The Emerald Scepter

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

The Blackhawk helicopter carrying Marzak made it back to the desert fuel dump on fumes. After refueling, the helicopter continued east over the border and put down at the field near the Doctor’s house. The pilot had radioed ahead and the Doctor was waiting.

He listened to Marzak’s account of the failed mission and the death of Saleem. “A pity,” the Doctor said without feeling. “We must consider our next step.”

“I will continue to pursue the treasure.”

“My preference would be to find the treasure, but if that’s impossible, it may be best to proceed with hanging the Prophet’s Necklace around the throat of America.”

Marzak didn’t trust the Doctor. Once he had outlived his usefulness, the Shadows might decide that his continued existence might expose them to danger. There was something else. He wanted the treasure and he wanted Hawkins more than the payment for carrying out the plot.

“I will connect the strands as soon as I return to the U.S. I want to be there to follow up in case anything goes wrong.”

The Doctor frowned, verifying Marzak’s suspicion that he was expendable. “Do it as soon as possible, then.”

The Doctor gave him a manly hug, then Marzak boarded the helicopter and was flown to the military base that had been a springboard for his mission. An ISI executive jet was waiting to fly Marzak and the remnants of his mercenary team to Islamabad. The news of Saleem’s death had traveled ahead, and the professor’s cousin Mohamed was at the military airport when the jet touched down. He took Marzak aside as soon as he disembarked.

“What happened to my cousin Saleem?”

“The sheik was waiting for us with ground-to-air missiles,” Marzak said. “After his people destroyed the helicopters, Hawkins shot Saleem down like a dog.”

“Poor Saleem. I should never have sent him on the mission.”

“He fought back with everything he had, but in the end it made no difference. Unfortunately, we were unable to retrieve his body because of the intense fire.”

“Of course. I don’t blame you. Well, it’s a good thing he has no close relatives except me. What a catastrophe! How am I going to explain the loss of three helicopters worth millions?”

Marzak clamped his hand on Mohamed’s shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he said. “You’ll simply have to ask the U.S. for an increase in its military aid package.”

The comment brought a thoughtful expression to Mohamed’s face. “A good idea. In the meantime, there are other more pressing matters to resolve.”

He told Marzak that he had arranged a ride and hotel room for him. They would meet after a short rest to decide what to do next.

From the airport, Mohamed drove to a walled house in the affluent neighborhood where his commander lived. The commander was a big man with a square jaw and shoulders that filled out the tuxedo he was wearing for a party at his house. He took Mohamed into his study and interrogated him about the mission.

“I’m sorry for your cousin, but we have to keep in mind the big picture. The control of the mineral rights under Amir’s land must be placed in the right hands. Everything else is a mere bump in the road toward that goal.”

“These bumps are the size of mountains, commander.”

“Then we will climb them one by one. The expedition was not a complete failure. Amir knows that he can be attacked at any time and in the future might not be so lucky. Pressure will be put on him using contacts in Kabul. He will be offered a piece of the action.”

“He’s a stubborn man, but it is worth a try.”

“Next, this treasure business. We must keep the Shadows as potential allies, but make sure they can’t cause trouble.”

“A delicate balance,” Mohamed grumbled.

“The Shadows won’t carry out the necklace plot until they have the treasure. But if they think the treasure is out of their reach, they may proceed anyways.”

“Then let’s persuade them that the treasure is still within reach.”

“How can we do that? The Americans most likely have it.”

“We don’t know that for a fact and I doubt the Americans will soon announce that the treasure is in their hands. As long as there is an unknown, we can use the treasure as bait. We need time to derail the Necklace plot and lure the Shadows out into the open.”

“They might believe us. For a little while.”

“In the meantime, we must get rid of Marzak. He’s the only one who can connect the strands of the Prophet’s Necklace. He must disappear without a trace. Leave that up to me.”

The commander took Mohamed by the elbow and moved him toward an exit. “I have to get back to my guests. Call me in the morning.”

Later, at his own house, Mohamed crawled into bed, but only slept a few hours before he was awakened by a phone call. It was the commander.

“There’s been an important development concerning Marzak,” he said.

“He’s been arrested?”

“Not exactly. A squad went to the hotel. Apparently, he never checked into the room.”

“What? He’s gone.”

“Correct. Our friend Mr. Marzak seems to have pulled his own disappearing act.”