It was a dark and stormy night. Rain fell heavily as the wind gusted through the trees. Blinding streaks of lightening lit up the night sky, immediately followed by loud claps of thunder.
Lee Crane stood and gazed out through the iron bars on the window "It looks like the storm is directly overhead." He said, watching the show being put on by Mother Nature.
"Skipper, how are we going to get out of here?" Kowalski asked from behind him.
"I'm not sure Ski. I don't even remember how we got here, or where exactly here is. Do either of you remember anything?" He was disappointed when both men shook their heads.
"Why are we here?" Stu Riley asked nervously.
"I wish I knew." Crane said investigating the interior of their cell. "I'm pretty sure I can get us out of here." He told them as he began to play with the lock mechanism. "Once we're out we'll have to find a place to hide till this storm ends and we can see where we are. There, got it. Ski, I want you to wait until I check the corridor before you two follow me."
"Let me go first, Sir." Ski and Riley said in unison.
"No, I want you two to stay here and wait for my signal before coming out, Understood?" Both men nodded as crane opened the door and stepped through. Both were surprised when the door closed behind him. Riley tried the door only to find the lock mechanism had reengaged itself automatically. He shook his head at Kowalski's unanswered question.
It wasn't long before the door opened and Lee Crane backed into the cell with his hands above his head. A trail of blood flowed from a gash above his temple and he slumped to the floor as the door closed.
"Skipper, are you ok." Riley asked as he and Kowalski helped Crane to his feet. They walked him over to the bed and sat him down carefully.
"Yeah, just stupid," Crane said as he touched the gash on his head and groaned. "Should have known some one had to be guarding us. They were waiting for me to come through and one of them hit me with a something. We'll try again when they relax a little."
"Captain Crane. By now you should know there is no escape. My men know all about your connections to ONI." A mans rough voice came through speakers set in the door. "How is your head, Captain?"
"Great." Crane said sarcastically. "Who the hell are you? Why have you brought us here?"
"Your friends are here to make sure you cooperate with me. It was their misfortune to have been chosen to accompany you on your little trip to Cairo. I will not hesitate to have them shot if you turn down my proposition. Is that clear Captain?"
"Totally, what do you want from me?" Crane asked, holding a torn piece of Kowalski's shirt to his head.
"That's easy Captain. I want to hunt you!" The voice stated flatly.
Crane took his hand away from his head and saw the stunned look on Kowalski and Riley's faces. "You want to what?"
"You heard me correctly Captain. I want to hunt you like I would any criminal. I've done some research and you seem to be one of the best agents in any organization. I consider myself to be the best Man hunter alive."
"Why?" Crane asked.
"Do you really have to ask? I want to see which one of us is the best man. I've hunted some of the best criminal minds in the world. I've captured every man or woman I was sent after. The challenge is gone. I spent the last year in seclusion to find the best man for the job. It's yours if you're up to it."
"If I refuse." Crane spoke the three words softly, already knowing the answer.
"Then I will hunt Riley and then Kowalski. Neither man has a chance of success. They haven't worked for any intelligence agencies and don't have the training. I'll give you an hour to think it over. Think carefully Captain. It's you or your men. One hour."
The speakers went silent and Crane looked at his men, "I don't seem to have much choice."
"There has to be a way Sir. Open the lock again and we'll rush them." Riley whispered in case some one was listening outside.
"Skipper we can make it." Kowalski said knowing his Captain's mind was already made up.
"No, Ski, we can't. There were four men on the other side of that door. Each one has a Beretta M Nine semiautomatic pistol. There's no choice here. I have to go along with him, but I am going to make some demands of my own." He told them confidently.
"Just what demands can you make Captain?" Came the voice through the speakers.
Crane smiled, "Figured you'd be listening. Why don't you come down here and we'll talk about my demands."
"I tell you what I'll do Captain. I'll send a man to bring you to me. Kowalski and Riley can stay where they are."
"Skipper, I don't trust him." Kowalski did nothing to hide the worry he felt for his captain.
"I don't either Ski, but we can't just sit here. Sooner or later I have to talk with whoever that is. Send your man. My first demand is that you send some food and water here. I don't know how long we've been here but we are hungry."
"First we'll talk. Then I'll send the food."
"NO, send the food or I swear I'll kill the first man through the door."
"Just how do you propose to do that, my dear Captain," the voice laughed harshly.
