Return of the Crown Prince

Chapter 15

15.1

Lt. Reese pulled his car into San Francisco International Airport. He headed directly to the runway the Air Force plane occupied. As he neared, a police car flagged him down. "Oh, I am sorry, Lieutenant. I did not know it was you. Sgt. Brown is waiting at that hangar over there." The officer pointed in the direction to Reese's left.

"Thanks, Hank," Reese said. He rolled up the window and stepped on the gas. Reese drove directly in front of the plane and headed in the direction of the hangar. Upon arrival, he parked his car, got out and walked to the door of the hangar. He entered to what appeared to be a deserted hangar. "Ed!" He called out. "Ed, where the hell are you?"

Sgt. Ed Brown came out of a room in the hangar and approached the lieutenant. "You can't let that plane take off," Reese said excitedly.

"Carl, calm down. Everything is going as planned," Ironside's man claimed.

"As planned! You have to kidding!"

Sgt. Brown lowered his voice in an attempt to calm Lt. Reese. "Carl, everything is not as it seems. Just calm down. The chief had this all planned out. We did not get a chance to tell you about it. He told me to brief you as soon as possible."

A man came out of the same room that Ed Brown had exited only moments before. "Sergeant, Philip York is requesting clearance to take off. I was instructed that you were the only one that can do that."

"Yes, tell them there are a couple planes scheduled to take off first and he will be given clearance shortly."

"Yes, sir." The man retreated to the room from which he came.

"Ed! What the hell is the matter with you? If you let them take off, the chief is as good as dead. You can't do that. Don't make me pull rank on you. That plane is not leaving this airport. Now start thinking of a rescue plan that will get the chief and Eve out of there alive."

Ed shook his head. There before him stood one of the finest detectives in the San Francisco police department but sometimes his Italian ancestry got in the way. He could on occasion, such as now, get a bit hotheaded. "Carl, follow me. It is time you know just exactly what is going on."

"It's about damn time," Carl said as he followed Ed toward the room.

Ed opened the door and motioned for Carl to step inside. He looked around the room in amazement. The room was not very big but it looked like the control tower of an airport. "What is all this?" Carl asked.

"For the next eighteen hours it is the control tower from here all the way to Iran," Ed answered. "Come take a look and I will explain."

15.2

Ironside was wheeled into the plane by Officer Eve Whitfield. He knew his officer was worried more about him then for herself. He had absolutely no opportunity to tell her about the change in their plans. He and Artie agreed no one but Ed Brown would be told at least as far as the police department was concerned. Ed would in turn tell Carl Reese so that he could assist him. Ironside had to admit to himself that that was not the only reason. Carl outranked Ed. He could easily invoke that rank and take over. Not being privy to what they had planned that would be disastrous. For that reason, he and Artie decided he would be brought into their confidence and be told as soon as Eve and he were brought to the airport. Carl, without a doubt, would follow them there.

The detective was confident Ed would follow all of his instructions. Artie was there to assist him. Carl would be able to assist him in protecting Eve and him when the time came. Now his immediate problem was Eve. Ironside knew Eve felt a special affection for him and he returned it. She would be looking for some way to turn the tide in their favor ... a way to protect him. He hoped he had made it clear she was to do nothing. Eve was even better than Ed was at reading his expressions, eyes and intentions. Ironside believed he saw a hint of acceptance in her eyes.

"Make yourself comfortable, Chief," York said smugly. "We have a long flight ahead of us." He watched Ironside in amusement. "Why the long face, Chief? Someone had to beat you sooner or later. I just outwitted you. If it is any consolation, it wasn't easy. You have been … how would the crown prince put it … most worthy." He laughed.

Eve had an overwhelming desire to slug York in the face but she knew she had to control it. She kept watching Ironside for signs of what he had planned. If he had anything planned, it was a mystery. He had on his poker face. When the chief didn't want anyone to know what he was thinking, he was a master at controlling his facial expressions. Eve had over the years in working for him; learned to catch that slight change that no one that did not know him would spot in a million years. In fact, most people that did know him could not read him. York was not getting under his skin. It was not just a poker face; the chief did not seem all that worried or upset over their current predicament. She got up and walked toward him to sit close to him.

"Where do you think you are going?" York shouted.

"I was just going to sit with Chief Ironside," Eve answered.

