And where’s Lilly, Bourne wondered? Ah, yes. Servants quarters. He started pressing all the buttons that called the third floor. One of them found Lilly. His voice was befogged. He managed a “Yeah, what?” through a yawn.
“Get up. It’s late. Go down and put on some coffee.”
“You woke me up for that? Call the kitchen.”
“I did. No one’s there. There’s been some sort of a mix-up. Get cracking. I’ll be down in the basement.”
Bourne, still dressed in his robe and pajamas, pulled the rack of dessert wines aside. He closed it behind him and sealed it. He stopped first at the monitors that scanned the exterior. The main gate and the north gate were both manned, two guards each. He saw one jeep, then the other. They were both on patrol. All seemed quiet. All seemed normal. All the guards seemed alert. Not the dogs, though; they were napping. Bourne took that to be a good sign.
He went to the door of Cecil Winfield’s laboratory. He looked in through the glass. Stride was just as they’d left her. She was on her right side in a slumbering pose. There had, of course, been no need to strap her down. Bourne had covered her with a blanket taken from the next room. He had brought her left hand up under her chin and entwined the blanket’s edge in her fingers. It had seemed a nice touch. Very natural.
He stepped to the door of the bedroom adjoining and peered through its eye-level window. He was startled to see that the girl’s bed was empty. He leaned closer to scan the rest of the room. He saw her. She was there after all.
She was sitting very quietly on one of Winfield’s leather chairs, a duvet wrapped around her for warmth. Tanned bare legs protruded from her short tennis dress. He’d see later about getting her some suitable clothing. His wife must have left a few things scattered somewhere. Or perhaps from one of the maids.
A lovely girl, isn’t she, he thought to himself. She’ll become a real stunner if she lives to grow up. And she might, but she’d have to grow up in this house. He couldn’t very well let her go while he lived. But with some patience, the right tutoring, she might learn to like it. She might even learn to like him.
He drew an electronic key from his pocket. He slid it into a slot that disabled the alarm. He withdrew it, inverted it, and slid it in again. A loud click and the bolt fell away. He pulled the door open. She turned her head and looked up at him. She did not seem especially frightened. Only sad.
He said, “Have no fear. I will not harm you in the slightest. My name is Artemus. And yours?”
She said softly, “My name is Aisha.”
“I…know how upsetting this must be for you. In good time, I’ll explain to you why you’re here. I’ll explain how terribly important you are. If you’re as bright as you look, you’ll understand.”
She asked, “Where am I? What day is today?”
“It’s a Sunday. You haven’t been here very long. A good friend of yours is here. Elizabeth Stride. She’s sleeping in the next room.”
Her eyes widened. She said, “I don’t believe you.”
“Oh, she’s there. I’ll let you look. But you must tell me the truth. She’s your mother, is she not? I want the truth.”
She started to rise. “Let me look.”
“First the truth.”
“Let me look,” she said calmly, “or I will not speak again.” She drew her knees to her chest.
“Very well,” said Bourne. “But we mustn’t disturb her. We’ve had to sedate her. She’s sleeping.”
Chester Lilly had dressed and spent five minutes on his hair before going down to the kitchen. He found the makings of coffee, put it on, and as it dripped, he looked to see what he could find in the fridge. There were several carafes of assorted fruit juices. He chose orange, took the carafe, and walked toward the front hall, sipping from the carafe as he went.
He, too, thought it strange that the help had not arrived. He stepped into Bourne’s study and went to Bourne’s desk. Bourne’s big atlas was on it as usual. There was also another intercom unit, one of several that were scattered through the house. He pressed the button that buzzed the main gate.
The guard’s voice said, “Sir?”
“This is Lilly. What’s happening?”
“It’s all very quiet down here, Mr. Lilly.”
“Who’s this?”
“Lawson, sir.”
He asked, “What’s with the help?”
“Mr. Bourne was right. There was some misunderstanding. They’ll be here just as soon as they can get here.”