"You said you've done your homework. Figure it out." Crane's statement was greeted by silence for a few moments.
"Oh, Captain, I'd love to test you by letting you kill one of my armed guards. But, I'm afraid you may be injured and I want you at full peak for the hunt. All right they get food. You however get nothing. No food, no water. That's my counter offer to your demands. Do you agree to my terms Captain?"
"By all means. Send your man." Crane stated.
"Sir, you can't do this." Kowalski protested loudly.
"I have no choice."
"He wants to hunt you down and probably kill you." Riley spoke up.
"He didn't exactly say he'd kill me." Crane said grinning to ease the tension in the room.
"Skipper, I've heard about these guys. They consider themselves bounty hunters but they really are murderers. A friend of mine is a bounty hunter and they hate these guys. They think all hunts should end in a kill." Kowalski pleaded with Crane.
The door to the cell opened and two men entered carrying trays of steaming food. A third man stood back holding a Beretta pointed at Crane, "Captain, if you would follow me please." He said. Crane stepped through the door and his arms were pulled roughly behind his back and handcuffed at the wrists. "Follow me." The man holding the Beretta said.
Crane followed the gunman up a narrow flight of stairs. At the top was a reinforced steel door. Crane's captor opened the door and ushered him through. "This way Captain." He said leading Crane down a long corridor with closed doors on both sides. At the end of the corridor an identical steel door opened into a compound.
The storm was still raging, even within the compound. Crane tucked his head into his chest as they ran across the yard and into a single floor concrete building. His uniform was soaked through when they entered a sparsely furnished room. Shivering he followed the gunman into another room. "Wait here Captain." He said.
Crane found himself alone in what appeared to be an office. He saw a phone on a large oak panelled desk and walked over to it. Twisting around he succeeded in getting the receiver in his hands. Laying it down flat on the table he got down on his knees and put his ear to the phone, hoping for a dial tone.
"Hello Captain." A mans voice spoke softly into his ear. "That was a bad idea. You will be punished for this."
"Can't blame me for trying." Crane said, getting up and sitting in the office chair. He knew it wouldn't be long before some one showed up and he smiled as a tall, broad shouldered, dark haired man came into the room.
"You will remove yourself from my chair immediately." He said angrily.
Crane smiled and stood up walking to the front of the desk. "Who are you?" he questioned.
"That Captain should be obvious. My name is Peter Germane and I'm a bounty hunter."
"Bounty hunters hunt criminals not innocent men." Crane stated.
"That's normally true Captain, but I need a change. I've hunted more criminals than you'll ever know and I'm tired of how easily they make mistakes. I want a challenge. You're an experienced ONI operative and Captain of Seaview. I've read all your escapades and I chose you because you seem to have a gift for getting out of impossible situations."
"What if I don't want to go along with your hunt?"
"Well, that's why I wanted your friends brought here with you. Understand this, if you don't participate in my little hunt then Riley and Kowalski will. I can guarantee they won't survive."
Crane glared angrily at Germane before speaking. "I will do it under one condition."
"Your in no position to demand anything!" Germane told him.
"That's where you're wrong. You just told me you wanted to hunt me. Not Kowalski. Not Riley. Me! That gives me some leverage and I intend to use it." Crane stated malevolently.
Germane glared back at Crane knowing he was right, "What do you want?"
"I want your guarantee that win or lose Riley and Kowalski are returned home. They are not to be involved in any kind of hunt."
"If I refuse?"
"Then I'll refuse."
"I thought as much Captain. I am a man of honour and I will let them go after the hunt has ended. There are a few conditions however." He said maliciously. "You have to make it worthwhile. The hunt has to last at least forty-eight hours, and it is now a hunt to the death."
"What happens if I don't make it the full forty- eight hours?"
"Then all conditions and guarantees are null and void." He said grinning evilly, "Kowalski and Riley become hunted men. So Captain, I need your answer."
Crane knew he had no choice but to agree, "To the death, and when I kill you, what will your men do?" he said flatly.
Germane tried to hide his anger at Crane's obvious confidence. "Captain, if you survive, and there is very little chance of that, my men will have orders to return you to Santa Barbara. They will obey my orders."
"When does this hunt take place?"
