The Angels of Destiny (31 page)

The Sheridan Hotel, Karachi.

Rob McPerson was sitting on the bed in bewilderment. One minute it was total despair and the next minute elation. How the hell did Hunter fix that? Hunter
’
s words were still ringing in his ears.

Be on the roof of the hotel in ten minutes. There
’
s a chopper coming to take you to the airport. You
’
re flying home in style buddy.

A knock on the door refocused his mind.

When he opened the door, Beth was there, smiling broadly.

“
You do have some clout young man, I
’
ll give you that.
”

“
I
’
m just happy to be going home Beth.
”

“
Sure, I understand. Hope you don
’
t mind but I wanted to say goodbye and good luck and all that.
”

“
Thanks.
”
McPherson felt quite awkward not knowing how to end the conversation. He was in a hurry to get out.

“
Come on then. You need to be on the roof.
”

Oh god, she
’
s coming with me. McPherson grabbed his things, making sure he had the crystal in his travel bag. Customs won
’
t be a problem today, he thought.

McPherson looked around at the sprawling suburbs from the top of the hotel as the evening took control.

“
The chopper can
’
t land on the roof, so you
’
re going up in a rope cage, okay?
”
Beth explained.

“
Is there anything you don
’
t know?
”
Rob was impressed with her efficiency.

“
It
’
s my job to look after you... Here comes the chopper now. See it over there?
”

The drone of the blades got louder as the matt black Apache helicopter approached the hotel roof. Dust from the rooftop filled the air now as a side door opened on the Apache and a cage was lowered down.

“
Good luck,
”
Beth said, in a loud voice. She moved forward and kissed him on the cheek.
“
I hope to see you again soon.
”

McPherson looked a little embarrassed and quickly climbed into the cage. He gave a thumbs up and seconds later he was being winched up into the evening sky.

Come back soon, I love you Rob.

As the black Apache banked to the right heading west, McPherson could see the airport
’
s runway lights in the distance. There were many flashing lights, police cars and ambulances everywhere and the roads around the airport were gridlocked. It was chaos because of the recent bomb scare.

McPherson remembered the last time he flew in an Apache
–
firing the airship
’
s guns at Domaradzki in the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion, the bodies on the water, and he shuddered. He checked his travel bag again for the crystal. It
’
s safe.

Surprisingly, within a few minutes they
’
d arrived at Jinnah International Airport and the chopper started to descend near to the main hanger, some distance from the mayhem of the main terminal building. Once the Apache had touched down one of the crew opened the side door and instructed McPherson to go into the hanger, some fifty yards away across the concrete airfield, where the President
’
s private jet was waiting to taxi out into the warm evening air and onto the main runway. Traffic control had already given the crew the go ahead for takeoff. No other planes would be landing or taking off until the airport reopened.

Gathering his things he thanked the crew and duly headed for the massive silver hanger. As he entered the hanger he looked up at the plane, so majestic, so big and he could see the crew through the front windows of the plane. Pleasingly one of them acknowledged him. Inside the huge space, at the bottom of a set of steps that led to an open door on the side of the plane, was a young lady, smartly dressed in military uniform.

“
Dr McPherson?
”

“
Yes, that
’
s me.
”

“
Welcome.
—
Please come aboard.
”

“
Thank you.
”
He happily followed her as she ascended the steps into the 747. As he did, a man in maintenance uniform, some distance away, discreetly took a photo of him using a mobile phone.

Shah
’
s phone buzzed when the text came though from Abu Kalizad. He opened it and stared at a man who
’
s face was very familiar to him.
“
My old-friend, Rob McPherson.
”
Then, the reality of the situation hit him. He was boarding the Presidential jet.

He read the text from Kalizad. Who is this man? He
’
s getting on the flight and it
’
s about to leave. Do you know what
’
s happening? Shah was totally confused. Why was Robert McPherson getting onto the President
’
s plane? What was he doing in Pakistan? Shah was in shock.

Memories of Cambridge came flooding back and the good times he and his friend Rob had enjoyed together. The parties, the girls, the music and for a brief second he appeared to smile.

Why him? Why here?
…
It makes no difference. Nothing can stop me now. You will die with rest of them my old friend. It is the will of Allah.

The pilot pulled the throttle and the huge jet responded. Slowly at first but soon it was accelerating down the runway gathering speed quickly. McPherson looked out of the window at the planes huge wing. The terminal was out of site now as the plane
’
s wheels left the runway. The engines roared, defying gravity and powering the plane upwards into the red sky as the sun was setting on the horizon.

The first officer retracted the landing gear and the massive sets of wheels retracted into the undercarriage. Green LED lights on the hidden canisters changed to red and began to flash for the first time.

McPherson was so relieved to be going home. He still couldn
’
t believe how Hunter had pulled this one off. But, he knew he owed him one. Big time.

