Lethal Promise

by Paul Stretton-Stephens

  Jago moved back to Fi’s location. “The second guard is as inattentive as the guy over there with his earbuds. Let’s take out the guy sitting down first. The other guy is about fifty metres beyond him, at the entrance to the cave. I couldn’t hear or see anybody else beyond, but we’ll take it nice and quiet.”

  Entering via the main door would mean they would have to cover twenty-five metres of open factory floor without being seen. Instead, they chose to go around the other side and enter via a broken window that was only five metres from the man who was sitting down.

  Fi covered Jago as he climbed into the building, which he did in relative silence. Jago trained his weapon on the target and took up a kneeling position to provide cover for Fi’s entry. Within seconds they were both upon the target.

  The man started and then froze at the sight of the silenced pistol pointing at his chest. He held his hands high, and Fi pulled them behind him and cuffed him to the chair. She then gagged and blindfolded him, using rags she found beside the desk, and cuffed his ankles to the central chair spindle before relieving him of his weapon and mobile phone. She put the mobile in her pocket and unloaded the weapon.

  The next man wouldn’t be so easy to take on, as he was facing towards their only point of access in the open-plan, empty factory. It was a full-frontal take-down or nothing. Fi and Jago advanced about five metres at a time, building structure permitting, before finally stopping behind two central columns from which used to hang a huge sliding door as was evident by the huge mounted hinge bolts, metal slide above and across the expanse, and a steel track on the ground where the doors wheels would have rolled. It now left a large opening. The guard was about twenty metres directly in front. Jago, whose MPDs were still outside the factory building, pulled out a small telescopic inspection mirror to get a view of the guard, who was walking around, talking to someone on his mobile phone.

  Jago whispered to Fi, “On my mark, walk at pace to the left side of the factory. Ready … go.”

  Fi walked along as Jago peered around the corner, training his weapon on the guard. She reached the left side without a problem and ducked behind a brick protuberance. Jago used the mirror again. The guard finished his call and walked towards the opening, his weapon slung over his back. Jago signalled to Fi that the man was on his way. They readied themselves, and he appeared within ten seconds.

  The man didn’t know what had hit him. Jago, taking no chances, struck him hard, and he went down, motionless. Fi cuffed him and gagged him and dragged him to the edge by a wall. Jago searched his pockets for his keys, ID and mobile, and found all three.

  “You keep your MPDs outside and I’ll bring mine in,” instructed Jago. “We have no idea what’s beyond that gate.”

  Within a minute Jago’s MPDs appeared and formed a triangulated perimeter around him.

  Jago and Fi advanced, weapons at the ready, towards the gates leading to the cave. They were either side of the gates and they edged closer, step by step, all the while listening for any more guards. All appeared silent, and Fi covered Jago as he used one of the man’s keys to quietly unlock the padlock and chain that held the gate in place. Once the lock was off, Jago lifted the heavy gate so it did not scrape against the concrete floor.

  He glanced at Fi, who had trained her weapon on the darkness. She motioned with her head towards the wall on the right. Jago looked and found a power lever switch, below which was a sign that read ‘Lights’. He pulled the lever and the cave entrance illuminated. Beyond was a concrete pathway as wide as a car that curved to the left and around a corner. Neither could see beyond the bend, and it was the only visible entrance.

  They entered, and Jago took the lead on the inner curve. They paused every few steps and listened for danger as Jago focused on his MPD lens to get a sense of what lay ahead. It seemed clear. They advanced farther around the corner, where the cave opened up like a cathedral.

  Jago signalled to Fi that she should go to the left side of the cave while he tracked right, his eyes searching for movement and his ears tuned in to the slightest sound. They slowly walked past stacks of ammunition boxes, everything from nine-millimetre rounds, 45mm NATO rounds, 39mm Soviet rounds, to at least half a dozen crates of NLAW, anti-tank weapons. Fi reached a natural turn to the left on the pathway and waited until Jago had time to move to a cover position.

