‘Our brothers have done nothing wrong. They are innocent! They are fighters for the freedom of our people! We need them with us on the plane, now!’
Helen kept her voice low and calm. ‘Look, I understand what you say. But those men are criminals; they’re in prison. I can’t bring them here. And remember, the passengers on the plane are innocent people too, with families and children. Please set them free. We will not hurt you. We …’
The voice on the radio interrupted her. ‘Mrs Sandberg! I do not want to talk anymore. It is now 1.59 a.m. Do you have our brothers here, at the airport?’
‘No, I told you …’
‘Then watch the front door of the plane. You can see it well, I hope?’
‘Yes.’ Helen’s voice was quiet now, almost a whisper.
‘Then watch. There is an American spy behind it. And remember, we have many American spies, and many important business people on this plane. In half an hour I will ask you again about my brothers.’
Helen stared out at the plane. Its front door was very small and far away. Colonel Carter touched her arm.
‘Here are some binoculars, Prime Minister. You will be able to see more clearly with these.’
