A Number, Not a Name

It Ends with Us

"I'm Nathaniel," Jason cut him off. "Dalmar hired me a few days ago. He said he was in need of some new muscle and judging by today's events he was right. Tarek and the others are in the custody of the NSS agents. I managed to make it out with this one" he tightened his grip on Tasha's arm.

Avak had no patience for Jason's explanation. "Hurry and get her aboard."

Jason and Tasha made their way up the airstair into the jet. Avak climbed in after, shutting the door behind them.

Avak rapped his knuckles against the cockpit door. "We're ready for departure" he announced.

"We're about through with our systems check. We should begin takeoff shortly" the pilot's somewhat muffled voice came from behind the door.

One of Dalmar's bodyguards, Douglas, sat in a chair beside the door to Dalmar's private quarters. His attention was focused squarely on Jason. Douglas didn't recognize him as a member of his boss' security team. And he wasn't aware of any new hirings in the past few days.

"So you're the new kid on the block?" he asked gruffly, his British heritage evident in his accent.

"Something like that," Jason replied coolly. He peered out the window behind him away from Douglas' gaze, signaling an end to the exchange. The fewer questions he had to answer, the better.

Avak retrieved a bottle of champagne from the fridge and began pouring another glass for his boss.

Douglas crossed his arms, "So when exactly were you hired. I don't recall seeing you before." Tasha, sitting in a seat next to Jason, anxiously watched the unfolding exchange.

Jason kept his reply short and direct. "Two days ago." Douglas nodded his head as if physically registering Jason's response.

Douglas sat up and stalked over to Jason. "Word of advice..." the room seemed to grow colder as he trailed off. "Next time you try to pull off something like this make sure you check the number on your shoulder microphone." Jason glanced towards it and saw "4672" written in white. Douglas' voice was hard and emotionless "Tarek's number is hard to forget."

Douglas' eyes bore into Jason's. Their faces were mere inches from each other. By the wet bar at the front of the jet, Avak placed Dalmar's champagne flute on a tray and carefully stepped toward the private compartment.

Jason swung at Douglas. His fist connected with the older man's jaw. He staggered backward and crashed into Avak. Avak hit the ground while his tray clattered on the floor. Jason wrapped his arms around Douglas and tackled him into the jet wall.

Avak pulled out his Glock 17 and aimed it at Jason. Tasha raced to Avak and forcefully stepped on his wrist, pinning his right arm to the ground. The younger gentleman yelled through his teeth. Tasha's fist crashed into the side of Avak's face, knocking him out.

The door to the private compartment swung open revealing Dalmar. His eyes widened as he took in the unfolding scene within the cabin. He quickly shut and bolted the door behind him. He raced to the telephone on his nightstand and entered the number for the cockpit.

Tasha's eyes landed on the cockpit door. Her and Jason's chance of success rested on preventing the plane from taking off. Who knew what Dalmar planned if he was staring down certain capture. He could have his flight crew intentionally crash the jet, the consequences of which could be devastating. Countless innocent lives could be lost. Substantial property damage could result. Not to mention Dalmar's day in court would never come. Tasha was not going to allow that to happen, she was trained not to let it happen.

Tasha grabbed the open champagne bottle left by Avak on the bar and ran to the cockpit.

.....

Inside the cockpit, the first officer, Daron, and pilot, Adrine, were conducting a routine safety systems check.