Hunter's Rain (22 page)
Authors: Julian Jay Savarin
“I still say use our channels…”
Jackson shook his head. “No way. I can’t risk it. I may be blocked by those same channels, or it may take too long while people argue; and meanwhile, Elisabeth runs out of time. My way will get results much faster.”
“And perhaps your head and career handed to you on a plate.”
“Jack, as far as my wife and kids are concerned, if I can’t protect them, to hell with career. Would you risk your career for Phoebe?”
“That’s a low blow.”
“I got two low blows today.”
Dales gave a sigh of resignation. “I can see there’s no arguing.”
“None at all.”
Dales made a last effort. “If you won’t use channels, how about the German cops?”
“I have a cop in mind; from Berlin, but I don’t know how to reach him…”
“Use the cops. They will know.”
“No. I don’t want whoever is behind this to even know what I plan, until I want them to. For all I know, they’ve got access to the cops as well.”
“How can you tell? You could be going way off-beam on this…”
“Sure I could.”
“So?”
“I’ll do it my way.”
“Jesus, Bill. You’re heading for a fall.”
“If I don’t do this, Jack. I’m not fit to hold a command. I’m not fit to be a husband, and a father. I’m not being emotional. I think you know me well enough to understand that.”
Dales gave a reluctant nod.
“I need a favour. Two favours.”
“Whatever I may feel about this, you know you don’t have to ask.”
“Thanks, Jack. First, you say nothing about what I have told you regarding what I think I know. No exception, Jack.”
“You got it.”
“Second, I want you and Phoebe to look after the kids for me.”
“That goes without question.”
Jackson nodded. “Then that’s it. When Elene gets back, I’ll let her know what happened as gently as I can, then let she and Josh know they’ll be staying with you for a few days.”
“When should we pick them up?”
“Sometime this evening, if that’s okay.”
“No problem.”
Jackson was still holding out the envelope. “You’ll need this.”
With some reluctance, Dales took it.
“The Base is now yours, Colonel,” Jackson said. “Officially, I’m now on a few days’ vacation. ”
“Yes, sir. Let’s hope it isn’t permanent.”
“We’ll see. And Jack…”
“Sir?”
“Keep a tight lid on things.
No
one must even
think
of going hunting for these people, when the news gets out about Elisabeth and Josh. I’ll have no vigilantes in my command, as long as I’ve still got it.”
“I’ve already started. I’ve given Cody Henderson a heads-up.”
“That’s good. Cody will sit on them.”
“And I’ll instruct all the other officers.”
Jackson nodded in approval.
“That cop you mentioned,” Dales said. “Do I get the name?”
“Sorry, Jack. I’m keeping this one very close. I have to, for Elisabeth’s sake. If I can reach him the way I believe I might be able to, you’ll be hearing from him.”
“And where will you be?”
“You’ll know when the time comes, just as you’ll know when to open the envelope.” Jackson paused. “I’m going to get those bastards to come looking for me, Jack.”
CAFA Base 19.00, Commander’s residence.
Elene and Josh were in the hall, the personal things they would need for their short stay, in their small back packs. The childless Phoebe and John Dales, concern upon their faces, stood to one side, waiting for the children to take leave of their father. Above their heads, the throbbing of the Apache helicopters continued.
Elene Jackson seemed a perfect, smaller replica of her mother. There was more blonde in her hair, which had more curls than Josh’s. Her eyes, a dark green that was almost black, were brimming with tears as she hugged a squatting Jackson tightly.
“Okay, baby.” He cleared his throat. “Just a few days with and Auntie Phoebe, and Uncle Jack. You already spend as much time there as here, so it will be just like going to your other bedroom.” He took her by the shoulders to look at her with a smile. “Won’t it?”
She nodded, wiping at the tears. “Mm hmm.”
“There you go.” Jackson straightened at looked at Josh, who had put on a brave face, and was not crying. “Look after your sister, Josh.”
“Yes, sir.” Josh
He gave Josh a hug. “Okay, son. Off you go.” He nodded at his two friends, who took the children’s hands and led them out.
Just before he went outside, Dales glanced back .
Jackson had the distinct feeling that the look in Dales’ eyes gave the impression that the lieutenant-colonel thought he was seeing his commander for the last time.
Jackson returned to his study.
There were two backpacks on the floor. In one, was everything he felt he needed for his purposes. This included a micro Uzi submachine gun, and a Sig Sauer P226 automatic pistol, a large calibre special duties pump shotgun with folding stock - with plenty of ammunition for all – and a combat knife. The second pack held a change of clothing for when he got to the destination he had in mind, and the padded envelopes.
He picked up his mobile from the desk, held it contemplatively for some moments, wondering whether he should leave it behind. He decided to take it.
He closed the packs.
He checked through the house to ensure that all was secure, then returning to the study to pick up the packs, went out to place them into the boot of the Audi. He then went back to lock the door, trying hard not to think of his wife in the hands of the people who had taken her. Face grim, he got into the car and drove towards the main gate.
Henderson was still there when Jackson arrived. The lieutenant approached the car and saluted.
Jackson looked up at him. “I’m taking a few days vacation, Cody.”
“Yes, sir.” Henderson’s eyes were lively with questions he refrained from asking.
“Colonel Dales has the Base.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I believe he’s given you a heads-up.”
“Yes, sir. He has.”
“I’m relying on you, Cody.”
“You can, sir.”
Jackson nodded, and began to drive off.
“Sir?”
Jackson stopped. The gate barrier had already been raised in anticipation.
“Just be careful out there.”
