Chapter two

Meanwhile B.A. had done exactly what Face had ordered him to do. Face hurriedly unbuckled his seatbelt even before the van came to a full stop.

"It's the Colonel," he said in a tensed voice. "I think he's having a heart attack."

The van came to a full stop with screeching tires. Face jumped out and was with Hannibal in a few seconds.

"Hannibal."

His voice was all serious. Hannibal was still conscious, but sweat was pouring down his face. He didn't say a word, but one look in his ice blue eyes told Face everything he needed to know.

"Don't worry, Colonel. I've got this. Let me call Maggie to see what we need to do. Murdock, keep an eye on him for me, okay."

He was in full command mode now. He dialed Maggie's number and immediately got her on the phone. He explained to her what was going on and she asked him to check a couple of things. Face told Hannibal to only nod or shake his head to answer his questions. He was relieved when Maggie told him it seemed to be only a minor attack. She instructed Face to give Hannibal some Aspirin and to drive up to Bad Rock. But she did mention that they needed to take it slow while driving.

As soon as he put down the phone, Face went back to take care of his commanding officer. He explained to Hannibal exactly what Maggie instructed them to do and made sure the Colonel took his Aspirin. Although he couldn't really say anything, Hannibal completely trusted his second-in-command on this. He watched him as Face talked to the other team members and told them what needed to be done without alarming them.

Murdock would sit up front in the Colonel's seat with B.A. while Face would keep an eye on Hannibal at all times in the back of the van. They had just moved Hannibal to the back of the van so he could at least lie down when all of a sudden an all too familiar sound had them jumping.

"Decker! That's all we need."

"Now what do we do?"

"It's your call, Lieutenant."

"Let's get going and step on it, B.A. We'll need to lose him before we get to Bad Rock."

"But what about Hannibal, Face? I mean, didn't Maggie say we need to take it easy?"

"Yes, Murdock. I know. But we can't get caught by Decker now either. So we'll just have to risk it. I'll keep an eye on Hannibal."

They all jumped into the van and B.A. hit the gas.

Face put his hand on top of Hannibal's as he spoke softly to him.

"I'm sorry about this, Hannibal. I know it's uncomfortable for you to drive this fast, but we have no. We need to get rid of Decker somehow. I promise to get you to Maggie's as soon as we can. I'll do anything to get you there safely."

Hannibal managed a weak smile and turned his hand so he could softly squeeze Face's.

"I don't want you to worry, Colonel. Try to rest somewhat."

It turned out to be a wild and bumpy ride from there on. B.A. did his utmost best to outrun Decker and his helpers. Hannibal had indeed closed his eyes as Face told him to do and so Face was able to guide B.A. in their escape from the MP's by taking the back roads. They managed to stay ahead of Decker, but weren't able to get rid of him completely. Face tried to come up with fresh ideas as much as he possibly could, but it was as if Decker could read his mind. There was also the ever growing concern for Hannibal's safety and his promise to his commanding officer.

He decided on a final risky trick to shake off the MP's. There were some roadworks ahead of them and the road was closed for construction, but that had never stopped the team before. If Hannibal can pull this off, so can I Face thought. So B.A. managed to accelerate down the closed road with the MP's trying desperately to stay on his tail but failing miserably.

"Nice one, Face. Looks like they ain't able to follow us no more."

"Yeah well we're not there yet. Better step on it, B.A. They're working on the bridge over the river."

"You mean there ain't no bridge no more?"

"That's right."

"You're beginning to sound just like Hannibal you know that, Face."

"He must be rubbing off on me."

"We're getting there. Hang on."

B.A. hit the gas some more and the van flew neatly across the small river where the bridge used to be. There was no way the MP's would get to them now. Murdock cheered loudly.

"We did it, Face. Nice plan."

"Yeah. Great thinking, muchacho."

"Well. I do try. I'm just glad we made it. Now let's get Hannibal to Maggie's."