tested

(Train station at Lympstone)

Tested (A David Blaine Story)

The direct sequel to Seeds of Fear

By Atonia Walpole

(Picture creations also by Atonia)

Chapter 1:

“Why are you here, Mr. Blaine?”

“I was sent here.”

“I was sent here, Sir.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You carry no military rank. Were you ever in the forces?” The Royal Marine looked through the file he had on David Blaine.

“No, Sir.”

The Marine read over his medical records. Blaine glanced at the file and then around the room. He’d never felt so out of place in his life. He reckoned they were all either military or former military men and a few women in the group.

The Marine folded his hands over Blaine’s file. “The purpose of this two week course is to make sure that when you leave here you have obtained a basic level of fitness. I see from your records that you have asked to be excused from certain duties.”

“Sir, I have asked nothing but I do have limitations.”

“You are required to attend a PRMC course that lasts for three days. It will consist of intellectual and physical abilities to undergo the recruit training course."

“If I am required to do so then I will do so…Sir.”

“Very well.” Stamped and given a number he was passed on.

His number got him a set of fatigues and basic supplies, a cot in the barracks. Somehow this wasn’t what he had expected. He wasn’t joining the bloody Royal Marines.

“Hey, Blaine.”

“Haines, I thought that was you I saw earlier at the airfield.”

“Kind of surprised to see you here, Sir.”

“You are not the only one. I am not sure what I have gotten myself into.”

“You’re a civilian and here under special orders. They won’t be too hard on ya.”

The group met at the airfield and were transported by bus to the train station. From there they traveled to the Commando Training Center at Lympstone.

“I have no illusions about myself, Haines. I may pass the academics but I see failure when it comes to physical capabilities.”

“You’re looking pretty fit now.”

“Do not let looks be deceiving. I am able to walk unassisted and I do not think that is what these fellows have in mind.”

He easily passed the intellectual testing he was given. The physical was a different matter. He could not run more than a few steps. He could not do all the exercises he was put through. He never complained and he tried everything. He just had to quit. It wasn’t worth doing himself an injury to show some officer that he was able when he wasn’t. He was given another medical exam and the doctor looked at his hands.

“You’ve had injuries to both hands.”

“I have, yes, but I have overcome them. This right hand’s knuckles were dislocated and a small fracture. The left…I had a gun backfire in my hand. There is only a slight disability with two fingers now.”

“They’ve got you down for the All Arms Commando Course. Can you climb a rope? Do a fireman’s carry? Regain the water tank or carry 22 lbs plus your rifle on an assault course? I have my doubts, Mr. Blaine.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

He was given some basic training with his assault rifle and passed that to his own surprise. The handgun took some training but he mastered it. He climbed the rope and was glad for Billy’s insistence on his working out regularly. He could not do a fireman’s carry and only half of the carry on the assault course. The water tank was a breeze for him. Every chance he got he was on the firing range because he knew that was his weakest point.

At the end of two weeks he was tested and he passed the courses he could do. One thing the boot camp did for him was to boost confidence in himself. He was not a disabled person, only a person with certain limitations. He was glad it was over.

When he returned to Norfolk he was met by his Uncle Trevor.

“I thought I’d come and see what they did to you.”

Blaine smiled. “I am not sure they did anything to me. I would not let them.”

“Are you quick with your hands?” He threw a punch and Blaine caught his wrist.

“Quick enough. What are you doing here, really?”

“I’m bleeding bored to death. I thought we might get pissed.”

“I am ready for that!” Blaine laughed and threw his bag into the back of Trevor’s vehicle.

They drove back into London and found a pub.

“You’re looking good, David.”

“I feel good…I am, I guess.”

“Happy…you look happy. That haunted look is gone from you. Christine do that?” He took a drink from his glass.

“Christine does a lot of things for me. How do you know?”

“Women talk.” He set his glass down. “Lara said you and Christine were…eh, um.”

“That is about as far as you need to go with that. We are…yes. I love her and she knows it.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Why must I do something? We are happy as we are. Leave it alone.” Blaine finished up his glass and ordered another round. “Why don’t you and Lara do something?”

