Capital Falling Trilogy Box Set [Books 1-3]

by Winkless, Lance

  “How long has that meeting been going on for?” I ask casually, starting with a relatively unimportant question.

  “I am sorry, Sir, but I am under orders to not discuss any aspect of that meeting.” The Lieutenant informs me bluntly. He then continues, “I have been instructed to tell you that the Colonel will want to see you again before very long, I will make arrangements for you to be collected when needed; is that acceptable?” he finishes as we get back to the reception desk.

  “Do I have a choice?” I ask.

  “I don’t think so, Sir. Now if you’ll excuse me, I will call for your transport back to your children,” he says as he goes over to the reception desk, looking slightly confused.

  Upon his return, the Lieutenant has me worried for a second when he tells me that my children have been moved, but seeing the concern on my face, he quickly tells me that it is good news. Both my children and the rest of the group I arrived with are out of quarantine and in fact, we're now in the same building, in the food hall here in Terminal 5 of the airport. He then waves over one of the young Privates who are stationed all around this area and instructs him to escort me down to the food hall.

  As we travel on the long walk through Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport, the Private and I—who I learn is named Jason—have quite a long talk. He is Scottish, which is plain from his accent and he travelled through the night last night with his Brigade of over four thousand troops from Maryhill Barracks near Glasgow. They were apparently crammed into three trains and it took just over five and a half hours to arrive into London, he tells me that he managed to get some sleep on the train, but not much.

  Once we are acquainted, I ask him how the rest of the country is reacting to what is happening and he tells me the brutal truth.

  He tells me the whole country has gone into meltdown; when the news first broke, every shop and supermarket in the country was cleared out of food and other essentials in a matter of hours by panic buyers, which was basically everybody. After the food ran out in the shops, the looting took over. Anywhere that might have had food was looted—warehouses, restaurants, schools and even a few hospitals. The government eventually declared Martial Law over the whole country at around six o’clock last night and ordered a curfew from seven-thirty, but both have been quite ineffective because there aren’t enough police to enforce either and the military is here in London trying to contain the outbreak.

  Unfortunately, he carries on, telling me that riots erupted late last night in the centre of Birmingham around the conference centre there, which is supposed to be the new temporary Parliament. The rioting spread to a few other major cities like Liverpool and Sheffield but fortunately, most of the rioting died down late last night.

  “Jesus,” I manage to say, but he hasn’t finished.

  The country has also gone into financial meltdown, he tells me, the bottom having dropped out of the stock market before it was suspended indefinitely at one thirty yesterday afternoon. That caused the bottoms to fall out of the stock markets across Europe and New York, all of which have also been suspended and the rest of the world has followed suit as they were due to open. Nobody is expecting the banks to reopen today, or any business to open for that matter.

  “Bloody hell, Jason, it sounds like the virus has crippled the country before it’s even spread!”

  “I’m afraid it looks that way, Sir. Apparently, other countries are already saying that and that it’s lucky it happened here because it’s an island… Bastards!”

  “Bastards indeed. They don’t know us very well; we’ve been down before but never out!”

  “Too right, Sir, they don’t know us at all.”

  Chapter 4

  Things go quieter for a while as I try to get my head around the distressing things Jason has just told me about what has happened—and is happening—to the country. Seeing first-hand what has happened to London so far has been appalling enough, and I suppose I was kidding myself if I didn’t think London suffering as badly as it is doing wouldn’t have dire ramifications for the whole country.

  Jason snaps me out of my dark thoughts, thankfully.

  “All but there now, Sir; the escalator down to the Food Hall is just around here.”

  Hearing that lifts my mood. I’m looking forward to getting back to the group and I pick up my pace behind Jason.

  We exit the confines of the large but enclosed walkway into an area overlooking the cavernous Departure Lounge of Terminal 5.

