The Voss Coin

by A B Alexander

  I have to go to Sydney and locate the exact streaming location, it could be my only chance to find out who they are. It was definitely coming from the upper floors of the AMP Building.

  He promptly excused himself. It was time to get Lucy and the boys. The yacht was already deep into the relative safety of the open ocean.

  He unbolted the citadel door slowly, like he was unlocking a caged wild animal, taking extreme precaution. She was going to be livid. He prepared himself mentally to remain silent and let her vent her anger. He twisted the handle and leaned on the heavy door to swing it open. The kids were asleep on the sofa, and Lucy was speaking on the satellite phone. “Oh, here is the psycho, thank goodness. I’ll call you later, Jess.”

  He grabbed his head in frustration.

  “What the fuck did you do, Lus, did you tell her where we’re going?”

  She leapt off the sofa and pushed passed him. “You know what, fuck you, Kevin! Locking me up here like I’m your dog. Is that fucking normal? Now you have the audacity to ask me what I told Jess?”

  He grabbed her by the arms. “I need to know, Lucy. This is no joke. Nobody can know where we’re headed.”

  She ripped her arms away. “I told her we’re on an amazing yacht near Miami and you fucking locked me in a panic room. I swear five more minutes I was going to call the police.” She charged up the glass staircase, leaving him standing in the citadel entrance.

  Fuck it, enough is enough, I have to tell her we’re in danger before she does something stupid.

  He followed her to the upper deck and found her on the edge of the bow, leaning against the railing, gazing at the ocean. In different times, he would’ve quietly slipped up behind her, pressed his lips against the nape of her neck, and wrapped his arms around her. A replica of the famous Titanic scene. However, it was no time for romance.

  “Lus, I have to tell you something,” he said in an even tone.

  She twisted her head to face him, brows knitted in concern.

  “The reason why I’ve been acting weird is because we’re in danger. It relates to money. There’re some dangerous people involved and they’re trying to kill us.”

  She let go of the railing and swiveled toward him hysterically.

  “You’re lying, I don’t believe you. You’ve been acting weird for a while and you’re making this up.”

  He steadied her trembling hands. “I wish I was, baby. I’ve got this worked out, but I need you to take precautions. I won’t let anything happen to guys.”

  Tears welled up in her eyes.

  “Jesus Christ, Kevin, you’re freaking me out.”

  He hugged her tightly and she burst into a flood of tears.

  “Please, Kevin, just tell me what’s going on,” she sobbed into his shoulder.

  “Lus, I can’t tell you all details right now because that’ll place you in danger. In a few hours we’re going to arrive in Nassau and I’m going to get off. You’re going to continue cruising with the boys until I get back. If anything happens on the yacht, you go down to the citadel, lock the door, and call me.”

  Her watery eyes widened and gleamed in sheer terror.

  “Are you going to leave me here alone? Where’re you going? Just give them whatever they want, I don’t care about the money.”

  The ocean wind blew briskly, flailing her blonde locks. He kissed her cool tear-streaked cheek and placed his palms on her lean, exposed love handles, pulling her toward him.

  “It’s not so simple, baby. I have a plan, and I’ll be back soon.”

  He hesitated whether to tell her the more likely scenario. She instantly sensed his reluctance. “Kevin, tell me!”

  He exhaled deeply and steadied his voice. “If I don’t make it back, you’ll be safe to go home.”

  30

  Down Under

  He shoved open the flimsy plastic shutter, and bright rays of sunlight flooded the business-class cabin. The long flight to Sydney was a serious mood killer. He stretched his cramped limbs like a starfish, it was time to get the blood flowing. Every meter the plane descended, his adrenaline picked up marginally. He didn’t take any luggage. Whatever he was about to discover, the consequences would be swift, a one-way ticket. The Dreamliner lowered its wheels with a faint vibrating hum. Moments later, it touched down in Sydney, gliding smoothly onto the tarmac. He unbuckled his seat belt and rushed for the exit. A hoggish pale-skinned blonde waited by the jetway.

  “Thank you for flying Qantas Airways,” she said squeakily.