Lilly broke the connection. He stepped to Bourne’s window. It looked out on several acres of manicured lawn. He blinked when he saw a man standing there. An older man, white hair; he was dressed in dark clothing. He stood, arms folded, looking up at the sky. Lilly turned away and went back to the intercom. He pressed the same button as before.
“Yes, sir?” came Lawson’s voice.
“Who’s this guy on the lawn?”
“Sir, I’m not really sure. He’s some kind of security. He’s waiting for some of your brunch guests to arrive.”
“Some kind of security? That’s all you know?”
“That’s all he was willing to say, sir.”
“Jesus Christ,” said Lilly. “You’re a shit-head, you know that? Do you at least know which guests he’s waiting for?”
“No, sir. I’m afraid I’ve neglected to ask.”
I don’t believe this, thought Lilly. I’ll go ask him myself. And then I’ll get Lawson’s ass fired.
Aisha had to stretch to look through the small pane. She saw Nadia on the cot. She did appear to be sleeping. But she knew, mind and soul, that Nadia was dead. She’d seen Nadia and Jasmine with her mother.
She knew that they were well and that her mother would care for them. Tears spilled onto her cheeks all the same. She asked Bourne, without turning, “Where is Jasmine?”
“Jasmine?” asked Bourne. I don’t think I know the name.”
“She was with us. There were three of us. A black woman. We played tennis.”
“Oh, that one,” said Bourne. “No, she’s perfectly fine. My men had to tie her up, but she’s surely free by now. We’re going to let her know that you’re safe.”
“Yes, she’d worry.”
“You haven’t answered me yet. You’ve seen Elizabeth. And you’ve promised.”
“What are you going to do with her?” asked Aisha.
“Well, before she wakes up, we’re going to move her someplace else. I understand fully that you’d like to be together, but it’s better for me if you’re not.”
“I see.”
“Is Elizabeth your mother?”
Aisha wet her lips. She nodded.
To lie was a sin. She would do penance later. But to tell this kidnapper, this murderer, the truth, seemed to her that it would be helpful to him. That would be a greater sin than her lie.
She kept her eyes fixed on Nadia’s body. She wished that she was able to dream right this moment. Perhaps by now, she’d be able to speak to her. The man’s breath had quickened in response to her nod. She heard him swallow before speaking again.
He said, “She must have had you at a very young age. Have you been with her ever since. All your life?”
Aisha shook her head. “She took many long trips. Sometimes for years at a time.”
“Were these trips…with your father? Martin Kessler?”
The name, and that question, took her by surprise. She had very nearly answered with the truth. She steadied herself. She said, “Sometimes.”
“So, he is your father?”
“He’s been away, too.”
She felt, rather than saw, that this man had pumped his fist. These answers had pleased him for some reason.
He said, “Oh, yes, he has. He has been away indeed. Your father’s been in Africa. Did you know that?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Well, your father has threatened to do something naughty. You and I are going to save him from himself. I’m going to put you on the
phone to a man named Duganga. You’ll tell him who you are. He’ll get a message to your father. I think your father will call back very soon after that. When he does, you can speak to him as long as you like. So, you see? I’m not such a bad fellow.”
Aisha nodded. “I would like that. Very much.”
“Now go back in your room while I call.”
“Hey, you,” called Lilly as he strode across the lawn.
The man glanced in his direction, then back at the sky. His arms were still folded on his chest.
“Hey, you, you old fart. I’m talking to you. Who said you could stand here like this?”
The man said, “Name’s Waldo. John Waldo.”
“You say you’re with Leland? Let me see some ID.”
Waldo said, “You’re Lilly, right? I knew from the hair. You got a really nice head of hair.”
“Yeah, well…”
“Roger Clew’s was okay, but he didn’t take care of it. Some mousse, a good stylist…he’d at least be in the game. But even before someone tried to peel off his scalp, he didn’t belong in your league.”
Lilly’s fingers had crept to the butt of his pistol. Waldo said, “Don’t do that. Check my armpit.”
He raised his left elbow so that Lilly could see the silenced Beretta that was leveled at his chest. But Waldo was no longer looking at Lilly. He gestured with his chin toward the northeast horizon. He said, “Chopper coming. Just stand there. Don’t move. If you move, I shoot off both your kneecaps.”
