Free Dark Justice by Jack Higgins Page A

the damn things. As for lenses, a wide-angle zoom and a long zoom. Nikon, I think, though I wouldn't bother with digital because that would mean I'd need a laptop. Now, as far--"
    "Spare me, for God's sake." Ferguson turned to Hannah. "Process his papers, Superintendent." He nodded to Dillon. "Is that all right with you?"
    "Absolutely."
    "Good. Since you're going in with the RAF, there won't be any problem over weapons." He said to Roper, "Have you got the Belov report ready?"
    "Right here." Roper pushed five copies over.
    "Excellent." Ferguson picked one up and gave it to Dillon. "Gives you something to read on the plane."
    "I look forward to it."
    "You take one, too, Superintendent, and you, young Salter, you'd better get home and break the good news to Harry. Now, we all have a great deal to do. I suggest we get a move on."
    RAF Northolt on the edge of London catered not only to the royal family and the Prime Minister and other politicians, but was a great favorite with executive jets. So it was there the following morning that Ashimov delivered Greta Novikova to a waiting Falcon.
    The two pilots were British, named Kelso and Brown, but the stewardess was Russian and introduced herself as Tania.
    Ashimov kissed Greta on both cheeks. "Safe journey. I'll have someone introduce himself at the hotel. You can take it from there."
    "Just one question, Yuri. Do I kill him?"
    "Whatever you think best, my dear. Though it does rather seem like he's served his purpose, doesn't it?" He smiled. "Now, off you go."
    Later, watching the Falcon rise, he smiled slightly to himself. What a woman. What a marvelous bloody woman. And then he turned and walked to his waiting limousine.
    At Farley Field, the small RAF installation used by Ferguson's people for covert operations, Dillon, Hannah and Ferguson arrived in the Daimler and were met by Squadron Leader Lacey and Flight Lieutenant Parry standing beside a Citation XL. Both men wore flying overalls with rank tabs, and the plane had RAF roundels.
    "Good to see you, Sean," Lacey said. "Will it be messy?"
    "Well, you know me. It usually is."
    He gave Parry his traveling bag to take on board and Lacey said, "The Quartermaster's left a bag for you inside. He said you'd find everything you need."
    "Excellent," Ferguson said. "I do admire efficiency."
    At that moment, an Aston Martin came around the corner of the terminal building, and Harry and Billy got out and approached, Harry carrying his nephew's bag.
    "You've done it again, you little Irish sod," said Harry to Dillon. "I mean, we've had bad times before, but going to Baghdad! That's a bit rich, even for you."
    He gave the bags to Parry, and Dillon said, "I'm under orders, Harry, from your man here, and Billy's a volunteer."
    "Well, more fool him."
    Hannah took two envelopes from her briefcase and gave them one each. "New passports, still in your real identities. They document that you've been to every war zone possible in the past few years. Your press credentials are all in order. Hopefully, Sharif will have important information for you when you arrive."
    At that moment, Ferguson's mobile went and he answered it. "Yes?" He frowned. "I see. Thanks." He put it away. "Roper. A Falcon owned by Belov International took off from Northolt an hour ago with Greta Novikova on board, destination Baghdad."
    "Surprise, surprise," Dillon said.
    Harry embraced Billy and turned to Dillon. "Bring him back in one piece or else."
    As Billy went up the steps, Hannah hesitated, then kissed Dillon on the cheek. "My God, I finally made it." He smiled. "Keep the faith."
    She walked away, and Ferguson said, "Do be careful, Dillon. It would seriously inconvenience me if you didn't make it back, you and Billy both. As for Selim, if the Russians get to him, I think he's a dead man. I'm sure that's what Novikova is all about. Do what seems appropriate. Do I make myself clear?"
    "You always do."
    Dillon went up the steps and joined Billy. They settled down and Parry