Media houses got to ask questions, but accepted that with tomorrow’s promised Ministerial Statement to Parliament by the Prime Minister, Smith would not be giving much away.
Hopefully, another (new) security issue would not pop up before then.
***
BIB In-house Protocol #3 had been in place from BIB’s inception. No firearms were to be carried by or on the person of any BIB operative or visiting law enforcement personnel during an interview. Operatives and law enforcement visitors alike abided by this rule. There was therefore no opportunity for either Castille or Pilessar to gain access to any firearms during their time in these areas. This did not mean they were not on the lookout for any situation or alternative weaponry they might use to help aid escape from their current predicament. Should such an opportunity present itself, they knew they would use it.
Once out of the lift, there was a short walk to the main door at the back of BIB HQ where the RBPF transport vehicle was already lined up to take Castille and Pilessar to RBPF HQ. Bruce Jordan, BIB operative (code number X60) was standing by with two sets of handcuffs at the ready to secure them.
The uniformed RBPF officer allotted to drive Castille and Pilessar to RBPF HQ, entered the building to use the bathroom. His vehicle was visible just outside of the building’s back entrance.
The on-duty security guard standing outside of the door entered the building after the RBPF officer, presumably to check for something he had left behind the security desk. His entry was unfortunate, for this presented the opportunity Castille was hoping for. In his rush to avoid tardiness for having started his shift some five minutes late, the guard had forgotten to properly snap his firearm into its holster.
Bruce had by now placed the handcuffs on Pilessar and was about to turn to do the same to Castille. Noticing the opportunity to fight for the security guard’s firearm, Castille viciously elbowed Vickers and Moss simultaneously in their stomachs before making a lunge at the security guard. Caught unawares, the security guard was startled. He dropped the book he’d just collected. Castille thrust himself forward, knocking over the security guard before struggling with him in an effort to get hold of the firearm that was in his holster. As the guard fought back, the gun went off and he fell to the ground, still.
Castille now had the guard’s gun in his hand. He pointed the weapon at the nearest group of persons standing not far from the lift in the small corridor, shouting, “Everybody stand back.”
The security guard groaned as he lay curled up in the foetal position on the ground in front of them.
“Let me help him,” said Colonel Burke.
“Stay put. I don’t plan to use this again, but I will if any of you make me,” said Castille. It was clear that he was not joking. Colonel Burke knew Castille’s type. He meant what he said.
To Pilessar, Castille urged, “Let’s get out of here…no, wait. You,” he said pointing at Bruce Jordan. “Unlock her. Quickly.”
Jordan reluctantly complied with Castille’s order from the set of keys he held.
“You won’t get far,” said Colonel Burke.
“Wanna bet?” asked Castille, making a step towards the door.
“I don’t bet but am dead certain.”
***
The security guard lying on the ground was in obvious pain but, being aware that it was his unprofessionalism that had made this situation possible, wanted to help retrieve the situation and not let it get completely out of control. Before Castille got away, he grabbed Castille’s left leg in an effort to pull him down so that he could not leave. A man in his early-60’s, he was not strong enough to topple the much stronger Castille.
Now free of her handcuffs, Pilessar now stood alone and quickly moved to the security guard’s location and kicked him in the face, screaming at Castille, “Let’s go.”
“Okay. Go and get the vehicle running. I’ll be along,” he responded.
Pilessar hesitated before moving off towards the automatic door and on reaching it, she turned back to mock Colonel Burke.
“You were saying?” she asked sarcastically.
***
Neither Pilessar or Castille had noticed the nod and a wink between Colonel Burke and one of his BIB operatives. Truth be told, Colonel Burke had not been speaking with Castille, but to Mohammed who was standing beside him. There was a pane of glass next to the lift containing three items: a bucket of sand, a fire hose, and an axe. These items were to be used in an emergency situation to either help put out a small fire or help to rescue someone possibly trapped inside a stuck or broken lift.
***
"Now," said Colonel Burke, appearing to talk to himself.
“What?” Castille asked hesitatingly, mystified and confused by Colonel Burke’s order.
“Now, Carr,” said Colonel Burke again, this time more forcefully.
Mohammed reacted. He broke the glass with his right shoe and as if he had eyes in the back of his head, reached for, got hold of and threw the axe that was there, seemingly all in one motion.
The thrown axe hit Mohammed’s chosen target.
Rhohan Castille.
Still puzzled by Colonel Burke’s two comments, he was turning towards the open door to make good his escape. He had a nanosecond to think this man is all talk, just as he felt something strike him deep into his back which sent him sprawling to the floor.
The gun was no longer in Castille’s hand and he was experiencing a sharp pain in his back that was quickly radiating throughout his now almost prone body. Reaching back, he tried to feel what it was.
Where had it come from? He’d been shot before, admittedly not in his back but he’d never felt pain like this. A sweet yet horrible and distressing pain. What’s happening to me? he was wondering. His mind re-confirmed that this was not a normal gunshot – anyway he hadn’t heard an explosion. His left hand found the place where the pain was emanating from in his back.