Lilly did move, but carefully. He reached for his cell phone. He said, “I have to tell Bourne Leland’s coming.”
“Yeah, you should.”
Lilly saw the helicopter. It had State Department markings. He felt a measure of relief, but this still felt wrong. He tapped out two digits. He whispered, “Code One.”
Waldo asked, “You’re calling Bourne? I don’t think that was Bourne.”
“More security,” said Lilly. “This is normal.”
Waldo said, “The thing is, you said you have to call Bourne. You should do what you say you’re going to do.”
Lilly broke the connection. He tapped two more digits. He waited. Bourne answered. Bourne’s voice sound distant and crackled. He said, “Mr. Bourne, we have company. It’s Leland.” He lowered his voice. “Don’t come out here just yet.”
The helicopter came in low. It hovered over the lawn. Before setting down, it made two full revolutions, clearly scouting its surroundings before landing. During one of the turns, it had paused as if pointing. A jeep had appeared, an armed guard and a dog. The aircraft paused once again, this time pointing toward the forest. A second jeep was emerging. Again, an armed guard. Both had scope-mounted rifles. The two jeeps paused at either end of the lawn. Both guards slung their rifles into firing position, sighting in across the tops of their windshields.
Lilly said to Waldo, “Hey, dick-face, look around you. Now tell me who’s going to shoot who?”
Waldo said, “Yeah, I see them. So you won’t need your gun.” He reached with his left hand. “Put it here.”
“Kiss my ass.”
Waldo shattered the first of his kneecaps.
Howard Leland had asked to come to Briarwood with Bannerman. He’d come close to insisting, or no deal. He said that he wanted to make good on his promise to slap Bourne’s face raw before arresting him. It was more than just Clew. It was kidnapping, murder, and depraved indifference to the plight of the people who were still on that quarantined freighter. To a lesser extent it was those peep shows that were found. The betrayal of Bourne’s guests by making videotapes of whatever had gone on in those guestrooms.
“Might you be on them?” asked Bannerman.
“Those who know me wouldn’t ask. But feel free to look. If I’m lying, destroy me. If I’m not, destroy the tapes. That’s unless you’re a blackmailer. Are you?”
“Oh, yes,” said Bannerman. “I am, indeed. But not over this or anything like it. I will destroy all the tapes.”
“I will go with you,” Leland said once again. “I’ve lost interest in saving my political ass. I will bear any cost that comes with it.”
“And you’ve been a welcome surprise to me, sir. Your aircraft and your pilot will suffice.”
He knew that he and Waldo could have done this by themselves. Waldo, in fact, had already done most of it. The rest could be minimally violent. But neither Molly nor Billy would be denied, nor would they deny Elizabeth Stride.
Elizabeth had awakened from her enforced sleep to find Molly sitting astride her. Awakening, she remembered who had put her to sleep. She bucked and she tried to bite at Molly. Molly slapped her and said, “We are going to get Aisha. You’ll agree to do only what you are told or we’ll put you under again and we’ll leave you.”
Elizabeth stared with murderous eyes. Molly Farrell slapped her again.
She repeated, “Elizabeth, we’re going to get Aisha. Paul doesn’t want you with us. I insisted. Was I wrong?”
Her eyes softened slightly. They blinked questioningly.
Molly told Elizabeth, “You’ll come as you are. No blacks, no blue duffel, no weapons; you won’t need them. Aisha’s safe. So is Nadia. Waldo’s found them. Say you hear me.”
“I hear you,” said Elizabeth quietly.
“Kessler’s coming. Not with us. He’s coming here. You’ll see him later. Would you rather wait for him here?”
Her eyes began to moisten. She seemed overwhelmed. She swallowed. She said, “Get Aisha first.”
“Swear to me. Promise. You’ll do only what you’re told.”
She whispered. “When?”
“Right now.”
She said, “I swear it.”
