From the Deep

by Michael Bray

  “Thank you,” Herb said, giving Maude the look that said she should show some gratitude too. “We would really appreciate it. We are staying over at the Four Seasons in Kona.”

  “Oh, really? I hear it’s a beautiful resort.” Russo said with a smile, keeping up the game. He, of course, already knew where they were staying. A team of his men were already clearing out their room and proceeding to check the couple out. Erasing the tracks. Removing the evidence. He marvelled at just how good at his job he was. Herb was talking, telling them all about their holiday, and the resort. Russo nodded in the right places and smiled accordingly, he could only think of the footage on the Keller’s camcorder. To know of the creature’s existence was one thing. Actually to see it with his own eyes made things seem more real. He waited for a gap in Herb’s monologue, and then interjected.

  “Well, Mr and Mrs Keller, I feel we have already taken too much of your time. If you will excuse me, I’ll have this footage copied, and we can get you back to the rest of your holiday.”

  Russo stood and shook Herb’s hand.

  “Thank you again, sir. Your cooperation will not go unrewarded.”

  Herb bristled with pride as Russo left the room. He closed the door and approached the agent who was waiting a little way down the corridor, handing over the camera.

  “Copy the footage. Send a copy to Andrews and bring the other one to me.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Have the other passengers being questioned?”

  “They have. Their stories all match. They all saw it.”

  “Nobody else had footage of the creature?”

  “No sir. We checked.”

  “Good. Gather them together and dispose of them.”

  “Dispose of them, sir?” The agent said, eying Russo carefully. “These people have families who will be looking for them.”

  “I know that. Sometimes, we have to do things for the benefit of the greater good. Take the whaler out to sea and sink it. Make sure the bodies are on board the boat when it goes down, and then inform the news agencies of the accident. Remember Agent Sloane, this is what we are trained to do. Someone has to do the dirty work. The sacrifice of a few will greatly benefit the many. Remember that.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Did you commandeer everyone’s phones and cameras?”

  “All of them, sir.”

  “Good. Start building the backstory. Send messages to family and friends to say they were going whale watching. Remember the drills, make it plausible, and make it believable.”

  “Understood.” Sloane said as he started to branch off down a separate corridor.

  “Oh, and Agent Sloane.”

  “Yes sir?”

  “No bullets. I don’t want anything traceable about their deaths. They are expected to be drowning victims. Make sure that’s how it happens.”

  “Don’t forget the Keller’s. I want them dealt with first.”

  “Yes sir. I’ll take care of it.”

  Russo nodded, and checked his watch. He would just have time to grab a bite to eat before he flew out to Alaska to meet Andrews. He walked down the corridor, whistling to himself as he tried to decide what to have for lunch.

  CHAPTER 18

  Lisa Marie,

  Freeport,

  Kodiak, Alaska

  “God damn son of a bitch!” Ox said as the Lisa Marie spluttered to a halt just outside the harbour. He was covered in oil and hydraulic fluid and was working unsuccessfully at repairing the leak. Mackay headed to the engine room.

  “I thought you said this thing was sea worthy?” “Screw you, Mackay, it’s not my fault. Damn hydraulic line is busted.”

  “Better here than out there I suppose. Can you fix it?”

  Ox nodded “I’ll only be able to patch it up. We need to turn around and head back to the dock so I can repair it properly. We don’t want this thing to break in the middle of a storm and have the ocean start tossing us.”

  “I was hoping we wouldn’t have to turn back.” Mackay said, walking over to Ox, picking up a spanner and starting to loosen the bracket holding the hydraulic line to the hull of the ship.

  “Why not?”

  “Rainwater.”

  Ox nodded as he tried to stem the flow of hydraulic fluid.

  “I noticed. The kid looked scared. I didn’t think he was gonna get on the boat.”

  “That makes two of us,” Mackay sighed. “How long to fix it?” he said, nodding to the cable gripped in Ox’s massive hands.

