Free The Keepers of the Persian Gate by Sydney Maurice Page A

to the view of the street. Various police cars passed through the town, including an army rover with several heavily armed soldiers inside.
    “It’s a small island; they’ll be doing the rounds until they find you,” noted Sister Sarcos.
    “I thought you said they wouldn’t find us,” said Jake.
    Sister Sarcos paused and stared at Jake. “I can’t make you trust me. But I suggest that right now, you do,” said Sister Sarcos.
    Before he could reply, Jake’s attention was drawn to a noise coming from the front doors of the church. He lifted his M14 and quickly proceeded into the main hall. It was clear that someone was trying to open the doors. There were several loud bangs and shouting coming from the other side of the door.
    “It’s ok. It’s just Father Hernandez,” said Sister Sarcos. She rushed to the doors and opened the viewing hatch just to be sure. When she opened the door, in walked an old priest. He was small, tanned and completely bald.
    Jake retreated to the corridor and peered around the corner as Sister Sarcos and Father Hernandez spoke in Spanish. She was clearly trying to explain what had happened. However, it seemed as though they were getting into a bit of an argument. “This isn’t good,” Jake thought to himself. Suddenly, the priest stormed in the direction of the study where Jake was. As he walked around the corner, he bumped into Jake, who towered over him.
    “Hello, Father,” said Jake.
    The priest just stared back at him. Then, “Hola,” the priest said, smiling nervously. There was a smell of booze off him.
    “Has this man been drinking?” asked Jake.
    “One of Father Hernandez’s vices, I am afraid,” said Sister Sarcos.
    “It’s 7.30 in the morning, ma’am,” replied Jake.
    Sister Sarcos led Father Hernandez to another room while Jake kept watch. The whole night had just been one nervous incident after another. Jake was looking forward to getting the hell off the island. As he sat looking out the window he began to rest his head against the wall. Not long after, he could feel himself drifting off to sleep.
    Another loud bang on the door awoke Jake.
    “Jesus, did I fall asleep?” Jake said aloud. He looked out the window to see a jeep parked outside. Moreover, he could hear sounds again from the front of the church. It sounded as though Sister Sarcos was once more answering the door.
    “Yes. Can I help you?” asked Sister Sarcos.
    “We’re here to see our friends, Sister,” said one of the men. She opened the door and in walked two Venezuelan gentlemen. Paddy had arisen by this stage and walked out into the main hall of the church.
    “Paddy? Jake… I presume,” said one of the guys.
    “That’s correct,” said Paddy.
    “I am agent Jorge Gonzalez and this is agent Santiago Angel. We’ve been sent by Langley in response to your message,” said Jorge.
    “Boy, are we glad to see you guys,” said Jake.
    “Is there somewhere we can talk?” said Santiago.
    The Sister directed the group into the back office where Santiago and Jorge briefed Paddy and Jake on how they intended to get them off the island.
    “What about the Naval Special Warfare Development Group?” asked Jake.
    “They are safe, as a matter of fact,” replied Santiago.
    “How the hell did they manage that?” asked Paddy.
    “Apparently, after they retreated to Arenitas and found no sign of you guys, they proceeded northeast. They made their way through enemy lines undetected to Juan Griego. This morning they commandeered a fishing trawler,” explained Agent Gonzalez.
    “I’m surprised they weren’t pursued,” said Paddy.
    “They were. However, when the Venezuelan patrol boarded them, they attacked the patrol boat and commandeered it. They then took that boat the rest of the way to international waters,” said Jorge.
    “Those guys are incredible,” said Jake.
    “So, Agent Gonzalez, Agent Angel. What’s the plan for us?” asked Paddy.
    “Well, as you will appreciate, the island is