Harry was already moving through the same thick brush in the opposite direction, but he was silent. The Native Americans would have been proud to watch him move so quickly without sound. Harry heard the approaching guard and moved a little further inland. Dr. Ahmad's people were well-trained for urban settings, but Harry was at home in the bush. Attacking the guard was a consideration, but Harry decided that stealth was a better strategy. The vegetation was thick enough that Harry could not see the guard, though it was obvious he was by himself and probably searching for Harry. He was making enough noise for a small platoon. In almost complete silence, Harry crept toward the helicopter crash site. He circled to the right staying in the low shrubs along the edge of the marsh. Movement was visible in the trees across from the helicopter and Harry was forced to crawl through the shorter shrubbery. The moist sphagnum moss cushioned his knees except when a root would poke through. The soggy moss added to Harry’s dampness, but as long as he kept moving the cold was kept at bay.
Even crawling Harry moved as fast as most people would walk. He reached the far side of the marsh and began slipping toward the helicopter. Staying hidden in the trees and brush Harry became even more cautious about noises. He could easily hear Dr. Ahmad's voice, but was not able to understand his words; they sounded English though. As Harry stepped closer, he alternated periods of complete stillness with his movement. The green raincoat was blending in fairly well with the dark pine trees. As he drew nearer, his periods of stillness became more frequent and longer. He could now see movement and recognized Dr. Ahmad pacing back and forth; he was talking on a telephone.
Harry had no way of knowing how many enemies were there. Two men had abducted Angie; one of those also appeared to be the pilot. Movement next to the helicopter attracted Harry's attention. The pilot was removing boxes from the helicopter. Harry edged closer, using his hearing as much as his vision. No sign of his wife. Harry began to wonder if she was still in the helicopter, maybe injured. Moving within a few feet of the marshy clearing, Harry finally spotted the bright orange color of Angie's dress next to one of the pine trees. Moving back into the thicker brush, Harry slunk toward his wife. Approaching the tree where she sat, Harry again alternated slow cautious movements with periods of absolute stillness. The dimming afternoon light helped conceal him but also made it more difficult for him to see small twigs and branches that would give him away if he broke one.
Harry smeared dirt on his face to reduce his visibility. He timed his movements with Dr. Ahmad's pacing. At times Harry was visible to Dr. Ahmad, but his complete stillness fooled the eye and he was not seen. Moving behind the tree to which Angie was tied, Harry debated covering her mouth so she could not attract attention accidentally; but he decided to trust her. He whispered, "Angie, it's me Harry. Don't move or say anything."
Only Angie's eyes revealed her emotions. She sat still while Harry used the scalpel to cut through the rope binding her. Although her hands were free she kept her arms unmoved, waiting for Harry's instructions. Dr. Ahmad's voice was getting louder and he was more agitated as he turned toward Angie. The tree and Angie only partially blocked the view of Harry. A sudden burst of automatic weapon fire off in the distance drew Dr. Ahmad's attention and he turned toward the lake.
Harry whispered, "Turn to the left and climb onto my back."
Angie did as directed, and an immense sense of relief washed over her as she clung to Harry's powerful back. Harry dodged immediately into the thicker brush but had gone only about 150 yards when the alarm went up from Dr. Ahmad. Harry went from stealth mode to rapid movement instantly. He used one arm to help support Angie and the other arm to clear the brush from his path. Angie gave up trying to see where they were going and kept her head down behind Harry's shoulder to protect herself from slapping branches. They had gone the better part of a mile before Harry stopped and set Angie down.
Harry's chest was heaving as he fought to regain his breath. He told Angie, "Listen while I catch my breath."
Angie did not want to leave Harry's side, but she moved a few steps away to be able to hear better. At first there was nothing but silence. Then she heard the distant thrum of an approaching helicopter. She turned toward Harry and pointed in the direction of the sound. Holding his breath, Harry could hear the very distinct sound of a helicopter. He nodded his head and went back to breathing, trying to replenish his body of an oxygen deficit. The helicopter’s deep thrumming grew louder as Harry gradually returned to an aerobic status.
Harry said, "Hughes 300C. Could be a border patrol."
Angie said, "I heard him talking on his phone to someone about sending a helicopter. He was quite demanding."
Harry was quiet for a minute before saying, "It's only a three place bird and I counted four of you."
Angie replied, "Yes, four… I think they were talking about two people needing to catch a plane. I also heard the word sabotage."
Harry said, "I had better go back and check it out. We need to contact the security people or a lot of innocent folks are going to die."
Angie's thoughts were of the look Dr. Ahmad had given her when he had called her "Angel" and she never wanted to see him again. The thought of Harry leaving her and risking his life again was even worse. She really just wanted this to be over and to go back to being a musician in a civilized world. Harry began to explain how he wanted her to stay behind and, if needed, to work her way toward the shore. Angie wasn't listening. She interrupted him saying, "I'm going with you."
"It's too dangerous. I want you to stay here."
"If you go, I go."
Harry glanced at the sky and figured they only had another half hour of light at the most. The sound of the helicopter changed as it prepared to land in the distance. The helicopter would have probably departed by the time Harry and Angie reached the shore, but a second trip would certainly be necessary. Darkness would be in his favor. Angie knew how to be quiet. It could work. He said, "OK, I'll carry you. Remember, we have to remain quiet. You must do as I say."
Angie nodded her head in agreement. Harry took off the raincoat and helped Angie put it on. She was already shivering from the evening dampness; her silk dress provided little warmth. Harry shook himself like a big dog before turning and stooping to allow Angie to climb onto his back. He crept back toward the marsh slowly, using his stealth gait. Every few steps, he would stop and listen before moving on. Angie wasn't sure how he navigated so quietly. She concentrated on the comfort of his closeness.