Promethean Shadows

by Patrick Jean-Jacques

  DCI Limberg had already formed an action plan by the time Billy had started talking. In the background, he was already giving orders to his admin team. In turn, they immediately were on the phones, liaising with their counterparts in Lancashire and Worcester. At the same time, DI Hannah was redirecting personnel and coordinating armed units.

  Billy felt physically sick and mentally drained. It wasn’t as easy as he’d expected and he felt overwhelmed by guilty feelings of betrayal. In many ways, Cameron was more of a father to Billy than he ever was to Will and the notion wasn’t lost on Will. He embraced Billy and reassured him that no matter what happened after, they’d have each other, as brothers.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  My Brother’s Keeper

  Cameron’s mansion, present moment… Will was kneeling on all fours and gasping heavily, as he tried to get oxygen into lungs. Every muscle in his body ached from the physical exertion of the struggle. Blood and saliva dripped profusely from a reopened wound inside his mouth. He spat the excess out on the floor, deliberately staining Cameron’s expensive soft white rug.

  Desperately, he looked around to find Billy amongst the carnage, broken windows and bullet-ridden walls. As Will struggled to regain his composure, he saw the soles from a pair of boots pointing toward the ceiling. Then he saw part of Billy’s leg and realised he wasn’t moving. Drawing on his remaining energy, Will got to his feet and staggered over to Billy.

  Disorientated, Will stumbled to the floor beside Billy and hoped that he wasn’t dead. As he examined Billy’s motionless body, he was finding it difficult to concentrate. Will grabbed Billy’s wrist and found a weak pulse. He then looked across at his chest, and saw it rising and falling weakly. Will sighed with relief and continued examining Billy’s body.

  There were three wounds, two in the body and one in the thigh, “Please don’t be dead, please don’t be dead,” mumbled Will fearfully.

  “That should be you lying there,” sneered the cold and angry voice.

  Will froze instantly and feebly attempted to raise his tired arms. “Father!” he said tiredly. “How’s it going?”

  “I think we can agree that Billy’s the least of your troubles William,” snarled Cameron. “Ultimately, he’s paid for his treachery and now, so will you,” he added. Spitefully, he pressed the hot barrel of his handgun into Will’s neck, leaving painful imprint.

  “Go to hell,” Will said fearlessly.

  Cameron Cox crouched down onto his knee and cocked the slide on his gun. Without a trace of emotion on his face, he pointed the barrel inches away from Will’s head and placed his finger on the trigger.

  ✽✽✽

  Lancashire, forty-eight hours earlier… It was windier than usual and swirls of sand blew around the air. On a sunnier day, there’d be multitudes of tourists, ubiquitously holidaying around the pleasure beach and promenade. During the evenings, there’d be merriments, as the partygoers came out. Mostly, people who wanted to experience their final moments as bachelors and bachelorettes. Some wanted to grace the legendary ballroom in town.

  Regardless of reasons, Blackpool was a popular location on the north-west coast of England. It’s landscape was dominated by an infamous tower, which stood at a modest 158 metres high, 518 feet in old money.

  The team of Prometheans were hyped-up about what Cameron described as, ‘their most important mission’. However, they’d been neglectful in their usual precautions and unbeknown to them, a police surveillance team had been shadowing their every move.

  Through his binoculars, DCI Limberg could see two men positioning the EMP device near the top of the tower. Below them, another two men in safety harnesses were traversing the beams and wrapping copper wiring around them. Finally, two armed men stood guard in the event things went wrong. Limberg rested the binoculars on his thighs and looked at his younger colleague.

  Limberg’s younger colleague was secondment from the Worcester Police Force. Despite being among the best and brightest of his peers, he was eager to make all the right impressions. Unfortunately, his nervousness manifested itself in an innate tendency to chat.

  “Did you know sir, when the winds exceeded forty-five miles-per-hour, the top of the tower had to be closed to visitors, workers and well, anyone,” said the eager young man, as he also lowered his own binoculars.

  Limberg already knew these men were anything but structural engineers, “According to our sources, Cameron intends to detonate his device here tonight,” he said. “More importantly, Intel says he’s planning on doing the dirty himself. So when we get a visual, we go!” Limberg said with authority.