"I don't want you anywhere near him, so get back where you were. He will think twice about trying anything if he cannot protect you. Now move!" His words had the necessary result as Eve returned to the seat she had previously occupied.

"Mario!"

"Yes, Mr. York," Mario called out.

"Get over here. We have been up all day and we have an eighteen-hour flight. I will take the first watch. You go to the back and get some sleep." He reached into the duffle bag and took out an alarm clock. Set this for eight hours. I do not want you back here until this goes off … not one minute before. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand. " Mario took the clock and headed for the front of the plane.

The cockpit door was open. The pilot turned his head to toward them and said, "We have been given clearance to take off. Everyone please take a seat and fasten your seat belts. Chief Ironside, we have a specially equipped seat belt for you, just the other side of this door. Remove the sides of your wheelchair and put the seat belt around it. It will hold you in place but make sure you lock the wheels."

Ironside wheeled over to the far side of the door and strapped in. Eve kept watching him. She could not believe he was going to allow this plane to take off. She had to do something. If they got into the air, there would be no chance of a rescue from the police department. Eve knew this man inside out. He would not have just walked in here unprepared. He had something up his sleeve but why had he not made his move?

The former chief of detectives could feel York's eyes on him. They never left him. At least the man respected his ability to get out of dangerous situation. As long as he watched him so closely there was no opportunity to draw the gun that remained under his right leg. If he could end this now, he certainly would but he was willing to wait the eighteen hours if it became necessary. He only hoped that Eve did not try to be a heroine. He knew his policewoman would instinctively try to protect him. He hoped she had enough trust in him to do absolutely nothing.

The plane began to taxi. After a couple minutes, Ironside could feel it making a turn to the right. Up on the screen above him he could see the cockpit. It showed the runway in front of them. One plane was in front of theirs. The Air Force plane came to a halt and waited. The plane in front of them began picking up speed. It wasn't long and they could see it in the air on the screen. They were next.

The pilot started to accelerate the speed of the plane. The vibration could be felt. They raced down the runway and soon they could feel the plane rise into the air. Ironside showed no emotion. His specially made belt pulled against his body while his wheel chair, despite the lock wheels, rolled slightly forward.

York watched Ironside. Was that defeat he saw in his eyes? The detective had to know that the takeoff meant his imminent death. The Brit smiled. Oh, how satisfying it was to beat the man who was lauded as this century's Sherlock Holmes.

15.3

"You mean we can watch everything that goes on in that plane," Carl said astonished.

"Yes. That is exactly what we can do," Ed said.

Carl looked over at Mark who was monitoring one of the screens. If Mark and Ed weren't that worried then he supposed he should not be either. Yet, he was. He would feel a lot better when the chief and Eve came out of that plane unharmed.

"Ed." Mark called out.

Sgt. Brown walked over to Mark, bent down and looked into Mark's monitor. "What is it, Mark?"

"I have been watching York. He has not taken his eyes off the chief since they got on that plane. He won't make a move until he is sure he can go for that gun without endangering Eve or himself."

"I know. I have been watching him also. The chief will wait the entire eighteen hours if he has to. You had better get comfortable. We could be here for a long time."

The door opened, the crown prince rushed into the room. "Why have I been kept in the dark about this operation? No one told me the plan had been changed. If you have endangered Eve …"

"Relax your highness. There is less chance of anyone getting hurt with this plan then the previous one," Artie Hinson said. "If there is one thing I have learned about Chief Ironside, it is that the man knows his profession. He's the best at what he does and I have had the pleasure of seeing it up close."

"Did you talk to the commanding officer at the base?" Ed asked.

"I did. When the pilot landsthe plane, it will be met by Iranians. They are on their way as we speak."

"Iranians? Please don't tell me that you are going to trust Eve's safety to Iranians? Why they are nothing but terrorists," the crown prince said. "This is most disturbing."

"That is what I thought as well," Carl said. "But after Ed told me what has been set up, I could almost crawl up on a cot and sleep like a baby … almost."

"I do not understand. You Americans are a most confusing lot."

"Ed, I think you should bring His Highness up to date," Mark suggested.

"Yes, that would be nice. I am upset that you took me away from Eve. She has no one to protect her."

Mark turned around sharply. "Your Highness, she has the chief. Don't let that wheelchair fool you. Chief Ironside is a very resourceful man. He will protect Eve … they will protect each another."