  He brushed past her hurriedly, racing onto the rubber-matted flooring of the tunnel-like jetway.

  “Hey, Kevin, what a coincidence. How are you?”

  An Aussie-accented voice called out behind him. He stopped abruptly and glanced over his shoulder. A haggard, uniformed captain waved at him from outside the open cockpit. He failed to recognize him.

  “I’m doing great, thank you. How are you?” he said and faked a smile, avoiding an uncomfortable situation.

  “Can’t believe how the years have flown by. How is Lucy doing?” the captain said with a broad grin.

  Her name instantly rang the right bell, the hallucinations from the nightclub shocking his mind like a cold shower.

  Kevin had met him only once before, at the horridly embarrassing birthday party where Lucy threw the glass at him.

  “Yeah, she is doing great. The twins are keeping her busy, they’re growing up fast. Good to see you again, Steven. I’ll send her your regards.”

  Steven smirked. “You know a leopard never changes its spots.”

  Kevin’s jaw clenched instinctively, calling upon his sheer willpower to restrain himself.

  The last thing I need is a meaningless confrontation.

  He knew exactly what Steven meant and he found it absurd that after all this time he was still bitter about Lucy.

  Sensing that he’d crossed the line, Steven said, “I meant she always had a hot temper. Didn’t mean to offend you. By the way, which way you headed?”

  Kevin smiled uneasily, “I’m heading for a meeting at the AMP Building in Circular Quay.”

  Steven’s expression brightened. “Oh, what coincidence, I’m headed there myself. Let me give you a ride. I have a priority border control pass. We can be out of here in ten minutes.”

  Kevin reluctantly agreed. He was short on time.

  A few moments later, Steven emerged, dragging an overnight rolling briefcase behind him. “Follow me, we’ll be out of here in no time.”

  They walked briskly through the long ad-smeared jetway connecting to the terminal. The queue at the border control was horrendous, a long line snaking the length of a football field.

  Lucky I swallowed my pride and agreed to go with him.

  To the right of the queue was a large green sign that read, “Crew and Staff Only.” He instinctively walked in that direction.

  “Not there, mate. We’re going down to minus one. You’re not a member of the crew, so we’re going to need special clearance,” Steven said.

  They stepped into a large metal elevator that resembled a square shipping container. Steven pulled out a small yellow plastic clearance card and swiped it along the sensor. The elevator groaned to action and descended one floor at a crane’s pace.

  The doors opened up with a jarring metallic clang, ushering in a warm gust of wind. They were on the tarmac. Steven strolled a few meters to the right of the elevator, the wheels of his briefcase grinding against the tarmac. He was greeted by a member of airport personal and handed the keys to an adjacently parked raven-black Lexus sedan. He placed his luggage in the trunk and signaled Kevin to get into the passenger seat. He revved up the car and they sped through the terminal, heading toward the boomed security checkpoint.

  A stocky, youthful military officer approached Steven’s window. He had a clean-shaven, pockmarked face and wore the Australian multicam-pattern operational combat uniform. He spoke with a foghorn voice.

  “G’day, gentlemen. Documentation, please.”r />
  Steven confidently flashed him the yellow security clearance card. Kevin caught a glimpse that it contained some sort of coat of arms. The military officer lowered his gaze and stood at attention, raising his right palm to his scarred forehead.

  “Yous have a g’day, Captain,” he said and lifted the boom.

  The Lexus rolled out onto the M1 freeway, heading toward Circular Quay. Kevin was perplexed.

  They didn’t even check my passport, what the hell? What’s with the military guy? Seemed spooked.

  He decided to raise his concerns subtly. “First time I’ve seen a smooth exit like that,” he said and let out a prolonged whistle of admiration.

  “Oh yeah, it’s a nice perk. Been working here for years, so they gave me special security clearance to go through the military entrance,” Steven boasted.

  “Wow, that’s incredible they didn’t even check my passport.” Kevin continued to feign stupidity.

  “Of course they did, mate. They get an advance passenger list. They probably have your passport on record.” Steven chuckled.

