It was reported to Vang Pao that Kelshaw, although badly beaten, was alive and had regained some strength. It was Hubbard that the observers reported was dangerously ill, having seen his hand and badly swollen arm.
Vang Pao decided while minimal numbers of guards were with Jack and the few other prisoners, they would attempt a rescue.
Vang’s Hmong soldiers waited until Jack had been recovered from the pit, making certain of where all the prisoners were located. Using knives and machetes, they silently and swiftly neutralized the Pathet Lao guards. ‘Ferret’ realizing what was happening attempted to get to the American prisoners, but one of the Hmongs stopped him—forever.
Jack and the prisoners were taken to Long Tieng where Jack lay unconscious for days. Weeks of care followed before he had regained enough strength to be evacuated to Vientiane.
Chapter 15
Monday, September 29, 1980
A mix of nightmares had intermingled with terrible memories throughout the night. A knocking sound brought Jack back to the surface of consciousness; there was someone at the door. Without opening the blinds he fumbled his way in the semi dark room to open the door. He recoiled briefly seeing the Asian cleric.
Andrew had spent the night keeping vigil at Charlene Thayer’s bedside. The hospital was Father Ben’s first stop on his way to the Center. As he entered the room he saw a still sleeping Andrew in a chair by Charlene’s bed.
He touched Andrew’s shoulder saying gently, “Andrew, its Father Ben. Can I get you anything—perhaps some coffee? Or would you like me to stay here while you get some breakfast?”
Andrew stretched, winced and yawned, “Ben… Oh Boy am I sore!” referring to his various cuts and bruises. “No, thanks, I’m okay for now. There is something you can do for me though; I tried to call Jack Hubbard last night, but I was unable to get him. Would you stop by the WAC and let him know what’s happened?”
Father Ben nodded, “Of course, Andrew I will be happy to do that. How is Charlene?”
Andrew sighed, “Not much change. Be sure and tell Jack where I am.”
“I will, Andrew, and I will return later. Call me if there is any change or if you need anything,” he said as he moved toward the door.
It was a little past 8:30 when Father Ben arrived at the WAC and at the door of Jack’s room. He knocked once, twice and waited. He was about to knock again when a blurry eyed man opened the door and stepped back, somewhat shocked…, “Who are you? What do you want?” he asked warily.
Ben was astonished at the figure that stood in the doorway. He appeared to be slightly disoriented and it was evident that he had spent the night in his clothes. Ben noticed the smell of stale alcohol.
Sensing the man’s agitation Father Ben said quickly, “I am Father Ben Lee, Andrew Kincaid’s friend from the Seamen’s Center; are you Jack Hubbard?”
Reality slowly came to Jack. “Yes, come in, come in Father Lee,” turning over a chair that had been lying on its side, he said apologetically, “Please sit down. I’ll be with you in a minute.”
Ben heard the shower running and within five minutes Jack reappeared, still slightly wet and wearing a white terry cloth robe with W-A-C embroidered on the breast pocket.
“Sorry, Father for the mess,” he said sheepishly. “I think I walked in my sleep—it’s just when I saw you…,” he didn’t finish.
“I hope I didn’t come at a bad time Mr. Hubbard, but Andrew asked me to stop and tell you what has happened.”
“Where is Andy?” Jack asked.
Ben paused a moment and then said gently, “He is at Harborview Hospital with Charlene Thayer. You see, they were involved in an accident in West Seattle yesterday afternoon.”
“What happened, Father?” Jack queried anxiously.
“There was an explosion of some type. Charlene was closer so she was more injured than Andrew. Andrew has some minor injuries, but he will be fine; Charlene is not awake yet,” Ben continued cautiously.
Jack seated on the edge of the bed, listened in numb silence as Ben related Sunday afternoon’s events. As Ben talked he noticed that Jack had begun to tremble and was soon shaking violently. Ben reached for a blanket lying on the bed and wrapped it around Jack’s shoulders.
Alarmed Ben asked, “I’m very sorry to have upset you; what can I do for you—shall I call a doctor?”
Jack shook his head, took a deep breath and caught Ben’s arm, “I’ll be all right; just-just give me a minute. I had a very bad night,” Jack told him.
Father Ben appraising Jack’s bloodshot eyes, the half empty bottle of scotch and the broken glass lying on the floor across the room, said quietly, “I would say I agree with you.”
“I want to see Andrew,” Jack told him, anxiously.
“I don’t think you are ready to that yet—do you?”
Jack looked at the priest for a moment wondering what to do next then got to his feet and announced, “I’ll get dressed.”
“Good,” Ben agreed. “Then we will go to the dining room and you will have some breakfast and we will plan from there,” Ben said firmly.
At the moment Jack lacked the internal fortitude to stand up to this new Asian captor albeit a kindly Chinese priest, but Jack suspected he was in the hands of a velvet hammer.
Jack studied Father Ben over his coffee. He had eaten some of his breakfast without comment and Father Ben had remained quiet as well.
Finally Jack spoke, “I’ve heard a lot about you from Andrew; I had looked forward to meeting you. I’m embarrassed that it should be under… er, what I mean to say is that I would rather have made a bit better impression.”
Ben responded quickly, attempting to put Jack at ease, “Mr. Hubbard,” he paused, “May I call you Jack?” he continued, “It may have been providential that we meet this way. I am aware of the fact that you were somehow connected to George Kelshaw and I’m certain his death was a shock to you. I believe it was important for me to tell you in person, about Andrew being hurt.
Please do not be concerned about the circumstances of our meeting. I am honored to meet such a good friend of Andrew’s,” he assured him.
“Father Ben, how long have you known Andy?” Jack queried.
“For several years; he may have told you, one of our merchant seamen lost his papers. Andrew came to the rescue,” Father Ben chuckled, “He solved a problem that to me seemed overwhelming, within a few days.
“I am amazed by Andrew; he has so much integrity,” Ben said fondly, “He will go to any length to help if he believes in a cause or a person. He has helped me and the Center countless times since I’ve known him. And he has so much energy! He is a great friend.”
“Yes, Father Ben, he is a ‘great’ friend.” Jack was thinking of his own reliance on Andrew’s integrity when he told George Kelshaw that he could trust Andrew for help.
Breakfast finished, Ben said quietly, “If you feel you are ready now, I will be happy to take you to the hospital to see Andrew.”
Jack nodded, “I am ready—let’s go.”
Ben sensed the deep undercurrents operating in Jack Hubbard and he prayed silently, “Help him, Father.”
At his office early this Monday morning, Neil Klein had received a call from Detective Jim Savalza, made much earlier Seattle time. He had also received another call late last night from Andrew Kincaid.
Neil asked Jim, “How is Charlene Thayer?” without waiting for a reply he added, “What have you learned about the explosion?”