“Like what?”

“I do not know. Whatever it is you think I need to do.”

“Ah, I’m not that kinda bloke.”

“Well, neither am I.”

“How did it go down at Lympstone?”

“I did what I could and the rest…I failed.” He shrugged. “I do not know if it is enough for Sir Brennan to want to keep me.”

“David, why in the hell did you sign on with him? I thought you hated him and the whole outfit.”

“I have never hated him. I have disagreed with him and faulted him for his methods. His methods work and he knows this. He is a very smart man. I do not know, Uncle Trevor. I am floating, you know? I have no real work to do, nothing that challenges me.”

“You stay with him and you’ll be challenged. It’s a dangerous business. I think you like a bit of danger. I’ve never known you to be afraid.”

“You did not see me in Toulon. When Christine was abducted, I was afraid for her. I do feel fear very strongly and especially when I can do nothing about it.”

“You did do something, though.”

“Yes, I did.”

“How do you feel about pulling a trigger?”

“Depends on who is on the receiving end. So far I have felt nothing. Killing Fadi was like putting a mad dog out of his misery.”

“What if it was someone who had not done you a particular wrong? Someone you were told to take out.”

“I do not know the answer to that. I am not going to be a gun for Sir Brennan.”

“I hope not. Next round is on me.”

“Why don’t you let me pay? You are unemployed,” Blaine teased.

“Go ahead, rich man.”

“Do not call me that.” He threw a bill on the table. “When that is gone it is your turn.”

They talked about everything and nothing and the day passed into late evening. Unable to drive they took a cab back to Trevor’s flat and Blaine spent the night there. Nursing a mug of coffee the next morning, Blaine made a suggestion to Trevor.

“I do not know what kind of work Sir Brennan will have for me but if I am allowed to put together my own team, I would like you to be on it.”

“Oh you would, eh? I might…depends, you know.”

“Sure.” Blaine looked across the table at him and smiled a little. Trevor was itching to get back to work and he could see it. “Maybe you should not have retired.”

“I think I should have, David. I was burned out with it. I don’t mind something now and then but I don’t want to be on the call roster again.”

Blaine ran a hand over his face and hair. “Well, I suppose I should thank you for getting me totally pissed last night. I have not been in that condition for a long time.”

“Neither have I but I thought the Blaines were due.”

“We did not end up in jail so I guess we were good boys. It is so good to know you and to know I am not the only one left. So many years I thought I was alone.”

“So did I.” Trevor reached across and squeezed Blaine’s hand. “Thanks to you, I’ve still got family. I don’t want to lose it either…you be careful out there, David.”

He went home to Gravesend and for three and a half weeks he played and worked in his garden, enjoyed his children and Billy. He talked often with Christine, who introduced him to phone sex.

“I do not know what it is,” he said, holding his phone between his cheek and his shoulder while he got ready for bed.

“Well, I am not sure I know either but if I were there…this is what I would be doing with you…” she purred on the other end of the line.

The phone call came on a Saturday afternoon while he was in the pool. Billy handed him a towel and his phone.

“Blaine, you’re to report Monday morning 9:00.”

That was it, no explanation or further information was given. Blaine lay his phone down on the side of the pool. “It begins.” He looked up at Billy.

(Backside of the Country Estate)

Chapter 2

Blaine left with Billy on Sunday evening to spend the night in London, saving Blaine from an early morning ride and Billy wanted to stay in his flat for a couple of nights. Actually, he wanted to find out what he could about Blaine’s assignment.

Blaine presented himself at the country estate promptly at 9:00 on Monday morning. Instead of being shown into Sir Brennan’s office he was taken to a smaller room dominated by a long table containing some carefully arranged papers, a laptop and a cell phone.

He sat down before it and was brought a pot of coffee. The papers had to do with insurance and other legal matters that cemented his employment in the special branch. He scanned and signed and picked up the cell. It was already loaded with a few numbers. He looked up as the door opened.

