The Prime Minster gave him a hard look. Then he continued, ignoring Dan’s questions. “We denied all knowledge of their virus, and set about making a batch of our own. Turns out it’s very difficult to manufacture. It took us months to produce those ten vials you destroyed.”
Her turn as the Prime Minister pointed at her. Oh God, he knew it was her, knew she was the one to smash them all. Her blood ran cold. She wanted to shout out, it was Dan, he made me! But something told her their national leader really wasn’t in the mood to hear excuses, or for her to pass the blame. She’d held the vials in her hands. She’d thrown them across the room.
“Your group also destroyed all the research and the manufacturing room. It will take us many months to get back to holding the completed virus in our hands.”
“Good!” Dan yelled.
The Prime Minister turned on him. “Not good!” He’d suddenly gone a dark shade of purple. Spit flew from his mouth as he shouted, “You’ve sentenced us all to death! The entire country! Everyone!” He took a deep breath, and began again, a little calmer. “I now have to choose which part of the country I will cut off from food. Those people will slowly die of starvation, alone in their flats, in pain, for weeks. They could have had a good death, passing away in mere hours.” He paced back and forth, his eyes to the ground. “There is not enough food to spread any thinner.” He turned on Dan again. “You sir, you have murdered far more in number that I ever would have needed to. You sentenced them to the horrors of starvation.”
Dan stared back silently.
“The reason you are here, and not already dead, is because I am giving each one of you a chance to redeem yourselves.”
He returned to the centre of the room, locked his hands in front of him, and took a moment to glance at them each in turn. Cassie felt her cheeks burning under his gaze.
“We’ve been watching you for months. You’re a bright bunch. Somehow keeping yourselves fed, educating your children. I’m quite surprised. Most rebel groups don’t survive as well.” He paused for a moment then said, “But the raid on the lab… that was most unexpected. The agent assigned to follow you guessed what you were doing, but too late to get the reinforcements in… and now I digress.” He lifted his chin a little, chest puffed out. “I can not risk another international incident. So I want the five of you to go on a mission. Find the German laboratory. Steal ten replacement vials of virus and transport it safely back here.”
“Why the hell would we do such a thing?” John yelled.
Mr Smith grinned, as if he was clinching a deal. “I will exonerate you and your families. I will legalise your children and give them birth certificates. All of your group will be entitled to ration cards. You will become legal citizens once more. Then you can choose to continue to live above the warehouse, or I will re-house you appropriately. That is my offer.” He smiled, as if daring them to refuse.
“But this goes against everything I believe in. One life for all…” Dan muttered over in his corner, but Cassie didn’t think he sounded convinced any more.
“You figure it out then!” the Prime Minister shouted. “You provide enough food. You sit back and watch while this happens. My country, starving to death.” He turned on one of the bodyguards and shouted, “Get the film rolling. Show them what I see.”
The telly blinked on and straight into a programme. Documentary style footage focused in on a group of emaciated people gathered outside of what seemed to be an official building. The camera panned as the stronger members of the group banged on a set of closed wooden doors. A gaunt woman came into view, the camera zoomed in a little, to show a small child held to her chest, the infant’s stomach distended. Her baby-face was drawn and sickly, eyes bugged out, yet sunken at the same time. The little girl stared back into the camera’s lens with a blank expression, it seemed there was no emotion left in her little body.
“You’re looking at France. That footage was shot only last week. Believe it or not, that was a riot. The people want more food, but there’s none. Even the heads of state are close to collapse.”
The scene changes to slightly less emaciated people. They stood in a long queue that stretched out and around the block.
“That’s the UK. We’re about six months behind France. They have not attempted the same kinds of the measures we have to try and reduce numbers. And that’s the result. We won six months reprieve. But we will soon be in the same position.”
The room was silent. Dan and even John stood silently, simply watching the images as they flashed by on the screen. Was this the fate of the UK? Was her son unlikely to live to adulthood? Would he stare into a camera with that dead look in a few months time? Was that infant even still alive?
Dan spoke up. “I still don’t understand, why us? Surely you must have trained agents who would complete this mission with far more skill?”
“Because I can’t risk another international incident. If Germany attacked us now, they’d win. They’d probably then slaughter the native population to recover the land and feed their own. I know that’s what I would do.” He shrugged. “If I send you, you’re simply a well informed dissident group that I had no control or knowledge of. I will send one of my agents with you. He will carry all the specifics of the mission. He will always walk at a distance from the group. If ever you’re caught, he will turn ghost, and you’re on your own.”
Behind Mr Smith, scenes of England were playing out. The skeletal people of France were not so different.
“Now is the time to choose.”
“And what if we refuse?” Dan asked.
“Penetrate the lab in Germany and bring home more of the virus. Or all of you – including your illegal children – will be put to death by public execution. And that is all I have to discuss with you. Now if you’ll excuse me.” The Prime Minister turned around and marched towards the door, his bodyguards a pace behind. “You’ve got ten minutes to decide.”
Chapter 21
“Not much to decide, is there Dan,” John said. He slammed a fist against the wall, his chains clinking.
