Hi readers, sorry for the delay in posting
So much has gone on behind the scenes as it were.
Thank you to those who continue to follow the story
and as always, I truly appreciate your reviews/comments
Chapter 11
Planning Decisive Action
Part 3
1600 – SAS Garrison, Hereford, UK
Colonel Jonathan Godfrey ducked low beneath the whirling blades of the helo, shouting to Spanner as the SF Lieutenant secured the straps of his seat belt.
"You have a narrow window of opportunity to get to the mouth of that tunnel in time to fast rope down."
"Roger sir. We will do it!" Spanner shouted back fully confident in his response.
The colonel's vigorous thumbs up were followed by his swift retreat across the tarmac. The team were massively kitted out with every possible piece of equipment that will maximize their assault on the targets. No doubt they were carrying extra for their captain as well.
"Boss and his pocket knife," Spunky said with a toothy grin.
"Roger that. Elvis can inflict a world of hurt with that lone pocket knife, "Jackson said cradling his high-powered weapon system against his midsection.
Spanner smiled with a grim slant of his mouth. "We know his location. Just need to work our way to him as we clear the other cars. We can't let him go into action alone."
"Sounds like boss already went into action. It's only a matter of time and they'll realize they lost one," Jackson said.
"Once we make contact, there's no turning back," Spanner said.
"He's got Laura to worry about. That literally sucks," Spunky said.
Jackson's stared straight ahead and repositioned his weapon. He could not even begin to imagine the weight on his boss' shoulders.
Xxxxx
1610 –
Georgie did not need Peters to provide her with an updated briefing after he nosed around the Garrison. She saw it for herself. Spanner, Spunky and Jackson boarding the assault helicopter. It was real. The nightmare was real and she was wakefully in the middle of it. The potential option of eliminating the train weighed heavily on her mind. If the authorities cut off power the hostages may be picked off one by one. She had seen so much in her career. So much she could never unsee. She knew Elvis would never give up, never compromise with the enemy. The ping of her mobile was a distraction to the agony she was forcing herself to endure and she assumed Toni was attempting to relay to her what she already knew for herself. But it was not Toni texting her this time. It was Elvis with a single heart emoji with the attached words, I love you.
The text frightened and elated her at the same time. He was alive, but he was going into battle. He always sent her a message like this when he was going in deep, never certain what the fates would allow. Trying to bravely blink back the tears welling in her eyes she texted back, Come back to me my love.
Xxxxx
1640 – Undisclosed location
Elvis' senses were poised for the unexpected. He was skilled as a master of surveillance; ears were alert to any sounds indicating that targets were entering the passenger car. His dark, intense eyes were focused on the text message from Spanner. The team was airborne and moments from the tunnel. There could be no mistakes, no miscalculations. The three-man unit had to make it on board. Elvis pressed his lips together but calmly looked up at the location indicator, then looked at his watch, all the while aware Woods' gaze was on him. Elvis brushed the scrutiny off. It mattered not what Woods thought of him. He wanted to get Laura as far back in the train as possible and his brain was ping-ponging ideas as to how he would accomplish that.
"What happens when they realize they are missing an accomplice?" Penny asked, her eyes flitting between Elvis and Laura.
"Good question," Elvis responded sending Drew Woods' face into a contorted scowl.
"Well…..Mr. just do it'" Woods said. "All out of your bag of tricks then?"
"You don't know my daddy!" Laura chimed in kicking her feet out.
"Ever play poker mate?" Elvis said tilting his head upward with an arrogant edge.
Woods was intimidated by that response. This man is no ordinary bloke riding with his daughter. Woods thought. He is used to control and giving orders. "Can't say I have," Woods said wondering where this riddle was leading.
Elvis shrugged, "Never show your hand till your ready to throw your cards down. There's gonna be some kind of action and I reckon it would be best to get your fiancée and my daughter out of harm's way."
"And precisely what sort of magic act do you think you can pull off?" Woods said, reminding Elvis of a suspicious dog curling his lips at a perceived threat.
Elvis smirked and playfully shook his mobile towards him. "Just waitin for the invited guests to arrive before we get this party started."