"I would have waited for tomorrow, but, your little stunt with the phone changed my mind. I will give you two hours before I come after you." He said, pushing a button on his desk. The door opened and Crane recognized one of the gunmen who'd brought the food fro Riley and Kowalski. "Captain Crane has agreed to our little venture. Give him your knife and we shall begin."
"A knife, your so kind." Crane said, his words dripping with sarcasm.
"You should be happy I'm giving you that. I told you I know how resourceful you are. Now it's time for you to prove it. Jackson, get him out of here."
Crane looked at the small knife and grinned, "I'll be watching for you." He said in a deadly quiet voice.
"I'm sure you will Captain. Goodbye." Germane said feeling just a little anxious at Crane's hidden threat.
Jackson and Crane ran through the courtyard and over to a locked gate. The storm was still raging as Jackson took off Crane's hand restraints and opened the gate for him to go through. "Good luck Captain. Remember Germane won't be alone."
Crane looked at Jackson, astonishment written on his face. "Why are you telling me this?" he asked.
"Let's just say I don't agree with what he's doing. Hunting criminals is one thing. You and your men are not in that category. I will try to help when I can. Go Captain before someone sees us talking."
"If you feel that way, help us. Get Kowalski and Riley out of there while I keep your boss busy."
"Can't promise anything, but I'll do whatever I can. Stay alive Captain, and I'm sorry."
Crane turned away from the gate and started off into the storm. 'We have an ally.' He thought hopefully.
"Mr. Jarha, what do you mean you have no idea what happened? Where is your security personal? Your cameras." Admiral Harriman Nelson could not remember ever being so angry. Three of his crew had not reported for duty when they were supposed to, one of them his best friend and Captain of his submarine. Something had happened between the time they had checked into Cairo airport and the time the plane boarded. The three men never made it to the plane. As far as Nelson was concerned the answer was here in Cairo.
"Admiral Nelson. We have been through this before. Security personal was involved in the hijack attempt of one of your American plains. Cameras were on and we are searching the day and time in question. We are doing everything we can. Captain Crane and his men were seen walking out unto the runway. As you well know we have cameras on the runways, but they were not working at the time."
Nelson shook his head and looked at Commander Chip Morton. "It's been two days since their disappearance. Have you checked your log entries for take offs from this terminal?"
"Admiral we are not stupid," Jarha said angrily. "We have gone over the entries many, many times. Did you ever think that maybe they wanted to disappear?"
"Not Lee Crane. He is the most reliable man I ever met." Chip said quietly looking around the office. "Mr. Jarha, can we look at your tapes?"
"What good would that do? I told you we've been over everything." He said exasperatedly.
"Well, maybe this wasn't a random thing and we may be able to recognize any enemies of Captain Crane and his men." Nelson told him.
Jarha knew what they said made sense, but, was still reluctant to let the Americans see their security tapes. "Admiral Nelson, I am willing to cooperate in any way I can. My government said to grant whatever you wish. I will arrange for you and Commander Morton to view the tapes. But, I must insist on being present when you do."
"When can we see them?" Nelson asked anxious to get started.
"Come with me. I will show you which tapes to look at."
"Riley, we have to get out of here. Captain Crane has been gone far to long. I think the hunt has already started." Kowalski said angry at the entire situation.
"Any idea how we do that Ski?" Riley asked staring out into the wind swept night.
"Maybe we can rush whoever comes through the door. Grab their guns and find a way to call for help. We can't let them use us to blackmail the Skipper into this lousy game of theirs."
"Let's give it a try." Riley said, happy they had some kind of plan.
"Agreed. Next person comes through the door, we nail them." Kowalski stated.
Lee Crane felt miserable. He was soaked to the skin and shivering from the cold. He wanted to lie down and rest but knew he couldn't. Kowalski and Riley's lives depended on him lasting past the forty-eight hours.
He needed to find a way to protect himself from the elements as well as Germane and his men. 'This knife just isn't good enough against their guns. I'll just have to improvise.'
He smiled knowing the different kinds of weapons he could fashion with the knife.
'Big mistake Germane, I hope you're ready to pay for it.' Desperately he crashed through the harsh terrain. Stopping for nothing.
His mind raced with ideas as he continued his wild run through the night. Constantly searching the storm ravished land for a place to lay low and wait for the rain and wind to subside.
