Germane was angry. His insurance had somehow gotten away from him. He would have to make sure Crane didn't find out his men had escaped. He had planned everything perfectly and now someone in his own organization was working against him.
'I'll find out who you are and make you pay,' he thought angrily. The door opened and his second in command came in, "Jackson, did you find them?"
"No sir. Barney was in the cell for at least three hours before I came upon him. He still has a headache so I told him to get some rest." Jackson told his irate boss.
"Damn. Who's behind this? Who could have betrayed me and helped those men escape?" Germane wondered aloud.
"Sir, these men could have escaped on their own."
"No! They must have had help. Well we'll just include them as prey and hunt them down as well. This could still work to my advantage," he grinned at Jackson. "Are the dogs ready if I need them?"
"Yes sir," Jackson said thinking how sadistic his boss was, "Just as you wanted they have not been fed in twenty four hours. They are hungry."
"Good." Germane stated as he walked to the window. "It looks like the storm is over. Get my equipment and let's get going."
"Yes sir." Jackson said leaving the office and closing the door behind him.
"Mr. Jarha, are these lists complete?" Nelson asked.
"Of course they are!" Jarha said abruptly.
"The list of flights out seems very small. How many do you average a day?"
"That is none of your business Admiral! But I will tell you we average sixty flights per day. That list is complete."
"Ok, Mr. Jarha. Mr. Morton and I will let you know when we are ready to start interviewing the staff. I want to check these first."
"I will wait here Admiral." Jarha spoke quietly.
Kowalski and Riley left the cave and headed towards a heavily wooded area, hoping Crane had decided to use the trees for cover. Kowalski had the gun tucked safely in his pocket and the two men started their search with confidence.
Lee Crane heard the snake before he saw it. The distinctive rattle told him he had better be careful. He spotted the snake just to his right, far enough away that it couldn't do any damage. He began walking in the opposite direction when an idea hit him. He looked around until he found a stick with a v shape on one end. Slowly he walked back to the area he had heard the snake. He found it in almost the same position it had been when he first saw it. 'Have to do this right,' he thought. Holding the v shape in front of his body he slowly approached the hissing rattler. He saw the head and used the stick to entrap it just before the snake struck.
Using the stick to hold the snake's head away from him he used his other hand to quickly remove the rattle from the snake. Carefully he pulled a vine from a nearby tree and used it to secure the snake to a bush. He then removed the stick from the head and jumped back quickly. 'Hopefully you won't pull free and you'll be here as a little surprise when Germane and his gang get here. Take one of them out of commission!' Lee Crane smiled as he hurried away from the snake. 'Have to come up with some more traps if I plan on being alive after forty-eight hours. Wonder how much time has gone by. Wish they'd left me my watch.'
Looking around he wondered which direction he should take. He thought he heard running water coming from somewhere to his right through a thick glade of trees. 'Cold water sounds good right now,' he thought heading in that direction. He ignored the growing discomfort caused by his injured ribs.
"I want Mercer and Drake to join us." Germane told his second in command. "Tell them to be ready to leave in ten minutes."
"Are you sure you want those two? Last time we took them with us they nearly killed the prey before you."
"I think they learned their lesson. I didn't pay them that trip. They are the best at what they do. Next to you that is and I don't want Crane lasting forty-eight hours. There is also the problem of the traitor in our midst." He told Germane, a trace of anger still in his voice as he continued, "The storm ended an hour ago and I want to leave as soon as possible. Go make sure they're ready." Germane ordered Jackson.
"As you wish Peter. We'll be waiting at the gate." Jackson told him as he walked out and closed the door behind him.
Jackson walked towards the barracks where Mercer and Drake stayed. These two are dangerous, he thought. Have to keep them under control somehow. I wish there was more I could do for Crane. At least his men are safe. He opened the door and walked into the barracks to find the men playing cards "Mercer, Drake get your gear.' He ordered.
"So, Germane has come to his senses. He knows we are the best men for the job." Drake said as he stood to his full six foot three height. He had blonde hair and cold grey eyes. A scar ran from his right eye down under his chin.
Mercer was the exact opposite of Drake, short for a male, only five foot two, black hair and brown eyes. His face gave the appearance of softness, but there was no trace of softness in his manor. "It's about time he took us with him again." He said harshly.
"Stow it, both of you. Just grab your stuff and let's go." Jackson said not even attempting to hide the contempt he felt for these two. " Peter wants to hunt Crane without the dogs for now. He wants to see just how good Crane really is."
"We'll find him and without the aid of dogs." Mercer stated, grinning at Drake who nodded in agreement.