“Good morning, Mr. Blaine. Almost like old times…the name, I mean. I knew your uncle. I’m Bothy Rhodes.” He held out his hand and Blaine stood and shook it.

“Good morning, Mr. Rhodes.”

“Call me Bothy, if you will, and may I call you David?”

“I would prefer Blaine…just Blaine.”

“Right, Blaine. I’m to work closely with you for the next few days and bring you up to point on the mission you’ve been assigned to. As it’s your first assignment I’m sure you’ll have questions and I’ll try and answer them as we go along.”

“Is this like…school?”

Bothy laughed a little. “I wouldn’t exactly say that. It’s more of a cram course.”

Blaine emptied his cup. “All right, let’s hear it.”

Bothy looked at his watch. “We’re waiting on…ah, there he is.”

“Sorry I’m late, Bothy.”

“That’s all right, Haines. We’re just about to get started. Blaine, Haines will be accompanying you.”

“That’s good. How are you, Haines?”

“I’m good.” A quick smile from Haines and he sat down at the table.

“Down to business now.” Bothy pulled up a picture of Gadhafi on the screen.

Blaine looked at the screen and his stomach tightened up.

“I’m sure you’re both familiar with this man and the recent overthrow of his regime.” He changed out the picture and brought another one up with Gadhafi and three other men. One was Ali Kazan.”

“What…what is this?” Blaine asked.

“I’m just trying to give you a visual idea of where we’re going with this. You see the man on the right. That’s the target. He’s a Pakistani…a money man, a broker, if you will. Kazan supplied the financing. Gadhafi was purchasing some warheads. Now this meeting took place three years ago. We know the shipment was made because we tracked it. Libya is now upsi-daisy and the Pakistani has disappeared…so have the warheads. Neither the rebels or various intelligence forces have been able to locate them. This man,” he pointed at the screen, “knows where they are.”

“I don’t need to tell you with the recent Arab Spring how important it is that we find these warheads. The Middle East is unsettled and if they fall into the wrong hands anything could happen.”

“How do you know this man knows where they are?”

“We’re 99% sure he does. He’d be wanting to sell them for the right price about now. The world at large had no idea what Gadhafi had. The Americans, French, Chinese and Israel know about it.”

“Well, I would think Israel would be the ones to find them. They would be the most threatened.”

“Possibly…depending on who might end up with them. We don’t need another nuclear power in the Middle East. You are especially important here, Blaine, because you speak Chinese.”

“What does that have to do with anything? We are talking about the Middle East?”

“Because China would very much like to have them back.”

“Why are we being pulled into this, Bothy?” Haines asked.

“China does not want it known that the sale went through. They have invested much in the Middle East.”

“Why did they sell them to Gadhafi?” Blaine asked.

“They didn’t. They thought they were selling them to Pakistan. Pakistan paid for them through our fellow here.” He pointed to the moneyman. “Kazan had a better idea and approached Gadhafi, letting him know they were available. Part of the shipment was diverted to Libya and moneyman pocketed the greater part of the purchase price. The rest went to Kazan. Pakistan is livid, as you would expect, but they’ve picked the wrong target for their anger. They’re blaming China. Now the warheads are loose and the international community is on edge, as you can imagine.”

“More of his meddling in other countries' business,” Blaine said under his breath. He shook his head slightly over Ali. “Who is this man, the moneyman?”

“His name is Mustafa Narri. He is a Pakistani, as I said, but he’s been living in Libya for fourteen years. He disappeared during the takeover of Tripoli and so did the warheads.”

“How many warheads are there?” Haines asked.

“Three, but then you only need one, don’t you? One is enough to cause catastrophic damage.”

“When did he go missing?” Blaine asked, sitting back in his chair.

“1 August. He was last seen in Tripoli.”

“It is a bit late now, he could be anywhere.”

“True, Blaine, but it’s not as if he tweeted his leaving. It was only afterwards when we were able to get someone in there to have a look that the missing warheads and this man came to light.”

“Where is this someone who had a look?”

“Um, with the forces looking for Gadhafi.”

