“Sorry Ron but you of all people should know it has to end like this”
Richards held the Browning pistol loosely in his hand as he stood over the man that had caused so much pain to so many people. Bostock sat up wiping the blood from his face but looked ever the defiant person he was, spitting blood at Richards’ feet. Alex Richards could not hide the smile on his face as his finger feathered the trigger. Normally emotion never entered his head during a kill but this one was different. Sometimes there was no time to think as instinct takes over then other times it was a cold calculated execution. Bostock’s experience told him he didn’t stand a chance as he waited for the burning impact of the rounds from Alex’s weapon.
“Put the weapon down Alex” said a voice from the doorway where Wyre and Oliver had just left by. Spinning around Alex’s instinct was to open fire but to his horror Wyre was stood there with blood pouring from his nose and a weapon being held to his head. Oliver was struggling in the arms of another one of the men stood with weapon in hand. Bostock now stood up to relish the fact that his men had appeared just at the right time but Instead of being his arrogant self Bostock was heard mumbling and looked shocked at who had appeared at the door. It certainly wasn’t his own men but whoever it was they had Bostock feeling slightly nervous and edgy to point of almost subduing him which was virtually unheard of. Even Alex noticed Bostock’s change in demeanour at the unknown power in the room.
“Shit! Now we’re all fucked” mumbled Bostock.
Chapter 23
When Ron Bostock entered a room surrounded by his goons there was a certain amount of fear that came with him even if you didn’t actually know him. A presence of evil and intimidation accompanied him as did the smiles and one could assume something bad was about to happen and it usually did. For Ron Bostock to now be almost cowering to the guys that had just walked in to the apartment had Alex Richards trying to rack his brain as to who they were and trying his best to recognise them but to no avail. The person who Richards assumed to be the person in charge casually walked in through the door. His expression was almost one of impatience that the situation in front of him had dragged him from his desk. He was younger than nearly everyone in the room and his suit was tailor made with no expense spared. Richards studied his short neat black hair that was combed to the right to create a side parting. This guy could have been easily mistaken for a university graduate with his smooth stubble less chin and feminine looking hands that had never done a hard day’s work. It seemed slightly surreal that this fresh faced master was in charge of so many rugged and battle scarred suits and commanded so much respect from those around him including the infallible Ron Bostock.
“Hi!” said the young pup glancing at Richards. “Ron!” he said nodding at Bostock.
Richards didn’t acknowledge the young upstart but instead approached Wyre and Oliver demanding the muscle release them both. Richards held out his arms to Oliver and gave his captor and fellow executioner a look of respect but also a look that told him if he didn’t release the boy he would take him apart there and then. There was no response from the guy holding Oliver so before anyone could take another breath the guy had Richards’ weapon pressed against his forehead.
“Come on Alex there’s no need to be like that. We’re all friends here”
As he said this, the young guy holding court nodded to the guy also dressed in a tailored suit to let Alex have the boy. He relinquished him to Alex but before Oliver’s feet touched the floor he leapt into the arms of Richards, throwing his arms around the detective’s neck. Alex held Oliver tight in one arm whilst signalling to Wyre that he wished him to follow them to the sofa. Wyre glanced at the guy holding the weapon to see if there would be repercussions if he followed Alex’s request. There wasn’t as Wyre followed Richards over to the sofa again and pressed his nose to feel if it had been broken in the attack that had happened in the corridor outside the apartment. As much as Richards was in the mental zone to deal with whatever situation was about to happen in the room, the emotion that arose from Oliver holding him tight and trusting him like nobody had ever done before had the detective slightly stunned. Oliver had seen so much and yet knew little about why all this was happening but his instinct knew that if he couldn’t be with his father for protection the person he was safest with was Richards and now he was reluctant to let go of him.
“It’s ok Oliver, everything will be fine” said Richards smiling.
As he gave Oliver back to Wyre, Richards glanced over towards the apartment on the opposite side of the river where his sniper had been waiting. Bostock noticed this and immediately gave him up.
“John he has a sniper on the opposite side of the river. Took out a few of my men as you can see”
“He did have a sniper Ron. He won’t be a problem anymore” replied the young guy called John.
Richards looked across the river to see another guy in a suit, stood on the balcony to the room where Alex’s sniper had been firing from. They had obviously taken him out which now meant if anything went down it would just be Alex and Wyre to try and fight their way out. Even Richards acknowledged to himself that the odds were not good.
“My name is John Rice by the way and I am here to end all this”
Even though Richards now knew his name he was still none the wiser as to who this young guy was, but had a good idea why he was here. He moved back towards Wyre and Oliver but remained standing in the hope that he might be able to protect them again.
“You see Alex you might know who I am but I know who you are. The thing is you have got yourself mixed up in something that really does not concern you. You of all people should know that to meddle in things that effectively need to happen just brings trouble for you and those around you”
“What and tearing this man’s family apart, kidnapping his son, murdering his wife and then using his son as a mobile bomb by pumping chemicals into him that could potentially kill him needed to happen. It was necessary was it?” said Richards calmly.
