by Gavin Magson
“I would have fought you for it, this thing is my baby. It is probably the best bed in the whole sector, something my father bought for me years ago.”
He was impressed by the beds condition, considering its age. Ajax sat with his back to the headboard and could feel his eyes drooping again, the heat and alcohol were doing their best to send him to sleep. Just as exhaustion threatened to take him Ajax became aware of a strange sensation on his lips. When he opened his eyes Katherine was leant across, kissing him passionately. His brain took an age to realise what was going on before he lazily pushed her away; he did not fail to see the hurt and shock in her eyes.
“I'm really flattered, Kathy, but I already have a woman in my life, it would be wrong for me to do this.”
The crying began swiftly, her shoulders shook uncontrollably as warm tears ran off her chin to land on the sheets. Ajax could not help but wrap his arms around her and pull Katherine into an embrace that did nothing to cease her sobbing.
“I don't know why you are crying, a beautiful girl like you could do a whole lot better than a scum bag killer like me.” he said, kissing her auburn hair gently. “I’m not worth anyone’s tears.”
His words did not do the trick, instead she tried to talk through the tears. “I'll never find a nice guy like you whilst stuck in Six. The real scum live in these slums, murderers and thieves are the best that Konar can offer out here. What's so wrong with me?” her words came in bursts through deep, racking sobs.
“There is nothing wrong with you, one day you will find your prince, someone that deserves your love. Don't fall for someone like me, you obviously don’t know me well enough to realise I am little better than the men you speak of. Trust me when I say that you can do a whole lot better.”
He felt the sobs that shook her body begin to finally subside as the sense of his words cut through to Katherine. Her tears eased up and the gentle noise of her laughter took their place. She peeled her head away from his chest and wiped softly at the large damp spot that was left behind.
“I'm sorry about your shirt. You are right, though there is nothing wrong with falling for a killer like yourself. It's just that I have never had a man in my life, other than my father, and I am sick of the grimy excuses for men that hit on me every day. Rine has made sure that none of his men ever get too friendly with Gel or I, but it doesn't stop what they say.”
Ajax took the glass out of her hand and set both down on the table beside her bed. He rested one hand on Katherine's cheek, the other hand moved hair out of her eyes and stroked where the tears had trailed down her face.
“Just remember that you are worth a great man, so don't settle for anything less. You are young, there is plenty of time to meet someone who is right for you. I think my showing you kindness may have had a part in you thinking that I am different. A real man shows kindness out of respect, not a desire to impress.
“I think we have both had enough to drink for tonight. I'll see you for breakfast, hopefully without a hangover. Don't dwell on these things too much.” he leant in to plant a soft kiss on her cheek and gave her a reassuring smile.
“Thanks, Ajax, for understanding.” she said. “And thanks for not taking advantage.”
He picked up the bottle and his glass, then bid Katherine a good night before closing the door on her. It had taken far too much restraint to decline Katherine, his mind was already fuzzy from the alcohol and he had been without a woman for too long. She truly was beautiful, full hips had stared him in the face climbing those stairs and parts of his anatomy complained about his brains decision; even if it had been the right one.
Ajax staggered up the stairs, bouncing off the walls as he tried to drink from the bottle, which nearly sent him toppling backwards. He let out a curse and struggled on, finally finding his way upstairs and half falling through his bedrooms door.
A brief struggle ensued as he collapsed onto the mattress and tried to fight off his clothes whilst still keeping one hand on the bottle. Eventually he admitted defeat and crumpled on to the mattress fully clothed. He inspected the bottle with unfocused eyes, cursed its lack of contents, then tipped it backwards and finished its contents.
Chapter 12
It felt as if a horse had kicked him in the head, twice. Ajax opened his eyes, groaning at the agony within his skull. To add further pain to Ajax's misery his back was ablaze where he had passed out slouched against the wall, his body contorted in an unnatural position. His pocket was vibrating and a fist hammered on the bedroom door, rattling the aged wood. He swore.