  It’s like we have entered another world, gleaming shop and boutique signs sparkling all around, and I’m nearly fooled into pretending some exotic destination for us all is within reach. But before that dream goes any further, the closed shop shutters, dead departure boards and muted atmosphere drag me back to reality.

  Nevertheless, I can feel my children, Catherine, Stacey, Dan and the others close now, which is good enough for me.

  Jason is still leading the way, which I am impressed by considering he hasn’t been here long. Yet he seems to know his way around this massive building, heading now towards the escalator that goes down to the Food Hall level.

  “You seem to know your way around, Jason.”

  “My belly is leading the way, Sir.” I should have known, I think to myself, laughing.

  We get to the top of the escalator, which doesn’t move and has turned into one long metal staircase, reaffirming the fact that there will be no flights to anywhere exotic today from this building.

  Walking down an unmoving escalator is not as easy as you might think; the steps are wider and taller than an actual staircase, the polished metal surface seems slippery underfoot and the rubber handrail sticks to your hand rather than letting it glide, so we go down steadily. There was a sign to the stairs at the top, but at least climbing down this escalator gives us a panoramic view of the lower Departure Lounge and most of the Food Hall.

  The lower area is busy enough with people moving about and sitting at tables eating, but again this is no normal scene for the Food Hall. A large majority of the people are dressed in uniforms; the green uniforms of the Army, dark blue Navy and sky-blue RAF uniforms are all around and mingling together, most ranks too.

  My eyes search for anyone from the group, trying to pick out Josh’s blond hair or Emily’s small stature, but I’m struggling to see any of them, and as we near the bottom I’m starting doubt they are here. Maybe we are in the wrong building?

  “DAD!” Emily’s voice shouts out from my left, and my head spins and I see her running towards me, leaving Josh, who is thankfully still here and Catherine walking behind her. I get off the escalator just in time for her to jump into my arms, and we squeeze each other tight.

  “How’s your morning been, Em? Sorry I had to leave early and wasn’t there when you woke.”

  “Don’t worry Dad, it’s been okay, I wasn’t worried, Catherine told me you had a meeting and we weren’t in there for much longer after I woke. We’ve just had a massive breakfast.”

  “Lucky you, I’m absolutely starving,” I tell her.

  “How did you get on?” Josh asks, as he and Catherine catch up with Emily.

  “Oh, you know how those things are,” I tell him, “a lot of waiting around for a five-minute briefing with a-holes. They didn’t tell me anything, but I’m sure they are about to take some kind of action.”

  “Dad, I know what an a-hole is, I’m not stupid,” Emily scolds me.

  “Sorry Em, I know you’re not stupid.” We all smile. “Where’s Dan and the others?”

  “They are over the other side; we have a table there,” Catherine says, pointing. “Have you eaten yet?”

  “No, I’m famished,” I tell her. “Oh God, sorry. This is Jason,” I say turning to the young Private who has been standing patiently just behind us. I put Emily down and introduce him to the others. “Have you got to get back to your post or do you want to get some brekky with me?”

  “I’ll get a quick bite. It would be a shame to come all this way and not fill
up, but if you don’t mind, I’ll leave you to it. Sir, I’ve just seen some mates?” Jason says indicating over his shoulder to a group of young squaddies.

  “Of course, carry on Private and thanks for the escort.” Jason stands to attention and goes to salute me, but before he does, I offer him my hand which he takes and shakes vigorously, and then he is gone, lost in the crowd of uniforms.

  We make our way across the Food Hall, Josh and Emily leading the way, Emily turns and sniggers before saying something to Josh, and I’ve no doubt that it’s because Catherine has taken my hand in hers; Emily finds it very amusing and entertaining.

  As we go, I clock where the breakfast is being served off military-issue serving tables, and I eye the length of the queue. The only place with food in the whole of this massive lounge, that will be serving anytime soon. The multiple restaurants and takeaways are all standing idle, even if their kitchens may have been made use of.