  “Repair job here should only take a few minutes. Once we get back to the dock, it depends. If I can get all the stuff I need, just a couple of hours.”

  “Okay,” Mackay said, setting the spanner on the floor and clapping Ox on the shoulder. “I’ll leave it with you and tell the others what the situation is. Let me know when we are good to go.”

  Mackay walked towards steps that led to the upper deck, when Ox called to him.

  “Hey, Mackay, you know this is all bullshit, don’t you? This trip I mean. I wonder why we are even bothering with it.”

  “It’s his way, and it’s something the kid feels he has to do. Without his dad or his brother here, I feel like it’s down to me to help him.”

  “Way I see it, Mac, you don’t owe that kid anything.”

  “I was there, Ox. I was there when it happened, it’s hard to explain, I just have to do this, not just for him, but also for Sam, Joey, and Morales. Hell even for me.”

  “You do know its all bullshit though, this sea monster talk?”

  Mackay hesitated, then grinned, even though inside his stomach knotted. “Yeah, or at least I hope it is. Otherwise, we are getting in way out of our depth here.”

  “Jesus, Mackay, some things never change do they?” Ox said with a wide grin.

  “Not for us. Come on, let’s get this thing back to dock, and I’ll buy you a beer.”

  “You can buy me two, asshole,” Ox replied, then turned back to his work.

  The repair work took longer than expected. The Lisa Marie had been back in dock for six hours, and its crew had ventured off the boat to kill a little time, leaving Ox working on replacing the hydraulic lines.

  Mackay and Rainwater had gone to grab a drink and a bite to eat at Belgrave point. They had invited Morrison, but he had declined and had stayed on the ship to pour over his charts. They were about to order another round of drinks when Ox walked into the bar, his clothes and hands streaked with oil.

  “Repairs are done, but we’re blocked in.”

  “What? By who?”

  “Some dick in a big ass boat. He won’t move it until he’s loaded up with supplies. Looks like we’re waitin.’”

  “Like hell we’re waiting.” Mackay said. “Let’s go see who this guy thinks he is.”

  The three walked to the dock, Mackay’s rage bubbling over as he saw the Victorious completely blocking their exit.

  Without breaking stride, he began to walk up the loading ramp.

  “Who the hell do you people think you are? Get this fuckin’ thing moved or—”

  Men clad in army fatigues swarmed around the top of the ramp, pointing their weapons at Mackay and blocking his progress.

  “Can I help you?” A voice said from behind the soldiers. They parted as Andrews approached the loading ramp.

  “Yeah, you can help me by moving this oversized –” Mackay stopped and looked at Andrews, who was unreadable behind his sunglasses.

  “Mackay, isn’t it?” Andrews said.

  “Aye, that’s me.”

  “You seem a little more coherent than last time we met.”

  “Aye, well I was drunk and you weren’t blocking me in, neither of which I can say now.”

  Andrews was about to answer when he looked beyond Mackay and saw Rainwater and Ox standing on the dock.

  “Well, Mr Mackay, it seems you found the man that I could not.”

  “Lucky me.”

  Andrews waved away the soldiers around him, and then calle
d down to the dock.

  “Mr Rainwater, it seems you are a hard man to find. I wonder if I could have a word with you?”

  Rainwater walked up the loading ramp, standing beside Mackay.

  “What is this about?” He asked, as Andrews gave him a quick once over.

  “It’s about the thing I suspect brought us both here.”

  “Only thing that brought us here is the fishin,’ pal.”

  “Indeed,” Andrews said with a humourless grin, “and what kind of fish, I wonder, are you looking for?”

  “That depends on how long it takes for you to move this bloody boat and let us out of here.” Mackay shot back, glaring at Andrews, who for his part appeared unconcerned. He was now giving Rainwater his full attention.

  “It seems we both have something in common, Mr Rainwater.”

  “I can’t think what.”

  Andrews smiled and took off his sunglasses.

  “Because we have both seen this thing and know what we’re dealing with.”

