The Protector

2

After the control tower radioed clearance, the Bell 206L-4 helicopter rose from Teterboro Airport and headed north along the Hudson River. Because the airport was a facility for corporate, charter, and private aircraft, there hadn't been a need to go through metal detectors and similar security checks, thus making it easy for the team to take aboard their weapons, which they were licensed to carry in several states.

Like boats, cars, and firearms-to name a few items crucial to the security profession-no helicopter fulfilled every purpose. Swiftness had to be considered in relation to seating capacity, cargo space, and maneuverability, along with how far and high the helicopter could fly. Called the "Long Ranger," this sleek helicopter was designed to get neatly in and out of inaccessible or remote areas and was popular with emergency and law-enforcement agencies, although corporations liked it for its efficiency and comfort. It could accommodate seven occupants, including the pilot, who in this case was Roberto. It had a top speed of 127 miles per hour and a maximum fuel range of 360 miles, which meant that at peak performance, it could stay in the air for approximately three hours.

Its altitude capability was twenty thousand feet, but Roberto's flight plan called for him to stay four thousand feet above the river. The drizzle had become a mist, and now that the sky was clear, he was able to try to calm Prescott by giving him a view of the cliffs and woods along the New Jersey Palisades.

But Prescott showed no interest in the view, ignoring the ample Plexiglas windows, which Duncan explained were bullet resistant. The Long Ranger's seating arrangement was similar to that in the van: two rows of seats, one facing the other. While the seats in the armored van had been designed for their sturdiness in case of an attack, those that Duncan had ordered for the Kevlar-protected Long Ranger were remarkably comfortable, with footrests, armrests, a tilt-back function, and soft leather.

Wearing large coveralls that still managed to look tight on his stomach and chest, Prescott ignored the view, too busy answering Duncan's questions and explaining about Jesus Escobar.

Cavanaugh remained silent. Any remarks from him would contaminate the debriefing. The team needed to hear Prescott's problem in his own words.

In the low-noise, low-vibration cabin, Duncan finally directed his attention toward Cavanaugh. "Anything to add?"

"I got a fairly good look at the men in the two cars. I didn't see any Hispanics."

Roberto, who'd been listening from the pilot's seat, said over his shoulder, "So Escobar's an equal-opportunity employer. The same as blacks don't always hire only blacks."

"It would take somebody with Escobar's resources to mount that kind of attack," Cavanaugh said.

"The way it sounds to me," Chad said, "they'd put together a careful plan, with the kidnappers posing as crack addicts, blending with the neighborhood. If Mr. Prescott had left the warehouse, they were ready to make their move, or if they got tired of waiting, they were prepared to blast their way in and take him. When Cavanaugh showed up, they got nervous that he was part of an extraction team, so they felt they had no choice except to move up their timetable."

"I'll contact the DEA and tell them to plug their security leak," Duncan said.

"For God's sake, don't tell them I hired you to make me disappear," Prescott said. "Whoever Escobar has working for him will pass that information along."

"Not to worry," Duncan said. "I don't intend to create my own security leak. Relax and enjoy the ride."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Where you'll be safe."