“The problem is finding someplace to get food,” said Mara. “We haven’t passed anything.”
“I’m kinda hungry myself,” said Squeaky.
“You got money you ain’t tellin’ us about?” asked Stevens.
“I’m just saying.”
“Maybe we can trade something for food,” said Josh.
“Yeah, like we won’t shoot you if you give us food,” said Little Joe.
The others laughed.
“Not a good idea,” said Mara.
“Relax,” said Kerfer.
Mara’s sat phone rang before she could say anything else.
“This better be good news,” she told DeBiase.
“Helicopter is inbound. It’ll land in forty-five minutes.”
“Tell him there’s a concrete turning area at the eastern end of runway thirty,” said Mara, looking directly at it. “It’s kind of between the ends of the two runways.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll meet him there. The terminal is closed and there are soldiers by the hangars.”
“I can stay on the line,” offered DeBiase. “In case — ”
Mara snapped the phone off.
“Forty-five minutes to pickup,” she told the others.
“Good,” said Kerfer. He looked down at M? and patted her head. “When we get back to the ship, kid, you and me are having the biggest damn bowl of ice cream we can find. I promise you that.”
26
“I will do my duty,” said Jing Yo.
“Ms. Hu had nothing to do with it,” Sun added. “Colonel?”
“I believe her. But don’t trust her, nonetheless.”
The colonel cut the connection.
Jing Yo steered his boat to the southeastern end of the peninsula, where the beach backed into a golf course. The airport was roughly a mile from the water to his north, on the other side of a highway. There were few houses nearby, and fewer people to ask questions.
“Stay on the beach, near the boat,” Jing Yo told Hyuen Bo after he pulled the boat up onto the sand. “I will be back very soon.”
“Yo.” She took hold of his arm as he slung the bag containing the grenades and extra ammunition he had taken from Tong’s van over his shoulder.
“You have to stay,” Jing Yo told her. “Hold on to the shotgun — hide it in the sand in case you need it.”
“We must escape together.”
“We will,” said Jing Yo.
The rocket grenade launchers were in metal boxes. They were cumbersome, since he had to carry the case by the handle as if it were a long suitcase, but it wouldn’t attract as much attention if anyone saw it. He kept one launcher and loaded two of the spare grenades into its box.
Hyuen Bo wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face into his neck.
“I love you,” she said.
“I must do this,” he told her, steeling himself. “I will be back. And we will be together. I promise.”
Gently, he pushed her away, then quickly started up the beach. It wasn’t until he reached the golf course that he realized his shirt was wet with her tears.
27
Mara adjusted the volume on her earset, glanced at her watch, then looked toward the southern horizon. Forty-five minutes. Now forty-four.
She knew from experience they were going to be among the longest of her life. She wished she could just fast-forward through them. Or better, take them and save them for some other time she wanted to move slowly. Undoubtedly, on her deathbed she was going to want them back.
Assuming, of course, that she died in bed. Not likely, given her profession.
“Company,” said Little Joe over the radio.
“What?” Mara asked.
“Army guys in one of those Chinese Hummer trucks. Comin’ at you.”
“How many?” asked Kerfer.
“Two. Officer and a driver. Cops must’ve sent them.”
“We’re better off trying not to be seen,” said Mara. “If they send reinforcements, the helo may have a tough time landing.”
“Truck behind them. Looks like it’s full,” said Little Joe.
“Stay down,” said Mara. “I think I have a solution.”
“What?” asked Josh.
“Stay down,” said Kerfer. “Keep M? quiet. All right?”
Josh put his fingers to his lips, then ducked down. M? did the same.
Meanwhile, Mara took out one of the cell phones she’d bought in Hanoi and pressed the speed dial for Zeus. But instead of Zeus, another voice came on the line.
“Hello?”
“I need Zeus.”
“He is not here.”
“You have his phone.”
“Major Murphy told me to do whatever you asked,” said the man. “What do you need?”
Mara hesitated. Would Zeus really have given over the phone?
“Troops are getting out,” said Little Joe. “A dozen at least.”
“Where is Major Murphy?” Mara asked.
“He’s on an important assignment. I am his liaison. I can help.”
Mara could see the truck. It wouldn’t take long for the soldiers to get too close for comfort.
“There’s a unit at Bai Sau Airport that must be pulled back, into the city, away from the airport. Right now. Immediately.”
“This moment.”
“Absolutely now.”
“It will be done,” said the man.
Mara hung up.
“Twenty yards,” said Squeaky.
“Hold your fire,” said Mara.
