Part 8 (2/2)
”Thornberry!”
”General Bennington!”
The psychologist almost twisted Bennington's hand off before he could speak. Then his first words puzzled the general. ”We've got to find Judkins.”
”Why?”
”I want to know what went wrong--”
”That can wait. Let's put the fire out first, then learn how it started. Who's here with you?”
”The two guards. Rayburne! Householder! Come here!”
”Only those two? Where's the kitchen staff?”
”Dead,” said Thornberry soberly.
There was a roaring in the skies and through a window Bennington could see the compound was almost as brightly lit up as it was by day.
”The riot-copter, and before I expected it,” the general said, ”I've been in touch with the State police. And the Army.”
There was another short burst of submachine fire. Bennington mentally placed it as behind the Administration Building. _Someone trying to sneak out the back way...._
”Stop that shooting!” The PA confirmed his thoughts. ”No one else is going to try to leave here. Warden, get on that intercom!”
_Got to hurry_, Bennington thought, _I've got to get them talking and keep them talking_.
”Householder and Rayburne, get over to the parking lot. The State police are coming there. Bring five of the six over here. Keep the other man by his car radio. If he can switch to the Army frequency, or can get in touch with the Army copters thorough his Headquarters, guide their planes to land behind Barracks Four. Tell General Mosby where I am. Tell him before he lands, so that he can plan his deployment.
”Take off. Thornberry, come with me.”
The two of them clambered over the counter and carefully, to avoid stepping on the dead, made their way to the kitchen office in the southwest corner of the mess hall. Thorough one of its windows, the Administration Building could be clearly seen.
The intercom was directly in front of the window.
Bennington seated himself and turned the intercom switch to Message Center.
”This is General Bennington, the warden of this prison,” he said clearly. ”I am in the kitchen office. To show my confidence in the fact that we can arrange a bargain, I am turning on the light in this room. You will be able to see me clearly.”
[Ill.u.s.tration]
”No!” broke out Thornberry, staring at Bennington.
”Turn them on,” said Bennington.
Thornberry hesitated for a heartbeat, obeyed the order. Then, moving with deliberation, he seated himself beside the general.
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