“
Welcome aboard, Doctor. My name is Sakina, and I
’
m here to make sure your flight is enjoyable. Can I get you a drink?
”

McPherson was taken aback by the beautiful woman staring down at him. She was stunningly beautiful with large dark eyes and black hair neatly tied up under her hat.

“
Thank you, Sakina. I would love a gin and tonic on the rocks please.
”

“
Certainly, Doctor. We
’
ll be serving food later and the President has requested you join him for dinner.
”

“
Wow, that would be wonderful. Please tell him I gratefully accept his kind invitation.
”

“
I will, Doctor, with pleasure. Don
’
t forget to use your call button at anytime if you want something.
”

McPherson was finding the situation quite bizarre and completely unbelievable. Just a few hours ago he was distraught and totally demoralized, with no hope of getting home quickly and now, he
’
s on his way and just about to have a meal with President Gandapur of Pakistan.

What a crazy situation, Vicki won
’
t believe a word of this, he thought. But he couldn't wait to tell her anyway.

“
Your drink, sir, and some snacks for you. Enjoy
”

“
Thank you.
”
McPherson sipped his drink and closed his eyes. In his head a voice said, You are not alone. He opened his eyes and looked into his bag at the crystal. He picked it up and held it for a moment. Strangely this time he didn
’
t experience the usual feeling of tranquillity. This time he felt on edge, as if there was something wrong.

Relax, enjoy yourself, you
’
re going home to see Vicki and Daniel.

The White House, Washington DC

President Wilson
’
s secretary was busy finishing the arrangements for the forthcoming visit of President Gandapur. Everything had to be done properly, especially liaising with the security forces. There was no room for error at this level. Gandapur
’
s plane was due to land at seven o
’
clock in the morning and the President was going to be there at the airport to greet him.

This was a golden opportunity for some good publicity. Halfway through his term he needed a vote of confidence from the electorate and this success story was going to be milked to the very last drop, he had told her.

The red carpet was to be laid out from the plane
’
s steps to the awaiting limousine and the world
’
s media would be there waiting to send the images of Gandapur
’
s welcoming committee all around the world, in a matter of seconds. President Wilson had a short speech being prepared for him at this moment buy one of his press officers.

As she typed, an email came through detailing the dietary requirements for the Gandapur entourage. So much to think about, so much to do, she sighed.

McPherson slept for over an hour before being gently awakened by Sakina.

“
Doctor.
”

“
I must have fallen asleep,
”
he said, shaking his head.

“
Yes, you did, Doctor. I think you needed it.
”

“
Please call me Robert. I hate formalities.
”

“
Okay, I will. Dinner will be served in the upstairs restaurant in thirty minutes, Robert. I thought you might want to freshen up.
”

“
Thank you. That would be a very good idea. It
’
s not often one gets to eat with a Head of State is it?
”

“
You
’
ll find towels, shaving equipment and a range of new shirts and pants in the bathroom, just help yourself. Follow me and I
’
ll show you the way.
”

Twenty minutes later McPherson looked and felt like a new man. It
’
s very easy to forget that you
’
re thirty-two thousand feet above ground, circumventing the earth when you
’
re having a power shower and listening to Edward Greig
’
s Peer Gynt suite, in a bathroom that has a Jacuzzi, color television, surround sound stereo, music matched mood lighting and an iMac to check your emails. Vicki just won
’
t believe me. Returning to his seat he sat down and again picked up the crystal from his bag. There
’
s something wrong. What can it be? There
’
s something very wrong. Nervously he put it back in his bag.

“
Robert, is there a problem?
”
asked Sakina seeing his expression.

“
No, I
’
m fine thank you,
”
unable to relate his concerns to her. What was wrong anyway? He had no idea, other than how he felt when he held the crystal. Was it trying to tell him something? If he mentioned it to anyone they
’
d think he was going mad.

“
Dinner is in ten minute.
”

“
I
’
m looking forward to it.
”
Again he held the crystal and this time an image of Ahmed Shah flashed through is mind. Evil forces in the hearts of men. You will know them when the time comes and you will not be alone.

“
The crystal is telling me something,
”
he said to himself quietly. There
’
s something wrong but what is it? Ahmed Shah you
’
re in my mind, leave me alone.

“
Robert, President Gandapur will see you now. If you
’
d like to follow me please.
”

McPherson composed himself and smiled back at Sakina.
“
I
’
ll take my bag with me if you don
’
t mind?
”

“
Yes, of course Robert, but it
’
s quite safe here. You
’
re the only passenger.
”

“
I
’
d prefer to take it with me.
”

Sakina led McPherson up the stairs to the upper deck where President Gandapur and his wives were waiting to greet him.

This is just like a dream, he thought, as his pulse quickened.

“
Doctor McPherson welcome.
”
Gandapur stood at the top of the stairs with an outstretched hand. He was tall and thin for man of his age with receding dark hair that was graying on the sides. He wore a black suit and white shirt open at the neck McPherson guessed he was about fifty.