When he opened the door Miles instantly started talking, his voice so loud that nothing got through the pain to Ajax and he had to silence the man.
“Slower and quieter this time.” said Ajax.
“What the fuck happened to you? I can smell what happened, don't bother answering that.” Miles' enthusiastic mood did nothing to aid his own. “I found him, I found Malik and his skyscraper base! They’re on the sector border just like the intelligence suggested.”
“That is wonderful, but don't you think that information could have waited a few more hours; I am really dying here. What's the plan?”
“You go back to bed, I'll need you sober and at your best for this; you won’t last five minutes with all this agro. I'll have a talk with Rex, we really need him to leave Jerry's side and come with us, two against them just won’t work. There is a lot of activity going on, it looks like they are gearing up to move his operation. I’m concerned that it won’t be to another base within Six, and if he makes it out of the sector we have little chance of finding him quickly in Seven. I estimate we have a day before they are ready to move out, it’s a lot of equipment that he will have and men are in short supply these days. We don’t have to rush this, we can take our time and plan accordingly. If we could capture some of Malik's men and disguise ourselves in their clothes it should be easy to get inside and find him.”
“Okay, apart from just how difficult that will be to pull off it does sound feasible as a plan. Wake me up when you've finished talking with Rex, and make sure someone is cooking breakfast or you’ll see the true extent of my anger.”
With Miles gone Ajax finally stripped off last night’s clothes, which he threw away in disgust. He drank a large glass of lukewarm water that rested on the floor and laid down on the abused mattress; his spine truly felt like it had been broken in two. Sleep took a while to come, no position on the floor could make him comfortable and only sheer exhaustion saw him finally drift off to sleep.
He woke up on the first knock this time, though it seemed far too fast to Ajax. He cursed as he opened the door, a broad grin staring back at him. Miles had managed to wash the worst of his face paint off, even his comical appearance could not redeem him for interrupting Ajax’s sleep.
“I managed to convince Rex to leave Jerry. It seems that his condition has improved overnight and Jerry has even been awake and talking. I'm not ashamed to say I used Jerry to talk Rex into it, the man needs to get out of this house before he goes insane. How soon can you be ready?”
“I'll dress and make up some magazines, shouldn't be long. How is breakfast coming along?” Ajax realised that Miles hadn't inquired about his injuries, which was a small blessing. Either they were forgotten to the man or he was unconcerned about Ajax's condition; neither possibility troubled him.
“It should be ready soon so hurry up, I want to head out ASAP to ensure Malik is still there when we arrive; it is a fair distance away after all. I'll get the rest of this paint off and meet you and Rex downstairs.” Miles opened the door and disappeared down the attic steps, humming a tune to himself. The man was positively giddy with the prospect of hunting Malik.
Ajax got to work immediately. He placed the small munitions crate on his bed, along with the coloured tape and his remaining empty magazines. He was becoming a deft hand at filling clips full of ammunition, no longer did he need to watch his hands at work. In no time he had a fresh supply of clips just waiting to go, sort
ed by contents and labelled for easy identification.
It took a few minutes to round up some clothes. He had thrown them clear of his body when going back to bed earlier and had to investigate every nook and cranny to find his absent shirt. He was mildly amused to find it hidden within an empty crate, somehow he had managed to throw it between the narrow gap left by the partially closed lid.
Ajax disassembled the two guns and gave them a quick clean, not that they needed it; it was more a force of habit that made him clean them before use. He packed away the fresh magazines, as well as the three handgun clips from before his injury, and the remaining speciality bullets he had spent a small fortune on; his pockets jangled with every step he took. Kitted out for war Ajax headed down to the cellar.
Rex was making short work of his breakfast and seemed to not notice Ajax stepping into the room. Ajax took note of the smile Rex wore whilst enjoying his food, which only aided in clearing his sour mood. Ajax would not have been surprised if the man started singing, he was visibly happy at the prospect of his friends recovery.