He had no idea how long he had been running but his lungs were ready to burst. He crashed through the trees and found himself falling head over heels down a steep embankment. Over and over he went, stopping only when his body slammed up against a tree. His ribs felt on fire as he took a shallow breath and tried to raise his aching body. He came slowly to his knees and managed to drag himself into a crevice formed by a few large, well-placed boulders. Between the pain and fatigue he soon lost consciousness.
In their tiny cold cell Kowalski and Riley waited impatiently for someone to come to the door. They had no idea how much time had passed since coming up with their plan of attack but it felt like hours.
"Do you think the Skipper's ok Ski?" Riley asked in a worried voice.
"I hope so Riley." Ski said quietly. "I just don't like the idea of him being out there in the storm. He can always handle the bad guys Riley, but even Captain Crane can't do anything about the elements."
"I know Ski. I think I hear someone coming." Riley whispered quietly. "Get ready."
Kowalski nodded as Riley took up his position on the opposite side of the door.
It wasn't long before they heard a key in the lock and the door was opened. Riley and Kowalski moved as one and pounced on the man dragging him to the floor. The man was surprised at the attack and was soon overpowered and his gun taken away.
Kowalski stood, picked up the gun, pointed it at the guard's head and signalled for him to get up. "Don't try anything stupid, stand up slowly and move to the side." The man did as he was told fear for his life evident in his eyes.
"Please don't shoot me," he whined.
"Don't give me a reason to." Kowalski stated. "Riley get the keys from him and let's get moving. The Skipper may need our help." Riley did as Kowalski asked him and moved to the door. "Turn around!" Kowalski told the man.
"Why? What are you going to do?" he asked fearfully as he turned away from the two Seaview men.
Kowalski never answered, instead he brought the butt of the gun down on the back of the guard's head and he slumped to the floor.
"Why'd you do that Ski?" Riley asked.
"I didn't want him yelling for help." Ski answered as they quietly opened the door and stepped into the deserted outer room.
"Ahh, but won't they miss him anyway?"
"Probably, but why take chances. Let's get out of here. Follow me." Kowalski led the way up the narrow staircase. They were surprised when they didn't encounter any more guards. Kowalski stood to the side of the door and spoke softly, forcing Riley to strain to hear what he was saying. "I'm going to open the door and check for guards. You be ready to move when I tell you. We head directly for the gate."
Riley gave the thumbs up sign, showing that he agreed and Kowalski opened the door. He was immediately blasted back by the force of the wind and rain. Closing the door he turned to Riley. "I don't think anyone is out in this. Let's move out quickly."
"I'm with you Ski, let's go." Riley told him, happy to be anywhere else but their tiny cell.
Kowalski opened the door only to come face to face with one of their captors. Shocked all three men froze. Riley was the first man to move but a gun pointed at his head quickly stopped him from doing anything.
"Put the gun down," the man told Kowalski.
Ski saw where the man had his gun pointed and did as he was told. He signalled with his gun for Kowalski to go back inside. Once the door was closed the man smiled, "I'm going to put my gun away." He said taking the gun from Riley's head.
Riley felt his knees go weak with relief but stood his ground. "Why?"
"My name is Jackson. I don't like what Germane has turned into. I'm making arrangements for you two to get out of here and off the island as soon as this storm lets up." He said sharply.
"What about Captain Crane?" Kowalski's asked.
"I can do nothing for your Captain, and neither can you. The hunt has already begun."
"We're not leaving without him!" Riley said angrily.
"Look, I promised Captain Crane I would try to help you." Jackson said impatiently.
"Then help us get the Skipper off the island too." Kowalski told him.
"I can't do that. I don't even know where he is. This island is big and in this storm it would be a useless waste of time. Now do you want my help or do I put you back in your cell." Jackson's voice betrayed his impatience.
"Why not just let us go? We'll find Captain Crane ourselves." Riley's voice lacked confidence.
"Are you crazy? Have you seen the storm? No! I will not let you go traipsing around this island looking for a needle in a haystack. That's exactly what you would be doing you know." When Kowalski and Riley remained quiet Jackson continued, "I promise to do what I can for your Captain if I'm there when he is found. That's the best I can do."
"How do we leave this island?" Kowalski asked, trying to find out if there were boats or anything else they could use.
"Come with me. I will hide you until it is safe for you to leave." Jackson told them, beginning to get angry.
"What happens if we refuse?" Asked Kowalski, already knowing the answer.
