The Dark Expanse - Astral Clash Series - Book 1

by Jack Hammond

  Chapter Seven

  The room was cold and the empty house did nothing to help keep it insulated. The makeshift curtain at the window was a bed sheet, cardboard boxes were strewn across the floor and the occupant of the bed in the far corner was huddled beneath two quilts. Snow had continued to fall for a second night; meaning today would be difficult for travel. Max stirred, rolling over he squinted through heavy eyes at his watch. It was still early he thought, he could get a few more hours. He tried to slip back into the dream he was having. He couldn't recall what it was about, but had woken in a good mood. Max was giving a lot of credence to feelings of late. With his eyes firmly shut, he drifted off.

  He knew straight away he would not be re-entering his dream today. The noise of the expanse woke him instantly. He was once again surrounded by the darkness he served. The being took form before him.

  “Max, you did well.” It rasped through the gusts of wind.

  "Thank you," he replied.

  "The added bonus of taking a life was unexpected, but well received."

  “Did he refuse to join you?” Max asked with interest.

  “Join me!” the voice bellowed, followed by a laugh. “He was not worthy enough to join the ranks alongside people like you.”

  “So there are more?” Max said, “Not just me.”

  “Max, you are not alone.” The vapour swirled around him. “There are many.”

  Max felt happy to hear that, he was glad he wasn’t a single man alone in this fight. “Who was it that called me?”

  The mist shifted back to its original position, remaining silent.

  “You don’t want me to know. I understand.” Max accepted.

  “There are many.” He repeated, “Some within the Associates.”

  “I guessed as much.” Max admitted. “He was on top of me as soon as I hung up the phone.”

  “Yes. And you dealt with him admirably.”

  “Well, you dealt with him. I just pushed him your way.”

  “I had never taken a life.” The vapour told him, “It was enlightening.”

  “He was a bad guy.” Max said trying to condone their actions.

  “All men are bad. Just to what degree,” he replied.

  Max suddenly wondered if it was female, to have said men the way it had. “I guess.”

  “It is strange you ask about the people who follow me. I need you to help me add to my numbers.”

  “Anything,” Max affirmed.

  “The Associates have realised they have a traitor in their midst.” The voice explained, “They have issued a team of people to locate the person or persons.”

  Edward, Max thought, “What do you wish me to do?”

  “The meeting will take place in a few hours, I need you to locate the person who will provide me with the information I require.”

  “What information?” Max said.

  "I need to know," it paused. "When they get close to my people."

  Max nodded his head, the mission seemed straight forward.

  “The assignment will be delivered as usual.” He told Max, “I need you to bring them to me my friend. I wish to talk to them myself.”

  Max recoiled at being called his ‘friend’ for a moment, “How do I do that?”

  “As you did with Martin Hampton, bring them to my world.”

  Max nodded his head yet again, he wondered if he wanted someone else to kill, what if he had a taste for it now. “It will be done.” Max agreed. It didn’t matter if indeed it had taken a taste to killing as long as it didn’t kill Max.

  The bus drove across the city, all the main roads were clear of snow. The real danger came from the ice, caused by the freezing conditions. Max stepped off the bus and faced the charity shop window. The display was as ostentatious as a Harrods store in London. It astounded him, how in such dire economic climates people were still willing to give their time and money to causes they believed in. Max continued on, seeing an abundance of boarded up shop fronts. Not everyone in the recession had been as lucky, family run businesses giving way to the hypermarkets and online shopping.

  The new assignment he had given him a place to be, the same place he had been the night before. But now the streets were crawling with police, doing door to door canvassing. They hoped someone would have seen something or someone. Max recalled watching a television programme about criminals who enjoyed returning to the scene of their crime, to watch what they had caused unfold before their eyes. That was not the case Max firmly told himself that, he was here on business. He was not here to gloat. Max was here purely for his assignment.

  Quickly ducking into a shop doorway Max was stunned he hadn’t been given any warning. Max looked out of the corner of his eye and saw the boy he had been observing, entering the public house he was supposed to be going inside. This now caused him a dilemma if he entered the pub he would be spotted by the boy. If he remained outside he could miss the target he was seeking. What was he going to do now? He asked himself.

