Echo Six: Black Ops 6 - Battle for Beirut Read Online Free PDF Page B

outstretched, palms upward. As if to say, 'look, I'm unarmed. You've nothing to fear from me.' The man who'd made the threats came to meet him, his knife pushed forward ready to stab. He had the stance of someone who knew how to use a knife.
    Which Arab doesn't?
    He swung, just as expected. The knife was aimed at his stomach, and Talley moved slightly, allowing it to slash empty space. As it went past, he gripped the man's arm and used the forward momentum to jerk upward. There was a loud crack as the bone dislocated from the shoulder, and the Arab screamed in pain. He kneed him in the groin just to make sure, and pushed him to the floor, moving to meet the second man, who was already coming at him.
    "You will die for that, infidel," the man spat at him.
    His knife slashed side-to-side and forced Talley back. And then it came in a fierce stabbing motion, calculated to finish the uneven fight. In the blink of an eye, the knife disappeared, only to reappear in his left hand, flashing toward his eyes. Talley was ready for it; he swept the thrust aside, pulled the man closer, and butted him in the face. The Arab’s eyes closed momentarily as the bones in his nose gave way, and blood poured out of his nostrils. He quickly opened his eyes, realizing the danger, but he was a fraction of a second too late.
    The hard edge of Talley's right hand smashed into his windpipe, cutting off his cry of pain, and he sagged to his knees, gasping for air. He wavered for a few moments, looking at his knife, which had fallen to the floor. Talley kicked it away and swiveled, to connect his boot with the man's stomach. Whatever air was left in his lungs whooshed out with a sound that echoed around the bathroom. He fell to the floor next to his accomplice. Talley picked up both knives and turned to Jensen.
    "Are you okay, Sir?"
    The Commissioner nodded, stunned by the sudden violence. "I, I think so…"
    "I'll get you out of here, and I'll go find the airport cops to take these two guys into custody. The Israelis will take a dim view of attempted robbery in a high security area."
    The Dane was frozen, so Talley took hold of his sleeve and gently led him out of the bathroom. It occurred to him he still hadn't taken a piss, and he smiled to himself.
    It can wait.
    Jensen was still in a state of shock as they spoke to a pair of cops who were nearby. They rushed into the bathroom to pick up the Arabs and led them away. Only then did Jensen find his voice.
    "Commander, I don't know how to thank you enough. Those men would have killed me for my possessions."
    "I doubt it. They just wanted to rob you."
    "Perhaps, perhaps not. I still think they were intent on doing me harm. You wanted a ride to Beirut? My aircraft leaves in forty minutes. You'd be more than welcome to join us as an honored guest. And please accept my apologies for earlier. I get a lot of odd requests, as you can imagine."
    "I'd be very grateful for the ride, Sir."
    "Is there anything else you need?"
    Apart from a piss?
    "No, Sir."
    Jensen nodded and shook his hand. "Very well, I will see you on the aircraft."
    The diplomat managed to stand erect and seemed to change back in an instant, recovering his poise after the shock of the attempted robbery. Once again he was the smooth, confident UN Commissioner. He gave his rescuer a final look and walked away.
    Talley found another bathroom and managed to relieve himself. Then he returned to the departure lounge and found the VIP section. Jensen had told them he'd be on the flight, and they led him straight to the luxurious aircraft.
    The Gulfstream G550 was a long-range business jet. Not only was it fitted with every conceivable luxury; it was also capable of traveling vast distances without refueling. He sat down in the soft, sumptuous leather and admired the rich wood paneling inside the cabin. A pretty young cabin attendant came forward and offered him refreshments. It made no difference that they weren't due to take off for another twenty