“They can’t do this to us.” Dillon looked to Dan for confirmation. “We’ve got rights…”
Dan glared at the now closed door. “Of course we don’t have any bloody rights. We’re rebels. We don’t count. As far as anyone is concerned, we don’t even exist.”
Cassie didn’t say a word. This was all Dan’s fault. Him and his stupid plan, and desire that everyone live. And yet he couldn’t care less about her life. He should just volunteer for recycling now, and get it over with.
“You’ve got a plan. Right?” Liam said.
Cassie watched the others, all of them waiting for Dan’s words, for his leadership. They were like children with him. Of course Dan was right, they had no choice. This group had stolen to survive for a long time. Really, this would be no different.
Dan looked up from the floor and shook his head. “You’re right, John. No decision to make. We do what they want.” He ignored Dillon and Liam’s amazed expressions. “I won’t be the one to cause our little ones to be put to death. We do as the big man says.”
This bastard was so happy to let her die. Cassie felt sick. She strained against her shackles hopelessly. Dan had better watch his back, she thought. As soon as I am able, I will get my revenge.
She looked away from Dan as a man came in. He was dressed in black clothes, similar to the ones they’d been given. Cassie noticed a suspicious lump under his jumper, and he walked like a man at his physical prime. She should have applied to work for government, they were all so healthy.
The man walked over to her first, and unlocked her chains.
“If they do this, will I get my son back? Will I get Jack?” she asked.
He raised his eyebrows and moved on to Liam.
She tried again. “Mr Smith didn’t mention my son specifically. Do you think giving my boy back was part of the deal? Do you think it might be?” Despite her revulsion, she fired a question at Dan. “He said o
ur families, do you think the Prime Minister meant Jack as well?”
“How the bloody hell would I know?” He held his hands out as the man approached.
“This way,” the man said. He took them back to the second room. On the tables there were now backpacks where once there were stacks of towels.
“I’m Ed, and I’ll be guiding you on this mission of yours.”
“Hi Eddie,” Dillon gave a wave.
“My idea of a perfect day does not consist of babysitting a bunch of half-arsed wannabe rebels. And it certainly doesn’t include anyone daring to call me Eddie.” He stared at Dillon, his expression grim, before turning towards the exit.
“Where have all our guards gone?” Dan had his hands on his hips. He checked out the other man, standing straight. To Cassie’s amazement, she realised he was sizing up Ed. Would Dan try to tackle him next? The rebel wouldn’t last a second, Cassie decided.
“The Prime Minister’s gone. And the others aren’t needed any more.” He grabbed a pack that was set aside from the others. “Do you think you’d get back to your warehouse before anything happened to your precious families? Do you think you’d have done little more than orient yourself, and they’d already be cold on the floor? Grow up and start behaving.” Ed sighed. “And in case you don’t believe me, there are men posted at every exit. You’d be dead before you breathed fresh air.”
Dan wavered for a second.
“Look, just take a deep breath and grab a pack.” He indicated at Cassie. “All of you.”
She wouldn’t be going. Surely she’d be heading back to the safe house. Maybe this was to feed her on the journey back. She took the last pack and unbuttoned it.
“All are filled identically.”
Cassie took out a wrapped grain bar.
“That’s a high calorie nutrient bar. You eat it slowly over a single day. There’s no need for anything else.” He picked out a few. “The different colours are supposed to indicate different flavours, but they’re all pretty shit tasting. You’ve got forty in your pack, although if everything goes smoothly, we’ll be back here in six days.” Ed took out a small container. He opened it and showed them a pill-like tablet. “You’ve got three packs of these. Each roll has twenty tablets. Put them in any water before you drink it and wait for it to dissolve. I have no desire to be slowed down because one of you’s got the shits.”
Surely she should have a different pack – and a map to show her how to get back to the warehouse. Cassie glanced at the door. Maybe someone was coming to fetch her.
“And anyone who falls properly sick will be left behind.”
What was properly sick? How did he decide? Cassie stared at the door, willing it to open. Who was she to care, she wouldn’t be going. Dan was shouldering his back. He caught her eye. She gave him a curt nod. He’d not want her tagging along either, of that she was sure.
“I speak both French and German. I expect all of you to remain silent if ever we are confronted with a native. I know the location of the laboratory. And in my pack I have the detail plans of the building. And I have the security codes memorised. You’re not getting in without me, so don’t think you can ditch me or try to escape. My superiors suffer no fools, and your families will be slaughtered within hours of me not communicating.”
“So you have a way of contacting them?” Dan asked.
“Yes.” He zipped up his pack and slung it over his shoulder. “The plans will be studied during rest periods. Is everyone clear?”
The men nodded, except for Dan who remained still. Something was ticking in that mind. She just wanted to get out before he figured out whatever it was he was concentrating on. Cassie picked up her pack. It was heavy, and she staggered a step as she pulled her arms through the straps.
She approached Ed carefully. “I’m not expected to go, am I?” She didn’t really need to ask, she didn’t think she needed to.
“Why wouldn’t you be going?” Ed shrugged.
“What?” Cassie was already halfway to the door. “You’ve got it wrong.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“But why would you want me to go?” She turned back. This wasn’t right. “Not me, surely.”