“Maybe Gadhafi's got ‘em,” Haines suggested.

“We can’t rule that out, of course.”

“So where do we start?" Blaine wanted to know.

“You start in Tripoli.”

Haines leaned back in his chair and looked at Blaine. “Not a place I’d choose to spend my holiday.”

Blaine grinned, “Neither would I. I think it is a place you are likely to be shot or imprisoned. What is to keep us out of prison?”

“Your wits and a bit of luck. We’re going into this wide open, no subterfuge. They will know why you’re there.”

“And be ready for us…right? Perhaps the revolutionaries have them and want to keep them. We will make a nice target practice.”

“Your job is to find out where they are. If you feel you need some backup help, that can be arranged.”

“I am not sure what I need at present. If possible, I would like to pick my own team if the need arises.”

“I’ll have to clear that and it would depend on whom you picked.”

“I understand.”

They took a break and Blaine walked out onto a side porch where he knew he could smoke. Haines soon followed.

“What have we gotten ourselves into?” Blaine lit a smoke for Haines.

“A helluva mess. This is my first mission out of country.”

“You are kidding? No? Ah, well, we are both about to get our feet wet. It is not my first mission out of country but it is my first official mission. If we can pick a team I want my Uncle Trevor.”

“Trevor’s a seasoned agent. Yeah, I’m for that. I thought he retired.”

“He did but he is bored.”

“I want Belcher.”

“Stan Belcher went to Beirut with me. I am good with that.”

“Are you a little, er, afraid?”

“I am scared shitless.”

Haines grinned. “Me too. We should do all right then.”

“Where are you from, Haines?”

“I’m originally from Scotland but I’ve lived here since I was teen.”

“I thought I detected a Scottish burr.”

“It’s about gone now. Where are you from?”

“I am half English and the other half Chinese. I grew up in both places.”

“You’ve got a little of an accent, too. It’s the cadence of your speech. You came out of Lympstone all right. I didna think you would.”

Blaine shrugged. “I did not participate in all the training. I could not physically do it. You know, every time I have done a job for Sir Brennan I ended up here in hospital. I do not fancy that again.”

“We’ll try and keep out of hospitals. You have children, right?”

“I have two and they are at home in the country.”

“No wife?”

“No wife. I have had two of them but do not wish another.”

“How’s Billy? I met him during the Cambridge affair.”

“Billy is not my wife.” Blaine looked up at him with amusement in his eyes. “But he is fine. He is in London right now.”

Haines cheeks reddened. “I didn’t mean to…I just thought he was an okay bloke. I thought he got the bad end of the deal. He shouldna went to jail.”

“We all got the bad end of the deal. Abby came out on top. He is at Cambridge and I hear from him now and again.”

“That surprised me…the kid tried to kill you. Why did you?”

“I don’t know. He…he is young. We both know what his father was and I did not want him to follow him. I hope he will remain in England or somewhere away from his homeland…away from assassins. I do not want to see him waste his life. His father had two faces and I only personally knew one. If he can be that kind of man then I will have succeeded. And I do not mean that he should be gay. He is not.” Blaine took a drag off his cigarette and smiled. “It is not catching, you know.”

“Blaine, I have no problem working with you.”

“I do not have a problem, either. We shall be mates and look out for each other.”

Haines grinned and shook Blaine’s hand.

Chapter 3

For three days Blaine and Haines worked with Bothy, role playing different scenarios that might arise. They talked extensively and were introduced by computer to their one contact in Tripoli. They were to fly on Thursday night.

“I have a question.” Blaine stopped Bothy in mid sentence. “We both have asked for back up…for a team and nothing has been said about them.”

“Sir Brennan will speak to both of you later this evening regarding that request.”

“He has denied it?”

“No, Blaine, but he has his own ideas about this. Hear him out.”

“He wants to send two of us into Libya, of all the boiling pots in the world, two of us who have never been tested, who haven’t a fuckin’ clue what we’re up against..."

“Haines, it will all be explained later by Sir Brennan,” Bothy said. “I would hope that you have retained something in the past three days that might aid you when you land.”