  As they were poised to move, there was a scraping noise indicating movement ahead. It was only a slight noise, but something or someone had made it, possibly by scraping something against the cave wall. As the pair edged their way forward, there was another noise. Jago was moving parallel to Fi along the stone pathway and could see nothing in his intraocular lens. To Fi’s left was the cave wall, which was smooth, and to Jago’s right were racks of weapons.

  And then there was a shot, a single shot. Both Jago and Fi knelt with weapons at the ready. Jago withdrew a flashbang grenade from his combat vest, darted forward and threw it up ahead. He dashed back just enough to be clear of the blast, and then he and Fi went on the attack. Jago rounded the corner first, firing bursts up ahead, closely followed by Fi to his left, also firing bursts.

  Fi took up a position where the concrete path ended. There was space beyond this to the left where the floor consisted of the flat rock of the cave’s natural floor. They waited, watched and listened. They checked for any improvised explosive device. Then they heard faint footsteps. Someone was running farther into the cave. Cautiously, Jago and Fi pursued the person. The crate-lined pathway snaked round to the right, and then became a straight run into an area of darkness. They had not used this area of the cave for storage.

  Jago whispered to Fi, “I don’t know how far back the darkness will go, but we’ve got to pursue them. Get your NVGs ready, but hold off wearing them until after the three flashbangs. Are you ready?”

  Fi prepared her NVGs. “I’m ready, Boss.”

  The pair ran towards the darkness, and then abruptly stopped to move left and right. Jago tossed the first two flashbang grenades and waited for them to explode. He and Fi held back, knowing that any would-be attacker would normally wait to attack them after the second flashbang. Someone fired shots, which revealed their location, and Jago tossed another flashbang in that direction. Upon its explosion, Fi and Jago advanced, firing short bursts in unison.

  Fi caught sight of movement low to the ground. As she focused, she saw someone raise their weapon, and she promptly fired a burst, killing the attacker. She moved forward, kicked the man’s weapon out of reach and checked for vital signs. There were none. Jago maintained cover over the man until Fi returned to her feet.

  They continued until they reached the rearmost wall of the cave. There appeared to be no exit. They returned to the body of the attacker and searched him. He was of Asian origin, probably Filipino or Indonesian; it was hard to tell in the light. They recovered a Pindad G2 pistol from his thigh holster, which gave them a better clue as to the man’s nationality, given that these pistols were made in Indonesia. They also took his mobile phone and wallet.

  Fi looked around the cave. “What do we do with all of this?” she asked. “There’s enough for an army here.”

  Jago busied himself opening crates with a crowbar he’d found on top of a crate. “We’ll take what we need and blow the rest.”

  “But won’t the authorities need it for evidence?”

  “Under normal circumstances they would. But we don’t know who to trust. We could hand it over today, only for them to give it back to these guys tomorrow. No, let’s blow it up with their own explosives. Besides, that will hurt them so much.”

  Fi thought, He really wants to hit them where it hurts. I hope that he’ll be able to cope when we come face to face with them.

  “Fi, would you video the inventory and get that sent to Abi. I’ll select some gear for today’s op and rig the site for demolition.”

  “Will do, Boss. I’ll just check on our captives first.”

  “Okay. I’ll come with you and get some air
.”

  Chapter 36

  They checked the bindings of two captives from inside of the factory, dragged them outside and left them prone beside the small building. Jago paused, hunkered down on his haunches and rubbed his face with one hand. He thought, What’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t feel suffocated, but I do. I can hardly breathe. He shuddered.

  Fi looked on, concerned. “I’ll check the others.”

  “Okay, I’ll be with you in a minute,” replied Jago, standing and breathing heavily.

  Jago’s phone vibrated as he strode towards the captives. It was Abi. “Good news, Boss.”

  “What’s that?” asked Jago in a flat tone.

  Abi pretended not to notice. “The police commissioner is only Satyam Gopaul. I studied with him on an advanced risk-analysis course at Bishop’s Norton about five or six years ago. He’s one to be trusted.”

  “Are you sure, Abi? I mean, a lot can happen in five years and he’s on his own turf now.”