"Then you go back to your cell and Germane continues to use you to blackmail Captain Crane." Jackson grinned mockingly. "Your choice. Either way Crane will probably die. At least if you get out of here you'll be able to bring the police to this godforsaken place and bring Germane to justice."
"What do we do Ski." Riley asked Kowalski, hoping he had an idea.
"We have no choice but to comply. How long before this storm ends?" Ski asked turning anger filled eyes back to Jackson.
"The latest reports say it will end by morning. That's when I get you two out of here. Once you're clear of the island I'll try to make contact Crane and let him know. At least he'll have a chance if he knows you're safe. Come with me. There is a safe place I can hide you until morning." He opened the door without waiting for a reply. Knowing they had little choice but to do as Jackson ordered if they wanted to help their Captain. He led them through the dying rainstorm, out of the compound to a cave nearby. "There's a change of clothes for you both and some sandwiches and water as well. Just make damn sure you're here when I come back."
"What if someone else shows up?" asked Kowalski.
Jackson pulled the gun he had picked up after Kowalski had dropped it and passed it back to him. "Use this. I'll call you when I come back. If you hear someone sneaking around it won't be me so shoot first ask questions later. I have to get back before Germane misses me." He left the two men alone in the cold, dark, dampness of the cave.
Kowalski could barely see Riley through the dull grey light seeping in through the cave entrance. Dawn was coming fast and the storm seemed to have finally run its course.
"Are we going to do as he said and stay put?" Riley asked already knowing Ski's answer.
"We'll wait for the rain to end and then we find the Skipper." Kowalski stated emphatically. "Let's get out of these wet clothes and be ready to go when the rain stops."
"Let's show these people what Seaview men are made of." Riley grinned as he grabbed some clothes and started to change.
Nelson was frustrated. Four hours of looking at tapes had proved to be futile. The tapes showed Lee Crane followed by Kowalski and Riley walking through the gates to board their flight home. Somewhere between that point and the plane they'd simply disappeared.
Chip Morton was just as frustrated as he stood and paced anxiously around Jarha's office. "Where could they be?" he asked no one in particular.
"I wish I knew Chip. Are these the only tapes Mr. Jarha?" Nelson asked the uncooperative airport supervisor."
"That is all of them. I told you there was nothing helpful on them. I will show you out now."
"I have a few more questions before I leave. Mr. Jarha." Nelson said contemptuously. "Have you contacted the other passengers who were on the flight? Also I wish to see a list of flights that left around the same time as theirs. Destinations, passengers, things like that."
"I have done all I can. I sent telegrams to the other passengers on the flight. I asked that they contact our embassy in their homeland and let them know if they saw anything. It has been two days and we have heard from approximately half of them. No one remembers seeing anything. That is all I can do. You will leave my airport now. Goodbye." Jarha stated, nervously walking to the door.
"Mr. Jarha. I have your governments promise that I would receive full cooperation in this endeavour." Nelson stood and glared at the man. "If you are unwilling to help get someone in here who will or I will go back and tell them what you have said. Do I make myself clear?" Nelson watched the man cower before him and continued his tirade. "I want those lists I already mentioned as well as a list of people who were on duty that day."
Jarha knew Nelson was not bluffing and decided he had better cooperate. "I will get them right away. I am sorry for being abrupt with you but I have to protect my job. I cannot give this information out to just anyone. I will contact my government and return with an answer for you. While you wait I will order some lunch served. Does this meet with your approval?" Jarha asked hiding his anger.
"That's fine," Nelson said as Jarha opened the door to leave.
'You and your friend will pay for this Nelson. I'll see to that,' Jarha thought maliciously.
Lee Crane slowly returned to awareness. His whole body was wracked by spasms of pain. He tried a deep breath but caught himself as the pain almost made him black out again. 'Ok Lee, set your mind against the pain. Remember your training. Mind over matter. Have to move before someone finds you. Come on you can do it,' he told himself without any real confidence.
Slowly he used his hands to push himself to his feet. The world spun for a few minutes before he was able to bring everything back into focus. He saw his small knife sitting next to the spot he had been laying and bent to pick it up. Can't believe I didn't lose this. I still have a fighting chance, he thought, grimacing in pain. I'll find a way to get to you Germane. He started moving away from his hiding place in search of other weapons and means to defeat his enemy.
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