“We will be all right, Haines. Somehow we will make it work for us.” Blaine understood Haines completely. He felt the same thing.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

“Sir Brennan,” responded Blaine and Haines together.

Sir Brennan walked into his office and shook both their hands. He went straight to a drinks tray and poured.

“A little whiskey for our Scotsman.” He handed Haines a glass and looked at Blaine. “I never know what you drink. You aren’t consistent. Brandy?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“All right, now that we’ve all got a drink in hand, tell me…are you up for this? Are you confident? Are you afraid?”

“I am afraid,” Blaine answered. “I am up for it.”

“I’m with him. Not sure how confident I am.” Haines took a sip from his glass. Brennan always had the best whiskey.

“Good, a little fear is a good thing. It’ll keep you awake, keep you on your toes, keep your mind sharp. Both of you have got what it takes or I wouldn’t have assigned you to this mission. I know it’s your first time getting your feet wet but it had to start somewhere. Haines, here, has come up through the ranks. He knows our little operation very well. Blaine has little or no knowledge of exactly what we’re about but he’s been in the fire and he knows…he knows what’s expected. So…tell me what you think.”

“I’m thinkin’ I’m not so sure. We both asked for help and it doesn’t look like it’s comin’.”

“How do you know you’re going to need any help? I could have sent a squadron in there to scour the country and everybody in the world would wonder what in the blazes we were looking for. You’ve got help, Haines. Blaine is your help and you’re his. I expect you both to come back as you are now. If you get in a bind, of course we’ll help you. We’ll get you out of it.”

“What if we don’t find what we are looking for. How long are we supposed to carry on?” Blaine asked.

“Until you find the bloody things or have enough information as to their whereabouts that someone else can take over. I don’t expect you to spend the rest of your life out there kicking up sand, Blaine. It’s just a matter of finding the right person who’s willing to talk. Once you get past the first day your confidence level will rise. I have confidence in the two of you.

“Now, you’re on your own until noon tomorrow. Go say goodbye to whomever you need to say such things to. There’s no way right now to know how long you will be gone. You’ve been there before, Blaine. You’ve always exceeded my expectations time-wise. You know the rules. You don’t tell anyone where you’re going.” He looked directly at Blaine. “Anyone.”

Blaine lifted his chin and looked back. He had intended to mine his uncle for any suggestions he might have. He’d already called him and asked him to meet at Billy’s flat.

After dinner Blaine and Haines started for their vehicles. “See ya tomorrow, Blaine.”

“Where are you headed?”

“Maidenhead.”

“I am to Chelsea.” Blaine got in his vehicle. He didn’t know anything about Haines’s private life, if he was married, single or what. He supposed he’d find all that out…there would be plenty of time.

“You’re late. We expected you for dinner.” Billy met him at the door.

“I had dinner with Sir Brennan.” He placed a hand on Billy’s shoulder and passed by him. Trevor was enjoying a drink in the living room. “Your old nemesis,” he grinned.

“Not mine, more like yours. How’d it go?”

“Want a drink, Blaine?”

“Yes, please. I do not know how it went or how it was supposed to go. It just…went. I have got the assignment along with Haines. I guess I can tell you that.”

“Ah, he’s told you to keep it quiet. Interesting. Let’s see where could you be going…what’s hot?” Trevor screwed up his face for a moment. “Middle East…yes, no…hot…cold?”

Blaine took a sip of his drink. “I hear it is hot.”

“Hmm, not good. Right now everything’s in an uproar. Things are changing…nobody is in power and everybody is in power. And…you knocked off the one slimy bastard that could help you.”

“If you mean Fadi then I would not ask him for help if he was able to give it.”

“Not everybody has to be a fine upstanding citizen in this business. You need slimy bastards…you need to cultivate ‘em. You might even be one. Oh, I take that back. You could never be a slimy bastard…no, you’ll try to do everything the right way, honorable and clean. You’ll get yourself killed like that, David.”

“Were you slimy, Uncle Trevor?”

