CHAPTER SEVENTY

He was moved nearly to tears, knowing how much it cost her to ask for help, yet was pleased that the love and trust they shared had made it possible for her to ask.

“Of course, Liebe. First you must calm yourself so that we can make plans…. And we must see Neto and Armando and ask for advice. We only have three days so you must remain calm. Thank you for trusting me, Liebeling. I will not let you down.” He stood and held out his hands to pull her to her feet, a little surprised to see that the Divos had stood as well and each had a look of determination on their faces.

“Whatever you decide to do, count me in your plans,” David said with a grim look that boded no arguments.

“Moi aussi,” Seb said firmly and Carlos nodded.

“Mi tambien! You do not go without Carlito.”

**

As if he had always been in the business, Urs took charge, taking Neto and Elena out to see Armando while the guys all talked with their ladies, each expecting resistance but finding only worried acceptance and pride.

Urs was amazed at the difference in the kind man when it was necessary to organize such an operation. There was no casual talking, no drinks or snacks, just calm, cool business. Within half an hour Armando had set in motion transportation, arms, a tentative plan and had dismissed them to perform their parts in the affair while he worked on paperwork and co-operation with any legal forces they might come across. Urs could see the anger boiling just under the surface of the canny man, though he kept it internalized, much like Elena used to when she was in her Zee mode.

They were back at the Casa within the hour to face a somber household. The girls were all co-operating well, though the strain was evident and all the guys had packed a light kit to take with them, but there was one thing that bothered Urs.

“Seb, are you sure you’re up to this, mon ami? You are not long from the hospital and it would break my heart if anything happened to you.”

Seb squared his shoulders and his face grew a little angry.

“You will not leave me behind. There will be something I can do, this I know. The thought of those children is more than I can bear. I must go with you.”

He looked at the distressed faces of his parents. The Divos had explained what had happened and they knew some of what had transpired in Elena’s life before meeting Urs. With one look he knew they would be supportive in what was now about to take place, they would worry but they would not interfere.

**

Urs and Elena worked together getting themselves and their friends ready, taking bare essentials only. Neto had opted to go with them, not asking, just quietly getting ready and adding his small pack to the others when they gathered at the van to kiss their loved ones farewell. Urs smiled and shook his hand, saying nothing. They all got in the van and left for the private airfield just beyond Armando’s home with the quiet blessings of those who would wait for news.

Neto drove and Urs sat next to the door in the front with Elena tucked up tight against him. They had not had a lot of private time together since the news arrived but there was an even deeper closeness between them as each knew what the other felt and thought.

Urs was relieved that she trusted him and that she would not have to face this alone. In return he vowed to trust her innate skill to keep safe and do anything necessary with skill and calm.

Elena had resisted the desire to ask him for help at first but when she saw him on the lawn she knew without a doubt that she had been right to go to him, that she could not do this without him. A feeling of relief fell over her… she was not alone, would never again be alone now that she had this strong man to rely on. She looked up at his set face, feeling a pride in the way he had taken charge, assured beyond doubt that he was the one, the only man who could ever deserve the deep respect and love she had for him.

He looked over to her, caught her staring and smiled.

“Taking inventory?”

She laughed, remembering their first real meeting. “Ja, and nothing is missing.”

He chuckled and slid his arm behind her to encircle her shoulders.

**

There was a black 4 by 4 parked at the side of the airstrip when they arrived and Armando stepped from it, motioning them toward the same small Jet that Elena had used before. He entered, followed closely by the stern group and motioned them to get comfortable.

He glanced at them, grinned when he saw Neto and then outlined the plan so far.

“I have learned that Ghost wishes to take part in one aspect of this rescue. They know that the man who bankrolls the films is to be on the yacht to ‘inspect’ the merchandise before making payment. They are going to blow up the yacht and all aboard.

“You must hide the boat you will take from Jaque, Panama, I believe Elena will be helpful there, having been to the area before. The old lady will be informed that you are coming and you will hide at her casa until darkness then rescue the children, take them along the beach and somehow get them to your boat. There are radios in the equipment pile over there as well as arms. For those of you unfamiliar with weapons, you have three among you who will show you what to do.

“If you are apprehended, remain silent, no names, no excuses, nothing. I will get you out but it will take some time, perhaps several days.

“When you are safely back at Jaque, you must radio me with the ages and sex of the children so that I can provide papers for them.

“I can not tell you how to get the children from the fisherman. You will have to form a plan when you see how many people are involved and how best to proceed. Remain flexible. Good luck.”

He left them with a grim smile and wave, the door was pulled closed by the cabin attendant and their mission began.

**