"I hope you people know what you are doing," the crown prince said. "If anything happens to Eve … "

"Or Chief Ironside," Mark added. "I am sure you are just as worried about him."

"Yes … of course." The crown prince turned away from them.

"If you will step over here, Your Highness, I will show and tell you what the chief has planned. Please keep in mind, this operation was approved by the president of the United States, himself."

15.4

Eve had drifted off to sleep. Ironside was bone tired but he could not allow himself that luxury. At least if she was sleeping, he did not have to be concerned about her trying to end their crisis. He looked over at Mario who had taken York's place as their captor after many hours of sleep. Obviously, York had instructed him well. He had not looked away from Ironside since he took over. Even if he did, he could not take the chance of pulling out his service revolver. York would hear the shot and come out. Ironside feared the first thing he would do is shoot Eve. He simply could not take that chance. Furthermore, it would be next to impossible to maneuver his wheelchair in this plane. All he could do was sit here and wait. Wait for the end of the flight.

Severel more hours went by without incident. Over the loud speaker, the pilot's voice blared, "Mr. York, as you requested there is a fuel plane ready to refuel us in mid-air."

York came to the front of the plane and looked out the window. There was indeed a fuel plane on the left side of the plane. "Alright, go ahead and connect with him."

He walked into the cockpit and started checking their position. The pilot was right on course. He went back to his prisoners. Still Ironside just sat there doing nothing. Something was drastically wrong. This was not a man who just gave up or gave in. He used his wits to outsmart people. Why had he not made a move? Why was he just sitting there … not saying a word as if he had come to terms with his fate. He walked over to him. He looked down at the famous detective as he looked back at him. "What are you up to, Ironside?"

"Just what is it that you expect me to do?" Ironside said never changing his expression.

"You are not a man to give up."

"Again, what is it you expect me to do?"

"You are up to something. You have something up your sleeve. What is it?"

"You have an over active imagination, Mr. York," Ironside said dismissing him like a child.

"Just remember one thing, Chief. Your policewoman will be the first to die. She will not get a second chance. You try anything, anything at all … I will kill her. Do you understand?"

"You have been singing that tune ever since we left San Francisco, York. It has gotten old. What's the matter? Is your confidence waning?" Ironside growled.

York laughed. "I think you better take another look at the situation. You are the one in trouble … not me."

"I am not the one with sweaty palms. Why are you so nervous?"

"I am not nervous. I simply don't trust you."

"If I makes you feel any better, I don't trust you either," Ironside snarled. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Eve. She was staring intently at Mario who was paying no attention to her. He was busy watching the scene between York and himself. Eve was inching her way closer to Mario. Ironside could not allow her to take the chance. He was sure York would make good on his promise. "Eve, whatever it is you are planning to do … don't. Sit back down."

York twirled around to look at Eve. Anger began to surface. "Do as you are told" He pointed a gun at Ironside. "I would prefer to turn him over to the Iranians but if you try anything or even look like you might, I will kill him. Now sit down or your boss is dead."

Eve backed up and took the same seat she had been in. Ironside breathed a sigh of relief. When York turned to Mario, he caught Eve's eye. The look he gave her had its desired effect.

York turned to Mario. "You fool! You are supposed to be watching her when I am in the cabin. If I am forced to kill either one of them, you will die as well. I suggest you keep your mind on your job."

15.5

"No Eve!" Ed shouted. He watched as Eve moved closer to the man working with York. Ed was relieved when he heard the chief tell her to back off. He looked over at Mark who ran a hand down his face. Mark gave Ed a look that told him he was just as relieved as he was that the chief stopped her.

"How much time do we have left?" Artie asked.

"About an hour," Carl said. "They are scheduled to land in an hour."

"Is everything ready, Ed?" Artie asked.

"Yes. What about the military?"

"They are in place. They will be there when the doors are open."

"Then it is time we make final preparations," Carl suggested.

Ed nodded. He turned back to Artie. "You are sure I can get inside without being detected?"

"Yes, Captain Devlin made sure the storage section was left unlocked," Artie answered.

"Alright, let's move. Everyone get this straight. The chief and Eve are to be protected. If they are endangered, those involved are to shoot to kill."

15.6

"Mr. York, we are entering Iranian airspace. The clearance to land has been given," the pilot shouted.

"Then land," York said. He turned and looked at Ironside. He could have been going to a picnic with that expression on his face …, which was one of disinterest.

