The QE2 Is Missing

“I don’t know if enjoy is the exact word. It was some sort of science fiction space thriller with robots and stolen spaceships and a villain who was really the hero or something. Very amusing, but the theater was equally amusing since it was going up and down and around and around all the time. Unusual, to say the least. Is that enough small talk now? So you can tell me what is happening.”

Hank licked a bit of salt off his hand, drained the tequila and bit deep into the lime. “Wonderful. Very little is happening other than waiting, so that nerves are getting rubbed a little raw. Can you possibly hold out up here for a few more hours?”

“I’m going to have to, aren’t I? And that’s all you are going to tell me, isn’t it? Oh, darling, don’t look so miserable! I’ll be all right. I finally have some appetite, so I’ll get me to the Queen’s Grill for a solid steak lunch, then back here after a bit. That’ll take a few more hours at least.”

“You’re my dreamboat.” He kissed her soundly, with plenty of cooperation. “It could happen any time now…. “

The telephone rang suddenly and he looked at her, then leaned over to pick it up and answer it.

“Right,” he said. “Two minutes.” Then hung up.

He hurried away, without a word, not knowing what he could possibly say.

20

“Yes, thank you for phoning through the information. I would like a printed copy of the cable for my records. To my cabin, that is correct.”

Wielgus hung up the phone and could not resist rubbing his hands together as he turned back to face the others who waited silently, expectantly.

“That was from our cargo master in Valparaiso. He informs us that the cargo aboard the ship is as listed in the manifests. The vehicles are as specified and samples taken at random from various cases fit the manifest information. It looks as though your people have delivered as promised, Chvosta.”

“Global Traders is a legitimate business enterprise with a sound reputation. It is only our customers who are hard to please.”

“Yes, perhaps, but water over the dam now in any case.” Wielgus was actually humming as he snapped shut his briefcase. “The Captain of the Lyngby Kro has been instructed to disembark his present crew and take our own aboard?”

“That is correct. He is our employee and we have leased the ship from the owners. He will work the ship under the instructions of your Captain, who will function as First Officer. The ship will go to the port of your choosing. After the cargo is off-loaded, the original crew will return. The Captain will disembark his present crew now and accept yours upon receipt of my instructions.”

“Then, if you will, cable the instructions.”

“As soon as I have the diamonds in my possession.”

“What’s stopping you from keeping the diamonds without releasing the ship?” Stroessner cried out. “You would be a thief!”

“Only one who is a born thief himself accuses others,” Chvosta said coldly, then turned his back on the outraged dictator. He appeared not to notice that Stroessner was spluttering with rage and trying to draw his pistol. Wielgus watched this disgustedly for a moment before speaking.

“General — control yourself! These matters are too important for you to act like an imbecile.”

Stroessner gaped in consternation, then let his hand fall away from the holster. It was obvious who was the master here. Chvosta nodded and turned to face Wielgus.

“I have a suggestion for the exchange that I hope will satisfy you. Send for two of your gunmen. When they are here I'll give you the coded message for the Captain. While we are waiting for the answer I will go to my cabin with the diamonds and your two men will accompany me. I trust you and your Germans more than this South American trash you do business with. I wish to be away from them and in your hands. When your representatives cable back that they are in charge of the ship you will have your men leave. I will have the payment for the shipment and you will have the shipment. Do you agree?”

Wielgus steepled his fingers and nodded approvingly.

“Chvosta, perhaps I underestimated your intelligence. Yes, we are Germans, not thieves, and we wish only to conclude a legitimate business deal. I’ll have my men come here at once to guard you upon your return to your own quarters. They will stay with you, as you insist, until we have clearance. Now, the message.”

“The Captain’s name is Bartovska. Simply tell him that all of the arrangements have been successfully concluded and he is now to turn command of the ship over to you. You need not use my exact words, anything resembling that will do.”

“Is that all? It does not sound secure.”

“It is not all. He will ask your man for a number. The number you will tell him is 93121-91087. When this is done the ship is yours.” Chvosta smiled. “He knows the number well. It is the number of his Swiss bank account.”

“Very good, excellent in fact. It shall be done in just this manner.”