White Gold: (A Dan Taylor thriller)

by Amphlett, Rachel

She nodded. ‘I know.’ She looked around to make sure no-one could see them, and then hugged Dan. ‘Stay out of trouble.’

  He grinned. ‘Always.’ He released her. ‘Come on. Can’t keep them waiting.’

  They jogged through the car park to where the assault teams were climbing into four black mini-vans. The windows were blacked out, the wheels painted black and as Sarah followed the pilot out to the helicopter gunship, Dan noticed none of the vehicles had licence plates.

  David pulled Dan to one side. ‘Here, you might need this,’ he said, slipping a gun to him.

  ‘Ah, my favourite – how did you know?’ asked Dan, smiling as he tucked the Sig Sauer into the back of his waistband.

  Dan followed David to the lead mini-van and clipped on the battery pack for the radio on his belt. He inserted the earpiece, tested the volume and then nodded at David. Ready.

  He opened the sliding door on the side of the vehicle and climbed in, nodding at the men already seated. David jumped in next to the driver. Dan slid the door shut and the driver floored the accelerator, leading the vehicles out of the underground car park.

  Dan watched through the tinted glass as the helicopter gunship lifted into the air, ready to offer support. He leaned forwards and tapped David on the shoulder. ‘Do the police know we’re coming?’

  David nodded. ‘We’ve alerted the police at Tilbury – they have their own jurisdiction at the docks.’

  ‘As long as they’re not creating a panic down there,’ said Dan. ‘The last thing we want is for Delaney’s crew to get spooked.’

  ‘We should be fine,’ replied David. ‘They’re just slowly working people away from the freighter so they’re out of danger. The only ones anywhere near it are going to be police posing as dock workers.’

  Dan slouched back in the leather seat and watched the city go by. He turned the wire for his microphone between his fingers, unable to keep still. He blinked as the cityscape faded to desert and quickly shook his head to clear the image.

  ‘You okay?’

  Dan glanced at the man sitting next to him and nodded. ‘Sure.’

  The driver switched off the van’s lights as they approached the dock. The vehicle slowly crept forward, staying in the shadows.

  Dan glanced behind him and saw the other three vehicles following. He tapped his microphone on. ‘Don’t use your brakes,’ he said. ‘Make sure you stay in a low gear and use the handbrake.’

  A series of double clicks over the radio signified the other drivers’ confirmation. Dan shifted in his seat, satisfied the brake lights wouldn’t now give the team away. The mini-vans cruised to a stop under the awning of a building.

  Dan looked ahead at the dock in the distance. ‘Okay, the hijacked ship is the one you can see the bow of,’ he explained in a low voice to the team in his van. ‘We wait until David confirms the aquatic team is in place.’

  He glanced at David who was staring at his watch intently with his finger on his earpiece, waiting for confirmation that the assault boat had approached the freighter. The aquatic team was approaching the ship without an engine. Sound travelled further over water and the team was communicating through a series of pre-ordained clicks and taps on their microphones, not saying a word in case they jeopardised the assault.

  Dan looked up as David lowered his watch and nodded at him.

  ‘That’s it, we have a go,’ said Dan, and gently slid the car door open.

  He stood in the shadows and stared at the freighter. Somewhere inside, Delaney’s white gold weapon was waiting for him. Arc lights along the wharf illuminated parts of the ship. Dan realised how much brighter it would have been if the police hadn’t ensured that as little light as possible was used around the ship to help the assault, while at the same time trying to avoid arousing suspicion on the ship itself.

  David joined him. ‘Almost like old times. You remember how to do this?’

  Dan nodded. ‘Yeah. Second nature. It’s almost like the last few years never happened.’

  David nodded. ‘I noticed – you’re a natural leader, Dan. It’s good to have you back.’

  Dan watched him walk away to the mini-van behind theirs and begin issuing last-minute instructions before his voice came over the headset.

  ‘Let’s get busy.’

