A PERFECT RENDEZVOUS

A Typical Airport Climax

"On behalf of the crew of flight 614, thank you for flying Aero-Mexico," the flight attendant said. "Remember," she added cheerfully, "we're the airline that got you to your destination twenty minutes ahead of schedule." Her voice becoming businesslike, she continued, "Please remain in your seats with your seat belt securely fastened until the aircraft has come to a full stop at the gate."

Seated near the back row of the crowded plane between Ted and Louis Tomlinson, Harry clutched his brother's hand in a death grip, his stomach churning as the plane lurched to a stop and the jetway swung out to meet it from the terminal. His heart was beginning to scream that this was wrong, his conscience shouted it was right and he was trapped helplessly in the crossfire. Beside him, Louis Tomlinson noticed his chest beginning to rise and fall in fast shallow breaths, and he took Harry's other hand in his. "Take it easy, honey," he said in a low, reassuring voice. "It's almost over. The airport is secured at every exit."

Harry jerked his gaze from the passengers who were beginning to stand up and gather their belongings from the overhead racks. "I can't do it. I can't. I'm going to be sick!"

He tightened his grip on Harry's clammy fingers. "You're hyperventilating. Take slow deep breaths."

Harry made himself obey. "Don't let anyone hurt him!" he warned in a fierce whisper. "You promised you wouldn't let anyone hurt him."

Louis stood up along with the passengers in front of them, and with his hand on Harry's arm, gently urged Harry to stand, too. Harry yanked his arm away. "Promise me again that you won't let anyone hurt him!"

"No one wants to hurt him, Harry," he said as if he was speaking to a terrified child, "That's why you came along. You wanted to be sure no one would hurt him, and I told you there'd be less chance of violence if Malik sees you and believes you'll get caught in the middle. Remember?"

When Harry nodded jerkily, he began moving forward with his hand beneath Harry's elbow. "Okay, this is it," he said. "Ted and I will stay just a few paces behind you from now on. Don't be afraid. My people are spread all over the terminal and outside it, and your safety is their first priority. If Malik starts shooting, they'll put their lives on the line to protect you."

"Zayn wouldn't hurt me!" Harry said scornfully.

"He's not sane. You don't know what he'll do if he realizes you tricked him. That's why, no matter what happens, you're going to pretend to be on his side until he's safely in custody. Remember, we talked about all this before?" He drew back as they were about to reach the attractive brunette flight attendant standing at the front door of the plane. "Do you have it all clear?"

Harry wanted to start screaming that nothing was clear, but he dug his fingernails into his palms and somehow made himself nod.

"Okay, you're on your own now," he said, stopping in the doorway. "In five minutes, this will all be over. Keep thinking of that—just five more minutes. And remember, don't look for him, let him find you."

He stopped, watching as Harry walked slowly ahead of them down the jetway, letting him gain several yards on him, then he stepped forward with Ted at his side. The moment they were out of hearing of the flight crew, Ted said in a low, furious whisper, "You had no right to put Harry through this. You said yourself the whole airport is swarming with FBI and Mexican police. You don't need Harry here to draw him out!"

Louis unbuttoned his jacket and loosened his tie—a casually dressed businessman coming to Mexico City with a friend for a few days' business and pleasure. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he said with a tight smile, "Harry insisted on coming to make certain Malik isn't hurt, and you know it. I had the pilot radio ahead for a doctor; he'll be on hand to give Harry a sedative as soon as this is over."