Speed the Dawn

by Philip Donlay

  Donovan reeled from the words. He felt his body deflate, as if all of the air had left him. He searched Michael’s eyes, and to his great relief there was no judgment or blame—only concern and urgency. “How did you find out? How long have you known?”

  “Oh, God, I’ve known for years. Before I came to Eco-Watch, I knew of Robert Huntington, hell, everyone did. But all I cared about was he was a rich guy who owned and flew a bunch of cool airplanes. When he died in a crash, I remember thinking it was sad. Years later I started working with you, and one night, we were drinking in Montreal, and the conversation turned to airplane accidents involving celebrities. We talked about Payne Stewart and John Denver. At one point I mentioned Robert Huntington, and at the mention of that name, there was a subtle shift in your eyes, your body language tightened. It had been a normal conversation up until that point, and it made me curious. At first, I thought maybe you were a friend of Huntington’s, or in some way connected to the crash itself. Trust me, I wasn’t on some sort of quest, but over the course of several months of digging through aviation archives, I ran across a bootleg tape of a speech you gave at the Smithsonian—it was you, your voice. You’re Robert Huntington, and I was blown away. I mean, how could I not be?”

  “Yet, you didn’t say anything.”

  “I gave it a great deal of thought. Ultimately, I kind of understood. Everyone has a past, and yours has been difficult.” Michael shrugged. “I looked back and pieced together what it must have taken to endure everything that had happened to you. Who among us hasn’t wished for some kind of do-over? You pulled it off. You reinvented yourself, and that can’t be easy. When I was able to calmly process what I’d discovered, and combine it with what I already knew about you, there were several constants. You’re a highly intelligent man, and your loyalty is extraordinary, as is your passion for what we do. That’s enough for me, and our friendship has never wavered. You’ve taken Eco-Watch and turned it into more than a place to work. It’s a family. My worst fear was if I ever said something, it might somehow alter our friendship, which was the last thing I wanted.”

  Donovan remembered dozens of conversations with Michael that seemed to take on a new meaning. “It’s the same reason I never told you who I really was. Eco-Watch is what it is because of all the work we’ve done together, and I can’t thank you enough. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. Robert never really enjoyed that luxury. I thought about telling you hundreds of times, but I was terrified the truth might change everything between us.”

  “Same here. I wouldn’t have said anything today, except Shannon may be a problem, and she’s uncontained. I’m assuming you’ve planned for this possibility? The media, as well as public opinion, weren’t very kind to you twenty-five years ago. I can’t imagine what today’s media storm will look like if you were exposed.”

  “Thank you,” Donovan said. “You’ve always had my back. If I could get up, I’d give you a hug.”

  “Let’s put a rain check on the hug and figure out what we need to do to keep you and your family safe.”

  “As for Shannon, Lauren and Montero are already in the loop. I’ll talk with her, and see what she’s thinking. Montero’s been keeping an eye on her. If she gives us any inkling she’s going to go to the media, we can slow her down until we reach port. Then you’re right, I’m out of here. Lauren and Abigail and I have had plans in place for years to deal with this problem.”

  “Montero knows?” Michael shook his head in bewilderment. “How many of us are there?”

  “As of today, besides you and I, there are ten other people in the world who know the secret—unless you’ve told someone?”

  “No one.”

  “Thank you for that,” Donovan said.

  A knock sounded at the door and Montero announced herself.

  “Hang on a second,” Donovan called out. “For the moment let’s not share this discussion with Montero. I need to think about how best to proceed. Are we good?”

  “We’re good,” Michael said.

  “You and I will sit down sometime soon and we’ll talk at length.”

  “That works for me.” Michael stood.

  “Thank you,” Donovan said and then called out to Montero.

  “Am I bothering you?” Montero said as she poked her head into the room. “Oh, Michael, I didn’t know you were here. I can come back.”

  “Have a seat.” Michael stepped toward the door.