  Dan signalled his team to follow him. Using the shadows of the buildings for cover, they edged closer to the ship. Dan stopped at the last building and looked over to the gangway leading up to the bow. He could see two figures walking along but they appeared to be engrossed in conversation and weren’t watching the dockside activity. The enormous stern loading doors hung open, a ramp leading down into the bowels of the ship. The police had done a good job posing as stevedores and stalling the unloading process as long as they dared without arousing suspicion.

  Dan detected a salty tang in the air, a cold breeze whipping off the estuary waters outside the dock area.

  David’s voice came low over the radio. ‘All in position?’

  Dan tapped his microphone twice. He heard repeat responses from the rest of the team.

  ‘On my count,’ said David. ‘Three. Two. One. Go!’

  Dan ran fast and low, keeping his team in the shadows between the arc lights, his gun drawn. As he reached the gangway, he released the safety catch and quickly checked behind him to make sure the team was ready. He nodded, turned and began to run up the gangway.

  His heart raced, not from exertion but adrenaline coursing through his veins. He wanted to be the one to find Terry, to find out why.

  He reached the top of the gangway at the same time David’s team reached theirs at the stern. The entry up to the ship’s bridge was to his left. Dan peered up at the windows as his team fanned out behind him. Suddenly a shout emanated from further along the deck and Dan ducked instinctively as a bullet embedded itself in the metalwork above his head. His team opened fire – careful concise shots to avoid any stray bullets hitting the wrong person.

  The two men he’d seen further along the deck fell to the ground.

  ‘Two down,’ he said over the radio. ‘Don’t fire unless you’re fired at. We want to talk to some of these people if we can. Aim low to injure, not kill, if you can.’

  A series of double-clicks sounded over the radio in response.

  Dan edged further along the deck until he found a doorway to his right. He signalled to his team to stand clear, and then he slowly twisted the handle and gently pulled the door towards him. A metal staircase led upwards.

  Dan concentrated on his breathing, pushing his heart rate down. He pulled the door outwards and risked a glance up the staircase. He leapt back as a bullet hit the floor next to him, the sound ringing in his ears a split second later.

  Dan looked at the man to his right. ‘Have you got any of those flash bangs?’

  The man nodded and handed Dan one of the stun grenades.

  Dan grinned. ‘Let’s get the bastard.’

  He pulled the pin, opened the door and tossed the grenade into the stairwell. He slammed the door shut and held it closed, turned his head away and closed his eyes. A loud explosion moved the door in its frame, followed by the sound of something metallic falling down the stairs.

  Dan opened the door and peered in. An assault rifle lay at the bottom of the stairs. Dan stepped in through the door, glanced upwards and snatched up the rifle.

  ‘Go, go!’ he yelled to the team and led them up the metal staircase.

  As they neared the top, Dan slowed and waved his men to stay close behind him. He edged towards an open door which he guessed led to the control room of the ship. He raised his gun and peered around the door. His heart sank.

  The man with the glasses stood facing him, holding Brogan in front of him as a shield and pushed a gun into the man’s throat.

  ‘Drop the gun,’ he said.

  Dan’s mind raced. He looked at Brogan.

  ‘Are you okay?’

  Brogan nodded, watching Dan carefully.

  ‘We’ve got y
our daughter. She’s safe,’ said Dan.

  Brogan noticeably slumped. The sudden movement threw Charles off balance. He let go of the captain to get a better grip on the man and Dan saw his chance.

  He fired. Once. Low.

  Charles bellowed as the bullet smashed his ankle and embedded itself in the table behind him. He dropped his gun. He let go of Brogan, falling to the floor in agony. Dan rushed over and kicked his weapon out of the way. He bent down and placed his foot on the man’s throat.

  ‘You bastard. I should use the next five bullets on your other body parts.’

  He called over to one of his team, who was kneeling on the floor beside Brogan.

  ‘Is he going to be alright?’

  The man nodded. ‘We’ll get him to hospital. I would think he’s dehydrated and in shock. His daughter’s there, waiting for him.’

  ‘Good.’

  Dan turned his attention back to Charles. ‘It’s over. Where’s the bomb-maker?’

  Charles laughed. Then Dan kicked his ankle and he cried out from the pain.

