blame Sam for this one.” Pete patted Jeff’s back.
“The jury’s still out on that. The terrorists don’t know she isn’t on board.” Jeff adjusted the elevator trim. “Lance, call Inga and check on the cabin.”
Lance called Inga on the intercom and reported back, “Inga said all’s well in the cabin.”
“Good, I’ll have some explaining to do when we land in Naples. We’ll need a good cover story, and we’d better pray the passengers didn’t see those L39s.” Jeff glanced at Lance.
“I hope the Al Ghazi network isn’t after Sam. She’s got enough enemies without them,” Pete said.
“If they’re onto her, they’ll be after us too. I think the hijacking attempt was a fishing expedition. They wanted to land us on a terrorist airfield so they could find out if we knew what happened to their leaders. We’d better watch our backs for a good long while.”
“Dang, our job isn’t supposed to be this stressful.” Lance shook his head. He answered a call from ATC and explained their NAV radios were intermittent, and they were diverting to Naples.
Jeff called Commander Metz on the SATCOM. “We’ve got big problems. Meet us in Naples.”
Seventeen
Dundee, Scotland
The spy held the mobile phone to his ear. He zipped his jacket and gazed across the bay as he gave his report to Lord Sweetwater.
“Navy SEALs rescued her group in Petra and brought them to Aqaba. Her charter to Paris made an unscheduled landing at the U.S. Navy base in Naples, but we aren’t sure she’s on the flight.”
“I’ll send a team to Naples. They can grab the crew and find out where she is,” Sweetwater said.
“Loren Starr and Laird MacLeod are taking a private helicopter to an estate in York today for a luncheon with Lord and Lady Covington.” He raised his collar against the brisk wind.
“I’ll send the team watching MacLeod Castle to York. They may get a chance to snatch Mrs. Starr. She must know where her daughter is. Good job.”
Craigervie, Scotland
Werner stood on the balcony of his top-floor suite in the centuries-old Highlander Inn in Craigervie, Scotland. He gazed down at the angry North Sea under a gray mid-morning sky. Foamy waves crashed into the rock cliff and splashed plumes of salty spray. He turned his back to the cold, wet wind to protect his mobile against his ear.
“I used the tail number on the helicopter in Petra to find them. The pilot feared his employer more than death. The promise of millions and a ride to South America loosened his tongue. After he talked, I disposed of him.”
“Our enemy’s name?”
“Lord Edgar Sweetwater, British billionaire arms dealer. Lives on a big estate northeast of London. He has a sniper team shadowing the Golden Twin.”
“Why?”
“Sweetwater wants Poseidon’s Sword. He thinks she’ll lead him to it.”
“How does he know Samantha Starr’s travel plans?”
“He has a high-tech spy facility in Dundee. They tap into all her phone calls and text messages.”
“Where is she now?”
“Sweetwater isn’t sure. We have a parabolic listening device focused on his spy facility. They tracked her charter flight to the U.S. Navy base in Naples and also have a team watching MacLeod Castle near Craigervie where her mother is staying. I sent a team to Naples, and I have another team here near the castle. Sweetwater sent a team to Naples too.”
“Destroy the rival teams first, then abduct the crew in Naples and interrogate them. Do the same with her mother in Craigervie.”
“British Special Forces are guarding the castle. It’ll be easier to take the mother when she visits the Covingtons in York today. They’re landing a private helicopter at the estate.”
“I’ll expect good news soon.”
“Jawohl, Master.”
Naples, Italy
As Jeff paced by the conference-room window of the Navy base, a turbo-prop aircraft braking in reverse thrust rattled the glass. He looked out and saw the COD taxi to the ramp.
“Commander Metz just arrived. I hope he has a plan to keep our involvement with the L-39s secret. Too bad they don’t have a hangar big enough to hide our Boeing.” Jeff gazed at the tarps covering the outer wings of the big airliner.
“Good thing the passengers were asleep with the shades down when we hit the fighters. Inga said it happened so fast, no one in the cabin saw the collision.” Lance poured a cup of coffee.
“They woke when they felt us hit something, but they didn’t know what happened. She told them we hit a flock of birds.” Pete checked his watch. “Commander Metz will be here any minute.”
Right on cue, the Navy intelligence officer walked in. “Good morning, gentlemen. I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon. Lieutenant Starr told me you had some trouble today.” He poured a cup of coffee and sat at the table.
Jeff briefed the commander on their encounter with the L-39s. “My main concern is keeping this a secret and getting our airplane repaired without questions about the damage.”
“I took care of it. Boeing is a military contractor, and my brother is one of their top engineers. New wing tips will arrive soon with a maintenance crew. Repairs will be made with no questions asked.” The commander sipped his coffee. “A bigger concern is why Al Ghazi targeted your airplane. They can’t possibly know who took their command center or what happened to their leaders.”
“What if the Egyptian fighter pilots knew who owned the 727 I escorted out of their airspace? They could have sent word back to Al Ghazi,” Jeff said.
