“Did Calvin come through?”
“In a big way.” Donovan squeezed her hand. “He sent me the recording and it made all the difference. You were brilliant.”
“No, I wasn’t. If I were smart, none of this would have happened.” Lauren shook her head. “I didn’t want to tell Henry, but it was the only way.”
Donovan kissed her. “You did what needed to be done. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”
“Nash!” Preston yelled out across the hangar floor. “Get in here!”
Donovan gave Lauren and the others a quizzical look. They all started to walk toward the office where Preston stood.
“Just Nash!” Preston called out. “The rest of you stay where you are!”
Donovan jogged over to where Preston was holding the door open for him. The agent gestured to a desk phone with a nod of his head. A flashing red light indicated there was someone on hold. “Is that for me?”
“Yeah.” Preston closed the door behind them.
Donovan picked up the receiver and pushed the button. “Donovan Nash here.”
“Mr. Nash. This is Richard Holcomb, Secretary of Homeland Security.”
Donovan instantly pictured the heavyset Texan. Holcomb was a fireplug of a man; both his temper and intelligence were legendary in Washington. He was a high-powered career politician who was used to getting what he wanted. If it was the hot-headed Holcomb calling, this had the potential to be very painful. “Secretary Holcomb. What can I do for you?”
“You know what, Mr. Nash? Until a little while ago, I’d never heard of you,” Holcomb began angrily. “Now, to tell you the truth—you’re a goddamned burr under my saddle and it’s pissing me off!”
“Sorry to hear that, sir,” Donovan said politely. There was no reason to further agitate the man.
“First, I hear we’ve got terrorists stealing airplanes in Chicago. Now I’m to understand that’s not the case? As if this sudden reversal isn’t enough, I just got off the phone with the President. He and the Secretary of State are sitting in the Situation Room at the White House—and do you know what they told me?”
“No sir.”
“They told me to let all of you go!” Holcomb bellowed loudly. “That’s the biggest crock of shit I’ve heard all day! Then, as if all of this isn’t enough, I’m supposed to spin today’s events into some kind of success story for all concerned. What do you make of that?”
“I’ve always liked the President,” Donovan said innocently. He wondered how much of this was Leo Singer’s doing.
“No shit!” Holcomb shot back, then let out a long breath as he thought. “I like the President too, but he’s left me in the ticklish position of trying to spin this episode a certain way. I can do that, but I need you and your little entourage to play along. Is that something you’re prepared to do for me?”
“Of course.”
“Okay. Listen up Mr. Nash, because I’m only going to say this once. Here’s the way this whole damn mess is going to go down. You were never on flight 880. Donovan Nash will never be mentioned in the same breath as flight 880. The pilot who landed the plane is the Wayfarer pilot who took off from Dulles. I’m told he’s hurt, but all the better story, don’t you think?”
“Sounds good so far.” Donovan had no reason to explain that being out of the limelight was exactly what he wanted.
“As far as the rescue plane is concerned, it too was piloted by Wayfarer pilots. This was a group effort on the part of Leo Singer and the airline. I think you’ll agree we can’t just have a bunch of gung-ho civilians out flying airliners around, now can we? It’s just plain bad for business.”
“I think your plan is admirable, but I have a request.” Donovan knew this was the time to make sure they all walked away from this unscathed.
“What is it? I can warn you in advance, I’m not in a great mood, so don’t push it.”
“Understood. But since none of us were here, and this was a fully sanctioned event, then of course there’s no way any of us are in trouble with the TSA, or the FAA, or anyone else for that matter. All involved are free to go on like nothing happened?”
“I’ve already taken care of that. Yes, you’re free to go, and I’d prefer you left sooner than later,” Holcomb said. “The President and I are counting on all of this working. Don’t screw it up!”
“You have my word.” Donovan sat back in the chair and put his feet up on the desk. Preston stood motionless, an uneasy smile frozen on his face.
