Free The Keepers of the Persian Gate by Sydney Maurice

startled to see Paddy and Jake.
    “Americans?” she said in English.
    “Well, American and British,” said Paddy.
    “This way, this way,” she said. The nun quickly ran to the front doors, slamming them shut and securing several bolts. She then escorted Paddy and Jake to a back room of the church where there was a small quarters and living area. “They are looking for you. But you will be safe here,” she said.
    “Thank you. We need to get a message out to our command. Do you know anywhere from which we can send an e-mail?”
    “We have a computer here with internet,” explained the nun.
    Paddy smiled at Jake. In their briefings prior to disembarkation from the Nimitz, each of the team had been provided with a miniature modem which could connect to any PC with an internet connection. The modem uploaded its software into any computer to which it was inserted. The software would then operate to secure the computer and any communications emanating from it. Text, location and recipient details would all be scrambled so that any message that was sent could not be intercepted. The team were also each provided with a unique plastic card with a sealed tear-off label. Hidden under the label was a specific e-mail address assigned to each member of the team.
    Paddy inserted the modem into the computer. Within seconds, the modem began to upload and install the secure messaging system. Paddy tore off the label and read the e-mail address: [email protected]. He typed in the address. The e-mail subject was ‘Boca de Rio’. He typed the main body of the e-mail: “Paddy and Jake, taken sanctuary in…”
    “What’s the name of this church?” asked Paddy.
    “Basílica de la Virgen del Valle.”
    Paddy typed it in, and further explained in the e-mail, “We are safe for now. Separated from Naval Special Warfare Development Group, who covered our westward retreat. Unsure of their status. Moved south as north coast would be unfriendly come morning. Suggest southerly extraction. Await instructions.” Paddy hit send.
    “What now?”
    “I guess we wait,” said Jake.
    “Yeah… I guess so. Sister, where is the priest? Will he have a problem with us being here?” enquired Paddy.
    “He will be arriving shortly. It is market day in town so he usually goes down to that first. Don’t worry I will speak to him upon his arrival. He is a Spanish national so there shouldn’t be a problem,” said the nun.
    “Where are you from?” asked Jake.
    “I am Venezuelan. My name is Sister Sarcos. You needn‘t worry about me,” said the Sister.
    “Sorry, it’s just that you have excellent English skills,” replied Paddy.
    “I worked as a teacher in the USA for some years before coming back to Venezuela and finding God. You must be tired. Can I get you something to eat or drink?” offered Sister Sarcos.
    “If you have coffee that would be lovely,” said Paddy.
    “Please,” said Jake.
    With that, Sister Sarcos left the room and disappeared to a kitchen around the corner. Jake didn’t seem to have too much trust in the locals. “I don’t buy that about her being a teacher.”
    “Ah, would you come off it? She’s helped us this far,” said Paddy.
    Suddenly, a message appeared on the computer screen. “Oh, new mail,” said Paddy. He opened the message.
    “Message received, assets on the ground moving to your position. They will provide further instruction.”
    Sister Sarcos came back in the room with some coffee on a tray, next to some Venezuelan butter biscuits. “Have both of you been up all night?” she asked.
    “Nothing out of the ordinary, ma’am,” said Jake.
    “Well, if you would like somewhere to get some sleep, there is a couch in the other room,” replied Sister Sarcos.
    “You go on in, Paddy. I’ll wait here and talk to the Sister,” said Jake.
    Paddy went in and made himself comfortable. After a few minutes he could feel himself dozing off.
    Back in the study, Jake sat and stared out the window