  “I’m as sure as I can be, Boss. You know how it is. Look, I haven’t given him the full story, but even he says he can only really trust about ten of his team. The others he’s just not sure about. What do you think?”

  “Okay, they can mop up here after we blow the cache.”

  “You’re going to blow it?” questioned Abi.

  “Like you said, Abi, we don’t know who we can trust, and if these weapons get in the hands of terrorists, who knows what will happen. The commissioner’s team can come and pick up the captives in about an hour.”

  “All right, I’ll arrange the pickup.”

  “And the asset tracing, how’s it going? Blowing this lot will hurt them, but losing their finance will cripple them.”

  “Good news. We discovered seven shell corporations and a fictitious charity. We’ve seized and redistributed everything connected with them, as you instructed.”

  “That’s great news, Abi. Thank the guys for me, will you? And keep digging. I don’t want to miss anything, like assets of the mother that may have been used for nefarious means.”

  “I’ll tell them. And for your information, they haven’t stopped. They’ve been on this day and night, leaving no stone unturned. Don’t worry, Boss, they’ll keep at it for as long as you need them to.”

  “Thanks, Abi. I’ll get going; we’ve got a lot to do.”

  Jago checked on the prisoners and made his way back to the cave, with Fi close behind. Fi set about recording the arms cache slowly and diligently on video. Meanwhile, Jago selected grenades, smoke grenades, some C4 and detonators, and a box of extra ammunition for Fi and himself. While searching he also came upon a small crate of BreachPens and set it to one side.

  Fi met Jago at the factory entrance. “The video’s all done and I’ve sent it on to Abi. Have we got what we need?” asked Fi, looking at the small stack of crates and boxes.

  “Let’s just say I’ve selected a few little extras for tomorrow’s excursion. Help me take them to the car, will you? I’ve already called Javi and he’ll meet us outside.”

  Fi picked up and carried the crate of BreachPens. “What are these?”

  “Oh, these, they’re handy bits of kit, they’re thermite rods that could be used as an exothermic cutting torch. They would be useful to disable a weapon, cut through chains, or even render a vehicle useless. You never know when you’ll need one.”

  Within a few minutes, Javi pulled up in the car with his brother, Vikram. They were both anxious, eyes searching everywhere, half-expecting someone to jump out at them. They were relieved when Jago appeared in the doorway.

  “Open her up. We’ve got a few extras. And don’t look so nervous. Everything is going to be all right, isn’t it, Fi?”

  “Yes, everything is going to be perfect. You guys have nothing to worry about.”

  They quickly loaded the crates into the car.

  “Javi, you and Vikram take the car and wait on the road about three hundred metres away. Fi, let’s get all the prisoners on the far side of the small building and make sure they’re secure before we leave.”

  “But have you not killed them, Mr Jago?” asked Javi.

  “No, Javi, it wasn’t necessary. Someone’s coming to collect them.”

  “Who?” asked Javi worriedly.

  “Don’t worry, it’s a friend, and we can trust them.”

  Javi and Vikram drove down to the road while Jago and Fi repositioned the prisoners. They were all secure and as protected as possible given the circumstances. Jago and Fi walked towards the factory.

  “Fi, there’s no need for both of us to go in. I’ve rigged the charges and just need to detonate. Why don’t you go to the car and wait with the others?”

  “Boss, just how stable are the explosives? I mean, we don’t know how long they’ve been there, do we?” asked Fi in a slightly anxious voice.

  “They’ll be stable enough for this job. I’ve rigged it for maximum destruction of the arms and ammunition. And I’ve also set it to seal off the cave, in case anyone should try to retrieve anything. It’ll be one almighty bang, and most likely the locals will think it’s an earth tremor.”

  “You be careful, Boss, and come straight out,” said Fi, concerned, and she set off to the car.

  Jago entered the building and made his final check of the charges for the explosives. He set the detonation for three minutes, before jogging to the car.

  “Right, let’s get some rest. Can you drop us off at our hotel, Javi?”

  “Yes, of course,” said Javi in a quiet voice.