“Then get the hell out of there!” Holcomb barked. “I don’t want some goddamned exposé to show up in the Washington Post. I can promise you I’m the wrong man to make angry.”
“I understand. Do you want to talk to Agent Preston?” Donovan eyed the nervous TSA agent.
“I’ve already spoken to him,” Holcomb said. “He knows what to do.”
“Thank you, sir.” Donovan sat up straight in the chair. “I owe you one.”
“You’re damn right you do,” Holcomb said dryly as he hung up.
“Okay.” Donovan set the phone down and rubbed his hands together. “I guess that takes care of that. What’s the best way for us to get to the hospital where they took the others?”
“The Chicago Fire Department has a helicopter on its way,” Preston said, fatigue evident in his voice. “They’ve been instructed to take you there.”
“That might be them now.” The unmistakable sound of a helicopter’s rotor beat in the distance.
“You never answered my question.” Preston stood in front of the door. “Who are you?”
“I’m sworn to secrecy. Besides, as you know, I’m not even here.” Donovan slipped past the confused agent and hurried toward Lauren and the others.
“What’s up?” Michael called out as Donovan approached. “Who was that?”
“A friend,” Donovan could hear the helicopter as it approached the hangar. “I’ll explain everything on the way to the hospital. Our ride’s here.”
“We can leave?” Henry asked. “Just like that—they’re going to let us walk out of here?”
“Yep.” Donovan put his hand on Lauren’s back and began to guide her toward the door, hoping everyone else would follow. “It’s a little complicated, but like I said. I’ll explain it to you in the helicopter.”
The five of them exited out a small door into the teeth of the blizzard. Fifty yards away sat a Bell 412, its rotors still turning. A figure was making his way through the snow toward them.
“Is one of you Henry Parrish?” the crewman called out. “Are you the people we’re taking to the hospital?”
“I’m Henry Parrish.”
“Right this way, sir. Here, take my coat. You’ll freeze out here.”
Henry accepted the heavy coat and slipped it on. “Thanks.”
“The weather came up enough for us to fly about half an hour ago,” the crewman explained above the whine of the helicopter’s engines. “Or we would have been here sooner. Sorry about your airplane, sir.”
“Can we fly over it on our way out?”
“Yes, sir. You’ll be able to see it. It’s kind of hard to miss.”
Several minutes later, all of them were seated and the Bell helicopter’s blades became a blur as the engines spooled up. The skids pulled free of the snow and they rose straight into the sky. Once above the hangars, the pilot pivoted the helicopter smartly and turned southeast. Moments later, Donovan saw the eerie glow in front of them and pointed it out to the others. They all watched in silence as the wreckage from 880 came into view.
Donovan grimaced at the sight and Lauren took his hand. Banks of temporary lights had already been erected, bathing what was left of the 737 in brilliant white light. The flashing lights from a legion of emergency vehicles added to the horrific scene. Donovan could see from Henry’s expression that he wasn’t prepared for the image of Audrey’s plane and how forlorn it looked sitting in the snow. From this vantage point, Donovan realized just how close he’d come to going over the edge of
the thirty-foot embankment. The tail was cocked at an odd angle. He winced as he remembered how hard they hit. He also knew it was a miracle that another wrecked 737 wasn’t burning nearby, one with Henry, Michael, Lauren and Matt inside. A sick feeling crept through him as he wondered what Henry and Matt must be thinking. They sped away, and Henry turned to take a final look at the wreckage.
“That’s so weird, Dad,” Matt said. “We were so close to it when it was still flying. But it’s still pretty much intact. Maybe Mom’s all right?”
Henry nodded and put his arm around Matt. “I hope so, son.”
CHAPTER FORTY
Donovan had just finished describing his conversation with Holcomb when the forward momentum of the helicopter slowed. Ahead was the brightly lit hospital. It only took Donovan a moment to locate the landing pad. The helicopter made a circling approach and set up into the wind. Moments later, the skids touched down firmly. The door was pulled open and the crewman helped them down to the ground.