"You got that right," Drake snickered. "Crane will never escape with us on the trail." Both men grabbed their rifles and belts of ammunition and followed Jackson out into the compound. They found Germane waiting impatiently at the gate.
"About time!" he stated as he opened the gate. Germane was holding his M16 assault rifle in his arms. He had plenty of extra ammo in utility belts crisscrossing his chest.
"Do you really think you need all that for just one man?" Drake asked sarcastically.
"This is not just any man." Germane stated. "Captain Lee Crane has survived more ONI missions than any other agent. He has brought the Seaview, the submarine he commands, and her crew through more dangerous missions then you can imagine. He's been shot, tortured, stabbed, poisoned and beaten by the best and lived to tell about it. This will be a test to see if he is as good as they say. Do not and I repeat DO NOT underestimate this man or you might find you are the hunted instead of the hunter." He finished, admiration evident in his voice.
"You sound like you admire the guy." Mercer laughed.
"Actually, I do."
"Then why are you hunting him?" Jackson asked.
Germane didn't answer immediately. They walked away from the compound towards the forested area of the island.
Germane stopped and began looking around. "There's so much damage it's hard to say what was made by the storm and what was made by man. Oh well, just makes our job a little harder. Drake, Mercer, you two check south of here for approximately a mile or so. Let me know right away if you find anything."
"Will do Boss." Mercer answered as the two moved away.
"Well?" Jackson asked.
"Well what?"
"Why do you want to hunt and kill Crane if you admire him?"
"Maybe I just want to prove I'm better than he is." Germane stated in a quiet, dangerous voice.
"No, I don't think that's the reason. At least not the only reason." Jackson said knowing he was putting himself on shaky ground.
"What other reason could I have?" Germane asked, his voice almost a whisper.
Jackson studied Germane for a few minutes before he continued, "We have known each other for over twenty years. Right?"
"Your point."
"I think your admiration for Crane stems from the fact that you were once very much like him." Jackson saw the change come over his friends face and knew he had crossed the line. He continued anyway. "You have watched Crane's career from the very beginning and I think that was the beginning of your downfall. Crane never let himself be tempted by riches."
"Like me." Germane said in a voice that betrayed his growing anger.
"I didn't say that, you did."
"That's right, I did."
Jackson knew he should leave it alone but couldn't stop his next words, "You're angry with yourself because you succumbed to temptation. You were tired of not knowing where your next meal was coming from. You were also angry at your country for not acknowledging you as a conquering hero."
"I think you better shut your mouth right now Jackson, before I shut it for you."
"What's wrong Peter, am I hitting to close to home?"
Germane raised his rifle, "Shut up or I'll kill you where you stand," he screamed.
"You need me." Jackson said flatly.
"I don't think so. I believe you're the one who released Cranes men. You betrayed my trust and for what? Crane, he doesn't deserve it. Give him the chance and he will turn you over to the authorities." Germane said shaking his head in anger.
"Hey we found the place where Cranes men were hiding." Germane heard the shouting and turned his head for an instant. Jackson took advantage and disappeared into the dense forest. "Go ahead and run Jackson. You have just joined the ranks of the hunted. I will kill you as well."
Jackson knew Germane was telling the truth. He wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone who betrayed him not even a friend of twenty years. He might feel regret but he would still kill him. Jackson would have to be willing to do the same, in order to survive.
Nelson glared at Jarha. He was seething inside but refused to show this man any kind of emotion. "Mr. Jarha, I would like to speak with everyone on this list, that includes your janitors and maintenance workers. I want them contacted and ordered to report in immediately."
"I will see what I can do Admiral." Jarha told him.
"Mr. Jarha. You will do exactly what I have asked. Do I have to remind you that your own government has ordered you to cooperate?" Nelson said in the quietly dangerous voice that Morton had heard only a few times before. It usually meant the end of Nelson's patience and didn't bode well for the object of his ire.
'You'll get yours!' Jarha thought and then pasted on a dazzling smile. "There is no need to get angry Admiral. I have been cooperating with you."
"Unwillingly. Look we need to get on with this. Go make the arrangements or get me someone who will." Nelson watched Jarha leave the office in a huff. Turning to Morton he said, "Chip, I don't trust Jarha."
"I don't either sir. He seems to be hiding something. I think it's possible he knows where Lee, Riley and Kowalski were taken."
"I get the same feeling. Any idea how we can prove it?" Nelson asked the Seaview exec.
"I don't think he wants his government involved again. Therefore I'd keep bringing up their cooperation in this matter. Sooner or later he will break and maybe he'll let something slip."
