Tom Clancy's op-center_ acts of war - Tom Clancy [93]
"No," Rodgers said. "When the van hits, the metal chassis will still conduct electricity. We'll all be killed."
Hasan nodded.
"Look," Rodgers said, "having my people tied to the side isn't going to stop the Turks. You know that. The border patrol will shoot right through them to try and get to you. Keep them inside and we'll all be safe."
Hasan shook his head. "If the border patrol comes, they may not shoot. They will see one of their own people tied to the outside. And they will want to question us." He bent over Sondra and began to untie her.
"I know these people," Rodgers yelled. "I tell you, they'll try and cripple the van and they won't lose sleep over who dies in the process, even one of their own. And what'll you do if they chase you into Syria?"
"That is the Syrian military's problem."
"Not if we get caught in an artillery cross fire," Rodgers said. "If you'll just give me a little time, we can get across without the Turks even being aware of it.
Hagan stopped untying Sondra. "How?"
"We keep insulated cable in the van for patching into satellite uplinks when we have to," Rodgers said. "Let me rig an arc across the barbed wire so we don't break the circuit. Then I'll cut the wire and you can drive right over the cable. Once we cross the field I'll do the same thing on the other side. It'll be quiet. No alarms and no patrols."
"Why should I trust you to do this?" Hagan asked. "If you were to break the circuit, we wouldn't know until the Turks arrive."
"I don't gain anything by bringing the guards down on us," Rodgers replied. "Even if they don't shoot us, you'd probably kill my people in retaliation. That defeats the purpose."
Hasan considered this, then reported to Mahmoud.
There was a short conversation, after which Hasan returned to the back of the van.
"How long will it take to make these connections?"
"Three quarters of an hour at the most," Rodgers said. "It'll take less time if you help."
"I will help," Hasan said as he retied Sondra and began to untie the general. "But I warn you, if you try to get away, I will kill you and one of your people. Do you understand?"
Rodgers nodded.
Hasan finished removing the restraining rope, and shoved it into his back pocket. Then he retrieved the wire shears from the tool chest in the rear of the van. Rodgers held out his hand, and Hasan hesitated. Mahmoud upholstered his gun and pointed it at Mary Rose. Hasan handed the shears to Rodgers.
While Hasan collected the cable, Rodgers used a staple gun to make a protective, insulated mitt from a pair of rubber mouse pads. When he was finished, he went outside with Hasan.
Rodgers worked quickly under the glow of the headlights. As he bent beside the fence, he couldn't help but think about what he was doing. Not about rewiring the fence. That was rote. He and Hasan cut the cable into two ten-foot lengths, stripped the ends, and used the mitt to wrap them carefully around the two separate but intermeshed coils of barbed wire. Then they laid the cable on the ground and cut the barbed wire. Rodgers used the mitt to pull it aside and staple the end to the post.
No, what Rodgers thought about during those twenty-seven minutes was the fact that it was his job to try to stop these bastards. Now here he was, helping them to escape. He tried to justify his actions by telling himself that they would probably get away regardless. This way, at least, his people wouldn't be hurt. But the idea of being a collaborator, for whatever reason, stuck in his throat and refused to go down.
When they finished, Hasan gave an okay sign to Mahmoud. The leader motioned them back inside. As they entered, Rodgers removed his mitt. He paused to cut Pupshaw free.
Hasan pushed his gun against Rodgers's temple. "What are you doing?" he asked harshly.
"Letting my man back in."
"You presume a great deal," Hasan said.
"I thought we had an agreement," Rodgers replied. "I wire the fence, my people ride inside."
"Truly," said Hasan,