“Good luck, Captain Parrish,” the fireman called out, as the five of them steeled themselves against the cold and ran down the narrow walkway toward double glass doors.
Donovan kept Lauren’s hand firmly in his own as they neared the entrance. The doors opened and a group of people stood waiting inside for them.
“I’m looking for my wife, Audrey Parrish!” Henry said to the first person he saw.
“Henry.” A woman hurried in their direction. “Oh thank God you’re here. Leo called and said you were on your way.”
“Nancy.” Henry reached out and gave the woman a gentle hug.
“I heard what you did.” Her tears flowed as she held on to the man who had saved her husband. “I am so thankful.” She looked at Matt and reached out to grasp his hand “You must be Matt. I haven’t seen you since you were a little boy. I understand I have you to thank as well.”
“Nancy, this is Donovan Nash.” Henry pulled away and introduced the two. “Donovan, this is John’s wife, Nancy.”
“I’m so grateful for what you did up there. John couldn’t tell me much, but he said he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.”
“I helped him a little bit here and there.” Donovan said, though Henry would need to explain to her later, how important it was to keep his involvement a secret. “How is he?”
Nancy exhaled deeply and dabbed her tears with a tissue. “He has second and third degree burns and he suffered a concussion. But the doctor assured me he would recover. I can only sit with him for a few minutes at a time, so I thought I’d come meet you.”
“What have you heard about Audrey?” Henry asked, but Nancy shook her head to indicate that she knew nothing. Henry looked around and found the female staff member he’d first spoken with. “Where can I go to find my wife?”
“If you’ll follow me,” she said, “I’ll take you to a waiting area. Someone will be in to speak with you shortly.”
Donovan felt a hand on his arm and turned to see it was Michael. “I’ve got to find a phone and call home. Susan still thinks I’m coming home tonight. I’m so glad none of this happened, I’d hate to have to explain my day to her. I’ll catch up with you in a little while. Can I bring you some coffee or anything when I come back?”
“No thanks.”
Lauren shook her head too, to show that she was fine for the moment. “Tell Susan hello from us.”
“I will.” Michael nodded and hurried away.
“Are you immediate family?” The nurse said to Donovan and Lauren as they caught up.
“Yes,” Henry said without hesitation. “They’re with us.”
“Very well.” The woman pointed down the spotless hallway to a bank of elevators. “The waiting room is up one floor and then to your left. There is a refreshment area to your right as you step off the elevator. I’ll let someone know you’re waiting.”
“Thank you.” Henry hurried off in the direction of the elevator.
Moments later, the small group entered the empty waiting room. There were rows of chairs, a few pictures on the wall, and a magazine rack. The room, though it tried to create a feeling of warmth, fell far short.
Donovan was still far too wired to sit and wait in the confining space. “I’ve changed my mind. I think coffee sounds good. Who all would like some?”
“I’m fine.” Lauren gave him a puzzled look. She knew Donovan rarely drank coffee after his second cup in the morning.
“I’ll go with you,” Henry said as Donovan started to leave the room.
Donovan walked to where he’d seen the machines when they got off the elevator. He dug in his pocket for some change, only to discover that he had none.
Henry pulled some singles out of his front pocket. “Maybe it’ll take these.”
The two men stood in the small alcove. Donovan’s tension rose as Henry went about the process of feeding his dollar bills to the machine. He bought Donovan a cup, then himself.
“Let’s you and I have a little talk,” Henry said.
Donovan didn’t really want to have this talk now, not here in the hospital while they were waiting to hear about Audrey. In his mind, this was something to be done later.
“Just who in the hell do you think you are?” Henry’s words poured out with venom. “I can’t believe you faked your death and deserted all of us. Was it so bad, you had to run off and hide—and leave us to clean up your mess?”
“I didn’t leave much of a mess,” Donovan said softly. “In fact, everyone who was hurt by my departure was well taken care of.”
