Hostage Crisis Read Free Page B

and surprise will be crucial. Once Miss Shawcross is clear, co-ordinated air strikes will obliterate the camp.”
    Connor sat up with a jolt. He knew from satellite photographs that the camp was large and realised that he’d have precious little time to seek out Hassan as well as rescuing Kate. “Sir,” he called out. “We must surely attempt to capture everyone alive. They will have useful intel for us.”
    “Normally, yes, Major. On this occasion, however, it has been decided to go in hard.”
    Connor’s mind was in turmoil. How would he find Hassan in time?

    After the briefing was over, Connor paid a visit to Camp Delta’s hospital. He sat for an hour beside the bed of the injured boy from the construction site. The constant bleeping of the machines told him the boy was stable, and he’d overheard the surgeon say he was expected to make a full recovery, even though he’d lost a leg.
    But as he sat there a plan was taking shape in his head. It was a plan he supposed Central Command would never agree to because it carried huge risks. Hassan wasn’t a priority for them, but Connor couldn’t leave him behind.
    He took out his cell phone and scrolled down to the number of a local “fixer” he’d had many dealings with, and could trust.
    “Abdul, Major Connor here. Assalam u alaikum . Listen, I need a big favour. Do you know a Baloch warlord by the name of Faruq? He lives close to the Pakistan border.”
    “ Wa alaikum u ssalam , Major. Yes, I know him.”
    “Good. I’ve met him a few times. He tolerates the Taliban but has no love of them. They have a training camp in his area, and I need to get inside undetected. I figure the only way is by being among faces familiar to the Taliban there. My question is: can Faruq get me in?”
    “It may be possible. I shall call him for you,” Abdul hesitated, “but, it will be expensive.”
    “There’s five K in it for you, Abdul, and offer Faruq as much cash or as many camels as it takes. Just no weapons. Understood?”
    “Yes, Major. I will offer horses. Faruq loves horses. A fine stallion would make him the envy of all the local warlords.”
    “Fine. But this is urgent, Abdul. I need an answer within twenty-four hours.”
    “I shall do my best. But a word of warning, Major. I know Faruq has worked for you Americans in the past, but his loyalty is as unpredictable as the wind. He cannot be entirely trusted.”
    Connor put his phone back in his pocket and stared at the bleeping heart monitor. Now, provided Abdul delivered, he just needed to convince his men that his plan could work. If all went well they’d be heroes. If not, they’d either be court-martialled or dead.

CHAPTER SEVEN
Kate saves Masud
Southern Afghanistan
    Inside the cave, it took three of Masud’s men to restrain Kate.
    “He’s still breathing. I’m a doctor for chrissake. Unless you let me help him, he will die.”
    “No…no…you are a woman. It is not permitted.”
    Hassan had an idea. “Amin and I will help. She can tell us what to do. That way she does not have to lay hands on him.”
    Reluctantly, the others let go of Kate. “Hassan, grab the medical bag the others took from me. Amin, carefully remove Masud’s shirt. I need to look at that shoulder.”
    It was as Kate suspected. The wound was infected and she reckoned the bullet was still lodged deep in the muscle. “Right, we must clean the wound. We’ll give him some antibiotics too, but there’s a problem. That bullet has to be removed.”
    “What? Here? Now?” Amin asked.
    “Yes, here and now. Either you let me cut it out, or I’ll show you how. Which is it to be?”
    Amin looked up at her. “And that will save him?”
    “It’s our best shot.”
    Amin swallowed hard. “Then show me how, and may Allah bless me with a steady hand.”
    With Masud sedated, Amin took a deep breath and pressed the scalpel into his flesh. Blood and yellow pus oozed out. Kate watched closely. “Cut deeper into the muscle,” she said.