“Oh come on Alex, pots calling kettles black etc. Let’s not force me to drag up your sordid past or maybe Wyre and Oliver would like to hear the stories about you killing, sorry murdering innocent people because it was necessary. This operation had requirements and these would have been fulfilled”
“Let’s just dispose of them now John” said an impatient Bostock still bleeding from his arm.
“Now, now Ron less haste more speed. You’ve already fucked this up, let’s not get above your station” said Rice sniggering.
“What is all this about?” sighed Richards casually eyeing up random weapons lying around on the floor next to the dead bodies from the previous shoot out.
At this point the door to the apartment had been closed and three of John Rice’s men stood guarding it, all heavily armed.
“Please let’s all just take a seat and have a chit chat. Ron put the kettle on”
Alex glanced at Bostock who was now red in the face and fuming. His furrowed brow and evil stare at Rice said a thousand words and if it wasn’t for the fact he would have taken heavy fire from the goons by the door, Bostock would have happily reached for the nearest weapon and taken Rice out. Alex Richards didn’t know of anyone who spoke to Bostock in this way without repercussions so felt less inclined to just kill him but instead felt intrigued to find out who the hell this guy was and more importantly who he was working for. Of course to kill John Rice, Alex had to repeat what he had just done only moments ago but this time with no help from a sniper.
“Alex before I explain why we are here I want to reassure you and Wyre that nothing will happen to you and Oliver. It’s important you know that this has gone beyond the point of no return and there is nothing you can do to change events so don’t try anything stupid because it’s too late. The wheels are in motion to change the security of the western world forever”
“What do you mean?” asked Alex intriguingly.
“Well I know a man of your experience knows damn we
ll this whole episode has an end. An end that is far larger than events that have led us here. Believe me Alex you will wish you could have been involved in this one, shit it’s big”
This guy John Rice was taking on a more childlike approach now. He sounded almost like he was keen to impress Alex Richards. The conversation was more akin to someone bragging in a pub than in a room filled with unease and distrust. It was like Rice had forgotten that a five year old boy needed a blood transfusion and that both Oliver and Wyre were sat in the room facing the person who had brutally murdered their mother and wife. The fact Rice didn’t really care was a more accurate description as he seemed quite pleased with himself as he took his weapon from his jacket pocket and checked it was ready to fire. Even though Bostock had in his words “fucked up”, Rice now had the only people who could expose the truth and spoil the plans the Government had to” free the western world” in custody. Rice seemed to be dealing with the fact that Richards had foiled the plans to blow up the prime minister and various dignitaries at Downing Street but wanted to make sure the culprits realised their efforts were futile. This was bigger than Richards, Bostock and a father and son.
“John please don’t take this personally but I assume this is your first job at the sharp end. We’re kind of not interested in your speech so I’m going to take the boy and his father and leave you to enjoy your little party…..” said Richards calmly and quietly.
Before Richards had finished talking, Rice had lifted his weapon and pointed it straight at him.
“You don’t know who I am but you’re about to find out”
The familiar sound of a bullet hitting its target with a thud had Wyre wrapping himself around Oliver to protect him as the blood still trickled from his nose from being pistol whipped across the face moments earlier. Apart from mumbling the words “Jesus” to himself Ron Bostock didn’t respond as Alex Richards fell to the floor.
“Murdering bastard!” glared Wyre through his blood stained eyes as he became reluctant to leave Oliver to check on Alex who had fell out of his sight next to the sofa in front of the balcony windows. John Rice could see Wyre’s concern and his attempts to try and see Alex lay on the floor whilst not letting go of Oliver and smiled at his supposed weakness.
“Oh don’t worry Wyre my friend, it will take more than one bullet to kill this son of a bitch” said Rice as he walked over to Richards who was clutching his shoulder and checking the wound but still remained silent. Rice caught a glimpse of Oliver, his eyes filled with fear at the prospect of the person who up until now had protected him and his father being killed. Wyre held him as his young body shook violently which in turn had Wyre seething with anger. He had done this many times before but it had been in countries where death and tragedy walked hand in hand. Never in his mind did he imagine doing it in his own country holding his own dear son. Wyre was sure if he walked out onto the balcony of the apartment he would be able to see Westminster and yet here he was watching someone who obviously held the Prime ministers ear performing executions on their behalf. Wyre watched as Rice raised the weapon again and fired it into Alex, this time into his other shoulder. Again there was no cry of pain or plead for mercy from Richards, only sharp intakes of breath to try and quell the pain.
“You said there was no need for this. Stop just stop!” shouted Wyre.
“Oh I’m sorry Wyre I think you misunderstood me you see I meant there was no need to take repercussions for fucking up all my hard work. This is for something completely different” smiled John Rice pointing his weapon at Richards. “You see even now I have to stop what I’m doing to explain”
Rice pulled a chair closer to the sofa and sat down looking pleased that his audience was now under control and giving him his full attention. Still holding his weapon loosely in his hand Rice leant forward so Wyre and Alex could hear his every word.