"I was thinking the same thing Chip. He definitely knows something. He may even be involved in the disappearance." Nelson was about to say more but the door opened and Jarha stalked back in.
"I have done as you asked Admiral. Our workers will be coming in for questioning as soon as they are able. Unfortunately two people are unavailable at the moment."
"Unavailable? How so?" Morton asked, knowing how angry Nelson was becoming.
"They have left on vacation and will not return until next week. I am sorry." Jarha told them.
"Are you?" Nelson asked trying to control his outrage.
"I am getting very tired of your attitude Admiral. I have done everything I could to help you and this is how you treat me. Please leave my office at once." Jarha stated adamantly.
"Let's go Chip. I will speak with the minister and have someone else assigned to us. Maybe then we'll be able to get the answers we need!" Nelson stated, no longer hiding the contempt he felt for Jarha.
"No! Admiral, please don't do that. I would lose my job." Jarha cried.
"That doesn't concern me. I am tired of your attitude. Fighting with you for information is not helping us find our friends." An angry Nelson said.
"I beg of you. I have a family to support and I need this job."
"You should have thought of that before you helped whoever took Crane!" Morton said.
"I.....I didn't have a choice......." Jarha's voice trailed off as he realized he had been trapped by the oldest trick in the book. He sat down at his desk, his face crestfallen.
"So you are involved!" Nelson stated angrily.
Jarha knew he was caught. There was no way to explain the guilt his statement revealed. "As I said I had no choice."
"We always have a choice. You just made the wrong one. Chip, contact airport security and have them get in touch with the police." Morton left the office in search of security.
"No, please, my family. They need me. All I did was change some records."
"That makes you an accessory to kidnapping. That is a very serious offence." Nelson told the nervous man.
"Kidnapping! No! I was not involved in any kidnapping." Jarha yelled.
"Why don't we wait for the police to get here and we can ask them what they think?"
"Admiral, be reasonable. I can help you find your friends." Jarha said, hoping Nelson would listen to him, before turning him over to the police.
"If you have any information pertaining to their whereabouts, you'd better tell me now."
"Before I tell you anything, I need you to help me."
"I'm in no position to make promises. Whether you are charged with accessory or not is up to your police." Nelson angrily told him. "The best I could do is put in a good word for you if you help us find Crane, Kowalski and Riley."
Jarha glared at Nelson, "Then your friends are as good as dead. I will tell you nothing!"
The office door opened and Chip Morton walked in with two police officers. "Admiral, Officers Kanakht and Memysabu were in the security office when I got there. They say they can take Mr. Jarha into custody."
Jarha reacted immediately. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small pistol. "I will kill you for this Nelson!"
Officer Kanakht shoved Nelson aside as Jarha pulled the trigger. The bullet grazed Nelson's shoulder and embedded itself in the door. Kanakht stood quickly, in time to see his partner and Chip Morton pull the gun from Jarha's hand.
"No," Jarha cried as his hands were pulled behind his back and cuffs were placed on his wrists. "I am a failure." He whimpered.
"You are lucky you didn't kill Admiral Nelson. With three witnesses present you would have been convicted of murder easily." Memysabu told him. Concerned he turned to Nelson and asked, "Admiral, are you all right?"
Nelson was looking at his arm, "It's just a graze. I'll visit your first aid station when we are finished here."
"I'll see to that." Morton said also checking the wound in Nelson's arm.
Memysabu smiled and turned his attention back to Jarha. "Mr. Morton explained the situation to us. Are you willing to tell them who is involved in the kidnapping of their friends?"
Still sobbing Jarha turned to face Nelson. "What does it matter? The man who took your friends has probably killed them by now."
"If that's the case then we will have him arrested for murder." Nelson told him. Upset at the possible death of his men he shook his head and spoke softly to one of the officers. "Officer Kanakht, can I speak with you for a minute?" Kanakht nodded and pointed to the outer office. "I'll be right back Chip."
Kowalski signalled for Riley to stop and be quiet. They had been running and hiding for at least two hours, not sure if they were being followed or not. "What is it Ski?" Riley whispered softly.
"I thought I heard someone shouting. Let's just listen for a few moments."
"OK Ski. Gives us a chance to catch our breath as well." Riley sounded both tired and relieved.
The next ten minutes passed quickly and quietly for the two men. Ski signalled that he was ready to continue and Riley stood to go. Before either man moved from their hiding place in the trees they heard the sound of running. Both men stopped instantly. Riley peered through the trees and watched a man rush past him. He pulled back and spoke softly, "I think it was Jackson."
