CHAPTER 50

“MARCO’S DEAD,” STANDISH ANNOUNCED, walking into Warren Rutherford’s office and finding him sitting at his desk. “Yifru just called.”

“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry. He was such a fine young man. Ceseli must be devastated. Where is she?” he asked.

“She was going to see Marco on the condition that she’d be back early in the morning. The Italians never fly until at least eight. He didn’t want her bombed.”

“He hasn’t learned anything,” Warren said, taking his pipe. “Ceseli doesn’t believe in conditions.”

“You know Warren, I don’t think that’s fair.”

Warren Rutherford shrugged. “Maybe you’re right, I’m just uptight and worried. Damn it, Forsythe, I never should have permitted this.”

“A runner came to tell the emperor that all the Red Cross hospitals had been bombed. Direct targets. That’s how he knows Marco is dead.”

“Repeat that! The Red Cross hospital units were all bombed? That’s against the Geneva Convention. I’m sure the Italians know that.”

“I can’t imagine them bombing without orders.”

“No. You’re right, of course.”

“Where is Yifru?”

“With the emperor.”

“Even I know that!” Rutherford snapped. “I knew this was a lousy idea. I was afraid it might end like this!” He filled his pipe, lit it, and then turned back to Standish.

“Did he say where?”

“He’s retreating with the emperor, but he wouldn’t say where he was. He thinks the Italians are intercepting their messages.”

“Which is probably true.”

“It has to be somewhere near Maytchaw. That’s where they fought the other day. His army was badly defeated.”

“How far north is that?”

“Above Dessie. But I’m not sure how far above. Ceseli is alive. Yifru has sent her with his nephew, Yohannes, to Dessie. He said it might take them awhile to get there because they’re only traveling at night. He wants me to meet her there.”

“Will you go to Dessie?”

“Yes, of course, but we’ll wait two days. I’m taking Daniele.”

“Of course.” Rutherford walked over to Standish. He put his arms on both his shoulders. “Please take care of yourself, my boy. Enough with the dead.”

“Thank you, Warren. And I will bring her back.”

“I know you will, Standish. Good luck.”