Sahara (Dirk Pitt 11)

"We can drain what's left from the tanks of the personnel carriers," Pembroke-Smythe said without a sign of retreat.

"You'll be cutting it a mite thin," said Pitt.

Pembroke-Smythe shrugged. "A dull ride without some risk.

"You can't go it alone," said Levant:

"A night crossing of the desert at high speed can be a risky business," cautioned Pitt. "You'll need a co-driver and a navigator."`

"I have no intention of attempting it alone," Pembroke-Smythe informed them,

"Who have you selected?" asked Levant.

Smythe looked and smiled at the tall man from NUMA, "Either Mr. Pitt or his friend Giordino, since they've already had a crash course in desert survival."

"A civilian won't be of much help in a running fight with Kazim's patrols," warned Levant.

"I plan to lighten the assault vehicle by removing all armor and weapons. We'll carry a spare tire and tools, enough water for the next twenty-four hours, and handguns only.

Levant thought out Pembroke-Smythe's mad plan carefully in his methodical way. Then he nodded. "All right, Captain. Get to work on the vehicle."

"Yes sir."

"There is, however, one other thing."

"Sir?"

"Sorry to put a crimp in your escapade, but as second in command, I require your services here. You'll have to send someone in your place. I suggest Lieutenant Steinholm. If I remember correctly, he once drove in the Monte Carlo Rally"

Pembroke-Smythe did not attempt to conceal the expression of disappointment on his face. He began to say something, but saluted and hurried down the ladder to the parade field without a word of protest.

Levant looked at Pitt. "You'll have to volunteer, Mr. Pitt. I do not have the authority to order you to go:"

"Colonel," Pitt said with the barest of grins, "I've been chased all over the Sahara in the past week, came within a. millimeter of dying of thirst, been shot at, steamed like a, lobster, and cuffed in the face by every unsavory scum I met: This is the last stop for Mrs. Pitt's boy. I'm getting off the train and staying put. Al Giordino will go out with Lieutenant Steinholm."

Levant smiled. "You're a fraud, Mr. Pitt, a sterling, gilt-edged fraud. You know as well as I it's sure death to remain here. Giving your friend a chance to escape in your place is a noble gesture. You have my deepest respect."

"Noble gestures are not part of my act. I have a thing about leaving jobs unfinished." Levant looked down at the strange machine taking shape under the protection of one wall. "You mean your catapult."

"Actually, it's sort of a spring bow."

"Do you actually think it will work against armored vehicles?"

"Oh, she'll do the job," said Pitt in a tone of utter, confidence "The only unknown is how well."

Shortly after sunset, the hurriedly filled sandbags ante makeshift obstructions were removed from the main gate and the massive doors opened. Lieutenant Steinholm, a big, blond, handsome Austrian, strapped himself behind the wheel and received his final instructions from Pembroke-Smythe.

Giordino stood beside the stripped down dune buggy and quietly made his farewells to Pitt and Eva. "So long, old buddy," he said to Pitt, forcing a tight smile. "Not fair me going instead of you."

Pitt gave Giordino a quick bear hug. "Mind the pot holes."

"Steinholm and I'll be back with beer and pizza by lunchtime."

The words were empty of meaning. Neither man doubted for a second that by noon the following day the fort and everybody in it would be only a memory.

"I'll keep a light in the window," said Pitt.

Eva gave Giordino a light kiss on the cheek and handed him a small package wrapped in plastic. "A little something to eat on the road."