  ‘Where’s Terry?’ demanded Dan. ‘Where’s the car?’

  ‘It’s gone.’

  Dan spun round. Brogan was easing himself up on an elbow, staring at Dan. ‘They got it off the ship just before you turned up. The guy in charge is driving it.’

  ‘Sir!’

  Dan looked up. One of his men was pointing out the window. ‘I think you need to see this, sir!’

  Dan rushed over. A car, headlights blazing across the wharf, revved its engine, spun round and accelerated towards the exit of the docks.

  Dan raced down the stairs, meeting David on the deck. They watched over the side of the ship in disbelief as the black sedan charged at one of the policemen dressed as a dock worker. The man leapt into the freezing cold water of the dock, narrowly escaping being run over and began to swim back towards his colleagues.

  David turned to Dan, then clicked his radio.

  ‘Helicopter!’ he yelled.

  Dan and David turned and ran along the deck towards the gangway on the stern. Dan looked up. From the steps he could see the car weaving its way through the dock complex. He heard a screech of tyres as it slammed through a barricade and turned towards the city.

  David was already using the radio to speak to the helicopter pilot. ‘Two incoming. Get us up as fast as you can.’

  Dan leapt into the seat next to Sarah and fastened his belt. He glanced at her. Her face was white. He leaned over and squeezed her hand. ‘Getting all of this noted down?’

  She opened her mouth to say something, and then turned as David jumped in next to the pilot.

  ‘Go, go!’ he yelled. ‘Get after him!’

  The helicopter lurched into the air, fast.

  Dan watched out the window as the helicopter banked away from the river and began to follow the car as it took one of the main arterial roads into the city, travelling fast. He heard David talking on the radio, telling someone on the other end to get the police to stay away from the car.

  Dan could feel the adrenaline pulsing through his veins. His nightmares forgotten, he began to try to work out how Terry could have designed the bomb and what he would see if he got the chance. He looked at his watch, and then leaned forward. He tapped David on the shoulder and shouted to be heard over the engine.

  ‘This isn’t going to work! You need to get me on the ground so I can follow him by road.’

  David turned to the pilot. ‘Get us down there. Now!’

  The pilot nodded. Dan looked down at the city below. He just had to get to the vehicle before Terry detonated it.

  He felt the pressure in his ears change as the helicopter began to quickly descend. He looked out the window. The helicopter was hovering over a public car park, the pilot seeking out a clearing in between cars and street lighting.

  Dan held his breath. The pilot couldn’t tell if there were power lines or telephone cables beneath them – they were just going to have to take a chance.

  ‘Hurry!’ shouted David. ‘Get this thing on the ground, or we’re going to lose the car!’

  Dan winced as Sarah’s fingers dug nervously into his thigh. He lifted her hand off and held onto it, ignoring her nails biting into his flesh.

  He glanced out the window again. To the right of the car park was a supermarket, its bright lights illuminating the silhouettes of startled shoppers staring up in amazement at the helicopter.

  As the aircraft landed, Dan climbed out, slammed the door shut behind him and ducked instinctively from the down-draught of the rotors. He walked around the helicopter and opened the other passenger door.

  ‘Are you coming?’ he shouted at Sarah.

  She raised her eyebrows in surprise, nodded, then unclipped her belt. Grabbing her bag, she climbed out of the helicopter. David already stood on the bitumen.

  Dan turned to him. ‘Mind if we leave you?’

  David pushed him in the back. ‘Get going – we’ll follow as closely as we can and see what we can do about making sure you don’t get pulled over on the way.’

  ‘But you won’t know what we’ll be driving!’ said Sarah.

  David grinned as he climbed back into the helicopter. ‘I reckon I’d spot his erratic driving anywhere, don’t worry. We’ll find you.’

  Dan watched the aircraft lift back into the air, then grabbed Sarah by the wrist and ran across the car park. He pulled her towards the lines of parked cars.

  ‘Come on, run!’ he urged. They raced to the entrance of the parking area. Dan swerved and changed direction as he spotted a shopper putting overloaded bags onto the back seat of a sports saloon. As he drew near, Dan pulled out the gun.