"They are ordering us to the last hangar on the right," the pilot said.

"Follow their instructions," York ordered.

"I expect you to keep your word, Mr. York. Eve is to go back to the United States with on this plane with the pilot," Ironside said.

"I will keep my word. You are a puzzle to me. I was sure you would fight back but you have rolled over like a submissive puppy. I don't understand you?"

"For the third time … what would you have me do?" Ironside looked at him with steely blue eyes.

"I don't know, Chief. I just expected you to try something."

"Chief," Eve said with tears in her eyes. She ran to him, bent down and he took her into his arms.

"I am going to be fine, Eve," he said.

She looked into his eyes and realized he had the situation under control. She did not know what or how but she knew he was about to spring his plan.

"This is so touching but it is time your boss meet his new friends."

15.7

Ed reached up and grabbed the handle. He twisted it and opened the door. Brown pulled his lanky body up into the opening. Once inside, he drew his service revolver and began moving forward.

15.8

"Alright chaps, it is time to introduce Chief Ironside to his new home," York chuckled. "Miss Whitfield, you are to stay here. I must say it was nice having you along. You gave me something to look at. Mario, you assist Chief Ironside out of the plane."

Mario stepped behind Ironside's wheelchair and pushed him toward the back of the plane. They were to leave the plane the same way they had entered, through the cargo entrance. Mario controlled Ironside's chair on the downward ramp with difficulty. The chief attempted to slow his downward movement and succeeded with Mario using his strength to hold the chair back. When they reached the bottom of the ramp, they were met by Iranian soldiers.

York stepped out and started speaking to them in their language. When the conversation was done, he turned to Ironside and said, "This is where you get off Chief. I hope you enjoy Iranian hospitality."

An Iranian soldier stepped in behind Ironside's wheelchair and wheeled him away from York and Mario.

15.9

Ed watched as a man he did not know along with York and Chief Ironside passed his hiding place. He saw the look in Ironside's eye as he went by. The chief knew he was there. It was a look of acknowledgement.

Ed waited until they were busy navigating the downward slope of the ramp. He went into the cabin of the plane. The shock on Eve's face was almost amusing. He put his finger to his lips and walked quickly to her. "I will explain later. You never left this hangar. Brown reached into his suit coat pocket and pulled out another police revolver. He handed it to Eve. He then motioned for her to follow him.

The two detectives made their way back through the plane. When they arrived at the ramp, they concealed themselves on each side of the cargo door.

15.10

York stopped. He looked around. This hangar was familiar. However, it couldn't be. He had never been here before. Why did he have such an uneasy feeling? He looked around again. At the back of the hanger, in the corner stood a flag. "Oh my god," he whispered as he looked at the stars and stripes. York walked forward and spoke to the Iranian soldiers. He told them he wanted his five million dollars before they could have Ironside. He walk behind the detective and pulled his chair back, closer to him.

The Iranian soldiers told him they had the money. A brief case was brought forward and handed to him. "You double crossed me, Ironside," he whispered.

"No, I just played your game of poker, only I played it better." Ironside eased his hand under his right leg and wrapped it around the gun. He used his other hand to turn the wheel chair around as he pulled out his gun. "You are under arrest, Mr. York."

"And you are dead, Ironside." He reached for his gun and pulled it half way out of his belt but it never got any further.

Ironside aimed and fired. York dropped to the ground face first. It was then that he noticed York had two bloodstains on his back that were getting bigger. He looked up and saw Ed and Eve at the top of the ramp with guns drawn. He checked to his left. Mario was on his back with another officer who had him held at bay by the throat. Ironside smiled and shouted, "Otto, flack." The German Shepherd backed off and ran to his master. Carl Reese picked up the gun that Otto had dislodged from Mario. He pulked the man to his feet, cuffed him and read him his rights.

"You have a lot of explaining to do, Robert T. Ironside!" Eve said angrily.

Ironside grinned that boyish grin with dimples that ran down both sides of his face. "What's the matter, Eve? Didn't you enjoy the flight?"

"But how? The instruments indicated we were in Iran," She said completely confused.

"I'll let Artie explain that after we get the twenty million dollars out of that plane. I promised the president it would be returned … every penny of it," he said, lowering his chin and raising his eyebrows. There was a twinkle in his deep blue eyes.

Epilogue to follow

(With an explanation of how the Ironman on wheels pulled it off)