Chapter 79

The meeting drew to a close and David was impressed by how the Tower Captain had run the operation. All of the members of their small and select group knew what they were doing. Secrecy had been maintained. There did not appear to be any signs of issues with the authorities. David had taken care of Archie, and Emma had been taken care of by Betts and the Woodcutter, albeit David did not want to know what had happened to her.

David had been surprised by how quickly the Spanish lady had come and gone but reflected that was how she functioned. Efficient, clinical, unemotional and ruthless. Betts had clearly fallen for her, and had not been able to disguise his need to chase after her. It was clear to David that Betts wanted to get to know her much better prior to her return to South America.

After all of the other representatives had left, the Tower Captain went to a small cupboard that was discreetly located behind the top table. The Woodcutter and David had not noticed it during the meeting. Soon the chinking and clinking sound and the wry smile on the Tower Captain’s face indicated that he was about to offer something special. The cupboard door opened to reveal an old Wade Bell’s Scotch whisky decanter full of the spirit distilled and blended in Perth, Scotland. He proffered the Bell’s whisky to Mavis, David, and the Woodcutter, and sat back in his chair, savouring the taste from his own beautiful cut glass tumbler.

The Woodcutter was congratulated on his management of the operation in the Alps, even though it was clear that the authorities were on their tails. His swift departure and evacuation of the chalet and the successful infiltration of the government mission by Betts, had meant that all was still on track.

The Woodcutter had not drunk any of his whisky and instead was pointedly staring directly into the eyes of the Tower Captain. He could not keep his silence any longer. “Where is my family?” he spoke calmly. “I have to see my wife and daughter now. You have paid me for what I have done for the survival of your operation, but I need to be reunited with my family.”

The Tower Captain took the Woodcutter to one side and started to explain that he had one last mission for him and then the Tower Captain would reveal exactly where his wife and daughter were. He threw two sets of keys towards the Woodcutter, who looked confused. Clearly, the Woodcutter did not know that the keys had the power to open the solid wooden door to the underground chamber and also open the locks connecting the ankle chains to the bed frames occupied by his wife and daughter.

The Tower Captain and the Woodcutter heatedly discussed whatever this last mission was, with Mavis and David looking on. It appeared to David that whatever the Tower Captain was saying, it was causing the Woodcutter difficulty. Both of the men were gesticulating and, whilst trying to keep their voices low, rapid sentences were flying from each of their mouths.

Finally, they appeared to come to some form of agreement with the Tower Captain giving the Woodcutter some form of directions. The Tower Captain gave the Woodcutter a hard slap on his back and then said, “So long, I will hear from you within the next hour when you have done the deed. The event will be clear enough from the tower roof so that I can direct you to your family who are in perfect health, isn’t that right David?” the Tower Captain called over.

David dropped his head towards the floor as he could not look at the Woodcutter. The Tower Captain had told him to have some form of protection if the Woodcutter caused trouble, but David was not bothered with that. He could take care of himself.

David at last raised his gaze, “Yes,” David replied. “They are both in perfect health.”