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Chapter 12

For the Sake of One

1700 – Undisclosed Location, United Kingdom

Spanner, Spunky and Jackson were flush against the hillside encircling the mouth of the tunnel. They could hear 1L83 rumbling closer and closer along the track, echoing in the confines of the enclosed space. Spanner voiced into his mobile creating a text for Elvis.

The captain immediately looked down at the message and thumbed a response.

"We're on boys," Spanner said to his teammates. As the engine sped out from the tunnel beneath them the Special Forces Operatives, one by one, effortlessly jumped onto the moving passenger cars. Crouching low at first, then making their way across the rooftops. Kitted out in daunting black gear, with layers of pistols and magazines, they quickly checked their comms. Only Jackson carried a rifle secured in place with a velcro attachment on his back. The team decided to forgo a rear assault to prevent increased risk to the forward passengers. The targets needed to be taken down from within and that is exactly what Elvis was waiting for.

Xxxxx

"Daddy, we're almost to London," Laura said gazing at the location indicator and nervously biting down on her thumbnail.

"I know angel."

"Will they let us go?"

Elvis' jaw tightened. Her eyes pleaded with him for a positive response.

"Nah. They won't let us go," he admitted, finally looking down at her, feeling a fist-like twist in his gut. It would all happen very quickly, there would be no second chances, and Elvis had to leave his daughter behind.

"I could pull the alarm and jump off," Laura said. "I run fast. You've seen me! I can go for help."

"Ya need to wait out. All will be well. You'll see."

"What do you mean daddy?"

"Trust me," he said gently smoothing the hair on top of her head. "Now you are gonna stay put with Penny 'ere, and ….."

"No daddy! Where are you going?" she cried out, swiveling towards him, clutching at his arm.

"No compromises angel. I'm sorry. There is no other way," he said.

Laura blinked furiously at him then gave Penny a side long eye full. She knew from the expression on her father's face that he meant business. There would be no compromises.

"What precisely are you going to do?" Woods asked suddenly feeling less than confident that he wanted to assume responsibility for Laura.

"Like I told ya before. There is gonna be action and I need to be in the middle of it."

Woods stared at him, heart pounding. He would never admit he depended on Elvis' control. How could he protect the child?

"We will be fine. Laura will be safe." Penny said.

Woods gulped down his cowardice and nodded. There were precious few other choices.

"Can't I go with you daddy?"

Elvis cupped the back of Laura's neck and kissed the top of her head. "I love you, but no, ya cannot go with me. Not this time. Me and the boys 'ave some work to do. When it's over you'll get to see mummy and Newton. Now, I need for ya to get down and stay on the floor, yeah?"

Laura curled herself onto the floor beneath the table and nodded. Elvis dug into his jacket and withdrew the pocket knife. Taking her small hand he closed her fingers around it, squeezing gently. "Remember wha' I taught ya. Only if ya 'ave to."

Laura nodded shakily, wide-eyed.

"Here," Elvis said handing his mobile over to Woods. "Speed dial three for your life line."

Then he slid out of the seat and crouched down, reaching beneath Wood's seat. Once he had the AR-15 in his hands he quickly checked the magazine and said, "Everyone! Stay in your seats. Get down as low as possible!"

Penny watched Laura's reaction to her father's departure and took hold of the child's hand.

"I think he knows what he's doing sweetie."

Laura squeezed back never taking her eyes from his back. "Be careful daddy."

"Let's hope so," Woods added craning his neck to see where Elvis was headed.

"I suggest you pull your head back in dear unless you fancy losing it," Penny said, tugging at her fiancé's trouser leg.

Xxxxx

Spanner placed the suctioned grab bar in place and pushed down to test for safety then leaned over to tap his pistol on the emergency exit door window. Elvis smirked whilst he broke the glass covering over the door release bar, then reached up to slide the window open. Stepping back, he slung the AR-15 over his head with the strap and waited. Spanner clutched the grab bar, blinking against the wind whipping into his face. Following a quick check of his surroundings, he swung himself onboard feet first through the open window. Once boots touched down, he was greeted by his captain and the two awaited the insertion of Spunky and Jackson. The carriage was abuzz with whispered chatter and a few gasps as those nearby took in the arrival of the three men. Elvis was supplied with a pistol and magazine belt. He smiled somberly as he secured the buckle on the belt, pulling it snug.

"Can't deny you chaps are a sight for sore eyes," he said.

"Good to see you too boss," Spunky said handing over a comms set.

As the captain simultaneously fitted the earpiece in place, he clipped the two-way radio to his trouser belt. "Two by two we go," he said. "Jacks and Spunks to the rear. Updated intel from command?"

"Duvall's unit remains on standby to blow the track if we fail," Spanner said.

"Well, 'at ain't gonna 'appen is it?" Elvis said chambering a round in his pistol

Xxxxx

1720 – London, UK

Click…..click….clop…..click…..click….

If she takes one more step…!!

"Debra!"

"What is it now Reginald?"

"The noise! The pacing!"

Debra stopped abruptly and glared at her husband and said, "It calms my nerves. I have already peeled off my entire manicure and I simply need to do something! This waiting is killing me! Do you not understand that?!"

"Well there is nothing to be done. The authorities are engaged. We simply wait." Reginald said pouring a half snifter of brandy.

Debra watched him, critiquing every movement he made. The topper striking the crystal decanter irritated her. Her nerves were raw and inflamed and she jumped when her mobile rang. She swiped a tear from her cheek and shakily grabbed the phone from the coffee table. She blinked, barely able to see who the caller was, feeling her gut wrench but then she relaxed.

"Hello….."

"Debbie! My God, how are you?"

"Georgie! Not good. We've heard absolutely nothing." Debbie said sitting down tightly on the edge of the sofa. Reginald sipped at the brandy observing the conversation from the bar table.

"Same here," Georgie said.

Debbie could hear baby Daniel in the background babbling and it stabbed at her. It reminded her that her child was missing.

"I wish I could comfort you somehow but we are not going to know anything until it's over." Georgie said.

"I'm afraid you are right." Debbie said, finally sitting back and almost giving in to her worried exhaustion.

"Elvis is with her. He will keep her safe."

Debbie sunk into the cushions, flinging an arm across her forehead and said, "I know he is. It is not a good day for either one of us, is it?"

Reginald downed the brandy in one full swallow. The heated liquid seemed to burn all the way down to his toes. The warmth only added to his simmering ire as Debbie bled her emotions out on the phone.