Midnight Runner - Jack Higgins [79]
Ferguson looked at Hannah. "What on earth kind of legal case would there be, Superintendent?"
"Not much of one--even if there was a legal system in her part of the Empty Quarter."
"By the way, General," Dillon said, "you couldn't even ring her up. From what she said, she's on her way to Hazar right now. Keenan and his boys arrive tomorrow. The bomb's set for the seventh. Hardly gives you time to send for the SAS or the Marines."
"So what's the solution?"
"Give me a moment." Dillon turned to Roper. "Show me what you've downloaded about the bridge itself and the area around it."
"I can show you on the screen."
He did so and Dillon had a look and stabbed a finger at a point about fifteen miles south of the Bacu. "Tank Five, what's that? There's a little sign beside it."
"Remember, this is a steam train. They need a lot of water in that kind of heat, and they usually have to stop and fill up along the way. According to the map, it's a steep gradient," Roper added.
"That's it," Dillon nodded. "A good spot to board the train."
"Who's boarding the train?" Ferguson was bewildered.
"I am, it's the only solution. Board the train at Tank Five and dispose of Keenan and his two friends."
"On your own? You must be mad."
"Actually, Billy's already volunteered his services. Of course, it means you've got to get your arse into gear, get hold of Lacey and Parry and tell them to get our plane ready for a quick departure to Hazar."
"But, Dillon," Roper said, "how in the hell would you get to Tank Five? There are Rashid Bedu all over the place, goatherds, caravans, God knows what."
"Billy and I will do a parachute drop, early morning when it's still half-dark. We've done it before."
"Sean, are you sure?" Hannah said.
"There's no time for anything else, no other way. Now do me a favor. As well as Lacey and Parry, speak to the Quartermaster at Farley Field, tell him what I'm up to and say I'll need the usual equipment."
She turned to Ferguson. "Sir?"
He took a deep breath. "Get on with it, Superintendent."
"Excellent," Dillon said. "One more thing. Speak to Tony Villiers. His input could be crucial. I'm going home to pack." He grinned at Roper. "If I need you, I'll phone you."
Ferguson said, "I'll drop you off," and they went out, Hannah following.
Billy was sitting in his usual booth at the Dark Man when his phone rang. Dillon said, "Just listen." When he was finished, he added, "Are you in or out?"
"I haven't got time to waste, Dillon. I've got to pack. I'll see you at Farley."
Harry said, "Farley? Pack? What the hell's going on?"
Billy told him.
I n Hazar, Villiers was encamped with five Land Rovers and nineteen Scouts at the Oasis at El Hajiz, where Bobby Hawk had been killed. The line was only a mile away and he had every intention of crossing it and driving under cover of darkness to Fuad. Achmed, who had proved an excellent Sergeant, had volunteered to go with him, the intention being to blow up the ammunition and arms store at Fuad, aided by a large block of Semtex and a timing pencil.
He answered his Codex and found Ferguson on the other end. "Charles, what can I do for you?"
"Just listen." Villiers did, while the General went through everything they'd learned.
"What do you want from me?"
"Any input you think useful. You don't seem surprised."
"Nothing Kate Rashid does surprises me anymore. As for input, Dillon's idea of dropping in by parachute at Tank Five makes sense, since he and young Salter have done that kind of thing before. However, let's say it works, they dispose of Keenan and his men and foil the plot. It leaves them with a problem."
"What's that?"
"How to get out in one piece. That's hostile terrain, Bedu country, and mainly Rashid Bedu, Kate's people. I also imagine her helicopter will be in the area hoping to pick up Keenan and his men."
"What would