  It still didn’t make much sense, but Kevin let it slide. He was more preoccupied with what he would find at the AMP Building. He had previously estimated that the video broadcast in Tokyo came from anywhere between the twentieth to the twenty-fourth floors. The only option was to check each one.

  The car’s built-in GPS indicated that it would take them less than twenty minutes to arrive at the destination. He glanced heavenward at the cloudless sky; it was a beautiful day. He felt that he was close to the end, and he was ready. Steven chatted incessantly throughout the drive but he remained silent, absorbed by the task at hand. His mind was so far adrift that Steven’s words sounded like the radio playing in the background. He was in a semi-hypnotic state, staring down the triple lane freeway. He shifted his gaze toward the leathery steering wheel, some faint reaction grabbed his undivided attention. Steven was gripping the steering wheel with both hands, about a foot apart from each other. While he spoke, his right forefinger gently tapped away on the top of the steering wheel.

  Kevin had to stop himself from gasping. He had heard that tapping echoing though his mind for years now.

  No fucking way, it’s not possible. This was the only recognizable physical feature of the masked man.

  He turned toward Steven carefully scrutinizing his appearance. He was also of average size and built.

  It is indeed possible. But why? That doesn’t make sense.

  He wrestled with the disturbing thoughts. Nothing so far had been a coincidence. He inconspicuously scanned the car for a hidden weapon. Finding nothing, he sighed in relief.

  I have to relax, I’m overreacting.

  Steven stopped talking, noticing Kevin’s sudden fidgeting.

  “You all right, mate? We’re almost there, looks like another ten minutes max.”

  “Yeah, I’m good, just need a napkin,” Kevin said and flicked open the glove compartment.

  He drew his lower lip between his teeth; a nitride black Beretta Nano semi-automatic pistol glared back it him. Without hesitation he grabbed the weapon, wrapping his palm around the cold, solid grip of anodized aluminum alloy. In one rapid motion he cocked the gun and pointed it at Steven.

  “Pull over right now, motherfucker! I know who you are,” he ordered tensely, supporting his right hand with his left to prevent it from trembling. Steven furrowed his brow in disbelief, sizing him up.

  “Who do you think I am, Kevin? Just relax and don’t do anything stupid. You’re in Australia, not the Wild West.”

  Kevin’s nostrils flared as his breathing quickened. “We spoke by video broadcast when I was kidnapped in Tokyo. You’re the fucking masked man.”

  Steven drew his lips back in a snarl.

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Kevin could feel the drops of perspiration building on his forehead, he was done talking. “Stop the car right now, otherwise I swear to God I’m going to blow your fucking brains out,” he said menacingly through gritted teeth.

  Steven scowled. “Tell me how you know, and I’ll stop the car.”

  “I know because your right forefinger twitches the same way. There’s no coincidence here. Now stop the fucking car.”

  Steven’s expression dulled, and he shook his head in disappointment. “Lucy always said you’re very smart.”

  He slowed down but kept going.

  “Kevin, the only time we spoke was in that video broadcast. I was ordered to do so. There’s no escaping these people.”

  Steven glared at Kevin’s fiery gaze and floored the gas pedal. The Lexus lurched forward like a chained tiger that was set free. Kevin bounced in the seat, hitting his head against the headrest.

  Why did he not try to go for my weapon?

  He quickly poised himself and re-aimed the gun.

  “STOP THE CAR NOW!” he shouted in desperation.

  Steven remained unfazed.

  BANG BANG BANG!

  He fired a stream of warning shots into the roof of the car, the cold steel recoiling in his hand. Steven kept his eyes on the road.

  “I’m a weakness to them now because you can identify me. It won’t take them long to figure that out. I’m a dead man just like you. They protect a secret at all costs,” he said in a strained voice and puffed his chest.

  “I really loved Lucy, so you’re coming with me. It’s the only way to protect her.”

  He veered the steering wheel sharply to the right. Kevin’s face contorted in terror. Instinctively he grabbed the steering wheel attempting to keep the car on the road. It was too late; the concrete lamppost was meters away. He pulled on the wheel with superhuman force sparked by an instant flood of adrenaline, triggering every sensory organ in his body. The car twisted and spun.

