فصل سی و پنجم

Chapter 35: Time

Dodds and Jaime came over the next day around noon. Both men looked anxious, but Dodds looked especially on edge.

“We’ve learned that the resupplying is moving faster than we anticipated,” Dodds said. “They’ve filed with the port authority to pull out Thursday afternoon.” “The day after tomorrow,” Taylor said.

“That means we’ll have to attack tomorrow night,” Jack said.

Dodds nodded. “We have the uniforms and cloaks but no key. Apparently the sailors are not allowed to take them off the ship. We’ve secured scuba gear, but I understand you won’t be using it.” “We think it will be better to use a fishing boat,” I said. “We’ll get close enough to raft over to the Ampere.” “I have already found a black raft,” Jaime said.

“What about the explosives?” Jack asked.

“They’re ready,” Dodds said. “In a backpack with detonators and timers. I’ll go over the timers with all of you later.” “No need,” Jack said. “I’ll be carrying the explosives.” Dodd looked at him with an uncomfortable expression. “Just in case something happens to you, it would be best to have a backup.” Jack nodded. “You’re right.”

“I have chartered the fishing boat,” Jaime said. “We will leave at two thirty a.m. from the north end of the port.” “Won’t that look suspicious?” Ostin asked. “A fishing boat at night?” “No,” Jaime said. “Local fishing boats often return late at night.” “There is one other factor to keep in mind,” Dodds said. “The weather. It’s expected to rain. As long as it doesn’t hamper Michael’s climbing, it could be to our advantage.” “I’ve never climbed a wet surface,” I said.

“Kylee could do it,” McKenna said.

“How is the rain helpful?” Taylor asked.

“Cloud cover, no moon, poorer visibility,” Dodds replied. “And less chance that someone will be taking a leisurely walk on the deck.” He looked around. “Anything else?” “Did you arrange for me to talk to my mother?” I asked.

Jaime and Dodds looked at each other. “I’m afraid that will not be possible,” Dodds said.

“Why?” I turned to Jaime. “You promised that I would be able to talk to her.” “I’m sorry,” Jaime said. “But we have lost communication with the voice.” “What?”

“You know that we were compromised,” Dodds said. “Things have taken another turn for the worse. Two days ago the Elgen discovered our agent on their boat. We must assume that they now know everything he knows, about the voice, the resistance, everything he knew.” “Then they know about our plans!” Ostin exclaimed.

“Fortunately we had not yet told him what we were planning to do,” Dodds said. “We were waiting until we knew our exact timing so we could warn him to leave the boat.” “How did you learn this?” I asked.

“The voice contacted our associate in Bolivia,” Jaime said. “He drove through the night to tell us.” I looked around at my friends. “So we’re really alone,” I said.

“We always were,” Taylor said.

“At least the day is perfect,” Jack said.

“Why do you say that?” Taylor asked.

“Thursday is Wade’s birthday.”

Dodds looked around at us all. “We’ll leave here at one forty-five a.m. Jaime and I will have everything prepared. I want you to stay up as late as you can tonight. Study the boat plans, party, just try to stay up until dawn. That way you’ll sleep all day and be fresh and ready to go at night.” “That shouldn’t be too hard,” Ostin said. “Staying up all night.” “Why is that?” I asked.

“It might be our last night to live.”