  Rainwater felt a chill run down his spine.

  “Seen what?” he asked anyway, wishing Andrews would turn his penetrating gaze somewhere else.

  “Our big, big, fish.”

  “Is that why you wanted to find me?”

  “It was. I thought we might both benefit from sharing information and working together.”

  “We have our own boat, and our own business to attend to.” Mackay said, trying to interject.

  Andrews looked at the Lisa Marie and chuckled.

  “I appreciate your bravery, if nothing else.”

  “What did you want to talk about?” Rainwater said.

  Andrews looked at Mackay, then back at Rainwater with raised eyebrows.

  “He knows all about it. Whatever you need to tell me, you can tell him.”

  “As much as I wish that were the case, I’m afraid in the United States government, we don’t have the luxury of being so free with our information.”

  “It looks like we have nothing to talk about.” Rainwater said, and turned to walk away.

  “We know where to find it.” Andrews called after him, prompting Rainwater to stop mid stride and turn back.

  “Go on,” Rainwater said cautiously.

  “Not here, it’s not secure. Come aboard and we can talk in private. Your friends are welcome too, of course.”

  Mackay and Rainwater exchanged glances.

  “No thanks, we’ll take our chances.” Rainwater said before turning and heading back down the ramp.

  “Crustecmosi Gigantis we’ve dubbed it. Three to four hundred feet in length, eight to ten tentacles, two flippers, and fluke similar to a whale. Twin rows of serrated backwards facing teeth, which measure anything from twenty-five to thirty inches. We know where it feeds, and we also know how to trace it.”

  “You don’t need us then do ya?” Mackay said, wondering if the world had gone mad overnight.

  “No, we don’t,” Andrews agreed, flashing his predatory smile. “Wouldn’t you prefer to know what you are dealing with rather than splash around and get in our way?”

  “Just because you work for the government doesn’t mean you own the ocean. We can go where we please.” Mackay said, glaring at Andrews.

  “That’s true, however, I do have command of this boat. I’m also dealing with a matter of national security, and have the authority to do whatever is necessary to ensure the task is done without interference.”

  “You fucking government stooges are all the same,” Mackay said shaking his head. “Why don’t you cut the ‘national security’ shit, and spit out whatever it is you are trying to say.”

  “Well, Mr Mackay, in the interests of clarity. If I deem you to be compromising this mission, I will have no hesitation in putting your boat on the bottom of the ocean. Clear enough?”

  “Crystal,” Mackay grumbled.

  “So, under the circumstances, perhaps a chat would be the best solution all around?”

  Rainwater nodded. “It seems so.”

  CHAPTER 19

  California,

  10 miles off the coast of Venice beach

  Zimmer’s muscles flexed as he raced the fifteen-foot sailboat through the water. He had been taking part in the annual Venice Beach international boat race for the third successive year, but until today, had never led. Now, the twenty six year old German turned the boat slightly, feeling the rush of acceleration as it cut through the water. His nearest challenger was three-time world champion, British born, Ben Green, who had suffered technical trouble earlier in the race, and for the last mile or so, Zimmer had been steadily increasing his advantage at the front. There were over sixty entries for this year’s event, and popular opinion was that it was going to be a two horse race between Green and his bitter rival, Jonas Haim, who as expected, was right with Green as they tried desperately to close the gap.

  Nobody however, had expected Zimmer, a fifty-to-one outside bet, to become such a fly in the ointment. As he carefully repositioned his one man sailboat, Zimmer half wished he had placed a bet on himself for the win, and then reminded himself there was still a long way to go and his arms and back already burned with the efforts of his exertion.

  Zimmer could see the next buoy marking the route ahead, and angled towards it. After he had made the turn, he would be heading against the wind, which would make things infinitely more difficult for the remainder of the race, however, he was confident he could pace himself against Green, who still seemed to be struggling with his boat. The main threat would likely come from Haim, who looked to be shadowing Zimmer at a distance and waiting for his chance to strike. Gulping a shallow breath of air, Zimmer passed the buoy and pulled the sailboat into a graceful turn, as he set out towards his next waypoint. He hoped his stamina would last the distance. With the sun in his face, Zimmer lowered his head and increased his efforts.

