Chapter 13 - The Ocean Beneath Them
Laura reached the cockpit as another wave of turbulence struck.
She grabbed the doorway to keep her balance.
Mercer was focused on flying.
His jaw was tight.
The aircraft was descending.
"What's happening?"
"Multiple system faults."
"Can you control it?"
"Yes, but I need to keep my attention here."
Laura moved into the observer's position.
The captain remained under medical supervision.
His condition had stabilized somewhat, but he was still unable to resume his duties.
Laura checked the cabin communication handset.
"Elena, report."
The answer came through several seconds later.
"Cabin secured."
"Passengers seated."
"Suspects restrained."
"Any injuries?"
"Minor injuries from the turbulence."
"Medical volunteers are helping."
"Good."
Laura turned to Mercer.
"Tell me what I can do."
"Coordinate with the cabin."
"Help me track the reliable information."
"And keep everyone from distracting me."
She nodded.
The radio crackled.
"Atlantic 417, Shannon Control."
Mercer answered.
The controller confirmed that emergency services were preparing for their arrival.
Laura looked at the distance information.
They were still over water.
But the coast was closer than it had been an hour earlier.
She felt hope rise.
Then the cockpit speaker activated.
Halden's voice returned.
"Laura."
She reached for the microphone.
"Where are you?"
"Somewhere safe."
"You're a coward."
"Perhaps."
"But I'm a living coward."
Laura closed her eyes.
"What do you want?"
"Victor Sloane is trying to eliminate everyone connected to Nightglass."
"Including you?"
A pause.
"Especially me."
Laura looked toward Mercer.
Halden continued.
"Your husband discovered that Nightglass wasn't simply a military research project."
"What was it?"
"A business."
"People paid enormous sums for capabilities they weren't supposed to possess."
Laura felt sick.
"And Nathan found out."
"Yes."
"Who ordered his death?"
Halden didn't answer immediately.
Then he said something unexpected.
"I didn't."
Laura stared at the microphone.
"You're lying."
"I approved the operation."
"I authorized the test."
"But I didn't order the strike."
"Then who did?"
Halden's voice changed.
For the first time, she heard fear.
"Victor Sloane."
Laura looked at Mercer.
The first officer's face was pale.
Halden continued.
"Nathan recorded the authorization."
"Thomas Mercer found a copy."
"And now Sloane wants everyone who knows about it dead."
Laura gripped the microphone.
"Then help us."
Silence.
"Halden?"
The response came quietly.
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because Sloane already knows where my family lives."
Laura felt anger rise again.
"Then stop helping him."
Halden breathed heavily.
"There's one thing you need to understand."
"What?"
"The threat aboard your aircraft isn't the only one."
Laura's stomach tightened.
"Explain."
May you like
Halden whispered.
"Someone is waiting for Sophie in Madrid."
