Mastasson laughed, and this only abated when he saw a large tower in the jungle. He slowed to observe it, ‘Do you see that Laurent? That is the reason I came, that presence.’
Laurent was surprised, in front of them was a large obelisk, he estimated over fifty metres high. Jet black with no reflection on any surface, at the pyramidal top was a blue crystal, same colour as the amulet he had discovered, and it was glowing. Then a small tendril of light came from the top of it, snaking up into the air, Mastasson backed the helicopter off.
The lightning bolt connected with the tower with surprising ferocity, the light temporarily blinding the helicopters occupants.
‘What was that?’
‘That Laurent was a leader coming out of the tower.’
‘A leader?’
‘A small charge of electricity. In nature all objects give off this small charge, that is what the lightning connects with. It would appear that this tower is giving out a leader to encourage a deliberate strike.’
‘It is using lightning?’
‘It would appear so, and that is why I have risked so much.’
Jacob and Archer had found Debra’s position, and could see the boat teams by the side of the river. Jacob needed to get the amulets to Osvaldo Roderigo inside the complex. Augusta Fabiola told him just to run to the open hatch.
Jacob pulled his necklace out, it was glowing brightly, ‘whatever you do you must keep it on. Where’s your necklace Archer?’
Archer did not pull his out, ‘I’m staying here, you need someone to support Debra.’
‘Agreed son, Augusta Fabiola would you like to join me?’
‘I would Jacob, how very polite. I will get the other two.’
‘We get to the top of the wall, and then go on Debra’s signal.’
‘What signal is that Jacob?’
‘Oh believe me Augusta Fabiola, you will know.’
With a wink to Debra, Jacob and Archer began to carefully climb up the wall, away from the sight of the boat crews.
Mastasson landed in a very small clearing, his rotor blades clipping and shredding some overhanging bushes, he untied Laurent’s hands, left the cockpit. A handgun drawn, MP5 Machine gun across his back and a knife on his belt.
‘This does not mean I trust you, but to move through the jungle you need your hands, if you run, I will kill you.’
Laurent did not reply, he knew Mastasson would carry out his threat.
Enzi had set up position overlooking the hatch, and was as relaxed as the men around, the sky overhead had darkened, and they had heard several thumps from around them, but he presumed it was normal background noise for the area. None of the local’s he had hired seemed perturbed, so he just sat back and awaited Mastasson’s arrival.
Mastasson moved quickly through the jungle, pushing Laurent in front, the occasional shove in the back with his handgun continuing the intimidation he had started back on the island. He had left the clearing and was amongst sparse jungle, entering a larger area, his CV22 ahead, he recognised the markings. He crouched down and ordered Laurent to do the same, scanned for anyone nearby, having to rely on his eyesight, he had forgotten his binoculars. He saw a woman, she appeared to be alone, at this distance he did not recognise her, but Laurent did.
‘That is Katherine, my ex-fiancé. I can tell by her walk.’
‘Really? Well Laurent, that may work to our advantage. How much does she loathe you?’
‘You see this black eye?’
‘Well that is excellent. Go over and start a conversation.’
‘I don’t think she will want to chat, the woman detests me. She could shoot me.’
‘And I could shoot you if you don’t do as I say.’
‘Merde.’
Katherine was checking instruments; she had been outside replacing the burnt oil in the right nacelle. Now she had to make sure she had done it right.
She returned to the tail section, saw Christophe standing halfway down. Katherine could not believe he was standing there, brazen. Without hesitation she drew her sidearm.
‘Christophe! What the hell are you doing here?’
‘Just passing, thought I would see how you are?’
Mastasson was already in position by the side door.
‘I really think you should holster your weapon Katherine.’
She looked sideways without moving, seeing Mastasson aiming at her head.
‘If you shoot, you will bring down the other people I have with me.’
‘You only left the island with Archer, and I have many people in position at the complex, who have reported nothing. You’re bluffing.’
Katherine was not, but she did get information from Mastasson on their successful deception, he was unaware of the other teams.
‘Christophe remove her weapon and tie her up.’
She knew that to resist would do no good, she could take out one of them, but she suspected Mastasson would kill her anyway.
Christophe smiled, ‘How nice to do this again.’
Katherine‘s response was venomous, ‘You wish.’
This time he slapped her across the face, striking her jaw and cheekbone. He looked back at her hoping to see tears, but instead, Katherine spit out some blood, and looked straight at him, ‘you just reminded me what did I ever see in a snivelling rat like you.’
‘And if you continue you back chat it will be worse.’
Katherine did not answer, her face showed that the pathetic efforts at intimidation from Laurent would not bother her, she was trained for this. He was no threat at all. The party of three moved off, heading towards the complex, she would wait for her moment.
Debra was about to signal all her people to move, when a lookout called, a familiar animal call, but nothing to raise the attention of their unwanted guests. Debra retrained her binoculars on the direction of the call, and saw the reason for the warning.
Archer moved to get line of sight with the caller, and spotted Katherine and Laurent, with Mastasson pushing them along. His temptation was to aim his M4 and blow The General’s head off, then Laurent’s, but he was concerned someone may get one shot off, risking Katherine was not worth it. He waited. Everyone waited, the small group moved up onto the wall, heading for Enzi’s position.
Jacob had not seen Mastasson approaching and began to move with his small band of La gente de la luz azul. He checked on the sentries that Enzi had posted, all of them looking out into the jungle, none of them at the complex and its silver dome. He told them to check their necklaces and all move quickly. If anyone fell, or if he was shot, then someone was to grab his bag and keep going. They all knew the priority was the amulets, and ensuring their safe delivery was vital.
The four of them moved rapidly across the silver surface of the complex, halfway to the hatch they were spotted, not by a sentry, but by Mastasson. He called out across the artificial basin, ‘Jacob, so nice of you to deliver my amulets.’
As he finished the comment Enzi’s men opened fire.
Archer could see Jacob running out onto the complex, heading for the dome, Mastasson appeared near Enzi’s position, as soon as The General called out Enzi’s men opened fire. Archer presumed they had not been ordered to, and they stopped almost immediately, but not because of any instruction.
Jacob could not believe his luck or lack of it, as bullets rained down on them from above. He expected the hot burning of one entering his leg or arm, but nothing happened. He looked back to check if anyone else had been hit, but the members of La gente de la luz azul had not even slowed their pace. The bullets bounced off them, Augusta Fabiola smiled, ‘Keep running, the necklaces will protect us from any projectile!’
Jacob did as the lady said; miraculously they all reached the hatch unscathed.