by Peter Kozmar
“They are ruthless. They started as a taxi firm here in Saint Petersburg and survived on a small amount of low level criminality. A few years ago, they grew and transformed into a global criminal cartel – the Makarov Corporation – through the elimination or take-over of their competition. The myriad of street gangs provided foot soldiers and distribution networks that were vertically integrated to make them more efficient and increase profits. The gangs which didn’t want to join, well, they were aggressively put out of business.
“Then Makarov stepped up a level, taking the blue print from their criminal activities and applying it to the commercial world. They had experience of mergers, acquisitions and hostile take-overs. Post take-over, they knew how to streamline business activities to maximise profits. They had the cash and the muscle to apply the right sort of leverage they needed to achieve their business transformations and, when that didn’t work, the opposition was simply silenced. The next stage of their evolution has caught your Government’s attention and made them very nervous, so much so, they think I’m the person to sort it out!” Andy chuckled.
Vladim had listened intently to Andy’s narrative, “I don’t understand, why are our Governments so interested?”
“It’s because Makarov hasn’t finished integrating into legitimate businesses. While it has acquired a lot, it wants to do more. It controls the fortunes of tens of thousands of employees and touches or interacts with every Russian several times per day and most Europeans at least twice per day. It controls the information they access, the news they read, hear and watch through traditional media, on-line news and social media. Their end game is getting control of Parliaments and Governments across the globe. Traditional politicians can’t beat this well-funded, highly organised and ruthless multi-headed hydra which creates winners.”
“Wow! They are big.”
“Yes, and Makarov is getting bigger, which is why it has become a threat to both our countries.” Andy knew time wasn’t on their side and at some point their captors would return so he changed the subject, “Right my friend, we can discuss this more when we’re out of here, so that’s our first priority. What can you tell me about this place? What’s the routine, when and how do they feed you? How many guards? Are the guards armed?”
“We are in the basement of the bakery. I think there are four cells which, while I’ve been here, have held several prisoners. They make sure you wake early. For breakfast you get a loaf of bread and a block of cheese. The door is opened, they check you are here, throw the food in and close the door. You need to grab the food before the rats get to it, otherwise you wake up to them fighting over the food! At lunchtime the guards check on whether I need treatment after the beatings, this has happened once – when the cuts on my face from the beatings became infected – they cleaned me up and gave me some antibiotics, but then targeted my body and feet.”
“How are you now?”
“They’ve stopped the beatings because they want me to appear well when I next speak to Ana, so she doesn’t think twice about having her papa sign the papers.”
“Then what?”
“I think they’ll kill me as I’ll have no value to them.”
Andy was relieved that Vladim had a clear grasp of his situation so he didn’t need to explain it to him. “You know some of their victims have been released. There is hope you’ll get out of this alive, but in the meantime I need as much detail about this place as possible. What else can you tell me?”
“For lunch, it’s just soup and bread. They refill the water. In the evening, the meal is a stick of salami and bread. I guess bread is a cheap in a bakery, but it does get a bit monotonous! They have special room they use for torture.”
“Go on.”
“It’s two doors down to the right, further away from the stairs. There are usually six guards plus two others who perform the torture. Those two have no souls. They are pure evil,” Vladim spat on the floor, “When they beat their victims, you feel each blow. Their howls of pain when they are electrocuted made me puke. When they beat me, I couldn’t lie down for days or use my hands to eat the food.”
“What’s the worst thing that’s happened down here?”
“They shoot the victims … at two in the morning. It’s always at two in the morning.”
CHAPTER 38
“You know we’ll get out of this,” Andy tried to sound optimistic, which caused Vladim to laugh out loud.
“You have no real value to them and I’m surprised they’ve brought you in alive. Now I’ve seen you, I think our fates are already sealed.”
“Did I tell you I’m indestructible? They’ve tried to kill me a few times and now they’ve abducted me.”
“Bringing you here means they may want to extract something from you, before …”
“Come on I’ve been in worse situations!” Andy lied unconvincingly.
It was Vladim’s turn to change the subject, “How’s Ana?”
“She’s safe, well protected and obviously worried about you,” Andy didn’t want to say she’d come to Saint Petersburg.
“Good,” Vladim looked relieved and momentarily happy, “when did you last speak with her?”
“Yesterday. I had some questions about the trail you left for me.”
“Did it make sense?”
“Yes, your clues gave us two options to investigate, but here I am before we had a chance to check them out!” Andy realized he was back onto their predicament and could feel their moods drop.
“Who is us?” Vladim asked.
“I’m working with the FSB. They have allocated an agent to work alongside me.”
“Let’s hope they can follow the clues and don’t get kidnapped along the way.”
Andy wanted to change the mood, “Hey, what are you going to do when you get out of here?”
“After I’ve been patched up, I’m taking Ana to Banff for two weeks of skiing. We’ll stay at our favourite lodge. We both love it there, peaceful, beautiful scenery and amazing service. The skiing is some of the best we’ve ever had, great powder, bluebird days, not too busy.”
“Tell me more about the lodge?”
