Page 33 of Wyatt
“But it won’t matter,” said Montana. “The jets can be remotely destroyed if they are compromised at any time. If a pilot bails out over enemy territory and ditches the jet, we can make it self-destruct mid-air, leaving nothing but ash. It wouldn’t matter even if they thought they could take it.”
“You’re giving me more questions and fewer answers,” frowned HG.
“We’re sorry,” smirked Ryan.
“Have you guys thought that maybe it’s not about this jet at all, but about the pilots?” asked Doug.
“What do you mean?” frowned Ethan.
“I mean, what if they just want what’s in the pilots’ brains. What if they want them to explain how things are flown?”
“Why? Why would they want that?” asked HG.
“Novices. Maybe they want to steal jets or choppers, but don’t know how to fly them.”
“There has to be an easier way to learn than to kidnap Navy pilots and force them to turn over the information,” said Ethan.
“I’m sure there are plenty,” chuckled Doug. “But nothing we investigate is easy or has an easy component to it. With any luck, Ashley and Bree will be able to get some information from your pilots.”
“Crossing our fingers,” said Ethan. “Thanks, guys. We’ll be home soon, hopefully.” Doug laughed, shaking his head.
“Don’t rush home. Apparently, the hippos are loose in the bayou, and we’ve got teams out trying to corral them.”
“Corral hippos? Is that a thing?” frowned HG. “I thought they were being sent back to the safari park.”
“Well, you know Irene,” he laughed. “Best of luck, guys.”
“Thanks, Doug,” said Ethan. The screen went blank, and Ethan looked at HG.
“There’s something more,” they said in unison, laughing at one another.
“What do you say to a visit to the San Diego PD? Maybe they’ve had similar cases. Not with pilots. But if they’ve had other occupations with the same experience, it might help us. I mean, what if it happened to doctors or cops or nurses or teachers? If this is happening with more than this small group, it might lead us somewhere new.”
“Great idea,” said Ethan. “But first, a burger from McP’s. I need my fix.”
“Brother, I’m with you.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Wyatt, you’re going to need to explain to us what all that was,” said Bree.
“I’m more confused than ever,” he said, shaking his head. “They were describing all the things they would do to fly the plane. Literally, a step-by-step guide on take-offs, landings, turns, speed, shooting, all of it.”
The four pilots walked back into the room with a plate of food and something to drink.
“Go ahead and eat,” said Ashley. “The food will make you feel better. Do you remember anything about our session?”
“Yeah,” nodded Lucas. “We were flying the jets. I mean, we weren’t, but we were. I was just doing all the motions, just like we would for the pre-flight routine before a mission.”
“That’s what I heard as well,” said Wyatt.
“I don’t get it. Someone could read a book or watch a movie and get what we did. Why kidnap us?” asked Daniel. He took a bit of the turkey sandwich and then a huge drink of milk.
“Feeling okay?” smiled Bree.
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for telling us the truth about that. I don’t feel drugged or out of it at all. It took me days to get over whatever they gave me.”
“We try to never lie unless it’s for the good of the patient,” said Bree. “I do have to ask you one question, Quentin.”