“
President Gandapur, It is a great honor to meet you sir. I
’
m not sure I can thank you enough for what you
’
ve done for me today.
”

“
Nonsense, young man. It is nothing. Please join me.
”

On the table was more fruit than McPherson had ever seen in one place. Oranges, bananas, grapes, pomegranates, kiwi fruits, red and black currants, a variety of different mangos, Kinno, peaches, pears and dishes full of olives. His first thought was, who the hell will eat all this?

“
Please help yourself to fruit but don
’
t fill yourself, we have a meal awaiting us. Please come through when you
’
re ready.
”

Sakina was at hand to explain some of the fruits he
’
d never even seen before. Tonight though food was not a priority for McPherson. He just wasn
’
t hungry, just very restless.

Two hours passed quickly as they talked and ate. Gandapur listened to the story of Daniel
’
s deterioration with genuine interest and how McPherson had been involved in the hunt for Ahmed Shah.

“
Goodness me, is that the time? Robert I
’
m going to bid you goodnight. I
’
ve enjoyed our chat and I
’
ll see you in the morning.
”

“
Thank you again sir. I
’
m indebted to you for your kindness.
”

“
After what I
’
ve heard tonight, Robert, I think I
’
m indebted to you, young man. Sakina will see you down to your cabin.
”

“
Cabin Crew, two hours to landing please.
”

The announcement woke McPherson from a deep sleep. A little unsteady he made his way to the bathroom for another glorious power shower.

Fifteen minutes later he retuned to his cabin and there was a smell of fresh coffee in the air.

Sakina arrived with an envelope in her hand.
“
Good morning, Robert. I
’
ve been asked to give you this, I
’
m told it
’
s urgent.
”

McPherson took the envelope marked to him.
“
Thank you, Sakina.
”

“
Coffee, Robert?
”

“
Yes, please,
”
he said opening the envelope. He started to read:

Robert

It was a great surprise for me to see you boarding the Presidential Plane yesterday.

When I saw your face it reminded me of our days at Cambridge.

McPherson froze but continued to read:-

I did not plan it this way and your involvement is a mystery to me. However, it has happened, and as a consequence it means you must also die. I wish for you it could have been different but it must be the will of Allah.

An old Friend.

McPherson was speechless. The crystal was trying to warn me. Why did I doubt it? Fuck, what does it mean you must also die... This flight is doomed. Jesus Christ. McPherson
’
s mind was spinning. There must be a bomb on board. Oh fuck!

His finger hit the service button and Sakina appeared within seconds.

“
Your coffee won
’
t be long, Robert.
”

“
Sakina, forget the fucking coffee. I need to see the President. It
’
s urgent
—
believe me.
”

For a moment she was stunned by his outburst.

“
SAKINA I NEED TO SEE HIM NOW. WHERE IS HE?
”

Her smile had disappeared and she looked worried.
“
Come with me.
”
It must be the letter, she thought.

McPherson followed her to the upper deck and at the top of the stairs she asked him to wait while she got the President.

For what seemed like an eternity McPherson paced up and down trying to think what could be done. Then he heard the President arriving.

“
What on earth is the matter, Robert?
”
Gandapur asked.

“
Sir, I hope I
’
m wrong but I believe there may be a bomb on board.
”

“
WHAT? What makes you think that?
”

“
I
’
ve received a note from the man we were talking about last night.
”

“
Ahmed Shah?
”

“
That
’
s right. Take a look.
”
McPherson passed him the note.

For a few seconds Gandapur absorbed the words...
“
Oh dear.
”

“
How many crew members do we have on board?
”

“
We have, I believe, eight technical staff, including the pilot, first officer and navigator and about eight catering personnel.
”

McPherson was thinking fast.
“
We need to inform the captain and authorities immediately and search the plane from top to bottom. I suspect if it
’
s anywhere it
’
s in the hold.
”

“
Let
’
s get it organized.
”
Gandapur was amazingly calm under the circumstances.

“
Lets get all the technical crew together and organize a search of the hold first. It shouldn't take long it
’
s virtually empty.
”
McPherson was trying to think logically but it wasn
’
t easy under such duress. If it is a bomb why hasn
’
t it gone off yet? Are they going to activate it remotely? What if there isn
’
t a bomb? What would Shah do? What
’
s his expertise? OH FUCK, I don
’
t even want to go there.

“
Mr President, knowing Shah
’
s involved we have to consider the possibility that there may be nerve agents on board.
”
McPherson was thinking fast. If there is, how
’
s he planning to release it? He
’
s going to gas us, the evil bastard. His plan was to kill Gandapur and I just happened to follow him into the gas chamber. Shah
’
s words, I did not plan it this way. I
’
m here by accident. McPherson
’
s mind was now in overdrive. He had to find a solution. He wasn
’
t ready to die. He was going to prove Allah wrong, but he didn
’
t know how.