“It’s called ‘The Retreat’ and caters for those who want privacy, the utmost discretion, unspoilt mountain views, fine dining and attentive service. Nothing is too much trouble for their friendly staff. The rooms are well equipped with everything included in the price, they don’t hit you with a bill for items from the mini-bar – that just annoys me even though I can afford it – Ana can get her massages, spa treatments and skidoo tours to see the local wildlife. I think it will be a great place to help with my recovery and for us to appreciate each other. What about you?”
“I read an article about Great Walks in New Zealand and one caught my attention. It’s called the Milford Track located on the South Island in a place called Fiordland. My son sent me pictures, they were amazing, there are hanging valley waterfalls cascading down from high on the near-vertical cliffs. In the Fiords they have dolphins playing in the water and sea lions basking on the rocks. I’d like to see that and do the walk.”
“How long does it take?”
“Four days. The journey is spectacular. It starts with an hour’s boat ride over a lake. After you land you walk for two days along a glacial valley and climb over a very high ridge. Then it’s another two days walking through more glacial valleys to the sea. The walk finishes at Milford Sounds and another boat ride out.”
“Do you get to camp under the stars?” Vladim asked.
“No. You stay in cabins along the way. It rains a lot in Fiordland so staying in a cabin is a good thing. There’s no cell coverage. No phones. No television. Just you, your pack and the beautiful scenery”
“You sound pretty convincing. Are you really thinking of doing this?”
“I am.”
“You want some company?”
“Are you serious?”
“Why not? It would be fun and might help me get over this,” Vladim pointed
vaguely around their cell.
“Before your design team moved in my apartment looked like this,” Andy waved his free hand around their cell.
“Wow, you’ve got great taste.”
“Tomas arranged it all, Ana looked happy with the result when she visited.”
“She’s been to your apartment after Tomas had it fumigated, rather than meet you in Switzerland?”
Andy realized Vladim had worked out Ana had left the safety of the Pinnacles resort. “Yes, she gave me a brief surprise visit, with Tomas and Hans. I don’t know where she is now,” he lied.
It was Vladim’s turn to change the subject, “Is there a new woman in your life since your divorce?”
“No. I’ve been a mess. My best friend was Jim – that’s ‘Jim Beam’, Master of Bourbon – I’m drying out. A work in progress.”
“You still in contact with your kids?”
“My daughter, Jane, doesn’t want any contact with me. She’s still pretty raw about what happened, it’s my own fault, I want to be dry before I even start that conversation again! She’s had a kid too, a girl, Star. The scumbag who she was seeing dumped her in favour of the bright lights, he landed a good role in a TV series, and doesn’t pay her a cent towards the child.”
“So you’re a grandad! That’s a turn up for the books. What about that boy of yours?”
“Mark is working for the UN in New Zealand doing who knows what. He’s single and, from his emails, he’s having a good time.”
“At least you’re in touch with him.”
“Yeah. I’m building bridges.”
“Why don’t we pay him a visit after we’ve finished our walk?”
“That sounds like a great idea.” Andy stopped talking as the sound of heavy footsteps approached their cell, he reckoned there were two men. Andy strained to hear what was happening behind the door. He heard the jangle of keys and a key going into the lock. Another set of rapidly approaching footsteps joined them followed by deep Russian voices.
“Put the gun away, the boss says the American bitch doesn’t want him shot.”
“What?” a second Russian voice sounded surprised. Andy’s heart raced wildly. It became difficult for him to breathe. Who the hell is pulling the strings here?
“She wants his death to look like an accident.”
A third voice chipped in, “Like he slipped and fell off a roof or something?” The three men laughed. Andy’s legs and hands trembled, his mouth became dry, as he listened to the discussion.
“She wants it to look … self-inflicted.”
“What about the female Agent?” the second asked.
“She’ll die with him.” Andy’s head spun with dizziness, his skin cold and clammy. With his trembling hand he struggled to wipe the sweat off his forehead.
They’re holding Amanda here too, she’s still alive? Why haven’t they killed her?
As their footsteps retreated, their voices faded, leaving Andy sat with Vladim in silence while he contemplated his fate. He knew he had only a few hours to live, to calm down, he forced himself to breathe deeply and slowly. Shit! Shit! And Shit!
Vladim broke the silence, “If you had your time over again, what you would do differently?”
“I don’t think I’d piss so many people off!” Andy stopped and thought for a moment, “No. I wouldn’t drink. What about you?”
Vladim was lost in deep thought for a few moments, “I would delegate so I could spend more time with my beautiful wife. We would travel and explore more of the world. I think my father-in-law is a great role model. I’d have more kids. Up until now, I’ve been the one who’s been against fatherhood. I’ve been selfish, Ana has always wanted a large family, four or five kids and we only have one son, Alexi. I’d rejected her needs and, just to please me, she sacrificed what she wanted. I made a mistake, I’ve been selfish and was wrong, very wrong.”
“Wow. That’s deep.” Andy paused before asking his next question uncertain of how it would be received, “If you don’t make it out of here, what message do you want me to pass on?”
