Page 52 of The Search

“I’m going with you.”

“Are you out of your head? To Taiwan? Why?”

“Maybe it’s my way of trying to make up for having Monty hurt in Santo Camaro.”

“Then just give us the plane and pilot.”

He shook his head. “It’s my plane. I call the shots.” He dialed Margaret. “Margaret, I’m going to Taiwan. Have my plane and documents ready within the hour.” He cut her short when she started to protest. “Not now. Just do it.” He hung up.

Sarah was shaking her head. “You can’t go with us.”

“Why not?”

“This is a rescue mission. We have work to do. You’d get in the way.”

“No, I wouldn’t. I know the language. I have a small plant on the coast, so I have contacts in the country and I have the plane. What else could you ask for?”

“That you stay here and give us the plane and pilot.”

“No deal.”

“You’ve just had that leg operated on. You don’t know what kind of conditions we’re going to face. What if you get an infection?”

“Then you’d have to take care of me as well as Monty.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Don’t be. It won’t happen. I won’t be a burden.” He struggled out of the chair and had to suppress a wince as pain shot through his thigh. “If I am, then I promise I’ll stay out of your way. Now, make the call while I go to the bathroom and throw some water on my face.”

She stood there, undecided.

“Go call Helen Peabody.” He limped toward the bathroom. “You know I’m the best game in town.”

“Look at you. You can’t even walk without hurting.”

“What do you care? Serves me right, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t want you to lose your damn leg.”

“I’ll take care of me, and you and Monty take care of the suffering millions of the world. I’d say that’s fair.” He glanced at her over his shoulder. “Wouldn’t you?”

She slowly nodded. “You’re right. Why should I worry about you?” She turned away and picked up the telephone. “Come if you like. But don’t blame me if you get more than you bargained for in Taiwan.”

“I won’t blame you.” He closed the door and leaned against it, fighting the waves of agony. He should take some more painkillers, but he couldn’t afford to be fuzzy right now. Once they left Tucson, he could let go for a while. In spite of her toughness, Sarah was a caretaker, and she would find a way to keep him from going if she realized he was hurting like hell. And sick. God, he felt sick. When the pain dulled to a throbbing, he pulled out his phone and called Galen. “I’m at Sarah’s cabin, but we’re leaving for Taiwan right away. Have you found out anything?”

“Not yet. I’m still tracking Sanchez. Taiwan?”

“It seems there’s a mudslide in Taiwan. Her rescue team has been called out. I’m going with them.”

“Christ. How do you feel?”

“I just had a bullet cut out of me. Not good.”

“I don’t envy you.”

“Just find Rudzak. Even if he’s hurt, I’ll bet he’s somewhere plotting and planning his next move.”

He hung up and closed his eyes, gathering his strength. He’d gotten through the call. He could get through the flight. The trick was blocking the pain, operating on automatic, and not allowing himself to think.