That's right, Prime Minister. Just one hour. Then they will kill the first passenger. I see." Helen walked slowly to the window and stared out at the plane. It was still raining and a strong wind was blowing. She turned round. "Thank you, gentlemen. I will have to talk to them. But first l necd a few minutes to think. Colonel Carter, Inspector, please go to the other room. Tell the hijackers I will talk to them in five minutes. Michael, stay here But yes, madam.' Inspector Holm looked unhapp but he went out, slowly, with the Colonel. Michael sat quietly, looking at her. He knew what she was thinking. "Have you got the passenger list, Michael? "Yes, Prime Minister. Here you are. She picked up the list of names and looked at it carefully. "Oh my God!' His name was near the beginning She dropped the list, sat down at the table, and ran her hands through her hair. For a long minute she said nothing. Then she looked up. "This is going to be very difficult, isn't it, Michael?' I'm afraid so, Prime Minister. Very difficult indeed Helen stood up and walked to the window, thinking hard. Outside in the rain, the American Ambassador's car stopped by the door.
carl looked through the window and watched the cars arrive at the airport building. There were a lot of cars now and a lot of lights in the building. Inside the it was hot and quiet. There was nothing to do. He remembered other times when he had been in a plane at night with wife and daughter. That had been fun because his excited and going on holiday. His they were daughter had always asked lots of questions in the plane. Now no one said anything at all. Carl sat, and thought, and felt his face becoming wet with sweat. "Your passports, please!' hijackers, a'What?' He turned suddenly. One of the young man in a black shirt, was just behind them. He had a bag in his hand and he was taking everyone's passports and putting them in it. "Why me talk, sir. "Be quiet!' Harald whispered. "Let Remember?' Your passports, please.' The young man stood by their seats. "Here you are.' Harald gave the man his passport. "Thank you. And his?' "He has no passport. l am a police officer and he is my prisoner. am taking him to prison in my country.
I see. The young man looked at them both in surprise. "Stand up, you!' Carl stood up and the young man searched his pockets, but he found nothing. He told Carl to sit down, then he opened Harald's passport and looked inside. Police pig! he said. "Now you are our prisoner!' Then he hit Harald in the face, looked at Carl, and laughed. And perhaps we will set him free!' Harald said nothing. The hijacker was about the same age as him, but not so big. The young hijacker laughed again and moved on to the next seat. "Thank you, Harald," Carl whispered, when the man was at the front of the plane. at was very brave. But l won't let you die for me, you know. Harald whis- quiet, sir! Something's happening!' pered back. Carl looked up. Another hijacker was standing in the door of the Captain's cabin. He was talking to the other two. He was a big strong man, with a black beard. He looked angry and waved his arms. Carl listened carefully. He could hear one or two words, but not many. nothing! Nothing at all! stupid woman! she needs time, she says All the hijackers were angry now. They looked at the passports and then started to walk down the aisle, pointing their guns at passengers. Harald sat very still in his seat.