Passage by Night - Jack Higgins [58]
Morrison picked up the machine-pistol. 'Now what?'
'There's a radio transmitter in a room off the hall. Want to try for it?'
'Sounds like a good idea.'
Manning went up the stairs on the run and peered cautiously round the corner. The hall was deserted and he waved on the others. As they joined him, he crossed quickly to the door of the room containing the transmitter. Morrison joined him, standing on the side. Manning turned the handle gently and flung the door open.
The man at the transmitter was alone. As he turned in alarm, Morrison moved inside. 'Do as you're told and you won't get hurt.'
The Cuban didn't hesitate. His hand grabbed for the automatic on the desk beside him, giving Morrison no choice. He loosed off a burst that spun the man around, smashing the set in a dozen places.
At the same moment, heavy firing broke out from the far end of the corridor. As Manning turned to reply, bullets peppered the wall. Papa Melos gave a cry of pain and clutched his arm.
'Get them out of here,' Manning yelled to Orlov. 'Try for the boat. We'll cover you.'
He fired a long burst as a head peered round the wall at the end of the corridor. Behind him. Orlov and Seth dragged the old man away, Anna running ahead of them.
A few moments later, the Russian called from the open doorway. Manning and Morrison fired together, backing slowly, then turned and darted into safety.
The door bolted on the inside and they followed the others down through the cellars until they came out on the steps that gave access to the jetty. The green light still blinked monotonously and the Grace Abounding rocked slightly in the water as waves slapped in through the entrance to the cavern.
As they went down the steps, a heavy pounding sounded on the door behind them. Orlov and Seth lowered the old man gently to the deck and Manning tossed his submachine gun to the Russian and ran into the wheelhouse.
As the engines rumbled into life, there was a sudden cry and several men appeared at the top of the steps. Manning took her away with a surge of power as they started to fire. A bullet shattered one of the glass panels in the wheelhouse, showering him with splinters, and Orlov and Morrison fired in reply. A moment later, they were moving out to sea.
There was a heavy swell running and spray surged in through the shattered window, soaking his head and shoulders. The coldness of it and the taste of the salt on his mouth filled him with new life and he gradually took the engines up to full power.
The door banged open and Seth entered. 'I've given her a quick check, Harry. Can't see any damage to the hull. The wheelhouse seems to have caught it worst.'
'How's the old man?'
'Could be worse. Bullet passed clean through his forearm. His daughter and Mr Orlov, they're fixing him up fine.'
'What about Morrison?'
'He trying to raise Nassau on the radio. Last I saw, he wasn't having much success.'
Manning flicked on the chart light and leaned over. Immediately, bright spots of blood splashed across the chart and Seth gave an exclamation of dismay.
Manning put a hand to his face and winced, suddenly aware of the pain. A splinter of flying glass had sliced across his cheek.
'I'll get you a plaster from the first-aid box,' Seth told him and went out on deck.
Manning leaned over the chart again, fixed their position and plotted a course quickly. As he finished his calculations, Morrison came in.
'Any luck with the radio?'
The American shook his head. 'I've just had a look inside. Couple of valves missing. Somebody was obviously playing it very safe. What happens now?'
'That's up to you. I've chartered a course for Lyford Cay which passes about fifteen miles east of Johnstown Harbour. If I altered course, you could always raise