Our meeting continued for a couple of hours while we went over things, such as our plan for getting in, and out again, without getting anyone killed. Hopefully. The volunteers from our visitor and Mandar understood that we could not guarantee that no one would be killed or wounded, but we would do our best. Baldwin would supply what we needed, including extra helicopters for getting us in, and out in a hurry if needed.

We would all have the same phones so we could keep in touch. Baldwin had one of his companies working on these phones so that they will overcome that shield around the estate. And everyone understood that I would be the leader of this operation, and Rock would be second if something happened to me, with Kristina as the third leader. Sky looked at me with her “look” when I mentioned me as the leader.

She did not say anything right then, however, since she did not want to start an argument in front of our guests. That was nice of her. She also looked down at Muffin with the same look. Muffin just stared at the ceiling. Muffin was helping me arrange an early release from the hospital with Saranna. Sky had already told Saranna not to let me go so early, I needed more rest she said. But this case is more important than some rest right now.

The six extra men would be staying in guest rooms here at the hospital. That evening Rock came to see me and brought a bunch of stuff in a large bag for me. “What is all that?” asked Sky. “Steve wanted some things to keep him occupied while we are gone,” said Rock, “so Muffin helped me find everything. Oh, she is in the bag here too.” He let her and MC out and they hopped onto the bed. “I did not know MC was in there too,” he said, scratching his head. We all chuckled.

“Well, I am happy to see you are being sensible Steve,” said Sky, “for a while I thought you were planning on coming along.” “You mean, going along,” I said, “you will not be going.” “What?” she said, “I am so going.” “Nope,” I said, “if I have to stay behind, then I need you and 3 of the girls to stay behind to protect me. You know that is the rules, 4 must stay with me.” “Yes, I know,” she said, “but I do not have to be one of the 4.” “True, but it only makes sense that you would be,” I said.

She looks at me again with that “look”. “I should slap you,” she said. Rock laughed and the cats giggled. Sky then giggled too. “Well, I could go along, then you could go too,” I said. “NO, you are not going,” said Sky, “and the rules state that I get to pick the 4 girls that will stay with you.” Hmm, she had me on that one, I meant to change that rule but forgot. “Okay then, we will add Crystal, Sigurbjorn and Galyna, so then we have our 4 to stay behind,” I said, “do we all agree with that?”

“Yep, I sure do,” said Rock, “those are good choices.” “Okay,” said Sky, “I agree too, you definitely need Sigurbjorn with you for your massages.” “Good, it is settled,” I said. We had a meeting for the whole team that evening to let everyone know what was happening and those who would be staying behind. “We are sending both of our nurses along on this one,” I said, “with extra team members and the danger ahead, I think that is best.

Rock will be in charge, with Kristina next, and I will help to coordinate from here as much as possible. Annelie will make sure there is always an open line between us for communication. Each one going in will be equipped with cameras so I can see what is going on at all times.” The next day was spent getting everything ready to go in the following day. “Well Saranna,” I said, “what do you say? May I go on this case?”

“Well, I have given it every consideration,” she said, “but I think it is best you sit this one out.” Sigh, even extra vacation time did not work. The next morning everyone was off and the choppers let them down 5 km from the estate. From there they walked. The snipers positioned themselves and the rest moved in around the perimeter, watching carefully for the guards. They were in pairs, 100 feet apart. That is a lot of men to deal with. It was decided to wait until it was just getting dark…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.