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“Fine by me. His family owns it.”
He called Admiral Patterson and let him know what was going on. He requested a quick extraction and was given the location of a small municipal airport about fifty miles away, toward the Italian Riviera. It was used for a flight school but was big enough to land larger jets in an emergency.
“We’re coming in three groups. Sorry to say I’m leaving the Volvo in Imprunetta. It might have been placed with a tracking device. But everything else will be at the airstrip. The map came through perfect.”
“I already sent it to your coms guy, Sam. I’ll confirm you’re on your way as well.”
“Thanks.”
The map he sent to Carl and the instructions to bring everything, including Lydia, was given a thumbs-up, plus the message, “She’s a little scared, but on board. No worries there.”
Harper responded, “Don’t lose that lady. She means more to me than my own life.” Hamish headed for the coordinates. Harper helped him check for Italian authorities, drank a bottle of water he grabbed from Hamish, and tried to relax.
But it was impossible. So much had happened today. So much could have gone very bad. So much still at risk.
But it was still a miracle.
Chapter 18
On the highwaytoward the airport, they passed several patrol cars flying down the wet two-lane road. He followed them out the back of the car, and sure enough, a couple of miles back, where they had no guardrail, the cars did a U-turn and headed back toward them.
“They’re turning back.”
“I saw that,” said Hamish. “We’re not far. I see an alternate route, a little slower, but after we get over this swale, they won’t see us turn off. Let the two behind us know about it, and have them slow down to let the police pass.”
“I’m thinking you had bootleggers in your family, Hamish. You skilled at avoiding police.”
“You don’t want to know. But you better get them the message right now.”
Harper did so. Even described what was on the corner where they would turn.
Before long, the highway was hidden from view. They slowed down, due to the narrow road, and wandered through a semi-residential area until they came to another small freeway. In less than five minutes, they were outside the landing strip gates. Their transport was just arriving. They drove onto the tarmac as close as was safely possible.
Hamish unlocked the trunk and whistled to a crew member to help him with getting the prisoner onto the jet. Harper helped until he saw the other two cars drive up. The team began onboarding their equipment and personal items while Harper came around to the car and helped Lydia step out.
He wasn’t going to push for a compliment or thank you. He imagined she was confused. He tried to ignore her but made sure she had help with a couple of items she’d brought from the apartment. The fuzzy blanket she had tightly wrapped around her body. She was shivering.
“Almost over now. Once we’re in the air, you’re safe.”
“What will happen to Jakob?”
“We’ve got him restrained, but he’s alive. He’ll be going back with us. My job is done, and his disposition will be left to others.”
She was standing close to him then looked up, just like she used to do, her brown eyes glistening, searching for meaning inside his soul. At last, she spoke.
“You’re a brave man, Harper. I thank you for my life.”
“No problem.” He looked in the direction of the jet and saw they were being hailed. “We better get onboard. You have everything?”
“I do.”
Out of reflex, he grabbed her hand and ran, pulling her along, careful not to have her stumble.
Hamish had his diapers in a twist. “Christ, you two. The whole world is at war, and you’re acting like it’s a fine summer day. You should hear the Navy pilot inside. He’s going to have to change his pants when we get to Germany.”
“We’re going to Germany?” she asked.
“We’ll get a transport to the east coast from there. Not sure when but hopefully tonight.”