“You were in a U.S. Navy fighter identified by your call sign. The Egyptians couldn’t have made a connection to your airline or flight crew. It plays in perfectly with our soon-to-be-released story that our Navy took the Al Ghazi command aircraft.”
Lance sighed. “Then this was a fishing expedition to see if our people knew anything about their 727. The sooner you release that story, the better it will be for us.”
Pete joined in. “Are we certain the L-39s belonged to Al Ghazi? What if it was the Black Sun trying to capture Sam? They probably don’t know she isn’t with us.”
“The enemy fighters were leading you to a terrorist camp in northern Africa run by Al Ghazi. We confirmed that this morning by satellite.”
“So it’s what I suspected: They were just taking a chance we might know something,” Jeff said.
“Even if you didn’t know anything, they probably planned to use your people as bargaining chips to get their leaders back.” The commander took another sip.
“The president will make an announcement on national TV today confirming our Navy captured the terrorist leaders and their command center.” Commander Metz nodded at Jeff. “You should be in good shape after that. I arranged hotel accommodations for your passengers and crew. Your airplane will be ready to depart late tomorrow.”
Lance cleared his throat. “Uh, Commander, have you heard from Sam? How’s she doing
?”
“I talked to her last night after she arrived at MacLeod Castle. Said she got one hell of a ride to Naples yesterday—popped a couple stitches in the F/A-18F with Matt, but said it was worth it.”
Lance grinned. “Well, hot damn! She’s always wanted to fly a fighter. I’m glad she got the chance.”
“I’ve arranged a security detail to watch over your crew and passengers until you leave tomorrow. They’ll wear civilian clothes to keep a low profile.” The commander made a call on his cell. “The security team’s coming here. I want you to meet them.”
Jeff glanced at Lance and Pete. “Commander, is there any chance you could provide weapons for the three of us? We’re all military trained.”
“Wish I could. It was tough enough getting permission from the local carabinieri for the security team.” The commander turned when he heard a knock on the door. “That’s the team now. They’re military police in plain clothes.”
Six men with hard eyes walked in and stood at attention. Commander Metz introduced them to Jeff, Lance, and Pete.
“There’s a tour bus outside for your passengers and cabin crew. You’ll ride in the van with the security team.” Commander Metz escorted them to the waiting vehicles. “I’ll meet you and the survivors of the Petra tour group this afternoon for lunch.”
York, England
Clouds raced across a gloomy fall sky as Loren looked down at the vast Covington estate twenty miles northeast of York. The helicopter made a wide circle over a stately stone castle perched on a hill surrounded by a thousand acres of grassy fields and woodlands. It landed sixty yards from the castle on a level, well-manicured lawn bordering a cobblestone driveway that wound down the hill.
Duncan helped Loren out of the helicopter as the blades spun down. They ducked as they strode across the grass to where Ross and Sam parked a black Range Rover they had borrowed from a nearby military facility.
Duncan leaned into Loren. “Colin’s castle has been in his family for six centuries.”
“It looks impressive from the outside. I can’t wait to see what the interior is like.”
“It was recently restored and refurbished. Suzanne described it as an elegant blend of ancient history and modern convenience. We’ll soon see if we agree.” He took her arm as they climbed the stone steps with Ross and Sam.
“The timing worked out perfectly, arriving together as planned,” Ross said.
When the butler opened the door, they stepped into an elegant foyer with stone floors covered in red Axminster carpet and magnificent crystal chandeliers hanging twenty feet above.
“His Lordship and Lady Covington are waiting to receive you in the drawing room.” The butler led them into an expansive semi-circular room with towering windows and a lavish cream and green Aubusson carpet covering the stone floor. The green silk wall coverings matched the draperies and silk-covered furniture. Two crystal chandeliers glittered above.
“Lord and Lady Covington, thank you for seeing us on such short notice,” Duncan said when the attractive couple in their forties stood to greet them.
“It’s our pleasure.” Lady Suzanne Covington smiled warmly. “Let’s dispense with the formalities. Please call us Colin and Suzanne.”
“Sorry about having to keep your curtains drawn, Suzanne. We can’t risk anyone seeing my daughter, Sam.” Loren gestured at Sam, who stood beside her dressed in black combat gear.
Sam removed her helmet with the dark visor. “Colin and Suzanne, I appreciate your discretion. My presence in your country must be kept secret. As you can see, I’m under military protection. I can only tell you that it’s to ensure my safety.”
“We understand. Our three daughters, Kristin, Kathleen, and Kerri mean everything to us.” Suzanne led her guests into the dining room. When everyone was seated, she asked, “How may we help you?”
Duncan took the lead. “Loren was close friends with the Conor family. Until recently, she thought the entire family perished in the crash. New information has come to light that leads us to believe the triplets may have survived.”
“What new information?” Suzanne raised an eyebrow.
“Unfortunately, the details must be kept secret for Sam’s safety.” Duncan shook his head. “Sorry. It’s complicated.”
Colin glanced around the table as lunch was served. “It’s clear you took great care in coming here. This must be quite important. We’ll keep this secret and give you what help we can, won’t we, darling?”