  BAAAAMMM!

  It exploded into the lamp post on the driver’s side.

  “Arrgghhhhhhh,” he moaned painfully, covered in debris of shattered glass. He struggled to free himself from the air bag. He wrestled with the white nylon fabric, crumpling it with force. It was suffocating him. He eventually freed himself, heaving and vomiting a bloody secretion. He slowly lifted his palm to his face, wiping away the blood drooling from his nostrils. His head hurt so much that he feared brain tissue was leaking out of his nose. Tiny pieces of glass were embedded deep within his forehead and cheekbones. His skin felt like sand paper to the touch. The dashboard was a mangled mess of metal shards, plastic, and hot engine parts. It sizzled like bacon on a hot, oily pan. He turned toward the driver’s seat. Steven’s head was drooped and his eyes closed. His face was deathly pale, both legs crumpled by the mangled dashboard. Blood squirted from his inner thigh like an irrigation sprinkler. The main artery had likely been severed; he would be dead within minutes. Kevin reached in the captain’s jacket pocket and retrieved the yellow clearance card and his mobile.

  “No,” Steven suddenly gasped, choking and coughing heavily. It startled him.

  “Take my gun and put a bullet in my head and then turn it on yourself. It’s the only way Lucy’ll be safe,” Steven said, summoning his final strength.

  Kevin placed a bloody arm on his shoulder and said groggily, “I’ll let the Et Decem have that pleasure.”

  He kicked the passenger door open and hobbled through the oil-stained road. The last time he looked at the GPS, it indicated they were less than 2 kilometers from their destination. He arched his head skyward; the AMP sign was within sight.

  I have to get some information before they come. Steven is just the tip of the iceberg.

  31

  Et Decem

  He ambled through the streets of Circular Quay, choked by relentless thirst and heat exhaustion.

  This fucking hole in the ozone layer is worse than I thought.

  The sun beat down on his exposed wounds without mercy. He arched his neck; the curved facade of the historic building was squarely ahead of him, distinct from the tedious rectangles and squares of the surrounding area. He wobbled
into the no-thrills lobby, scanning for the restroom. He desperately needed water and to clean himself up if he was going to make any progress. A maple wooden door to the far left containing the standard blue-and-white ADA sign pointed out the men’s room. He shoved the door open with his foot and hobbled into the white-tiled fluorescent lit interior.

  He stared at the greasy stainless-steel hospital-type mirror. He had deep purple bruising near his left temple. His forehead, cheekbones, chin, and neck were scarred by countless abrasions. He could see the tiny glass particles embedded deep in his skin. It looked like he’d been sprayed in the face with ground glass. He twisted the cold tap and scooped up water with his trembling cut palms. He drank like a lion from a bush watering hole, splashing wildly and wincing in pain. He wiped himself off and stumbled back into the lobby, adrenaline glands pumping overtime. A slew of tailored woolen suits accompanied by white blouses tucked into pencil skirts funneled in and out of the building. He entered the elevator and leaned on the silver handrail to steady his dizziness. He felt like he’d just come off a long pirate boat ride.

  “Are you OK, Sir?” Asked an elegant brunette with concerned hazel eyes.

  “Yeah, I’m OK, just a small accident on the way to the office.” He grimaced.

  The elevator consisted of mirrored walls, camel beige carpet, and no buttons. He slapped Steven’s yellow access card on the glass-paneled sensor. The digital screen instantly flashed 23. He smirked, pleased with himself that his initial floor estimations were correct. The brunette followed suit and pressed a pink access card against the sensor, it flashed 15. The doors slid shut and the elevator began its rapid ascent.

  “You should see a doctor, you look pretty banged up. I drove past a terrible accident on the M1 a few moments ago, that guy wasn’t as lucky,” she said, solemnly capturing his attention.

  The elevator suddenly groaned to a halt.

  “This is my stop. You take care,” she said with a sympathetic smile. She exited quickly, high heels clicking on the patterned Forbo Marmoleum flooring in the corridor. He instantly smashed his forearm against the side of the elevator door to stop it from sliding closed.