  “Yes sir!” replied the young officer keenly. “Did you know the tower was built with five million bricks and twenty-five hundred tonnes of iron?”

  Limberg looked at the younger officer thoughtfully, “What’s your name again Sergeant?” he asked. “Brandon? Benton?”

  “James Bendon sir,” replied the young Sergeant eagerly.

  “You’re a little on the young side Sergeant,” said Limberg observantly. “How old are you?” he asked.

  “Twenty-six, Sir,” said Bendon proudly. “Did you know that the ballroom floor is constructed from thirty-thousand separate blocks of walnut, oak and mahogany?”

  Limberg shook his head, “You’re a fountain of knowledge Bendon,” he replied. “How long have you lived here?”

  “All my life, Sir,” said James Bendon proudly.

  “You should get out more,” Limberg said to the enthusiastic officer.

  “I have sir,” admitted Bendon. “I didn’t like it much,” he added. “I think I’ll stay here ‘til I die, sir.”

  Limberg looked at him curiously, “Don’t worry Sergeant, we’ve got armed units covering the entire tower and the area is on lockdown,” he said supportively. “Just stay close by!”

  “Roger that sir!” acknowledged Bendon.

  For the next fifteen minutes, everything went silent. Limberg ordered all units to maintain strict radio silence, unless it was to confirm a sighting of Cameron. A voice crackled suddenly crackled over the radio,

  “Sir, we’ve got eyes on the target! Repeat we’ve got a positive visual on Cameron,” said the commander of the armed unit. “He’s at the top with four other suspects…Over!”

  “Roger that,” replied Limberg. “Tac teams, you’ve got a green light!”

  “All units, we’re green,” said the Commander. “Go! Go! Go!” he barked into his radio. Dressed in their full body armour, gas masks and semi-automatic machine guns, the armed unit moved swiftly and decisively.

  As chaos ensued, the armed officers could be heard over the radio taking control of the situation, ‘Armed police don’t move! Drop the gun! Get on the floor! Get down, get down!’ multiple voices demanded.

  The fracas sounded longer than it actually lasted and after nearly ten minutes, silence filled the air. Unexpectedly, two firecracker-like sounds rang out in quick succession followed by several heavier calibre gunshots.

  Limberg waited for the signal from the Senior Armed Officer nervously. The tension filled the air filled, as static crackled over the airwaves. “We’re all clear here up here sir!” the SAO said over the radio.

  With that, Limberg and Bendon raced towards the lifts and headed to the top level. When they got there, two of the Prometheans were lying dead and the glass floor had blood over it. Another three were kneeling down, shamefacedly with their hands cuffed.

  The sixth man, Cameron Cox was also on his knees with his hands cuffed, as an armed officer stood next to him. As he glanced up smugly at Limberg, Bendon and the SAO were in disagreement over a picture of him. The SAO was bothered that picture of Cameron looked distinctly different to the man knelt on the floor.

  Bendon smiled triumphantly and was just happy to be part of a big operation. Before anyone could share his joy, Cameron sprang to his feet and bundled an armed officer over. As they fell, Cameron grabbed a gun, aimed it at Limberg and fired. Everyone froze, as multiple shots hurt
led their way.

  As Don Limberg’s body sailed through the air, he was convinced was hit. What he’d actually missed was Bendon’s quick reactions in shoving him out the way. His quick reactions saved Limberg but several of the bullets tore through him. The other gunfire Limberg heard belonged to the SAO and he saw that Cameron was now dead.

  “Damn it!” cursed Limberg. “I wanted that bastard alive,” he said, cutting a frustrated figure.

  “Sorry sir, rules of engagement!” replied the SAO dutifully.

  “That’s not what I meant,” said Limberg apologetically. “Good job!” The SAO acknowledged Limberg’s praise before he gestured to the ground abjectly. “What?” Limberg looked down at the ground and his heart sank, “Bendon! James, come on get up!” he urged fruitlessly.

  After a minute, Limberg located the artery by Bendon’s neck and pressed two fingers gently against it. He couldn’t find a pulse but then, he wasn’t expecting to find one. He then whispered into his James Bendon’s ear, “Did you know that the Blackpool Tower was designed in such a way that if it collapsed, it’d fall straight into the sea?” he said quietly.

