70 |
70 |The Adriatic Sea
Acton watched as boats from the USS Philippine Sea approached, Wings already having landed the Black Hawk on her deck. The vessel they were on had been searched from bow to stern with no sign of the genuine cargo, or more importantly, Laura, the failed search sending the Russians on their way.
It had all been a misdirect, the past several hours a complete waste of time, though a couple of dozen bad guys were dead, and another vessel in the tragedy that was human smuggling would be out of the picture.
Only to be replaced in short order, he was certain.
Acton turned to Dawson. “Is there anything you guys can do to help?”
Dawson frowned. “Only if she’s outside the European Union, or in international waters like this. Apparently, the State Department has said we’re not to mess with internal European affairs. Frankly, Doc, the only reason we’re here is because the Russians were on their way, and the Polish government didn’t want to lose. We were the only ones with assets in the area that could react quickly enough.”
Acton sighed. “So we’re back to square one. My wife is nowhere to be found, and the Amber Room is once again lost.”
“I wish I could help you, Doc, but you guys got pretty far on your own. I’m sure you’ll pick up the trail. If it turns out she’s somewhere we can operate, you know how to reach us.”
Acton extended a hand. “Thanks for everything you did tonight. It’s appreciated.”
Dawson shook Acton’s hand. “Always a pleasure, Doc.”
Niner and Atlas strolled over, Niner with a massive rifle over his shoulder. Acton gestured at it. “Compensating?”
Atlas roared with laughter, his deep voice causing everyone to turn toward them. “Nice one, Doc!” He extended a fist for a bump.
Niner patted the weapon. “I’ll have you know, I’m perfectly proportioned.”
“So your mamma says.”
“Don’t be bringing mammas into this.”
Atlas jabbed a meaty finger at Niner’s chest. “Don’t you be bringing mammas into this.”
“Hey, you brought it up.”
“Only because I knew you would. You always defend your inadequacies with references to your mamma.”
“My mamma loves me. She told me so.” He lowered the barrel of the SWS, aiming it at Atlas’ chest. “Does your mamma love you?”
Atlas raised his hands slightly. “Not as much as yours does, apparently.”
“That’s what I thought.” Niner slung the weapon. “Now that that’s settled, your mamma’s so fat, when someone asks ‘where’s the beef?’ she smacks her ass and says, ‘right here.’”
Atlas stared at him. “Your mamma is so fat—”
Niner raised a hand, cutting him off. “Have you seen my mamma? She’s a tiny little Korean woman without an ounce of fat on her.”
Atlas frowned. “Yeah, what’s the point?”
Niner grinned. “So, do I win, or do you want to hear another one?”
Dawson shook his head then looked at Acton. “Be thankful you don’t have to put up with these two day in and day out, Doc.” He turned his back on the comedians. “Why do you think they still have your wife? They seem to have given everyone the slip.”
“They wanted us to authenticate the Amber Room to their buyer. My guess is they’ll keep her until they’ve completed the sale.”
Reading frowned. “And when that’s done…”
Acton’s chest tightened as the jocularity of the men surrounding him was shoved aside, everyone growing quiet. “When that’s done, I—” His voice cracked, and he took a moment to regain control, Reading’s hand on his shoulder providing him with some strength. “I think they’ll kill her.”