“Miles tells me that Jerry is improving, is this true?” Ajax asked.
Rex paused with a forkful hovering next to his mouth. “He woke up a few hours ago, first time since we brought him back, and he ate something. Gel said she was happy to look after him today whilst we are gone, only reason I am even considering leaving his side. Besides, Jerry wouldn't let me say no. I told Jerry that you are to thank for him still being alive after the warehouse. That cleanser must have been just what he needed, the infection appears to be all but gone. Thank you again, Jerry would not be here without you.”
Guns seemed to fill every available inch in the room, which left very little space for the petite frame of Angelica to navigate around. Her eyes made a point of avoiding Ajax's, he was unsure if Angelica's question last night or him turning down Katherine's advances was the cause; he had no desire to find out. He gave Rex an appreciative nod and accepted a plate of food that was thrust towards him by Angelica.
Breakfast had been prepared by Angelica, with Katherine uncharacteristically vacant from the stove. Ajax already knew where she was, he had heard the faint sounds of vomiting as he passed her bedroom door moments ago. Even so, the meal was filling and tasty, more than he could ask for to rid the after-taste of harsh alcohol in his mouth. Ajax made sure to drink plenty more water in the hope that his headache would subside when he was finally hydrated.
Miles ducked under the cellars doorway and stepped into the room, still dressed in black but his skin was finally back to its lightly tanned self. For someone running on so little sleep it came as a surprise to Ajax that the man was still grinning from ear to ear.
“If you two ladies have finished gossiping I am waiting on you to leave, so hurry up with your meals. It might be an idea to bring some water if you are feeling so fragile, Ajax.” Miles said, laughing as Ajax swore at him.
The plates were cleared of their contents and Angelica dug out a small plastic bottle for him. Ajax thanked her as he filled it with tap water, noting that she had not reacted to his words. Rex took the woman to one side, the gesture did nothing in such a confined space, and thanked her again for looking after Jerry. She tried to shrug it off but the man was truly thankful, only when Miles cleared his throat did Rex leave her alone. It was almost too fast for the eye to see, but Ajax saw Rex slip a credit chip into Angelica's apron pocket; she did not even bat an eyelid, oblivious to what he had done.
Miles opened the door and the three men headed out into the cold streets. The morning air sent a chill down Ajax's spine as the door shut behind him, his hairs stood on end as he shivered. Ajax had his rifle slung around his back and the pistol strapped to his right hip, always close at hand if he needed either. The knife was in its sheath on the opposite hip, razor sharp as he always kept it. They stepped out into the street beyond, and for once weren't greeted by the nearby sound of gunfire.
“Damn, it is fucking cold today. I wish I had some gloves at least.” said Ajax, rubbing his hands to try and generate some heat.
“I am glad that you said you're cold,” Miles said, grinning once again, “It is four hours to the skyscraper at a fast walk, I want to be there in two. We had best start jogging, watch the corners and make sure your safeties are off. We shouldn't pass anyone for a while yet, but keep alert in case of anyone fleeing in the wrong direction.”
“You have got to be kidding me,” said Ajax as the two men in front broke into a fast jog.
Ajax was positive that he must have sweated out last night’s alcohol by now, he felt surprisingly good for their fast travel through Sector Six and had managed not to crumple into a dishevelled mess so far. Miles had been right, they had not met any of the gang members in the streets, though the more surprising sight was that of some civilians peering out of their homes. Ajax did not realise that some of the inhabitants had started returning to the sector, now that the fighting had moved close to the border with Seven.
When the trio were halted by their leader Ajax could not help but laugh at Miles' laboured breaths; the man might not have been as bathed with sweat as Ajax was but he certainly wasn't as physically fit.
“That's enough now, Ajax, we need to get serious about this. Let's go over to that building, we can get a decent view of the skyscraper from its roof.” said Miles, pointing at the tallest building on the street. Nothing could block out the monstrous peaks in the distance, so tall that they pierced the clouds.