What he felt surprised him. Is that metal or wood? he wondered. Then it dawned on Castille what had mortally wounded him as he started to lose consciousness. Blood was now pouring from the gaping wound in Castille’s back. From his mouth too…and his nose, slowly at first then more steadily, forming a pool of red liquid which now spread beneath his body.
Mohammed had thrown the axe perfectly, catching Castille in the middle of his back. He hadn’t lost any of his fireman’s skills! One of these was making use of his training in the use of an axe in appropriate circumstances, usually to rescue people. Tonight, unfortunately or luckily, depending on which side of the fence you sat on, he had rescued not a person, but a situation.
“Oh my God!” screamed Pilessar, bringing up one of her hands to cover her mouth.
The security guard’s firearm which Castille had been holding when he fell to the ground had bounced twice across the marble floor. Luckily, with the safety off, it had not self-fired and now lay just outside the bathroom door.
JJ, followed by a uniformed RBPF officer, had rushed out of the bathroom after hearing the gunshot. He was coming to see what was going on and to see if he could help. He saw the gun which was a foot away from him. Reacting quickly, he scooped it up.
“Stop her,” ordered Vickers.
JJ pointed the gun at Pilessar, saying, “Stay right there and don’t move an inch.”
Seemingly transfixed, Pilessar did as she was told, continuing to stare down at the man who, until a minute ago, had been number three in The Organisation.
Meanwhile, the others in the immediate area slowly started to re-gather their composure.
***
As it turned out, England played quite well on Day 4. They ended the day at 255 for seven, 218 runs short of the 473-run target. With more rain due tonight and tomorrow, England might still, with luck, get a draw here. But the West Indies remained the firm, if not heavy favourites to win the Test Match.
***
Three hours later, the security guard, having undergone emergency surgery at QEH for the gunshot wound he had
received, was resting comfortably. His doctors expected him to make a full recovery.
Castille had died of shock from his back wound. He was no great loss to mankind. Pilessar was about to learn that she should expect to spend several years in HMP Dodds in Barbados once the evidence on her connections to the late Castille and The Organisation were revealed. Extradition to the USA was a possibility (in due course) for her. Power was set to spend a lengthy period in HMP Dodds.
***
An hour after that, with the back entrance to BIB HQ now having been cleaned up, the SNARL Cycle session for the debrief of Operation ’Fishhook re-convened. It lasted another thirty minutes, with the meeting’s participants having been fortified by food ordered in by Colonel Burke from Rita’s Kitchen. So much had happened during this long day.
Once everyone had left BIB HQ, Colonel Burke verbally briefed Prime Minister Motby on ’Operation Fishhook’s outcome. He then worked well into the night to finalise his written report based on the mission’s debrief and provided additional comments for Motby’s potential use in a Ministerial Statement Motby earlier announced that he would give to Parliament the following morning.
Having submitted both documents to Motby, Colonel Burke left BIB HQ for his home where Diane was waiting for him. It was close to 11:00 p.m. when he arrived. He was as pleased to see her as she was to see him. He used the cup of tea she had made for him but declined the meal, as the only thing he now wanted to do was to take a long shower and fall into his bed for a long sleep.
After all, he had scarcely slept since Friday night.
***
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Game Over
TUESDAY, 24 APRIL
JJ had also been glad to be able to get a full night’s sleep in his own bed on Monday night. He’d slept so soundly that he’d missed the children’s departure for school. When he finally woke up, he found a note from Vanessa on his nightstand and a fully-cooked breakfast downstairs.
Having taken Angela and Andrew to school, Vanessa returned home around 9:30 a.m. She and JJ decided to go for a sea bath at Enterprise Beach. Vanessa walked up and down a few times on the beautiful beach while JJ ran his usual twelve times up and down the beach before they spent twenty minutes in the clear, almost wave-less water.
***
As usual, Parliament’s session commenced at 10:00 a.m. Following prayers and the suspension of a few Standing Orders, the Speaker recognised the Prime Minister. Motby had indicated to him late on the previous afternoon that he would be making a Ministerial Statement to Parliament at the start of the day’s sitting regarding the recent security challenges the country had faced and overcame.
Motby’s thirty-minute Ministerial Statement was quietly received by Parliamentarians and those sitting in the public gallery, media included. It was carried live on all local radio and television stations. Motby gave away no sources and or methods during his presentation which Colonel Burke and his fellow P.A.A.N.I. Heads were grateful for.
In short, the security challenges experienced in Barbados had all been resolved. Motby thanked the law enforcement and security services for their diligent efforts. He also thanked the neighbouring countries who had cooperated in the overall exercise. Following the security situations that had arisen would come an overall assessment of existing procedures. New funding streams would be established. Existing protocols would be examined and out of this review would come recommendations in a matter of weeks regarding changes, greater situation awareness and new procedures that would correct past errors and system deficiencies to benefit all Barbadians and visitors alike.
Motby concluded by saying, “We must never let a critical situation, some might even say a crisis, go to waste! Believe you me, crises prompt our creative juices to flow and result in new opportunities for improvements in the way we do things. As Barbadians, let us grow closer together, get better and be more agile at handling all kinds of situations that we may encounter, whatever their way, shape or form.”