  “I’m good,” Montero said. “I’ll stand. This won’t take long. I want to bring everyone up to date. One of our survivors is a Monterey County Deputy Sheriff. He’s taken full control of the crime scene that is our helicopter. We used several tarps to fully wrap the cabin to conceal the interior. The helicopter has been moved back into the hangar. I told the sheriff you were recovering from injuries, and that you would be happy to give a formal statement later. He agreed.”

  “What else?” Donovan asked.

  “The perp is known to the sheriff. Seems he was a wanted felon. With an entire bridge of witnesses who saw you stop a kidnapping, there won’t be any legal issues.”

  “What about our federal law enforcement issues?” Donovan asked. “Any word on Lauren?”

  “I learned she was met at the hospital by more agents and transferred to another helicopter. I’ve had zero luck chartering a helicopter to fly out and pick us up. Once we make port, I’m headed to San Francisco FBI headquarters. I’ll find the answers.”

  “Keep me posted. Anything else?” Donovan asked.

  “I helped Shannon clean up and we found her some clothes. She’s tough, I’ll give her that much. She’s also waiting in the passageway to speak with you.”

  Donovan’s thoughts began to churn. He had no idea what to expect from Shannon. “Let her in. She and I have a lot to talk about.”

  Montero opened the door, held it for Shannon, and then quietly closed the door behind her as she and Michael left the room.

  “Please, sit.” Donovan held out his hand.

  Shannon sat with her hands folded in her lap.

  “We survived,” Donovan said.

  “We did. Thank you for keeping your promise to me. Janie told me everything that took place after we crashed,” Shannon said. “She explained how you left William behind, dived and brought me up, and then you performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until we were aboard the helicopter. I know enough to understand how difficult that must have been for you. I remember the expression on your face when we were first out on the wing. You were suffering. When I woke up in the helicopter, I made the assumption that Ethan and Michael were the ones who’d saved me. I’m so thankful for what you did.”

  “As always, it was a group effort,” Donovan said.

  “I finally understand. I’ve been down in the infirmary with Janie and Montero. I can’t believe the number of people who stopped by to see how I was doing, to share with me what took place all over the ship when that monster took me hostage. I knew I was going to die, and I was so scared I could barely move. Even after Janie told me how you rescued me, I can hardly believe I’m still here.”

  “That’s what families do,” Donovan said, reminded of Michael’s earlier words.

  “Can we talk about last night?”

  “Sure,” Donovan said.

  “I’ve been thinking about what I know, and how that might be perceived as a threat to you and your family. You have my word that your secret will stay that way. Buck would never forgive me for doing anything to damage you or Eco-Watch. He thought the world of you and what you’ve created. He was nothing if not loyal. It was one of the things I loved most about him. I’ll never say a word. I do, however, have one small request.”

  “I’m listening,” Donovan said.

  “I’d like to be a part of Eco-Watch. It doesn’t have to be full-time or anything, but I’d love a chance to be on call if someone in your organization is having problems. I can’t express how much it would mean to me to be the therapist in position to move quickly so Eco
-Watch personnel get immediate help.”

  “Starting with me?” Donovan said, and was rewarded by a rare full smile from Shannon.

  “That’s entirely your choice. Though after what you did saving me, I think you’re doing very well. I’m sorry if I crossed any boundaries or offered any unwanted advice last night.”

  “You meant well, and you weren’t wrong. I am a bit of a mess at times, but I’m working on things. I like your idea. I also have to say you handled yourself pretty well under extreme stress. Consider yourself hired. We’ll sit down and discuss the details once we get home. How does that sound?”

  “Perfect. Thank you. I saw what you and the others did today. I’ve been around Eco-Watch for less than two days, and I have a clearer vision of why Buck became so attached to your group of people. I think in his heart, Eco-Watch felt like a home to him, and I’ll love being a part of that same experience.”

  “Did he ever tell you the story of the first time he and I met?”

  “No, and I’d love to hear.”