“When I needed to be. You wanted to do this, David. Why? I still can’t figure out.”

Billy shifted on the sofa. “I think it was that slimy bastard from Nantes that caused it. Right Blaine?”

“Maybe.” Blaine swirled his drink slowly in his glass. “I thought…I could be better than that.”

“You are better.” Billy took a drink and looked over at him.

“So…can you tell me anything?”

“I am not supposed to talk.”

“I don’t want to compromise you, David, but if you need my help…rules be damned.”

“Haines new at this, too?” Billy asked.

“Yes, we are newbies together.”

“Suicide mission.” Trevor closed his eyes for a minute. “Okay, where is he sending you? I’ll cut my tongue out if need be.”

Blaine looked at him a moment. “Libya.”

“Jesus, Mary, and all the saints!”

Blaine shrugged. “I cannot say more. We wil be all right, Haines and I.”

“You just remember…you don’t owe anybody anything. Things get hot…get out the best way you can.”

Billy stared into space somewhere across the room. Blaine going to Libya. He shook his head slowly. “I won’t sleep until you get back.”

Blaine smiled, “Sure you will. I am ready for this. I have trained, I have been tested on paper and in the field. I know what I must do and I will do it.”

“They taught you to shoot straight?’

“Yes, Billy, I can handle a firearm. I can do a lot of things. I will be all right.”

Drinking until after midnight was probably not the best idea he’d had lately. Blaine found aspirin in the bathroom and downed three of them. Billy was up making breakfast for him.

“What time did Uncle Trevor leave?” He stretched and leaned on the counter.

“About one, I think. How’s your head?”

“Sore.”

“Serves you right,” Billy grinned and gave him a smack on his behind. “Have a cuppa.”

“Mmm. You will take care of our babies.”

“You know you don’t have to worry about that. Have you, um, called France?”

“No, not yet.”

“What about your clothes? What do you need for…Libya?”

“Not a thing. We have been outfitted…khaki…not my style.”

“No, it certainly isn’t. You’d better sit down and eat.”

“Are you not joining me?”

“I can’t eat…not right now.”

Blaine caught his arm. “Billy..."

“Don’t…don’t say or do anything. Just sit down and eat.”

After breakfast he closed himself up in the bedroom with his phone and called Christine. He didn’t tell her what he was about, only that he was working and would be in touch when he could.

Blaine picked up his jacket and little black bag with his phone, wallet and keys. He kissed Billy good-bye and rode the elevator down to the parking garage.

Chapter 4

Blaine and Haines had been in Libya for three days, long enough to meet their contact, become armed and following a lead they joined a convoy that included some of the rebel forces and a CNN news crew. They were headed for a coastal town and the word was nuclear materials had been found. Whether this had anything to do with the man they were looking for was unclear but it was worth checking out.

They followed the CNN vehicles to the site. As the reporter and his crew moved up to a warehouse Blaine and Haines surveyed the faces around them. They all appeared to be part of the rebel forces. He and Haines went inside the warehouse where three drums marked with radioactive symbols were against a wall.

“Jaysus!” Haines exclaimed when one of the men opened a drum and then another. CNN’s cameras were rolling. “Look at ‘em touching it!”

Blaine listened to the reporter. “He thinks it is waste material. But from where and what? He does not know. It is not our package. At least it has gone public now. They will not be able to move it without the world knowing it.”

“Well, that sucks. Three and three…I was hoping.”

“Ah, it will not be that easy,” Blaine sighed.

“Back on the road? I still think we should follow Gadhafi. He might find it easier to reach safe haven with a bargaining chip like that.”

Blaine looked at Haines. “You might be right. Of course no one knows where he is.”

“True, but the Rebels think they do. I say let’s go with them.”

“I am not wanting to get into battle with anyone’s forces…let’s do it.” Blaine went over and spoke with their driver. He was all for it, hoping for a big show.

They were again with the rebel convoy riding through towns and villages that had already been captured and they were cheered on by the people in the streets. The destruction was at times hard to look at.

“I guess we’re headed for the front lines,” Haines said.