***
JJ and Vanessa arrived back home around 11:15 a.m., just in time to meet the postman. He handed over their mail. Among the collection of envelopes was a bank statement, a couple of utility bills, the same old stuff one gets from their postman all over the world.
Shortly after that, a car from the Cabinet Office drew up in their driveway. The messenger handed JJ an envelope which he quickly opened once the messenger had driven away.
To his surprise, it was a letter confirming his full reinstatement at BIB. The letter was signed by HOPS and had also been cc’d to Colonel Burke. Passing it to Vanessa, he punched the air and let out a scream of satisfaction in relief. She started to cry softly after reading what was a short, half-page document. He pulled her close and they embraced for a full minute. Vanessa knew how much his BIB work meant to him, especially as he was BIB’s most senior operative after Colonel Burke.
JJ recognised that Colonel Burke, who yesterday had encouraged him to ‘take a week off’ to recover from his recent ordeal, had come through on his promise that all would soon be well again between JJ and BIB. Colonel Burke had also indicated that it might take a week or so for ‘the powers that be’ to correct their error and issue fresh correspondence to him that would replace the earlier inappropriate letter he had received.
Having accepted the week off that had been offered to him, JJ had decided how he would make use of this unexpected break. After his return from St Vincent yesterday morning, he’d thought again about his family. He was torn over whether he should to continue working for BIB, whatever subsequently transpired officially with his suspension case. He’d try to relax, get in some exercise, do some more reading particularly of The Art of War book, and of course, play some music that he had not for a while.
Now, with his reinstatement letter in hand, JJ was eminently relieved. Everything had come through much sooner than he could ever have expected. He felt in celebratory mood. What better a place to do so than at P’s Disco tonight?
While Vanessa went off to start preparing some lunch for them, JJ allowed himself to focus on the material he would play later that evening. He decided that he would extend his usual hour-long ‘Strut Ya Stuff’ segment at 9:45 p.m. by starting it fifteen minutes earlier. He’d make that segment a very special one, as it had already quickly become the favourite part of his show for P’s Disco patrons. It was a period where JJ sought to encourage patrons, whoever they were, young or old, single or partnered, happy or sad, rich or poor, to ‘let their hair down’ on P’s Disco’s large dancefloor. JJ always tried to select exceptional tunes to ensure there was no excuse for patrons not to dance.
It was only when Vanessa called him, shouting “Lunch is ready. I was thinking we might watch a DVD together tonight once the kids have gone to bed…” that he caught himself.
JJ had forgotten that he hadn’t played at P’s Disco last night and had in fact advised Pilgrim that he would not be there tonight either for his ETT show because of work commitments. Pilgrim had understood. Though disappointed, he hoped JJ would be ‘back in the saddle’ at P’s Disco for the following week. JJ made no further commitment to Pilgrim.
“I’m coming,” JJ answered to Vanessa’s summons. He would have to ‘cool his heels’ for another few days before he could return to P’s Disco.
Once he reached Vanessa, he added, “Yes to the DVD tonight. Any particular one you have in mind to watch?”
“That book Colonel Burke gave you for Christmas. I stumbled across a film by that name on the internet that was made a few years ago. Why not watch it? The clips I saw looked good.”
“Okay, once the kids have turned in,” said a satisfied JJ. I might learn something from it, he thought.
***
Day 5 of the second Test Match between The West Indies and England started late. The morning’s two-hour pre-lunch session had been washed out following heavy overnight and early morning rain around the Fontabelle, St Michael area but funnily enough, not in many other parts of Bar
bados. New Kensington Oval’s excellent drainage system again worked perfectly to enable the heavy waters to drain away. Bright sunshine from late-morning and a brisk wind helped the drying-out process. Added to that was the tireless work by the Oval’s efficient ground staff, the game was re-started at 1:40 p.m.
***
The weekly P.A.A.N.I. meeting at BIB HQ that afternoon commenced at the scheduled 2:00 p.m., although the Heads would have much preferred to watch the last part of the Test Match on television.
It did not last that long either. P.A.A.N.I. Heads agreed that the Prime Minister’s Ministerial Statement to Parliament that morning had gone well. It had certainly been well-received. Their task now would be to develop new streams of work that would see their organisations more readily be-able to combat situations, particularly those where multiple scenarios cropped up in the future like those they had just experienced and overcome successfully.
P.A.A.N.I. Heads knew for sure, especially following their meeting with the Head of MI6 on the previous Thursday, that more international threats were out there and possibly on their way to the Caribbean region. They would not stop coming to small countries like Barbados or other small states around the world.
***
Surprise, surprise!
The Test Match was all over by 2:35 p.m. It took just seven overs of pace and three of spin for The West Indies cricket team to secure England’s last three wickets for an additional sixty-eight runs and win the game. England all out then for 323, an improvement on their first innings score of 270. The margin of victory for the West Indies was 150 runs which was quite satisfying. Having won the much closer first Test Match in Jamaica one week earlier by just two wickets, this win at New Kensington Oval gave West Indies a winning and unassailable two-nil lead in the three-match series. It also meant that the West Indies would retain the Wisden Trophy, played for by the two Test teams since 1963, with a Test Match to spare.
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