  “Are you okay, Javi? You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”

  “Second thoughts, no. I was just thinking about how furious Mr Marne and his associates will be when they find out what has happened here.” Javi paused. “And they’ll be doubly furious when they find out that all this has been achieved by only two people.”

  “Four people actually,” corrected Jago. “You forgot that you and Vikram had a major part in this too. Without you, we wouldn’t have known this place existed. And without you, we wouldn’t have got here. So, you two have both helped to dismantle Mr Marne and his associates’ organisation. Don’t forget that, either of you. What you’re doing with us is important work that will save the lives of many, many innocent people. You are helping make the world a safer place – you’re on the side of the good guys.”

  ***

  Upon arriving at the hotel, they found Dom sitting at the end of the bar next to the entrance. He hadn’t even checked in and still had his cases with him.

  “Well, look who’s here,” said Fi, edging closer to Dom from behind.

  “I saw you coming a mile off … well, in the mirror at the back of the bar anyway,” he replied, smiling. He turned and gave Fi a big hug.

  “Hi, Dom. How was your journey?” asked Jago as he extended his hand.

  Dom took Jago’s hand to shake it and then clasped his other hand on top and held it there. He looked Jago in the eye. “The journey went well, Boss. And I just want to say I’m very sorry to hear about Rebecca. We all are. We’re all gutted for you and will do anything you ask of us. I want you to know that we’re here for you.”

  Jago was a little taken aback. “Thanks, Dom, that means a lot. I mean, I knew it, but somehow it seems different when you hear it. Thanks anyway. It’s good to have you here.”

  Jago looked at Dom’s half-empty glass and turned to the barman. “Do you think we can get one of those each, and can you fill his glass?”

  The barman set about pouring the drinks.

  “Sorry, Fi, you want one, don’t you?” asked Jago.

  “Sure, why not? Not that I need a nightcap to get my head down.”

  They moved away from the bar to a table in the corner where they could talk.

  Jago briefed Fi and Dom. “I’ve arranged that Javi and Vikram will go to the Marne residence as they usually would. Javi will send us the guest list – names and numbers. He’ll know this because he’s setting up the microphones for them all. He’
ll also be able to send us the seating plan.”

  “And have we got eyes and ears inside yet?” asked Dom.

  “Yes, we fitted a few cameras and a microphone yesterday. I sent you a plan of the building and grounds,” answered Fi.

  “Yes, I have that, thanks.” Dom looked up at a wall-mounted TV screen. “Oh, by the way, have you seen or heard the local news?”

  “No, we’ve literally just got in and we didn’t have the radio on in the car. Why?”

  “Here, watch this.”

  The three watched the news report, which described a significant earth tremor in the Long Mountain region of the island. There was no coverage of the prisoners, but Commissioner Satyam Gopaul was speaking. He mentioned that this was thought to be an isolated tremor, and so the local inhabitants did not need to worry about any aftershocks.

  Jago’s phone rang. “Hi, Boss. It’s Bernie. Abi has got her head down for a while, but I wanted to let you know we’ve uncovered more accounts. Some are in the mother’s name, as you suspected. We’ve done exactly the same with them as the others, and now it looks like the Marnes are absolutely broke. In fact, they owe money, but have none to pay their debts.”

  “Hi, Bernie. That is good news – fantastic news. Well done, you and the team. But you won’t stop looking just yet, will you?” asked Jago.

  “No, we’re carrying on. Just thought you would like to know.”

  “That’s great, Bernie. I’ll tell the others. And while you’re on the phone, how are you and Trudy? How is she recovering?”

  “Thanks for asking. She’s doing remarkably well, despite her injuries. She gets a little down from time to time, but her sister keeps her company and they get on really well. I couldn’t wish for better.”

  “Look, if you need to take time off, you take it. You won’t lose any pay or anything,” said Jago reassuringly.

  “Thanks for that, but I’m better off at work. Even Trudy says that. Perhaps we’ll take some time off after this op. You know, a week or so.”

  “Whatever makes you feel better, Bernie. Anyway, give her our love. I’ll get off now, as we need to get our heads down for a few hours.”