Henry stared Donovan down. “Let me fill you in on a few little details. After your plane crashed, first the FAA, then the insurance people, then finally the media, everyone was all over me.”
“I did everything I could to calculate the fallout.” Donovan recalled the painstaking planning that went into his final days as Robert Huntington. “The only aspect I didn’t plan on was your insisting on trying to recover the airplane from the bottom of the ocean. It would have been a monumental task, but the investigators would have discovered enough clues to cast doubt on certain elements of the accident. I couldn’t afford that kind of scrutiny.”
“Is that when I was terminated?” Henry said. “When I wanted to raise the airplane.”
Donovan nodded. “I was in Europe by then. I’m sorry Henry, I really am, but I can assure you no one paid a higher price for my actions than I did.”
“Don’t be so sure.”
“Did it make you want to escape? When it felt like the entire world had you in their sights, did you ever feel like making it all go away?”
Henry seemed unfazed by Donovan’s words.
“Now imagine what was going on in my life. I’d lost Meredith and the world was blaming me for her death. Imagine trying to get through each day with that kind of grief, while also trying to deal with death threats against friends, boycotts of the company. I would never try to minimize what you went through, Henry. But I will ask you to search inside, and see if there is even the smallest bit of empathy for what I was dealing with.”
Henry looked up at Donovan “If you’d have asked, I would have probably helped you do what you needed to do.”
“That’s not the way it worked. I didn’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t put that burden on anyone else.” Donovan paused to see if his words were having any effect. “Which brings us to the real issue at hand.”
Henry stood rigid, his face flush with resentment.
“You and Audrey both know the truth about me.” Donovan sought out Henry’s eyes and held them with his own. “Henry—is my secret safe with you?”
Henry said nothing, his jaw clenched and his expression unyielding.
“You knew me for a long time,” Donovan said, his tone softening. “You also knew Meredith. It’s taken me almost twenty years to feel that way again. Lauren and my daughter mean everything to me. But if the world discovers I’m still alive, the backlash will be considerable. It’s up to you.”
“Dad?” Matt’s v
oice carried down the quiet hallway. “Dad!”
“I’m in here,” Henry called out to his son.
“Dad. They’re showing the crash on the television. I think you’d better come see this.”
“I better go see what’s going on,” Henry said, eyeing Donovan as if to say they’d talk later. Matt joined the two men and stood next to his father.
“Go,” Donovan urged Henry, while putting out his hand and resting it on Matt’s shoulder to get him to stay. Henry returned to the waiting room. “Hello Matt. I was hoping we’d have some time to talk.” Donovan could clearly see both Audrey’s and Henry’s features in Matt’s face. “I still can’t get over how brave and resourceful you were today. Your mom was so proud of you.”
“She was?”
“Yes.” Donovan carefully measured his words. “She loved that you and your father were working together to help us. It was what she wanted most of all—.”
“Did she really say that?”
“She also wanted me to tell you that she loved you. Some pretty amazing things happened today, but the most amazing person by far was your mother. She held things together, in the end; it was her that saved us from going into the lake. I owe her my life.”
“Really?” Matt looked up. “She saved you?”
“She saved all of us,” Donovan said.
“Excuse me? Are you by chance Henry Parrish?”
Donovan turned in the direction of the voice. A doctor stopped where he and Matt stood. He was wearing green surgical scrubs. An identically clad nurse was at his side. “Are you Mr. Parrish?”
“No.” Donovan shook his head. “He’s in the waiting room though. Do you have news about Audrey?”
“I really need to speak with her husband.” The doctor said before continuing down the hall. Donovan, with Matt on his heels, followed the doctor into where the others waited. When they entered the room, Donovan saw that only Lauren and Henry remained; Nancy had left.
“Mr. Parrish?” the doctor repeated.
“I’m Henry Parrish.” They shook hands briefly and Matt joined his father. “This is my son, Matt. Do you have news about my wife?”
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