“I consider that serious advice, Cody. I’ll take it.”
“Yes, sir.” Henderson saluted.
Jackson acknowledged in his usual way, and drove off CAFA Base.
He drove towards Würzburg, taking his time. Just under an hour later, he arrived at his first destination: a large house on the outskirts of the city. He parked the Audi in front of it, leaving the entrance to the double garage clear.
He got out, went to the boot to get the two envelopes, locked the car, and went up to the house. The door was answered almost immediately to his first ring, by a man about his own age with blond, neck-length hair. There was a distinct resemblance to Jackson’s wife.
“Bill!” Klaus Neusser beamed in welcome. He extended a hand as he peered past Jackson. “My little cousin with you?” He spoke English.
Shaking the hand, Jackson said, “No. That’s what I’m here for.”
Neusser frowned uncertainly. “Trouble? I can’t imagine any trouble between you two.”
“Not what you think, Klaus. Something else entirely.”
“Come in. Come in,” Neusser said. “I am on my own at the moment. Martha’s away on one of her teacher’s courses and Markus is, of course, at his college in the north; so we can talk in absolute privacy, if that’s what you want.”
“That’s exactly what I want. Markus is about seventeen now, isn’t he?”
“Nearer eighteen.”
“They do grow fast.”
“Oh yes. Before you know it, yours will be eating you out of house and home.”
Jackson gave a fleeting smile that was tinged with sadness. “I think they’ve already started.”
Neusser gave him a searching look. “Your voice tells me this is serious.”
“That, Klaus, is an understatement.”
“You beginning to make me worried.” Neusser glanced down at the envelopes Jackson held. “To do with these?”
Jackson nodded. “I have something to show you, then we can both worry together. I have a video I’d like you to see.”
“We can play it in the living room,” an increasingly puzzled Neusser said, “or my study.”
“Your study. Best place.”
“Okay. Drink?”
“No. You might need one afterwards.”
“You are not worrying me,” Neusser commented. “You’re scaring me.”
They entered Neusser’s large study, which accurately reflected the nature of his profession. It was set up like a mini television studio, with several monitors and different recording systems on a console bank that took up an entire wall.
Jackson opened the first of the envelopes, and handed the video over. “Play this.”
With another puzzled glance, Neusser took the cassette and slid it into one of the players.
Neusser gave a startled gasp when a stern-faced Jackson appeared.
He again glanced at Jackson, who said, “Watch, and listen.”
“My name is Jackson;” the image began in German, “William T., Colonel, United States Army. To the people who today kidnapped my wife on the B19, and brutalised my son…”
Neusser paused the tape.
“What? Elisa is kidnapped?”
Face stiff, Jackson nodded.
“
My God!”
Neusser said in shock
. “My God!”
“Let the tape run, Klaus.”
Silently, Neusser did so.
“…I have this to say: release my wife, unharmed and unmolested, immediately. Should you have other ideas, let me tell you this: the three of you tried to make it look like a racist act. You were not dressed for it. I am certain you know what I mean. The man who pointed the gun at my son when he was making the phone call to me, should know that my son was smarter than you. He dropped the phone, but he left it on. I heard
most
of everything. I heard your argument when one of your men did not realise the kidnap victim was meant to be my wife. He was worried. He should be. You should
all
be. He mentioned a name, and was told to shut up. I heard that name. And to the man with the knife who carved that foul swastika on my son’s forehead: he clearly saw the very special knife you used, and gave me a very accurate description of it. He mentioned the emblem it carries.
“And finally, to the people who employed these animals: your problem now is to wonder how much I do know, and what you can do to prevent me from revealing it and blow you out of the water. I will choose my own time to do this.
You
, will return my wife and I repeat, unharmed, and unmolested. You will not enjoy what will happen if you do not.”
The message ended.
Neusser stopped the tape, open-mouthed. He remained like this for long seconds, while Jackson watched him.
Finally, Neusser swallowed, and turned to Jackson. “The bastards carved a
swastika
on Josh’s forehead?”
Jackson nodded.
“You realise, Bill, if you broadcast this message – which I am certain that is what you want me to do – you will have issued a challenge. They will come after you.”
“That, is exactly my intention.”
“And the shit will also hit the fan in all sorts of places.”
“That is not my problem. My wife is in danger. Everything else is fly manure. Will you do it? Will you have that released for me?”
“Of course I’ll do it! Elisa is my cousin.”
“You could get into trouble.”
“I am a CEO,” Neusser said. “I make executive decisions.”
“The police may not like it.”
“Once it’s out, it’s out.”
“There is one policeman who may come knocking on your door. He will be an ally.”
“Do I know of him?”
“Maybe,” Jackson replied, “maybe not. But you’ll recognise which side he’s on if, and when, you do meet him.”
Neusser gave a slow nod. “And when should I broadcast the tape?”
“I’ll call your cell phone. I’ll say one word. ‘Release’.”
“Okay. What about the second envelope?”
“That’s meant to be for radio. I thought that perhaps you could talk to that friend of yours we met at dinner here…”
“Michael Brün.”
“That’s him.”
“No problem. I’ll talk with him.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Jackson passed the second envelope over to Neusser. “If you were not here, I would have put them through your letter box, and hoped you would have done what I requested. There are letters in each, explaining. I have one other thing to ask.”
“Ask it.”
“I need an extra cell phone, but one that uses a card. I’ll need you to get one for me tomorrow, but on your name…”
“I can do better. No need to wait for tomorrow. Markus left his old handy here. He does not use it anymore. It’s in perfect order, and has plenty on the card. You can have it.”