  “It was years ago. We were in the back of a C-17 cargo plane—headed out to sea to intercept a category-five hurricane. He’d volunteered to parachute into the eye of the storm in a last-ditch effort to rescue some people. I remember him being so relaxed and cavalier as he described his plan. Buck picked up on my uneasiness about the mission pretty quickly. In the process of flying out to our destination, he was injured, and couldn’t go into the water as planned. He talked me into facing my very worst fear. Through him, I found the courage needed. I ended up taking his place that day and went into the ocean.”

  “All of that took place before I met him, but I remember his injuries from that day. As tough as he was, he couldn’t have swum that day. Did you save the people?”

  “I had help, but yes. Thanks to Buck, we saved Michael, Lauren, and others. Everything worked, and he’s the one who gave me the strength to do what I did. I often think back to that day, and the unlikely chain of events. I met Buck for the first time, and within hours he’d changed us all. If you can do a fraction of what he did, you’ll truly be a gift to the organization.”

  “I will always try.”

  “Donovan,” Ryan said as he knocked once and opened the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but the flashing light on the phone is a priority call for you from Washington.”

  “If it’s the White House, tell them I’m busy,” Donovan said.

  “It’s the Pentagon.”

  “I’ll go.” Shannon started to get up.

  “No, stay,” Donovan said to Shannon.

  “There’s also a helicopter inbound asking for permission to land.” Ryan checked his watch. “Their ETA is fifteen minutes.”

  “Do we know who they are?”

  “No.”

  “Grant them permission and inform Montero.”

  Ryan closed the door and Donovan eyed the phone momentarily. Then he picked up the receiver and pressed the button. “Donovan Nash.”

  “Mr. Nash, this is General Curtis at the Pentagon.”

  “General Curtis, what can I do for you?”

  “I work with your wife, have for years, and it’s come to my attention that we may have a misunderstanding that needs our combined attention.”

  “What particular misunderstanding might you be talking about?”

  “Can we drop all the formalities?” Curtis exhaled heavily. “The last twenty-four hours have been some of the worst this country has faced. In the resulting confusion, some of the people under me may have acted without my approval or knowledge. Lauren, as she does so often, put together a solution to a problem that no one else had. She put the people together who could make it happen, and as usual, her idea worked, and as we both know, she never quits. My people don’t understand that gift and acted impulsively after you charged into Monterey Harbor. I’m trying to make this right.”

  “I’m listening.” Donovan smiled as he waited for the rest of the conversation to unfold.

  “I have a television, as well as the Internet, Nash. I know what you did. Images of your ship coming through the smoke, ramming the dock, and working in conjunction with a 747 to save those people is the lead story all over the world, as is your wife. The men who ordered Lauren’s arrest will be dealt with, I promise, but here’s what I need from you. Lauren is en route via helicopter to the Buckley. She’ll be there in ten minutes. I’d like her to be seen smiling, and for her to explain a few things to the survivors aboard your ship. The story she and I agreed upon was that there was a small, local misunderstanding, and that she was only being brought in for a debriefing, to give her the opportunity for us to bring her up to speed on all of the disaster operations.”

  “I think I can live with that,” Donovan said. “Though there are a few things I’d like in return.”

  “What might they be?”

  “Allow Eco-Watch to operate despite the no-fly order. We’ve got people who need to return to Washington.”

  “Done.”

  “One more thing. There was a former Navy SEAL, Howard Buckley. In fact, this ship is named after him. He was one of the bravest men I ever met, and he died doing the kind of thing we did today. The Buckley lived up to its name, and the world needs to know about that man, and the purpose of this ship. Will you help with his story?”

  “I knew Buck,” General Curtis said. “His uncle was a good friend of mine. It will be an honor and a privilege to honor your wish. Is there anything else I can do?”

  “We’re good,” Donovan said. “I’ve got a helicopter to meet.”

  “Take care, Mr. Nash.”