  As we walk, I’m constantly checking the faces of the people in uniforms to see if there is anyone I know, who I might be able to get some intel from, but I don’t see anyone. It seems like the Army has moved on in the five years since I resigned.

  Emily runs ahead to where Stacey, Dan, Alice, Lindsay and Stan are sitting at a more secluded table against a wall and under the hangover of the floor above.

  As she gets close to them, I hear her shout, “We found Dad,” and they all look around at us coming towards them.

  “Nice fleece, we must stop shopping in the same place,” Dan jokes, as he gets up and gives me a slap on the back greeting.

  “Didn’t they have it in your size?” I joke back, and Dan feigns offence. “How is everyone?” I ask more seriously as I move around behind Stacey and put my hand on her shoulder.

  Everyone one else seems to be as well as can be expected but Stacey, unsurprisingly, is quiet, seated next to her phone that has a wire leading from it to a plug socket on the wall. I sit in the empty seat next to her.

  “How are you holding up?” I ask her, taking her hand.

  “I don’t really know, Andy, I’m not sure it has sunk in yet, I was still hoping there might have been a message from Mum or Dad when I got my phone switched on again earlier.”

  “So, did I Stacey, but I’m afraid there wasn’t anything, so try and stay strong, I know it’s hard.” I try to soothe, but there isn’t much I can say. The poor girl has just lost her parents. “Have you eaten?” I ask her.

  “Some, but I wasn’t really hungry.”

  “As long as you’ve had something, it will help you keep your strength up,” I tell her, squeezing her hand.

  “Has anyone got any news or heard anything this morning?” I ask everyone.

  “We’ve got nothing really,” Dan replies, “They told us we were clear of the virus and let us out, and we had quick showers. Then they took our phone numbers and dropped us here. I’ve had a walk around and tried to gain some intel but I don’t think anyone here knows what’s going on?”

  “I didn’t learn much this morning. I was taken to a meeting of the top brass and politicians. The Home and Defence Secretaries were both there, as was Colonel Reed, viewing drone footage of London which included the Orion building, but they just asked me questions about Sir Malcolm and his safe. I told them what we know and I was then asked to leave. I know that Colonel Reed wants to see me again shortly but that is all I have,” I tell the group.

  “I can guess what the Colonel wants,” Stan starts, but I shoot him a look and look down at Emily. Stan stops mid-sentence and thankfully, Emily doesn’t seem to register what he was saying.

  “Do you think we are allowed to leave here?” Lindsay asks, “my Mum wants to drive down from Oxford to pick me up?”

  “I don’t see why that will be a problem, I’m sure we can get that arranged,” I tell her. “Have you had any contact with your superiors, Alice?”

  “Nothing, Andy, I’m going to have to report in.”

  “Can you hold off for a while until we know what is going on?” I ask her.

  “I suppose so, for a while.”

  “You’d better get some food down before the Colonel wants you, Boss,” Dan says.

  “Yes, you’re right,” I say getting up, “you stay here with Stacey, Emily, okay?”

  “Yes, okay Dad.”

  “Come on Josh, you can show me where the food is,” I tell him as I go back around the table to where he is still standing, giving Catherine’s arm a squeeze when I pass her.

  Josh and I make our way over to the food, I know full well where it is, but I need to speak to him without Emily around.

  “What about you; have you had any contact with your unit?” I ask him, anxious about his reply.

  “No, nothing, I was surprised when they dropped me and Alice here with everyone else, I thought we would be back on duty by now.”

  “Yes, I thought about that when I was gone and was half expecting it. I was relieved to see you when I got back. I think the best thing to do is say nothing, let them come to you,” I tell him, but have a feeling deep down that it won’t be that simple.

  “Dad, I stayed with Emily while you were gone but I’m going to find out what is going on now and report in. I’ve got to get back to my unit or wherever I’m needed.” He tells me with conviction and I’m proud of him for it, especially after his ordeal in the Tower of London.