“Yes, of course. What do you need?” Suzanne sipped her ice tea.
Loren swallowed a bite of chicken cordon bleu and activated the record function on her cell phone. “Tell us everything you can remember about the plane crash in the Himalayas. The smallest detail could help us.”
Suzanne described the sequence of events during the crash and her rescue as though it had happened the day before. “The babies’ survival pod broke loose and was flung out the broken cabin toward a distant green area shrouded in white mist. That was the last time I saw them.”
Duncan raised his eyebrows. “Weren’t the mountains covered in snow?”
“Oh yes, it was freezing cold.” Suzanne took a small bite of chicken.
“Then how do you account for the green area?” Duncan asked.
She swallowed her food and took a sip of ice tea. “No idea, but I’m certain I saw it. Colin, darling, was your team aware of a green oasis in the midst of the frozen mountains?”
“I’m afraid not, dear, but if you say it was there, I believe you.” Colin turned to Duncan. “Suzanne’s not the sort who imagines things or exaggerates. She’s steady as a rock and quite brave.”
“Suzanne, your memory of the event is quite vivid, which is an immense help to us,” Sam said. “Do you know why the airplane crashed?”
“One of the engines exploded, and we lost altitude. Richard Conor ran to the cockpit. The pilot turned to avoid the higher peaks. Then the electrical power went off, and the other engine stopped. Mr. Conor told me we were in a dead zone and to strap in for the crash. Soon after that we slammed into a mountain peak.”
“Could be the electromagnetic dead zone caused a small climate anomaly that created the green oasis.” Ross smiled at the elegant blonde. “Thanks to Suzanne, we know what to look for.”
“I hope you find the triplets alive and well. Please, let us know how this turns out.” Suzanne offered Ross her hand.
Ross kissed it. “If we find them, I’ll tell them you made it possible.”
Suzanne looked from Sam to Loren. “You both bear an uncanny resemblance to Sheila Conor.”
“We weren’t related, but people used to think we were sisters.” Loren sighed. “Sheila was my best friend. I miss her.”
Duncan dabbed his mouth with a linen napkin and stood. “We won’t keep you. Thanks for the hospitality.” He shook hands with Colin, kissed Suzanne’s hand, and helped Loren put on her coat.
After the good-byes, Sam pulled on the black SAS helmet and followed Ross to the military Range Rover parked in front. Duncan and Loren walked across the lawn as their pilot started the helicopter’s engine.
Duncan leaned close to Loren. “That went well. We’re no longer looking for a needle in a haystack.”
“A green area in the frozen Himalayas ought to be easy to spot.” She squeezed his hand.
“If it was obvious, someone would’ve found it long ago.” When Duncan leaned over to kiss her, he collapsed and released her hand.
Loren stared in shock at the crimson stain spreading across the left side of his camel-colored leather jacket.
She dropped to her knees and held his head. A rocket-propelled grenade streaked past her and hit the helicopter. The shock wave from the explosion knocked her onto her back.
She lay stunned as two men in balaclavas and combat fatigues grabbed her and dragged her to a helicopter. After they strapped her into a seat, she felt a needle prick.
Loren descended into a black, soundless void.
An ex
plosion behind us rattled our windows as Ross drove the military Range Rover down the long driveway. Black smoke rose from the flaming helicopter as Ross swapped ends in a bootlegger turn and raced toward the wreckage.
“I see another chopper taking off. Somebody’s on the ground. Hurry!” I tried not to panic.
“Call 999 for an ambulance and fire truck.” Ross skidded the car to a stop beside a body.
I finished the call and jumped out. “Oh my God, it’s Duncan! He’s been shot!” I knelt and checked for a pulse.
“Looks like he took one in the left lung. He’s having trouble breathing. I’ve seen this before.” Ross took off his insulated nylon jacket and folded it. “Duncan, take in a deep breath and then blow it out hard.”
Duncan’s eyes opened as he struggled to take a breath. When he exhaled, I heard the air hiss from his wound.
Ross used his jacket for a compression bandage against the wound.
“Sam, hold this down.” Ross pulled out his mobile. “I’m calling the base. It’ll take too long for the ambulance to drive this far out in the country.”
Ross made the call and pocketed his phone. “A medevac helicopter is on the way.”
The Covingtons rushed out with a blanket, towels, and a first-aid kit.
“Duncan’s been shot.” I reached up to them. “Hand me a towel and cover him with the blanket.”
“Suzanne called emergency services. They’ll be here in fifteen minutes.” Colin squeezed my shoulder.
Duncan gasped and coughed up blood. He looked deathly white.
“A military chopper is on the way with paramedics. We’re too far out to wait for the ambulance.” Ross pointed at the sky. “There it is.”
Suzanne covered Duncan with the blanket and glanced at me. “Where’s your mother?”
I fought back tears, looked at the burning wreck, and bit my lip.
Ross pulled me aside to make way for the paramedics. “Sam, your mother’s alive. They shot Duncan so they could take her. I promise we’ll get her back.”