  Donovan hung up the phone and began to pull himself up. Shannon hurried to his side and helped him stand as he positioned the crutches under his arms.

  “That was beautiful.” Shannon opened the door. “Thank you.”

  “I didn’t do it for you,” Donovan said. “I did it for him, as well as every person who will ever step foot aboard this ship.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  LAUREN FELT THE skids of the helicopter touch the helipad. Just outside the spinning arc of the rotor stood Donovan, stocking-footed, wearing borrowed clothes, a blue Eco-Watch hat pulled low. She smiled when she saw he was using crutches.

  Donovan waited for her. A crewman opened the door and helped her to the deck, and she hurried to where Donovan stood. They hugged and kissed as the helicopter pilot shut down the engines and the assembled crowd of people began to cheer. Lauren felt her cheeks blush at all the attention and stood close to Donovan.

  “I had a conversation with Shannon,” Donovan said. “We’re all good. She wants to work for Eco-Watch.”

  “The secret is safe?”

  “Yes, though the big surprise of the day is that it turns out Michael knows about my past, and has for years. He came to warn me about Shannon. We had a good talk.”

  “Really?” Lauren looked at Donovan and waited for him to answer. “You’ve always dreaded him finding out the truth. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “It’s all good. I also spoke with General Curtis. I guess you’re supposed to say a few words about a misunderstanding, a briefing, you know, government stuff, how you saved the world, and then we’ll go up to the bridge for the rest of the trip.”

  “Actually, we’re leaving in the helicopter,” Lauren said as she smiled and waved. “It’s part of my deal with the people who tried to mess with us.”

  “You’re kidding.” Donovan smiled as well. “I talked with the hospital. William is out of surgery. It went well, but they’re going to keep him sedated until tomorrow.”

  “You’ve been busy,” Lauren said as she glanced downward. “I really have to ask. How did you manage to lose your shoes?”

  “Long story.” Donovan swiveled on his crutches and they moved toward the crowd.

  “I want to thank all of you,” Lauren said as she shook outstretched hands. “I’m here to tell you that what looked like my arrest was actually a misunderstanding. Turns out I was needed ashore to con
sult on some after-action reports, and some of the language was misconstrued by the team sent out to the Buckley to get me. It’s all good, but you guys are the best!

  “I wanted to come back and personally thank you for your voice. The world knows what teamwork looks like. It’s a good message to send. You all were great today. In the eye of the storm you kept calm, and we were able to pull everyone off the pier. Monterey Peninsula is going to need a great deal of work to be wonderful again, and I hope the camaraderie we all experienced today will motivate us all to work together, and be better neighbors, better people. At some point in the near future, this ship, the Eco-Watch research vessel Buckley, is going to be placed on loan to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a joint mission studying the Arctic. On the day that happens, there is going to be one big party, and we want each and every one of you there to help us celebrate.”

  The survivors’ cheers erupted. Donovan limped over to her side and hugged her.

  “Please.” Lauren held up her hands. “I’m going to take that applause as each of us applauding each other. We all deserve that today. Now, if you don’t mind. I’m going to take my injured husband to San Francisco.”

  Donovan heard the turbine engine behind them spin to life, and the rotor blades began to turn.

  Montero ran across the landing pad with Donovan’s briefcase and leaned in so he could hear her. “There’s an envelope in there I need you to read. We’ll talk later.”

  Donovan nodded and he and Lauren climbed aboard. They waved to their friends on the bridge as they lifted clear of the Buckley and banked toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

  “So, I made some phone calls,” Donovan said as he put his arms around his wife. “You’ll be happy to know I have an MRI scheduled for early tomorrow before we see William. Which means we have the rest of today to ourselves. I say the first thing we do is call our daughter, and tell her we’re both fine, and that we’ll be home soon. Then I thought we might try and have a nice dinner, relax, and catch up?”

  “Are you kidding, you must be exhausted,” Lauren said and smiled. “I bet neither one of us has slept in ages.”