“Yes.” Blaine was quiet, thinking about their destination and wondering what the hell he was doing out here. This really wasn’t what he had in mind when he signed on. However, he also knew he couldn’t pick and choose. He wanted to do something and he was merely a soldier in Sir Brennan’s army.

“Haines, have you given any thought to Narri? I do not think he would let the package go out of his control.”

“For all we know, Narri is dead. I mean look around you, Blaine. Gadhafi on the run is nae concerned with anyone except himself. Everyone is expendable.”

“Yes.” Blaine looked at him seriously. “Everyone is.”

“Meaning us? Aye, I know…I know.”

Their first night on the road was spent in an abandoned house. They shared the food of the rebels and slept where they could with their weapons by their sides. The next day they caught up with another convoy that included two news organizations. One was out of Qatar and Blaine was anxious to speak with them.

“Why do you want to talk to them?”

“I am going to ask about Narri. The man is no secret in these parts, you know.”

The opportunity came at lunchtime. Haines waited anxiously in the company of the rebels for Blaine to return. He was gone for some time. He let out a breath when he saw Blaine returning.

“Well?”

“They are very well informed, Haines. I shared their meal. They say Narri is in Pakistan.”

“What the fuck? We were sent out here to find a man who is not here. They musta known that. Sir Brennan musta known, Blaine.”

“I am sure he did. He did not care about Narri. It is the package he wants to find. I did not mention them to the news people.”

“It’s a fuckin’ wild goose chase. I wonder did our contact know this?”

“I doubt it…why tell the left hand what the right hand is doing? This is typical. Narri slipped away when he saw the chance. I would like to talk to him, though.”

“Do ye think he took the package with ‘im?”

“I cannot say for sure but I would not think so. I think you were correct, Haines. Gadhafi has them.” Blaine smiled a little. “Do not get so excited. We work with what we have.” He watched Haines work through it.

Haines felt betrayed. He looked at Blaine. “So, you and me, we’re on our own then?’

“Pretty much, yes.” Blaine lit a cigarette and passed it to Haines. “I have found that things are never what you believe them to be when you set off. We will find the package and report.” He shrugged and lit a smoke for himself.

Blaine’s calmness worked its way to Haines. “All right, I’ve got your back.”

Blaine wiggled his brows and grinned.

“You’re a right bitch, you know it?”

Blaine laughed and Haines joined in. The tension was broken.

The front line was getting closer. The villages they passed were still smoking but people were out cleaning up the rubble. Haines was restless in the vehicle and fidgeted around. Blaine became quieter and calmer. He spent what time he could with the news crews, picking up tidbits of information. There was no need to speculate about what would happen when. He was content to take it as it came.

It came quickly. The next day they were in the midst of it. Their driver abandoned them and took his weapon to fight. He never came back. Haines took the wheel and kept them well back from the fighting.

They were awakened by airstrikes early in the morning before dawn. Everyone was running to their vehicles. A BBC cameraman said “This is it!.” The fighting was intense between the rebels and Gadhafi’s forces. Sirte was taken and word came back that Gadhafi had been found in a drainage ditch. Blaine and Haines were on foot for awhile in Sirte. An armed convoy was the target of the airstrikes carried out before dawn. Blaine and Haines searched frantically for the convoy and found it on the road into Sirte. They went back for their vehicle and rode along the path of the unfortunate convoy. Vehicles were still burning. Gangs of people were around them.

“What do you want me to do?” Haines asked Blaine.

“Keep going.”

“Where? Where the hell am I goin’?”

“To find the missing vehicle. There were eighteen in the convoy. I counted seventeen hit. How do I know? I watch and listen. I heard from the BBC that there were eighteen vehicles hit. Not so…one is missing. Now what would you do if your leader’s vehicle was bombed? Eh?”

“Well, it would depend on what I was carrying in mine. If there was a chance to rescue him I’d circle around and wait until it was safe to go looking.”

“Yes, but by now the news of his capture and killing is known. Sirte has fallen and so I do not think he is waiting around to be caught. They are taking no prisoners.”

