Judgment at Alcatraz by Dave Edlund (best historical fiction books of all time txt) 📗

didn’t even cast a glance up the stairs. His weapon, also an MP5, hung from his shoulder.

A minute later, with a cardboard case of Kleenex® tissues in hand, the guard returned to the large room, giving her a second chance to spy through the open passage until the door automatically closed.

She grasped the opportunity and dashed down the stairs.

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It had been agreed that Sacheen would be the spokesperson when conveying the group’s demands to the authorities. They were familiar with studies that suggested a woman would be subconsciously perceived as less threatening than a man. Men naturally tended toward conflict, and this trait was most pronounced in male-male interactions. The goal was to work past the initial aggressive response from law enforcement, and get them to reason through the problem.

Once the politicians were engaged and in control, both Sacheen and Leonard agreed, the risk of mission failure was greatly reduced. Local and state political leaders would never accept large portions of the Bay Area being transformed into a radioactive wasteland. The federal government would have no choice but to fall in line. California was simply too populous and too important to allow it to suffer such a preventable disaster.

After one transfer, Sacheen was connected with the mayor of San Francisco.

“This is Mayor Webster. Who am I speaking to?”

“Did your police department pick up the drone in Pioneer Park?”

“They did. And that’s quite the stunt you pulled. Do you have any idea how much trouble you and your associates are in?”

“Mayor Webster, please. Bluster and threats are not going to be helpful. My pilot flew that drone and landed it safely without harming any civilians. We did so as an act of good faith. It is important that you understand what we are capable of doing. But it’s equally important that you understand our intention is a good-faith negotiation, during which harm to innocent civilians can be avoided.”

“If that’s the case, you’ll release the hostages you’re holding.”

“And give up my leverage? No. Not just yet.”

“Okay. You called me. What do you want?”

Sacheen’s voice was soothing. “I want to help by showing you what we are ready to deliver. Within a few hours, I’m certain you’ll have confirmation that the drone was transporting cobalt-60 and strontium-90. Both are especially nasty radioactive isotopes.”

“The cannister is being transported to Lawrence Livermore Labs for analysis,” Webster said. “But I’ve been told that a portable radiation detector showed a high-level reading. For the sake of argument, let’s say I believe you. What’s this about? Isn’t this the point where you make your demands known? Something like millions of dollars in unmarked bills, and a plane to take you out of the country?”

Sacheen chuckled. “You’ve read too many thrillers. But yes, we do have demands that we will communicate at the proper time. First, I assume the FBI is actively involved?”

“Naturally. Kidnapping is a federal offense. So are acts of terrorism.”

“Terrorism? Oh, my. We haven’t carried out any such acts—yet.”

“Is that a threat?” Webster said.

“Not at all. I’m just being honest. Our discussions will be much more effective if we cut to the chase and speak candidly with each other. Anyway, I’m glad the FBI is engaged. In fact, I’d like for you to have the special agent in charge fly to Alcatraz in their helicopter.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to show him the fleet of drones we have, each with their payloads ready and prepped for flight. It’s part of my effort to be transparent with you.”

“Do you really think the special agent in charge is going to surrender himself to you to become another hostage?”

“As I said, my offer is to show him how serious we are and what we are capable of doing. If you understand that, and accept that, the rest will go quickly, and the scores of civilians I’m holding here can be released.”

“How many hostages are there?”

“I’m glad you asked. We completed a head count. Fifty-three children, plus eighty-three women and seventy-two men.”

“If you—”

“Relax, Mayor Webster. No one has been harmed, and that is not our intention. However, we will need a food and water drop by evening if we haven’t concluded our business by then.”

“That’s a lot of people. Where are you keeping them?”

Sacheen laughed. “Nice try. Now, getting serious again, you can tell the FBI that we will release ten children to fly back in the helicopter as a show of good faith. The special agent in charge is free to return, too. My offer is good for the next sixty minutes. That’s all.”

“And if they refuse?”

“Shortly, ten children will be standing on the ferry landing. I’m certain you have us under surveillance, so you’ll know I am not bluffing. They’ll remain standing there until the deadline. But if the deadline passes, and the helicopter does not arrive per my instructions…well, there won’t be ten children standing any longer.”

“So much for your pledge not to harm anyone.”

“Mayor Webster, I never made any such pledge. I did say it was not our intention to harm any of the hostages, especially the children. Which is the truth. However, if you give us no choice…if you test our resolve…well, then you will need ten body bags for the children I offered. Please. Accept our proposal. It is in everyone’s best interests.”

Webster scoffed. “You expect me to believe your crap? Whatever your game is, I’m absolutely confident you’re only playing for what’s best for you.”

“I have many drones here, each loaded with the same material you’ll find in the aircraft I already delivered to you. Shall we launch the fleet across your city and the East Bay?”

“The Coast Guard will put helicopters in the air and shoot down every one of your toy planes before they cross over land. Face it, you’re outgunned and outmanned.”

Sacheen smiled. “That would be quite the feat. Our drones are piloted. And from the vantage afforded by the excellent strategic location of this rocky island, we have a clear view across the Bay in every direction. I could order my