Istana Nurul Iman Palace
August 26
The Brunei Special Forces stood at attention as the Sultan strode directly to the Crown Prince. His eldest son first saluted and then bowed.
“I cannot believe the treachery that has been festering in my palace during my absence.”
“It is true, although I was shocked when word first came to my attention through the American President. He was most insistent, so I left the regional Security Summit in Kuala Lumpur to personally assess the situation. Still, until I saw this with my own eyes,” he waved a hand indicating the palace guards who were either dead or under custody of the military, “I thought there must be a mistake. Misinformation.”
Jade had elevated herself to a sitting position, her face still streaked with tears. She was rubbing Diesel’s head when her uncle approached. He knelt and wiped the side of her face. “I am so sorry for the pain inflicted upon you by Guan-Yin. And I grieve with you over the death of Eu-meh. I loved her as my sister, and you loved her as your mother. From this day forward, I welcome you into my home to be raised as my daughter, if that is what you want.”
Paduka directed his father’s attention to Peter. “This man has risked his life to rescue your niece and save her life.”
The Sultan’s eyes bore into Peter, searching for hints of his character and moral fiber. After an uncomfortable moment, he said, “Then my country owes you a great honor, and I am personally in your debt.”
“To tell you the truth,” Peter said, “I had some help. Robert, Jade’s bodyguard, deserves most of the credit.”
Robert was laying on his back, awaiting a stretcher. He acknowledged Peter with a wave of his hand.
“Together, you have saved a child of the royal family. Whatever you wish for, if it is within my power to grant, you shall have.”
Bull leaned in close to Commander Nicolaou. “Sir, we need to medevac these wounded.”
“Excuse me, Your Majesty,” Jim said. “All three of these people need to be treated in a hospital. Mr. Schneider has a serious wound with internal injuries and your niece has lost a lot of blood.”
“The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital is the best in my country, and it is only a short distance away. They have a heliport. Please, load them into my helicopter. They will have the best care possible.”
Two of the Bruneian soldiers carried first Robert to the helicopter and then Jade. Another soldier tapped Peter on the shoulder. “We need to go, sir.”
Peter held out his hand. “Just a couple seconds.” He looked beyond Jim to the gathering of SGIT operators standing on the ramp of the Osprey.
“I don’t know how you did it,” Peter said to Jim, “but I can never thank you adequately for bringing the cavalry.”
Jim leaned close to Peter and spoke into his ear. “Looks like you hit the jackpot. The Sultan is an exceptionally wealthy man.” Jim raised his eyebrows and his lips curled into a rare smile.
“Yeah, well, he may take back his promise when he learns I shot and killed his youngest son.”
He slapped Peter on the shoulder, a sly grin still on his face. “Homer!” he called, and the SGIT soldier jogged down the ramp. “Would you escort Mr. Savage to the helicopter?”
“It would be my honor, sir.” He turned to face Peter. “If you’re ready, let’s get you on that medevac.” Peter smiled and felt his eyes tearing. Though he knew he’d never be a member of the SGIT team, they’d been through a lot together. They’d forged an unbreakable bond of trust, respect, honor, and loyalty.
s
After the helicopter lifted into the sky on a heading for the RIPAS hospital, the Sultan addressed Jim. “My son, the Crown Prince, has told me that you were most persistent in your request that the elite Special Forces of Brunei be activated for this mission.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Sultan paused in thought for a moment before continuing, “How did you know that this operation was not at my direction?”
“To be completely honest, I didn’t. I took a chance. But based on our intelligence, it didn’t make sense that you would orchestrate a covert action to precipitate a war between the United States and China.”
The Sultan nodded. “It would make no sense at all. And that is what bothers me most. Why would my mother do this? Why would she deceive me? Why place her country at peril and endanger her granddaughter?”
“Don’t forget that she’s indirectly responsible for the murder of your sister.”
His mouth was downturn and his eyes conveyed a deep sorrow that threatened to crush his heart. As the leader of his country, he needed to be strong. But the pain of loss was very personal. He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “It will take time for us to fully investigate these crimes.”
“I suspect that the State Department will be willing to lend assistance to your investigation, if you wish. Our intelligence analysts are already digging through the data. Obviously, there are lessons to be learned here.”
“Yes. I will speak with President Taylor and request we conduct a joint investigation. But first, I have a funeral to attend to as my country enters a period of mourning.”
“Of course, that’s understandable.” Jim paused, but still had questions on his mind.
“Is there something else?”
Jim cleared his throat. “At the risk of overstepping my boundaries, have you arrested Guan-Yin Lim?”
“The military and police are searching for her. My mother will be arrested and placed on trial for her crimes.”
“I understand. Thank you for your cooperation and support on this mission. It is certain that my friends and your niece would have been killed if we did not intervene the second we did.”
Bull stood slightly behind Jim and spoke softly. “Everything is stowed away. Ready anytime you give the word.”
Jim spoke over his shoulder. “Have the pilot start up the engines.” He extended his hand to the Sultan, who accepted with a firm clasp. “My orders are to get airborne and return to base once the objective is achieved. With your permission, we’ll get this aircraft off your lawn.”