They moved around to an alley that ran alongside the building where Rex squatted below the fire escape with his hands intertwined and waited for Ajax to get in position. He rested against the adjacent wall and pushed off, landing one foot in Rex's hands and jumping up. His fingertips gripped the bottom rung of the ladder and Ajax pulled himself up, feeling his shoulders protesting instantly. When he managed to climb over to the walkway Ajax released a catch that sent the ladder squealing down to the men below.
The trio ascended the rusted metal staircase until they stepped out onto the building’s high roof. Just like Miles had suggested the group had a clear view of the skyscraper they targeted, along with the surrounding area. It was not the first time Ajax had seen one, but it was no less impressive for being a familiar sight. The tower stretched up into heavy clouds, its peak impervious of the rain that the clouds promised. Fog was rolling in from beyond the line of skyscrapers, obscuring his sight of the sector border Miles had mentioned several times.
Behind the street their building was on a river cut through the slums, a wide bridge nearby crossed it with seven men standing guard. It was open ground from there to the skyscrapers, even without his telescopic sight Ajax could see the bustle of activity in the distance at its base. The three men kept low to the buildings edge, despite the guards being oblivious to what was going on above them.
“Shit, these guys weren't here last night. I suppose this helps us now, we can change outfits earlier and definitely get past that hive unnoticed.” said Miles.
“Are you sure about this? What if we don't kill all those guards before they throw up an alarm, or someone might know what each member looks like and opens fire on us? There are no hiding spots from that bridge to the skyscraper, it's not like we could sneak up on them.” said Ajax.
“I have an idea, but there is a chance you might not like it, Ajax,” said Rex, staring past the two men away from the bridge.
“Tell me anyway, it can't be worse than Miles' plan.” said Ajax.
“Someone could climb down the river bank and shimmy across it, sneaking up on the men from the other side. The part you won't like is the fact that only you could make it.”
He had to give it to the man, Rex had not lied; he really did not like it. From their vantage point Ajax could see the opposite river bank, plenty of handholds had been cut out of its surface over time. The heavy rains had filled the river, its dark brown mass gushed along the river bed and would be his death if Ajax fell in. Rex had pointed out the obvious flaw in the
bridges guards; none of them were looking behind.
“Can you think of a less suicidal idea, Miles?” asked Ajax, just a hint of pleading in his voice.
“Unless you want to cross the next bridge I can't think of a better plan. Before you think the alternative route is an option, Malik could be long gone by the time we cross and get back to the skyscrapers, and we would be no closer to an enemy disguise.” said Miles.
Ajax removed his rifle and begrudgingly rested it on the roofs ledge whilst shooting the other two men looks of anger. It only caused them to start quietly chuckling at his disgust, which further elevated his irritation. They weren't the ones risking life and limb by following through with this insane plan.
Miles rummaged through his pockets, eventually he found a microphone and earpiece, the latter he handed to a confused Ajax. Miles attached the microphone to his own ear, the mouth piece hovered half an inch from his lips.
“You put it inside your ear, it is only one directional but at least I will be able to communicate with you. Try not to fall in the river, it will ruin the earpiece and this stuff is really expensive; plus you will undoubtedly drown and there are downsides to that too.” Miles only smiled as Ajax cursed him for his words.
“The first sign that one of them spots me and you open fire, I don't care about going unnoticed if my life hangs in the balance. You can use my rifle, Rex, it has a better sight than your own, just don't use up all my ammo. I'll see you guys on the other side.”
Ajax did not wait around for an inspirational speech off Miles or Rex. He climbed down the fire escape and dropped soundlessly into the alley below, walking at a crouch to the alleys end. Behind the building was a shallow path that ran alongside the river, a few rear doors opened up onto it; thankfully there was no one in sight. Ajax kept close to the wall and headed upstream, away from the bridge, until he found an easy spot to climb down the bank.