When will you be here?
The question had filled him with frustration and terror. There was no way he could be at Z-3 in less than another five hours. How the hell was Alex going to survive on the run from that bastard for that long? She wouldn't surrender easily, and that meant Runne would use force—and force could be deadly.
He had to keep calm and cool as he'd learned through years of playing this ugly game.
But this time it wasn't a game. It was Alex.
“Runne called me ten minutes ago to report in,” Danley said to Betworth when he answered the phone. “The bastard was almost cheerful. It makes me wonder.”
“He should be cheerful. He's doing what he likes best,” Betworth said. “But you know where he's going to take his shot?”
“From the top of the bluff.”
“And you'll be there to take him out immediately? I don't want any mistakes.”
“I'm doing it myself. He'll be dead ten seconds after he makes his shot. Is everything going well there?”
“As well as can be expected. I think Logan may be getting uncomfortably close, but once we go into high gear we can roll right over him.” He paused; time to spread some honey. “By the way, the tech van you stationed near Camp David is functioning well. Good job.”
“Thanks.” Danley hesitated. “I haven't heard from Leary today.”
“Is that a concern?”
“Not yet. Cordoba said he'd been bar-hopping every night since he arrived. I just want him in place to make sure Matanza doesn't go overboard.”
“You said Leary was reliable. Besides, Cordoba has everything to gain. I wouldn't worry that he'll cooperate.” Betworth glanced at the clock. “It's two-thirty in the morning, Danley. Just this one more day to get through and then we'll be going full steam ahead. I can't tell you how relieved I am to have a man of your ability in charge there. I'm coming down myself, but not until tomorrow. I won't be able to take off from here until right before I set everything in motion. Call me if you have any problems.” He hung up and leaned back in his chair. He could feel the excitement flowing through him like fine wine. It was exhilarating to feel this all-powerful. Other men would probably have felt nervous and frightened along with this high.
But, then, other men wouldn't have been able to pull off a coup like this.
5:05 A.M.
“Danley's nowhere to be found,” Logan said. “And, dammit, I can't get through to Camp David. I've been trying for hours. I keep getting told neither Keller nor the President will accept calls.”
“Have you tried to get through to Chelsea Andreas?”
“I've got a call in to Pittsburgh, but Andreas has made sure her security is as tight as his own. Not much hope there.”
“Weird,” Galen said. “I can see Andreas refusing calls, but not Keller. If he refused a call, it would mean ignoring information. The Secret Service checks out every piece of info that comes their way. After Kennedy's assassination they even beefed up their policy.”
Logan rubbed his temple. “I don't know. Maybe I'll have better luck later. It's only five in the morning.”
“The time wouldn't make any difference to Keller.” Galen moved toward the door. “I think I'll take a few men and go up there and see what I can find out.”
“Be careful. They shoot first and ask questions later these days.”
“Don't worry, I wouldn't dare not be careful. Elena would kill me.” He paused. “How long are you going to wait before you call the cops or the media?”
“Do you know what kind of panic that would start? People get hurt when they're stampeding. It'll be a last resort if we can't get through to Andreas. Morgan said nothing was going to happen before tomorrow. We may have time.” He grimaced. “If you can get me through to Andreas.”
“I think I may have a handle on it. I'll call and let you know.”
Cover your tracks.
Use everything she'd learned from Morgan.
She took the branch and carefully erased her tracks in the dirt before heading for the creek. If she waded in the creek for the next mile or so, she might be able to lose him for a while.
The icy water flooded her tennis shoes as she stepped into the stream.
She had been hot and panting only moments ago, but now the ice seemed to be trickling through every vein in her body.
Ignore it.
Keep going.
No Runne yet.
She had thought she heard a crashing behind her ten minutes ago near the bluff, but she must have been mistaken.
Unless he was toying with her.
That was defeatist mentality. She wouldn't give in to it.
She glanced at her watch. It was still too dark to see here beneath these overhanging branches. The last time she'd checked she'd been on the run for over four hours. She felt every minute of it in the aching muscles of her calves and thighs.