  “You okay sir?” asked the SAO sympathetically.

  Limberg nodded woefully as another armed officer came over, “Sir, we found this attached to the tower,” he said, as he inspected the object.

  “It looks like some sort of electrical relay or junction box,” said the SAO.

  Limberg still filled with grief at the Bendon’s death looked up. “Have you cleared that thing?” he said urgently.

  “Not yet, sir,” replied the officer.

  “Bloody fool!” Limberg jumped to his feet and snatched the box. Instinctively, he ran across the glass floor and pulled his arm back. Just as he was about to throw the device, it exploded. In seconds, a horrific ball of flame, consumed everyone on that level leaving everyone dead.

  ✽✽✽

  Worcestershire, twenty-four hours earlier… As the sunset filled the darkening skies, the brilliant headlights of the powerful Ducati stretched along the road ahead. The peacefulness of the countryside was disturbed, as it roared impertinently and sped through the rural lanes.

  Billy took the remotest route to the Malverns, avoiding the motorways. Within an hour, he arrived at Cameron’s vast mansion, which was located midway between Guarlford and Hanley Swan.

  When he approached the mechanical gates, Billy looked around curiously and saw something was different. The enormous security gate appeared reinforced with steel plating, making it more formidable. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in armed guards patrolling the mansion grounds.

  Once Billy cleared security, he opened-up the throttle and came off the clutch quickly. Loose dirt and gravel flew up as the rear wheel spun aggressively and he accelerated toward the mansion. The two unimpressed security guards, failed to see the wicked smirk on Billy’s face behind his closed his visor.

  Another two guards at the entrance of the mansion checked Billy again before allowing him to enter. Mildly irritated, Billy walked through the door with a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach. As he entered Cameron’s living room, he steeled himself and prepared himself for anything.

  “How did things go at the apartment?” asked Cameron suspiciously.

  As Billy thought of an appropriate response, he wondered why Cameron had asked him in that manner. He suspected Cameron knew more than he was letting on, so Billy put his cards on the table, “Of all the people, why’d you send me to kill him?” asked Billy honestly. “What were you hoping for?”

  “I was hoping you’d do your job,” said Cameron sharply. “…As you’ve always done, without question.”

  “So, this was a test?” asked Billy. “After all this time all I’ve done for you… You don’t trust me?”

  “As far as I’m concerned, trust is relative,” replied Cameron aloofly.

  “You sent me to kill my only friend!” said Billy angrily.

  “Oh, don’t be so sentimental,” growled Cameron. “He’s a tool, much like that screwdriver in your pocket,” added Cameron, as he held out his hand.

  Billy wondered how Cameron had noticed the screwdriver, as he removed it from his pocket. For the first time in his life, Billy saw Cameron as he really was and looked at him pitifully.

  “Why didn’t you tell me he was my brother!” said Billy accusingly. “You sent me to murder my own blood!” Cameron didn’t reply but the guilt in his eyes betrayed his thoughts. He hadn’t expected Billy to find out the truth yet but he wasn’t surprised either. “Thanks for opening my eyes. I see you now for the sociopath you are,” said Billy angrily.

  Cameron nodded in agreement, “Yes Billy, I’m a textbook sociopath with megalomaniacal tendencies,” he replied, egotistically. “Of course, the organisation, all of this, is just bullshit. It’s a means that has finally reached its end,” added Cameron cynically.

  “Aren’t you the least bit sorry?” asked Billy.

  “You and William found each, what’s there to be sorry about?” replied Cameron. “You’re both so much alike, you know.”

  “What are you going to do, when they come for you?” asked Billy bleakly.

  “Me! Didn’t you know I was dead?” replied Cameron arrogantly. “It’s all over the news. Apparently, I died in an explosion on top of Blackpool Tower.”

  “Foley?” said Billy.

  “Poor Tom!” said Cameron. “Now there was a man who understood loyalty,”

  “Okay, so you win again,” said Billy, with feigned reverence. “What’s your game, really?” asked Billy innocently.