"Are you sure it wasn't the Skipper?"
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"Damn, didn't think we would be that lucky. But why would Jackson be running?" Ski thought aloud.
"Maybe Germane found out he was the one who helped us escape." Riley answered.
Kowalski's face brightened, "I think you may be right. Let's keep on his trail and watch him for a while. If he is running from Germane he'll need us just as much as we need him. Agreed?"
"Agreed. Lets go." Riley said checking to be sure the path was empty before proceeding in the direction Jackson had taken.
Crane used his hands to cup some of the water and bring it to his parched lips. He swallowed a small amount and forced himself to wait. 'Have to go slow Crane. Remember the rules. Drink slowly and in small amounts to prevent cramping. Can't afford to have your body refuse what little you can give it.'
He tore a small piece of cloth from his tattered shirt and washed some of the dirt and blood from his face. New scratches, caused by running through the heavy foliage stung when the cold water came in contact with them and he grimaced. 'How do I get myself in these situations? Oh god, I can just hear Chip Morton now.'
' You got yourself into another fine fix Lee. Now get up and get yourself out of it.'
Lee Crane laughed. He could almost hear Chip Morton saying those exact words. 'Ok Chip, thanks for the words of wisdom.' He pulled his bone weary body up off the still wet ground and began to check out his surroundings.
'Now what' he asked himself.
'Now you find a way to free Kowalski and Riley and get out of here.' He heard Chip's voice in his head.
"Well Chip, seems like you're gonna be with me after all, at least in my head. He laughed aloud at the picture his mind conjured of a miniature Chip Morton running around in his head yelling, 'help me help me. Wasn't there a movie about that? Ok Crane, enough lollygagging. Get moving.
Once again he surveyed the river. He estimated it to be approximately fifty to sixty feet across, running heavily with the added rain from the storm. The opposite bank would not be easily accessible because of the slick rocks that lined the shore. The water slammed into rocks and other barriers causing heavy rapids at intervals up and down the river. As far as Crane could see there was no place to cross safely. 'Hopefully I won't have to cross that.' He thought watching the swirling turbulent waters.
On this side of the river he could see some heavy foliage growing up out of the waters edge. 'Those reeds could come in handy later' he thought cutting a couple of the smaller ones and putting them in his pocket. 'Now all I have to do is get back to the compound.' He began to make his way carefully in the direction he had come keeping the river on his right.
Germane walked towards the oncoming men and spoke angrily. " Drake, go get Burton and Weller. Bring them here as fast as you can." Drake was about to argue but one look from Germane told him it wouldn't be a wise decision. He turned and began making his way back to the compound.
"What wrong Boss? Where's Jackson?" Mercer asked.
"We have a bigger hunt than I had originally planned. I'll fill you in when Drake and the others get here." A malevolent look came over Germane's face as he stared off into the trees.
It wasn't long before they heard Drake returning with the others. "Here they are boss. Now what's the problem?"
"Jackson is a traitor. He's the man who helped Kowalski and Riley escape. That makes him fair game. I want him dead or alive. A five thousand dollar bonus goes to the man who brings him to me. I'll double that if you bring him in alive." Germane told them.
"What about Crane and his men?" Mercer asked.
"A thousand dollar bonus to whoever kills Crane's men. Crane however is off limits. He's mine. If anyone shoots the good Captain they will just have to take his place as the object of the hunt. Do I make myself clear?"
"Sure boss, perfectly. Cranes all yours. It's your money and your hunt." Weller said quickly.
"Then lets get this show on the road." Germane said looking at his group of hunters. He was saddened by the loss of his close friendship with Jackson and knew he would never be that close with any other man. "Follow me." he said and buried forever all thoughts of the friendship he had lost.
Jarha was sitting at his desk, his arms cuffed behind his back when Nelson and Kanakht came back into the room. He'd stopped sobbing and looked resigned to his faith.
"Jarha," Nelson said the name with obvious contempt.
Jarha glanced at Nelson's face, "What do you want Nelson?"
"Do not speak to Admiral Nelson in that manor again!" Memysabu told the prisoner, who seemed to be trying unsuccessfully to shrink away from him.
"Officer Kanakht and I have been conferring with Minister Neneferkaptah. I have convinced him to offer you a deal providing you tell us everything you know and we find my men alive."
"I have told you they are probably dead already." Jarha whined.
"You don't know that for sure. This is your only chance, take it or leave it."
"What's in it for me?" Jarha asked.