  The near four hundred feet behemoth lay on the ocean floor, allowing the currents to flow through its body as it rested. It hadn’t fed for twelve hours, and although it could sense the other sea life on the outer edges of its territory, it was reluctant to expend the needed energy by pursuing them. With the ability to slow its metabolism by regulating the tempo of its pickup truck sized heart, it was able to sustain itself on the energy stored in the fatty sacs below its forward flippers.

  It’s near slumber was disturbed by the series of vibrations which were making their way directly towards the creature and into its territory. Its simple brain compelled the creature to defend the waters it had claimed as its own. It pushed up from the seabed on its array of tentacles, and with one powerful flick of its fluke, was racing to intercept.

  Until they had made the turn, Ben Green had been pretty sure he was losing his edge. He was world number one, ranked as the best in his profession, and as a result, losing was unacceptable. Although not as glamorous as football or motorsport, he still lived his life under an ever-growing mountain of pressure and expectation. He had sponsors to keep happy, as without them, there was no money, and without money, there was no racing. There was also the personal pride that came with testing himself against the best in the business. He’d been leading the race until a twisted line had caused his main sail to malfunction, dropping him back into seventh place. He’d recovered to second, and had now dropped back to third. Ahead of him by around twelve feet was his main rival, Jonas Haim. The press had made more of their rivalry than actually existed. In reality, they were actually friends, although it was a distant relationship built on respect. They knew well enough that controversy brought viewers, and with it money, so they both took every opportunity to play up their non-existent rivalry in order to make the show more exciting. What Green didn’t expect however, was the performance of Zimmer, and he was starting to think he had underestimated the young German who was a good forty to fifty feet out in front on him.

  He wondered if now at thirty-six, age was starting to go against him. Certainly, his body was less able to cope with the stresses of racing like
it used to, and although he was still a regular winner, his performance edge was undeniably reducing. He asked himself if this was how it happened, and when the first signs of age knocking on the door start to tell you maybe it’s time to start slowing down. Time to think about passing the torch to the younger generation like Zimmer and the other up and coming stars of the future, or if he should go all out to try and bag one last title, one last chance to squirrel away enough money to make his life comfortable. He was aware that the working life of a sportsman is short, and he also knew he didn’t have enough eggs in his nest to take his foot off the gas yet. He saw that Zimmer was starting to struggle with the headwind, perhaps a sign of his inexperience. Green increased his speed, pulling alongside Haim, leaving a good distance between himself and his rival. They were both closing on Zimmer quickly, and he positioned his boat to go alongside him, Haim taking the opposite flank. Perhaps he had fixed his issue, or the sight of the two closing in had spurred him on. Zimmer now also increased his pace, and the boats were three abreast as they cut through the water. Green smiled.

  He lived for these moments.

  He was starting to edge ahead when he saw something explode out of the water ahead of them.

  It looked like a wall at first, a greenish brown barrier that had thrown itself out of the ocean. He had only a split second to comprehend the impossibility of what it actually was, but by then, it was too late. Its near thirty-foot jaws opened, and Ben Green was looking down a deep red maw of serrated teeth.

  Zimmer had seen it too, and because he was already in the zone, was able to react fastest, veering the boat to the left in the hope of avoiding the immense mass as it launched toward the trio. Zimmer’s boat collided with Haim’s, and the pair was ejected into the water. Green was not so lucky, and barely had time to register that his life was about to end when the creature bit down, devouring both Pilot and boat in one powerful bite. Blood, bone, and sinew quivered down the creature’s gullet, and its dim brain told it that it had mortally wounded the creature that had dared enter its territory. Mistaking the thirty-one other boats competing in the race as the death throes of a single creature, the animal went into frenzy.