  After thinking for a moment, I give him a proposal. “I hear what you are saying, Josh, and I’m proud that you want to do your duty and get back into the fight. I would’ve been exactly the same at your age, but will you hold off until I’ve seen the Colonel again and we know what exactly he wants, what we are dealing with?”

  “Okay, I’ll agree to that for now, Dad, but I am going back to my unit, sooner or later,” he says after a short deliberation.

  “I know you are, Champ.”

  “Stop calling me that, Dad,” he tells me, looking around to see if anyone heard it, slightly embarrassed.

  “Sorry son, I don’t do it on purpose,” I say grinning. “Have you spoken to your Mum? we spoke, and I told her I’d get you to call her?” I ask as we start walking again towards the queue for the food.

  “Yes, about twenty minutes ago, she was very upset,” Josh tells me.

  “I expect she is; she will be feeling pretty helpless stranded over there, with what’s happened.”

  “Well she shouldn’t even be there; she should be with her daughter,” Josh says sternly.

  “You’re right of course, but she couldn’t have known this was going to happen.” I try to defend her for some reason.

  “Let’s not talk about it, Dad,” Josh says, probably for the best.

  Josh has not forgiven Jessica for leaving and only talks to her through gritted teeth. We have talked about it in the past; on the odd occasion, we have both had a few drinks together when Emily has spent the night with a school friend, or something. One Saturday, not so long ago, Emily had gone to a friend’s birthday pyjama party and was having a sleepover, and Josh was home, so we took the chance to go and watch the football at the pub. The game went into extra time and by the end, we were both more than a bit tipsy but we still thought it was a good idea to have a few more ‘celebratory’ drinks after. By the time we walked home we had both had too much to drink, and on the walk home, Josh got quite emotional, as you do—and his feelings about his Mum came to the surface. He was angry at his Mum, not for leaving me, as he could understand that as I was away a lot on duty; these things happen. And it wasn’t because she had moved away from him either, it was because of what she had done to Emily. He couldn’t understand how his mother could leave her daughter, especially as Emily was so young. He saw first-hand the effect it had—and still does have—on her and he was finding it hard to forgive her for that, and who could blame him?

  The queue for the food isn’t too bad and we are soon walking back to our table, me with a plate piled high with bacon, sausage, toast and all the trimmings in one hand and a cup of tea in t
he other. Josh didn’t come away empty-handed either and is eating a bacon sandwich as we walk.

  When we get back to the table, I eat my breakfast, which goes down a treat. I debate with myself, going over different possibilities and I listen to the others talking; all the chat revolves around what is going to happen next. Lindsay talks about getting to Oxford again and it sounds like Stan has decided to try and get to some family he has in Bristol.

  Stacey is very quiet, and I wonder what I should do with her. Should I get her to her grandparents or keep her with us? I suppose the decision is hers really; she is old enough to decide, but I don’t even know what is in store for us?

  Dan sounds like he has decided to stay and help out any way he can. He hasn’t any family to speak of and knowing him, he would have decided that anyway, family or not.

  Catherine hasn’t said anything about what she might do; she could go to her mother’s; she might be waiting to see what happens with the Colonel before she decides.

  As for me, I’m going to do whatever is best for Emily, no matter what the Colonel says and what pressure he applies, I’ve just got to try and decide what that is.

  Are we safest here behind the firepower and defences at Heathrow, or do I get Emily out of London and as far away as possible? If this virus spreads out of the city, will any of the country be safe? So, what is the best thing for Emily? Should I help stop the outbreak here, now? The only other option I can think of is getting to the coast and trying to get over to France or maybe Ireland; surely that would be safest if we could somehow cross over?

  A chilling thought crosses my mind, of back when we were flying over the Thames and seeing that Rabids had crossed over the Thames to the Southbank of London. I’ve no doubt some have been washed out to sea and who knows where they could wash up? Is it possible the virus could spread beyond our shores? From what I’ve seen, anything is possible; no wonder the authorities are nervous and have closed worldwide airspace!