“Wyre do you love your son?” said Rice looking rather more serious now.
There was no answer from the doctor, just a harsh stare and a defiant look.
“Wyre I said do you love your son?”
This time as Rice said this he pointed his weapon at Oliver almost trying to get more of a response from Wyre. It worked. With his left arm still around his son Wyre pointed his right arm at John Rice, the anger evident in his body language and making sure Rice knew he was not intimidated.
“What type of sick bastard shoots an unarmed man then points the weapon at a five year old. You might get your kicks out of these bullshit games but I’ve got news for you. I save lives not take them but I promise you this, point that weapon at him again and I’ll shoot you myself you son of a bitch”
“You’re right Wyre, I’m sorry I’m being a moron”
As John Rice stood up he attempted to rub Oliver’s hair with some sort of affection. Wyre was having none of it and grabbed the arm of Rice.
“Like I just said I’m not playing your games”
Rice’s men could be seen mentally checking where their weapons were as Wyre gripped the arm harder pulling Rice nearer to him.
“Don’t bother Wyre he wants you to do something. His balls aren’t big enough to just kill you in cold blood” said Alex Richards, first shuffling along the floor then sitting up against the wall next to the balcony doors, the trickles of blood down his arms hidden from view by his suit jacket.
“Well if that’s the case you must be walking around with your balls dragging the floor” replied Rice moving away from Wyre. “The amount of people you’ve killed in cold blood, Jesus Richards”
Alex Richards was playing it cool at the moment. Yes he had been shot twice but Rice knew as well as anyone these were just minor trivialities, flesh wounds. Richards would have to be proved clinically dead by a doctor before anybody who knew him trusted he would be no more trouble. In turn Alex’s aim was to give the impression that he was practically immobile so at least Rice’s muscle would lower their guard. Rice walked back towards the table, placed his weapon on it then turned to face Wyre, Oliver and Richards with hands in pockets.
“You know what I can’t believe? This long journey we have all been on has ended up here in this apartment. We have all been through so much….like a family I suppose. There is a reason why I want you all to stay alive and that’s because I want you to see the end. Yes ok things haven’t gone to plan, the boy shouldn’t really be here neither should Cameron and the Syrian guy….what was his name Ron?”
“Sousa” replied Bostock looking ever the defiant.
“Yes Sousa. To be fair no fucker in that room should still be here, there or anywhere. People should be turning on their televisions witnessing the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in the history of Britain. A bomb planted in the heart of Downing Street tearing the Government apart shocking the country into suspicion and disgust. Of course the political and economic shithole the government has got us into would all be forgotten through sympathy for all those affected. That’s the country we are. Wyre I can tell by the look on your face you are asking why the boy? Because there would be no trace of explosives, well there would be of course but not enough to pinpoint a specific cause. And let’s face it I don’t know any security set up in the world that would refuse entry to a five year old child. Oliver you were to be the perfect mode of transport for an event that would re-shape the future security of the western world, no in fact the whole world”
Wyre raised his head toward John Rice not sure of what he was saying. At first Rice’s comments were just ramblings. A smartly dressed thug overdosed on testosterone bragging his power to a room filled with desperation and hurt. Now Wyre’s curiosity had been pricked and as much as he would like Richards to jump up and take the whole room out maybe now after all this time he would find out what they had been involved in and why. As much as Richards was also intrigued he let Wyre do the talking and sat quietly in the corner studying everyone.
“So let me try and understand what you’re saying here. My son was to be a tool for your twisted games. You were h
appy to stand and watch as he walked into a room knowing he was going to be blown to bits just as long as your plans remained on track. Jesus Christ you’re all mentally sick. You’ve lost all concepts on reality” gasped Wyre almost in shock at what he was hearing.
“Don’t you dare accuse me of something you know little about” said Rice approaching Wyre aggressively immediately biting at the comment. “What the hell would you know about the security of this country? You accuse me and those above me of not knowing what the preservation of life is about and yet right now as we speak plans are being finalised to make sure the terrorist threat to this country decreases and if that means sacrificing a few innocent people then so be it”
Wyre could sense he was getting under the skin of this John Rice guy but also knew he was getting closer to discovering some of the answers. He also felt he was giving Alex Richards some valuable time to recover and hatch a plan to get them out of there. Richards only reaction was to sit and stare at Rice as he continued.
“You see Wyre when our man Alex here worked with Ron there were a lot more restrictions on what could and couldn’t be done. The government had to abide by certain rules and keep many people happy. All this changed after 9/11. The red tape was removed and well let’s just say a blind eye was turned to any untoward operation or illegal activities. This of course didn’t stop him running amuck. Our man Alex didn’t believe in red tape in fact he didn’t believe in much at all. He certainly didn’t value life much. Of course sadly I wasn’t around then but you didn’t have to be. Legends grow with every year that passes. Yes Wyre you certainly picked one hell of a guy to fight your corner, oh sorry he picked you didn’t he. Do you know how many guys turned this assignment down when they found out he was involved”
BEYOND THE SPRING Page 26