“Tell Ana that I love her and I will always be with her in spirit. Tell her that life is for living and not wallowing in the past. Tell her to move on and do all the things she has been afraid of doing for the last few years …” Vladim fell quiet for a few moments, “… and find someone to share it with.” He stopped as he thought then, “My turn, what message would you like me to give to your loved ones?”
“Tell my son that he should follow his dreams and live for today, as there may not be a tomorrow. Tell him to find a sandy beach, watch the sunset and raise a glass or two to my memory. Tell him I love him and that I’m sorry for not being the father he deserved.”
“What about your ex-wife and daughter?”
“They would probably be happy and looking forward to a big chunk of cash, they might even dance on my grave!”
“Okay.”
“There is one more thing you can do.”
“Go on my friend.”
“Tell Helen Hobbs, at the Agency, that I’m sorry I never came back.”
The two men sat in silence as they contemplated their past, present and potentially short futures. They looked at one another as the heavy footsteps returned to their cell door. Andy reckoned three, maybe four thugs coming for one of them. The sound of keys and a lock turning were easy to make out as the silence of the room screamed at them. Andy’s heart raced again, his hands trembled slightly, but this time he controlled his breathing.
The door burst open and in rushed three heavy-set goons. A fourth, armed with an assault rifle, stayed back near the door his rifle trained on Vladim. Two pairs of gloved hands pushed Andy face down to the cold stone floor. Firm hands pulled both his hands behind his back causing a shooting pain in his shoulders. Andy winced. The third goon placed a hessian sack over his head.
Andy could feel the shackle being removed from his tethered hand. Cold steel bit into his wrists as a set of handcuffs snapped into place. He felt two pairs of hands grab his arms and pull him to his feet. Andy’s balance was unsteady as his legs trembled beneath him. His chest exploded in pain. He felt himself thrown backwards with all the wind knocked out of his chest. He became airborne for a few moments and then landed heavily on his back, his head struck the floor. Andy struggled to breathe, the hood didn’t help.
Strong hands gripped his arms and pulled him to his feet. Andy still struggled to breathe. Another powerful blow to the chest sent him backwards again. His head hit hard against the wall before his back hit the floor. Andy lay crumpled on the stone floor. He didn’t have any opportunity to defend himself so he just lay there. He couldn’t breathe. He’d figured the goons had taken to kicking him in the chest for a little light relief.
The hands gripped and lifted him again. A heavily accented voice spoke to him, “You no trouble right or we give you trouble, right?”
Andy believed he knew what it meant, “I’ll be no trouble, right.”
They dragged him away from his friend and out of the cell. He heard the cell door slam close behind him and the keys turn; the lock slid back into place. A feeling of dread washed over him. His aching stomach tightened as they dragged him to the right.
CHAPTER 39
They manhandled Andy and pushed him backwards with force. The back of his knees made contact with a solid metal object making his legs buckle, he fell onto a cold metal chair. Immediately he could sense a sinister atmosphere. Goose bumps formed on his arms as his hairs stood on end. He could smell blood, the stench of excrement, an oppressive fear radiated from the room. His heart raced, his mouth felt dry, he felt afraid of what could come and, in that moment, he understood the terror Bruce must have felt in his last hours: death would have been a relief.
He sensed someone behind him and could smell leather mixed the odour of stale tobacco. He felt a strap being wrapped around his chest and shoulders then suddenly pulled tight, securing him to the chair, momentarily sucking the air out of his already sor
e lungs. They ripped the hood from his head. His eyes were blinded by bright lights making him blink repeatedly. It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the harsh lighting.
A muscle-bound oversized body with a large shaved head stepped into view. The man had a large jagged scar which started above his left eye, ran down his cheek to his chin, then arced upwards to his left ear. Part of his left ear was missing. Scarface wore a thick leather trench coat, leather trousers and heavy-duty boots. His clothes squeaked as he moved.
Andy’s focus switch to a large steel workbench pushed against the rear wall which was illuminated by powerful down lights. His stomach tightened as the bench revealed its terrifying secrets. To the left were small precision tools neatly laid out in a row. In the middle, were carpentry tools including chisels, hammers and various saws. To the right, under large posters of Times Square and the Empire State Building, were power tools including electric drills, saws and a soldering iron. Underneath the bench rested a small metal cage with dark shapes moving around. Andy studied the cage for a moment and realized they were rats.
Scarface squeaked further to the right revealing a metal pole which ran the length of the room, attached to the bar were meat hooks of various lengths. Andy looked to the left and saw a large porcelain bathtub against which rested a drum marked ‘Sulphuric acid’. The person behind Andy stepped into view. He was an older man, with salt and pepper hair, neatly trimmed beard and wearing round spectacles. The older man was dressed in a doctor’s white coat complete with stethoscope wrapped around his neck; his hands were already gloved.
He spoke with a soft voice, “Mr Flint, it is so good of you to drop in to see me.”
“I wish I could say the same. Some set-up you have here. Shouldn’t you be in a hospital?”
The man laughed briefly, “I am a qualified doctor. I studied at medical school in Moscow and did research into genetics and the human genome and the resistance to biological pathogens. Who would believe the British Government even paid me to live in England and lead their advanced biological warfare research programme for a few years?” He chuckled to himself.