The Gaze of Caprice (The Caprice Trilogy Book 1) (83 page)

              “Time to take off,” said Evan through his headset. 

              “Why?” said Mason, “Officer Standing’s still on the tarmac.”

“We have to take off at 10:26 on the dot,” said Evan.

              “Why?” asked Mason.

              “It’s been agreed,” said Evan, “We have to get you back to Stanley.  You’re to be on a flight back to the US.  That flight has to take off at 12:00pm no later.”  The propeller overhead began to yawn as it woke up.

              “Officer Evan,” said Mason, “The Senior Officer is right there on the tarmac.  We can’t leave.”

              “I can see that,” said Evan, “You have to understand there’s been an agreement to get you off British soil.  We can’t stay here.  Officer Standing negotiated a favor from the Brits.  Everyone agreed to it.  I’m here to make sure we keep our end of the bargain.”  Mason gave a look of angered confusion.

              “Officer Standing knows the schedule,” said Evan, “If she’s not back here, we leave without her.  We have to assume she knows what she’s doing.  This doesn’t concern her.  It concerns what’s been agreed.  We don’t have permission to keep you here.”

              The helicopter began to float.  Mason looked back.  The loud noise of the long propeller blades did nothing to obstruct the view.  The helicopter took him further and further away, up and up.  Georgia didn’t move.  Her arm did.  She was second.  One of the Venezuelans extended his hand first.  Hers met his halfway.  It was a simple shake, once up, once down.  Mason looked down.  Georgia looked up.  Her look was perpetual like his upward motion.  His eyes didn’t move but his mind did, backward.  He looked directly at her and thought indirectly about her.  He thought about where he met her,
Caprice
.  He realized she hadn’t been promoted since
Caprice
ended.  Today was the exception.  His heart beat fast to match his emotion.  He felt anger but realized she hadn’t lied to him.  She told him it was good to see him again.  He believed her.  And she did what he asked.  She uncovered the mole for him.  Her deception was realized but she did one honest thing.  She looked up at him and she didn’t look satisfied.