It was a three-hour flight to Bourne’s sprawling estate. Elizabeth and Molly wore dark jumpsuits and boots. Elizabeth’s had been borrowed from Molly. Billy McHugh wore loose-fitting leathers that made him seem even more massive than he was. Bannerman was dressed in a gray suit and tie not unlike the suit that he’d last seen on Leland.
He’d told Elizabeth what he’d learned from John Waldo as early as six o’clock that morning. All was quiet. Nadia still slept. Aisha could be heard up and moving about. Neither seemed at immediate risk.
She asked, “They’re in Bourne’s house? And you know where, exactly?”
He nodded. “But first I need to have a talk with Bourne. He is not to be harmed by you or anyone.”
“Until then?”
“Until whenever,” said Bannerman. “He is not to be harmed.”
“Are…you telling me that you might let this man live?”
“We’ll see. We might need him. But be clear on this, Elizabeth. It’s not going to be your decision.”
She was silent for a moment. “Are you testing me, Paul?”
“You’ve always worked alone. I do not. We do not. You’ve worked out of hatred. We try not to.”
Molly told him, “She swore. She’ll do as she’s told.”
Stride answered, “As long as…” She thought better of finishing. She saw Bannerman and Molly exchange glances.
Bannerman had a map of Bourne’s estate in his hand from the package that Zivic had prepared. He asked the pilot to pass low over all approaches before proceeding to the house and outbuildings. Two roads seemed to be the only access. First they buzzed the main gatehouse. They saw two guards looking up at them. They stood at parade rest, in their uniforms, wearing side arms. Their faces wore sullen expressions. They flew on to the north gate a half mile distant. Two more uniformed guards. They seemed equally unhappy.
The pilot said, “I think I saw some other movement down there. Bourne might have called in some reinforcements.”
“He hasn’t,” said Bannerman. “Let’s get up to the house.”
They followed the north road. The pilot gestured with his chin. He asked, “Is that your man on the lawn?”
Molly looked. She said, “That’s John Waldo. What’s he doing?”
“He’s waiting for us. And he�
��s waiting for that one.” Bannerman nodded toward the wavy-haired man who was crossing the front lawn toward Waldo. He said to Elizabeth, “That would be Chester Lilly. Your forbearance is about to be tested.”
McHugh said, “Here’s trouble. Two jeeps moving fast. Sniper rifles and dogs. They’ll have Waldo between them.”
Bannerman showed no concern. “I’m surprised at you, Billy.”
McHugh squinted. Then he got it. “Oh, yeah, sorry.”
Elizabeth asked, “What is all this ‘don’t worry?’ I count six armed guards and that’s only what’s in sight. Those rifles can knock us out of the air and we have three handguns between us.”
Bannerman asked Molly, “Is Elizabeth armed?”
“Two knives, boot and sleeve. She thinks I don’t know it.”
“You will leave them where they are, please, Elizabeth.”
As he spoke, they saw Chester Lilly go down. He was on the lawn writhing. He was gripping his knee. Elizabeth’s head turned toward the two jeeps, expecting those guards to turn their weapons on Waldo. They didn’t. The men in the jeeps made no move. Their attention was fixed on the front of the house. Nor did the dogs react to the shot. Even silenced, they still should have heard it.
“They’re ours,” Billy told her.
“Which are ours?” asked Elizabeth.
“These two in the jeeps. Not the ones at the gates. But the ones at the gates must have our guys close by making sure that they do what they’re told. The two who used to be driving those jeeps are sitting around somewhere in their shorts.”
“And the dogs?”
“Darts, I hope. No one’s mad at the dogs. No one likes it when we have to kill dogs.”
The helicopter settled. The engines were cut. Bannerman was the first to alight. He extended a hand to Elizabeth who ignored it.
Elizabeth asked Bannerman, “You knew all this coming down here?”
“As I’ve told you,” he answered, “we work as a team. No, I didn’t know it, but I did expect it. John had told me that he’d gather a few people.”
“Why the suit, by the way?”
“We have business to discuss. And it seemed a good idea to have Bourne think I’m Leland until we were safely on the ground.”
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