"If you cooperate with us I will not press attempted murder charges. Minister Neneferkaptah as also agreed that if we find Crane and the others alive they would be lenient with you. They will drop the kidnapping charges. The worst that would happen is you lose your job. At least you won't go to jail." Nelson told him.
"To lose my job would mean disgrace for my family. We would have nothing. We would lose our home and standing in the community."
"You should have thought of that before you turned Captain Crane and his men over to whoever has them." Nelson replied.
"I know that. I will regret my decision for the rest of my life. I only wish my family would not be made to pay for my greed. I will tell you what I know but it isn't much." Jarha told them sadly.
"That is the only decision you could have made. I'll have your secretary come in to take down your statement." Memysabu told Jarha as he opened the door and signalled for the woman in the outer office to come in.
"Mr Jarha, is everything ok?" she asked as she noticed the handcuffs on her boss.
"Mr. Jarha has been placed under arrest." Memysabu told her. "I want you to take down everything that is said in this room. Can you handle that?"
"I..I think I can Sir. Why is he under arrest?" she asked curiously.
"That is of no concern to you. Just write down what is said." Memysabu stated.
"Yes Sir." She said in a scared, shaky voice. She sat in a chair provided by Morton and opened her notepad and began to write quickly as Jarha began to speak.
"A man named Peter Germane approached me last week. He had a proposition for me. He told me that if I cooperated I would receive ten thousand American Dollars in payment. All I had to do was find a way to delete his flight plan from the monitors. That was easy since I have to check all incoming and outgoing flights. The second part was a little harder because I had to get control of the monitors outside the terminal. He wanted your Captain very badly, some kind of hunt." Jarha stopped talking and turned to Nelson. "He paid me an extra five thousand to page your friends and have them report to me at cargo handling. It was easy to close the door and release gas into the small room. I then called Germane and he must have arranged to pick up your men. I am truly sorry Admiral." Jarha said in a calm, controlled voice.
" Who is Peter Germane and what kind of hunt would he want Captain Crane for Jarha?" Nelson asked curiously.
"Peter Germane is a bounty hunter. He hunts criminals for money. He calls it a great sport." He turned and stared directly at Nelson, "I think Germane wanted to hunt your Captain the same way he would hunt an animal." Jarha answered.
Nelson couldn't believe what he had heard. A hunt with Lee Crane as the prey, angrily he pounced on Jarha, "How could you do this? Lee Crane is not a criminal nor an animal."
"I needed the money, Admiral. I am sorry. My family will suffer because of me. Don't you think I regret my deed?" Jarha asked them solemnly.
"Three good men could be dead because of your greed. I refuse to feel anything but contempt for you." Nelson stated coldly.
"Admiral," Nelson turned to face a very worried Chip Morton.
"What is it Chip?" he asked.
"You once told me that we couldn't change events that have already transpired." Morton watched as Nelson's angry face relaxed a little, "Jarha, has to live with his guilt for the rest of his life. He also has to watch the ramifications of what it does to his family." He turned his gaze on a very frightened Jarha, "Do you have any idea where Germane was taking Captain Crane and the others?"
"I glanced at their flight plan before I removed the records. They were headed for a small island around Barbados. That's all I saw. I know it's a big area and I wish I could do more." Jarha said, anxious to pacify the angry Admiral.
"I have one more question to ask you. Do you have any idea how many men Germane has working for him?" Morton asked.
"When he came to me he had three others with him. I caught one other name. Jackson, that's all I heard. Please can I go now?"
At a signal from Nelson, Officers Kanakht and Memysabu came forward and took possession of the prisoner. "Mr. Jarha, you are under arrest for illegally tampering with Airport security records, and accessory to kidnapping."
"But, Admiral you said they would drop the kidnapping charges!" Jarha whined.
"No, I told you if my men are found alive they would drop those charges. Until then the charges stand. I will let Minister Neneferkaptah know as soon as we find them. Let's get back to Seaview Chip. Thank you officers for your help." Nelson said as they quickly made their way out of the office. Once out of earshot he spoke quietly to Morton. "Let's get to the FS1 as quickly as possible. I want to get underway for Barbados immediately."
"What if Jarha lied." Morton questioned Nelson's quick action.
"At least we have a place to start. We have to find them before Germane carries out his plan."
"First we stop by first aid and have your arm looked at. Then we leave."
"Chip, my arms fine. The bullet barely grazed it." Chip Morton shook his head and Nelson knew he would lose this argument. "All right. I'll go to first aid. You make arrangements for transportation back to the Flying Sub. That's an order." Morton smiled as he watched the Admiral rush over to a door marked 'FIRST AID'.
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