  ‘Keys!’ he yelled at the shocked man, who threw the keys at Dan and raised his hands in the air in one fluid motion.

  Dan pushed Sarah into the car, and then ran round to the driver’s side. Starting the engine, he gunned it, grinned at Sarah and reversed out of the parking bay. Changing gear and hauling the steering wheel round at the same time, he spun the car so it pointed towards the car park exit and floored the accelerator.

  There was an audible crash from the back seat as vegetables and tin cans of food tumbled to the floor of the car.

  Sarah’s hands shook as she tried to fasten her seatbelt. Dan glanced over at her, a confused look on his face.

  She shrugged. ‘I believe David about your driving.’

  Dan braked hard and Sarah was thrown forward into her seatbelt. ‘Jeez,’ she gasped, as she reached down to ease the tension against her chest and stomach. ‘That’s going to leave a dent.’

  ‘Missed him though,’ Dan pointed, then put his foot down on the accelerator again. Sarah looked back over her shoulder as they took off, a security guard madly waving his arms in their wake.

  He wrenched the wheel round hard and stomped on the brake. The gearbox whined in protest as he crashed through the gears, downshifted, then guided the car round the corner and accelerated hard down the street.

  Sarah hung onto her seat, knuckles white as she slid across the car. ‘We’re losing him!’ she yelled.

  ‘Do you want to drive?’ Dan yelled back, as he swerved to miss an oncoming truck, the driver gesticulating furiously at them as they tore past.

  Dan wrenched the wheel around hard to his left. The tyres shrieked in protest as the car slid across the wet bitumen. He feathered the throttle to bring the vehicle back under control, and then slammed his foot on the accelerator. The car bucked forwards and he straightened it out, blasting past a bewildered cyclist.

  ‘Can you see him?’ he screamed to Sarah.

  She pointed to a car’s tail-lights at the end of the street.

  ‘There. Going round that corner. Quickly, Dan – we’ll lose him!’

  Dan floored the pedal and swung the car round the junction. Turning right, he slid the car forty-five degrees and overtook a white panel van, braking hard as the road turned sharply left and then ran parallel with the Thames.

  The black
sedan’s tail-lights glinted a few hundred metres in front of them. Dan eased off the accelerator and followed at a distance.

  ‘Dan?’

  Sarah glanced over at him, confused.

  ‘Aren’t you going to stop him?’

  Dan shook his head.

  ‘I can’t – I don’t know how that bomb is designed to detonate. I need him to get it to its destination in one piece.’

  He broke off as his mobile began to ring. He rummaged in his jacket pocket and handed the phone to Sarah.

  ‘Get that.’

  She flipped open the phone.

  ‘Hello?’ She turned to Dan and mouthed, it’s David.

  ‘David? We’re following him – he just turned on to the Embankment… no, he wants to wait until the car stops – he says it’s too dangerous… okay.’

  She hung up and held the phone tight in her hand.

  ‘David’s got a team about two minutes behind us. They’ll follow at a distance. He’s got a visual on us from the helicopter.’

  Dan risked a look out his window and glimpsed the tell-tale lights of a helicopter at low altitude. ‘Good – as long as they keep their distance. I don’t want this guy to get spooked…’

  He broke off as the black sedan slewed to the left-hand side of the road. Its brake lights flashed once, then again as it drew to a stop.

  ‘Shit!’ Dan sped up and overtook the car. ‘Don’t look at it, for Christ’s sake! Let’s just hope he doesn’t know we were following behind him!’ He continued driving along the street until he saw a left-hand turn and steered around the corner. ‘Phone David back – they’re going to have to tell us where Terry is heading now so we can try to get there first – hopefully we can hide before he shows up.’

  Sarah opened the phone and began to dial, her hands shaking. She relayed the message and fell silent.

  Dan kept the car at a slow speed until Sarah finished the call.

  ‘David says the car’s heading for a wharf off of Wapping High Street – Philippa’s tracking us and says we can pass him further along here.’ She pointed ahead of him.

  ‘Okay, just yell out the instructions as we go – and keep your fingers crossed we can beat him to it.’