“He’s on the road.”

“I believe so.” Blaine reached in the back for the automatic weapons they’d picked up off the ground in Sirte and checked them out. “We will have to kill them, You know that.”

“Not a problem for me but I’ll tell ya what is…another airstrike. My balls contract to my stomach just thinking about it. We’re too exposed out here.” He looked up out of the driver’s window toward the sky.

They’d been following the coast road but up ahead was a major intersection. “Blaine?”

“Haines, you know I haven’t a clue. Where would he go with a package?”

“Better call something quick.”

“Straight…go straight. We go to Torbuk. It is a port city.” Blaine was only guessing.

“It’s near the Egyptian border. A quick cruise and he might find a buyer.”

“Yes, for if he has what I think he has then they are of little use for him. Also, he would find refuge with such a bargaining chip.”

Back at the country estate Sir Brennan was having a sandwich at his desk and going over some reports.

“Sir?”

“Yes, yes, what is it?”

“I think you’d better come and look what we have on satellite image.”

Leaning over the monitor it was explained what the operator had been tracking. “We think this is Blaine and Haines here and the runaway vehicle is up above on the side of the road. We’ve been tracking it for hours.”

Sir Brennan pursed his mouth. “How do you know that’s Blaine and not a commuter?”

“Shall I contact him, Sir?”

“Yes, I want to know. No…wait…let’s wait and see what he does first.”

“Blaine?”

“I see it. Slow down and pass it by. Ah…armed men…three and one on the ground possibly dead. Stop.”

The rear window of the SUV exploded with gunfire. They dove for the floorboards. As soon as they were able they grabbed the automatic weapons and opened the doors.

“Get out!” Haines shouted at Blaine. They rolled out of the vehicle and took cover behind the SUV. There was a short lived but intense exchange. Haines thought he got one of the gunmen.

“They are pulling out!” Blaine shouted and aimed for the windshield. The vehicle swerved and went off the other side of the road. Again there was an exchange of fire, Blaine and Haines moving around the vehicle for better shots. Finally it died down on the other side and one man came out with his hands raised.

“Should I?” Haines asked.

Blaine hesitated a moment. “Yes, no prisoners.” Haines took him out.

With Blaine covering him with a round of fire, Haines ran across the road and hit the sand. There was no return of fire and Blaine went over and looked in the vehicle. The driver was hanging over the steering wheel quite dead. Another was by the back side of the vehicle and the one next to the pavement. They opened the back of the vehicle and found a crate covered in blankets.

“Bingo!” Haines smiled.

“I’ll make the call.” Blaine walked to the side of the vehicle and placed his call. “Package found.” He held on long enough to give their coordinates and then ended the call.

There was complete silence along the road and except for one vehicle that passed them in the opposite direction, no other traffic.

“Strange, idna? How quiet it is.” Haines wiped the sweat from his brow and walked a little ways away from the vehicle. “Are we to wait for somethin’?”

“I did not ask. We were told to find and report. “ Blaine walked with him toward the edge of the pavement and offered him a cigarette. “I do not like driving away and leaving it.”

“No, I dinna think what comes next. It’s too quiet.”

Blaine’s phone buzzed in his pocket. “Yes?”

“Get out of there! Get out now as fast as you can!”

“What…?” The sound of a helicopter began and looking up, he saw it high in the sky. “Run, Haines, run!”

Blaine started across the road. Haines was already hitting the sand on the other side. “Come on, man!” Haines shouted.

The blast sent Blaine flying, landing on top of Haines. “Who the fuck? Blaine, are you all right?”

Blaine rolled off him and onto his back. “Yes, I think so.”

“Oh, Jesus!” Haines cried. The helicopter exploded in the sky. “Can you walk, Blaine?”

“Just get me up.” Haines supported him to the passenger side of the SUV.

“We’re…sitting ducks.”

Haines tore out of the sand and onto the pavement. His eyes went wide watching the gas gage slowly falling. “Oh, shit! Gas tank is leaking.”

Blaine was still shaken from the blast. “Go! Go fast!”