Rules of Betrayal

68

The search was called off after two hours.

Over twenty vehicles and one hundred men combed the airport. All departing flights were delayed while manifests were checked. A description of Haq was sent to the airport police and given to every officer on duty. Every hangar was inspected. But no sign of the jeep or Sultan Haq or the warhead was found. For all intents and purposes, he was declared dead, his corpse a mass of superheated bone and ash buried beneath several tons of corrugated iron. And the bomb with him. Both would be found in due time. Colonel Pasha swore it. In the meantime, a formal perimeter had been established around the still smoldering hangar. The first preliminary cleanup was scheduled for the following morning at eight o’clock.

“It’s too soon to stop,” said Jonathan as he pulled to a halt with Danni and Major Nichols at the staging area where they had begun. “Haq may have boarded a plane. We need to pull everyone off all the flights.”

“I can’t do that,” said Major Nichols. “That authority lies with the civilians. Colonel Pasha is adamant that no one got out of the hangar in the first place. Maybe he’s right.”

“I saw him,” said Jonathan.

“Look, there was a lot going on. You’re shaken up, you’re bleeding… Maybe it wasn’t Haq you saw. It wouldn’t be the first time someone mistook what they saw.”

“Dammit,” said Jonathan. “Didn’t you hear me?”

“I heard you loud and clear,” responded Nichols. “This airport ain’t LAX. There’s only so many places he could have gotten to. We didn’t find a trace of him or the jeep. Maybe it’s not perfect, but it’s as good as you’re going to get today.”

“Haq is alive. He is in possession of a nuclear warhead and he means to use it. It can’t stop here. There’s got to be something more we can do.”

Nichols climbed out of the Humvee. “Look, Ransom, I don’t know if you’re right or you’re wrong, but we’ve done all we can. You got an issue, talk to your superiors in Langley, or wherever it is you’re tasked out of. Right now, you’re coming with me. I’ve got to transfer you to the proper authority.”

Jonathan followed at his shoulder. “You’re the only guy I’ve got-”

“That’s enough,” said Nichols, spinning to face him. “Now, am I going to have any problem with you two?”

“No, Major Nichols, you’re not,” said Danni, stepping between the two men. “We thank you for giving us the benefit of the doubt. It’s clear you did everything in your power to find Haq. It’s been a difficult day.”

“Yes, Ms. Pine, it has.”

Danni smiled consolingly. “Do you have any idea where they’re taking us?”

“Embassy. This is an intel matter. You spooks can sort it out among yourselves.”