Payback

86

“They’re out of the camp,” Telach told Rubens as soon as he entered the Art Room. “Lia saw a chance and she took it. She’s with Charlie. We’ve launched the helicopters.”

Rubens nodded.

“You still want Servico, the comandante?”

“Yes,” said Rubens — and then immediately he second-guessed himself, realizing that he hadn’t entirely considered the situation before speaking.

He’d told the president that he could get Servico, and now Rubens didn’t want to disappoint him. His prestige would be dented, or at a minimum he would be losing a chance to enhance it.

It was ego. And it was more than that — it was chits to become national security adviser.

Was that going to color every decision he made now? That is not who I am, Rubens told himself. I am above those sorts of political games. I have no need for them.

Would he be above petty politics if he were national security adviser?

The pressure would be worse.

“Just one second, Ms. Telach, as I reconsider this,” he said. “Can Servico be retrieved without further endangering our people?”

“We planned it that way.” Her cheeks, never plump, had pulled tight and hollow. Her upper body was stiff with tension. “The helicopters are nineteen minutes away.”

Would it be safer for all concerned to concentrate on simply picking up Dean and Lia?

Absolutely.

Was the risk worth it?

Yes, because snatching Servico might give them more information about any possible rebel connection to the bomb — or more likely, rule it out. And he might be of use in dealing with Peru.

“Lia’s safety is paramount,” said Rubens.

“I understand that,” said Telach.

He didn’t have to be pure — no one could entirely divorce himself from all possible influences. But he did have to make a decision.

“I want Lia safe,” he told Telach. “Beyond that, if there is an opportunity to snatch Servico, who is wanted by the British government as well as Peru, then do so.”

“Yes, sir.” Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she looked less like an enraged scarecrow.

“Where is Mr. Karr?”

“Making his way back to the river. I have Fashona on his way there.”

“Have him move into position to make the switch with the voter card at Nevas. If possible, Lia can meet him. Or, if necessary, he can proceed alone.”

“Yes, Mr. Rubens.”