“Look, you go because I’ve been told you go.”
“But I’m not really part of the group.” She walked up to Ed and nodded towards the rest of the group. “I’m not one of them. I know nothing about breaking and entering.”
He stared straight into her eyes. “Aren’t you the one who smashed all the vials of their virus?”
“Yes, but, no, it wasn’t like that!”
“Did you smash up the lab?”
“Well, yes. But he made me!” She pointed at Dan. “I never knew about a lab, about the virus, I didn’t even know what we were going to do until we got there.”
Ed cocked his head. “Not my problem.” He smiled. This man dared smile when she was about to be forced on some suicide mission.
“I’m not like them. I’m just here by accident. Let me go back to their base. I’ll help out with the children until you all return.”
“Oh for fucks sake. Get it into your small mind that you’re coming. You can’t go back there. This information is classified. If the mission fails, your friends back at the warehouse won’t know a thing about any of this.” He dismissed her with a hand. But Cassie wasn’t about to give up.
“But I won’t whisper a word!”
“Your name’s Cassie, isn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Well then, Cassie, you have the same choice as the others here. You can be put to death or you can come along. From what I understand you got yourself into a little bit of trouble.” He held up a hand indicating small with his fingers. “Perhaps you should work on vindicating yourself.”
Cassie felt her shoulders droop. Might they let her rejoin her son if they were successful? If they failed, would Jack be put to death?
“Oi. What’s it to be. Can’t have you changing your mind halfway.” Ed clipped the buckles on his bag around his chest.
She looked up, feeling completely helpless. “I’ll come.”
A Quest for Death
Chapter 22
Ed led them through the building to another garage and a second black van. He ushered them into the back.
“It’s about four hours’ journey to the tunnel. Roads are a bit bumpy, but I’d recommend getting some sleep if you can.”
They were back on the thin benches. Cassie wasn’t sure how anyone would get any sleep and manage to stay seated, but less than fifteen minutes into the journey, John had wedged his body into a corner, and was snoring softly. Liam’s chin was bouncing on his chest and Dillon’s eyes were drooping. Ed had gone in the front of the van, probably had more comfortable seats up there. Or he didn’t trust them. They were rebels, after all – violent, law breaking non-citizens. Dan stayed awake. Wide awake, and stared blankly at the opposite side of the van. She thought about trying to strike up a conversation. But all she could think to say was: “You left me to die.” Or: “How could you do that to me.” Or some other variation of that statement. She was going to have to spend the next six days with him. Best to avoid him if she could. Certainly didn’t seem like the best time to be confrontational.
What she couldn’t ignore was that once again, she’d been tagged as expendable. Their own Prime Minister had told them if there was a problem, they would be left behind. No second thoughts about it. He was very clear.
Cassie’s eyes opened with a start. She must have somehow fallen asleep. She was leaned up against Liam. He was fast asleep, rocking gently against the back doors as the van bounced about on the roads. Cassie straightened, stretched, and then looked about the van. The others were asleep, even Dan. The van crashed over something on the road, threatening to throw her off the bench. Wherever they were, the roads seemed worse now. She’d kissed Liam, she thought as she looked at him. A kiss for luck – she knew they’d been stoned by that gas, but still. He was good looking, tall w
ith strawberry blonde hair cropped short and a bright red beard. The Prime Minister was shaven. Most men weren’t, razors hadn’t been supplied in ration boxes for years now. Bob Devine had been shaven as well. She studied the lines of Liam’s face, wondering what he’d look like under all the curly hair of his beard.
The van turned a corner, and slowed down. Had four hours already passed? Moments later, they ground to a standstill. She heard the front doors slam shut. Moments later the back doors swung open.
“Wakey-wakey, girls.”
While the men stirred from their slumber, Cassie jumped out. They were parked in some kind of rounded grey concrete tunnel.
“Help get the bikes out,” Ed ordered. When no one moved, he banged on the side of the van and yelled, “Time to go!” He left them to go over to a second black van. Cassie followed. She was helping unload when the others arrived. Liam rubbed at his eyes. Dillon gave an enormous stretch.
“Can we have something to eat?” Liam asked as he took a bike from Cassie.
Ed gave him a dirty look.
“I’m only asking for a food break.” He rubbed his stomach. “I get very hungry.”
Ed ignored him and turned to the others. “Right, we’re getting the bicycles out. This will be your transport. Be careful with them. If yours breaks, I have no way of fixing it.”
“Let me guess, then we’ll be left behind,” John said.
“You catch on quick, sweet-cheeks.” Ed patted John’s face, Cassie watching wide eyed as John allowed this, and she saw a fire burning behind his eyes. Ed had better watch his step, she thought.
“And why aren’t we driving the vans all the way to Germany?” Dan asked. “Wouldn’t that save us days of time?”
“Nice idea, but you’ve got to appear like the dissident group you are. The Mr Prime Minister has nothing to do with this. Wouldn’t do to leave government vehicles waiting to be discovered on the French side – or do you intend to drive all the way across the border into Germany?” Ed handed Dillon a bike.
The Ultimate Choice Page 16