  Cameron couldn’t prevent himself from bragging, his ego wouldn’t allow it. He pulled down a large projector screen and revealed an OS map of the area surrounding Worcester City. On the map, there were four radio masts circled and numbered, and one centrally located was marked ‘FP’.

  “I’m going to use these four radio masts at Throckmorton, King’s Green, Lulsley and Fernhill Heath to boost the EMP signal here at Guarlford,” said Cameron zealously.

  Billy’s eyes opened widely, “That would generate a pulse large enough to sweep the entire British Isles, Northern Ireland and…” he stopped.

  “Further! We estimate most of France and some of the Iberian Peninsula,” interjected Cameron. He looked at the expression on Billy’s face, “I thought you’d be impressed,” he commented arrogantly.

  “You really are crazy!” said Billy.

  Cameron simply smiled, “You should be more concerned about your own welfare,” he said, as he pushed a button on his desk. Two surly looking men, who were dressed proudly in their Promethean fatigues walked into the room. “Lock him away, until I can decide what to do with him,” he snarled.

  Billy had his phone and other possessions confiscated. As he began to protest, one of the men slammed a right hook into Billy’s face without warning. The force was so great that Billy’s head jerked back and immediately lost consciousness. The other guard manhandled him aggressively and tossed him over his shoulder. When they arrived at a shed outside, the man threw him on the cold floor.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Penance

  Cameron’s mansion, 12 hours earlier… Billy was still lying on the cold, hard ground. He had blood on the side of his bruised face, as he puffed out streams of cold air.

  “Billy? Billy?” yelled the voice in his earpiece. “Billy can you hear me,”

  “Sam, could you please quit shouting?” said Billy hoarsely. “My ears are ringing and my head is pounding something fierce.”

  “We’ve been trying to reach you for hours,” said DI Hannah. “Are you alright?”

  “Nothing an aspirin won’t fix,” joked Billy. He lifted his head off the floor slowly and wiped his mouth.

  “Are you hurt?” she asked.

  “Apart from the huge bruise on my face, I’m just peachy!” replied Billy, as he massaged his neck.

  “Can you tell us where you are?” asked Hannah.

  “Cameron’s
apes dumped me inside this stupid outhouse,” said Billy.

  “Outhouse!” repeated Hannah quizzically. After a thought, “You mean a shed?” she said.

  “Is that what they’re called?” said Billy humorously.

  Billy looked around the edges of the shed door and blacked-out windows. He saw that daylight was creeping through and presumed it was early morning. “Did you get all that crap earlier?”

  “Thanks to you!” commended Samantha Hannah. “DNA evidence identified the man shot at Blackpool Tower, was one Thomas Foley. His resemblance to Cameron was remarkable,” she added.

  Billy explained how Cameron’s security had dropped-the-ball, despite the repetitiveness of their checks. They’d overlooked the tiny piece concealed inside his ear and the mini camera in his belt. In turn, Samantha Hannah updated Billy on the deployment of the Worcester Police Force and Armed Tactical Units.

  The ATU intercepted Cameron’s teams at Throckmorton, King’s Green, Lulsley and Fernhill Heath, without suffering casualties. When Hannah told Billy about DCI Limberg’s unfortunate death, she almost found it difficult to contain the grief and bitterness in her voice.

  “You guys coming to get me right?” asked Billy hopefully.

  Sam Hannah promptly reassured him, “Sit tight, we’ll be with you very soon!” she said.

  “Where’s Will?” asked Billy concerned.

  “I’m right here buddy,” replied Will instantly. “Don’t worry, we’re coming f…”

  “Wait!” said Billy, cutting Will off. He saw the shadow moving across the gap underneath the door. A guard had approached the shed and was now standing outside the door, “Someone’s coming,” he whispered.

  The wooden door swung open abruptly and the guard looked down at Billy contemptuously, as feigned unconsciousness. “Wakey-wakey pretty boy,” said the guard, as he grinned mischievously.

  He spitefully nudged Billy in the ribs with his boot, before allowing him to get to his feet. As Billy walked ahead, the guard hurled more insults at him. He even got in some very personal, cultural slurs, as he slammed the shed door behind them.