  The booth felt comfortable, the sturdy brown table suited Edward’s large broadsheet newspaper. His eyes scanning the page, the glass of untouched orange juice sat on a coaster to his right. As he waited for his meeting, Edward found his lack of sadness for Martin’s departure from this world disconcerting. It was down the road where Martin's life had been taken, yet Edward had little sorrow at all. Had he become so used to death it no longer affected him? Or was his disdain for the man so strong he believed he deserved his fate somewhat? True his methods were over the top on many occasions but did he deserve to die? Were his crimes equal to his punishment? If they were, did that mean Edward justified such an end?

  Edward looked up from his article to see the group of young kids entering the bar. With a snort of dismay he returned to his paper. Edward remembered when these places were for adults and children were not allowed. The laws had been changed to accommodate the families, the parents who wanted to drink but couldn’t afford the baby-sitters. It didn’t seem that long ago Edward was that age and sat outside, waiting in the freezing cold for a bag of crisps and a drink to be delivered by one of his parents. Now they came in at any age as long as they didn't buy or consume alcohol on the premises.

  Edward’s inner angst over the teenagers was short lived. He was soon joined by his old colleague and friend. At least Edward considered them friends. Sarah Mather was tall, blonde, well turned out. A dark grey business suit and a serious appearance, she had changed from the last time he had seen her. Edward amazed it was the same young girl he had mentored not all that long ago. She had entered the Red Lion with another man, who had taken a seat a few tables away. Sarah however sat down in front of Edward.

  “Hello, Edward.” She said, a warm smile breaking through her stern exterior. “How have you been?”

  “I’m well thank you, Sarah.” Edward replied reciprocating the smile. “I’m sorry. Do I still call you Sarah?” he asked hoping not to insult her new standing.

  “You must always call me Sarah.” She smiled again. “You’re not like the rest of these,” Sarah gave a sideways glance at the burly man to her right, “lackeys.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “You know why I am here?” she inquired.

  “I do.”

  “You have no problems with that I hope?”

  “Sarah of anyone they could send, you would be my first choice.” Edward replied, the sincerity in his voice speaking volumes, his pride unmistakable.

  “Thank you. I don't wish to step on your toes.”

  “Fear not, my toes are just a little cold from the climate,” Edward joked. “Nothing to do with your arrival.”

  “Well, shall we get down to business?” Sarah asked.

  Edward had taught her well, business always came first. “Please.”

  Sarah rested her elbows on the table and leaned in. “I’m here to find a leak. The situation last night confirmed something I had suspected.”

  “I feared something was wrong. I have never received o
ne call, let alone four.”

  “It’s ruffling some feathers very high up.” Sarah confirmed.

  “May I stop you there,” Edward said raising his hand.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I spoke with Max.” He admitted. “I called Martin, but Max answered. He said he had received help, that he had been led to his current employer.”

  Sarah’s interest was piqued, “By who exactly?”

  “Me.” Edward stated boldly. “He claims I led him. I needed to bring this to your attention.”

  “I see. Do you think I’d suspect you more or less now?”

  “It doesn’t matter. Everyone should be a suspect until you have eliminated them. I just felt you should know.”

  Sarah gave him a smile, this one was different. Edward wasn’t sure why but it seemed comforting.

  “You were never under suspicion, Edward.” She explained.

  “Until now,” he countered.

  “No, you’re still not. I have never doubted your allegiance to the Association. When I was told of the situation, I requested I work alongside you.”

  Alongside, Edward thought, did she think they were on equal ground? They were most certainly not, but her choice of words did make him feel a touch more respected. “Suspect everyone, it's the only way to find the leak.”

  “No, Edward. The information that has been leaked to Max and others comes from on high, above us.” She explained, “Some suspect Associates aids, some suspect our operatives in government.”

  “But you don’t, you suspect the Associates themselves.” Edward’s audacious statement raised a smile not a sneer.

  “That is why I chose to work with you Edward.” She grinned. “You see it as I do, it’s a power play. My suspicion is someone is planning a takeover.”

  “It would make sense. But I don’t see how you can convince anyone of that.”

  The burly man walked over to the table and Edward and Sarah fell silent. He was short and stocky, his dark hair combed back. The dark blue suit was cheap and Edward could see it was off the rack, not handmade like his and Sarah’s clothes.

  “I have to be going.” He explained, “The preliminary forensic report should be in by now.”

  “Keep me posted,” Sarah replied coldly.

  “Of course,” he nodded before departing.

  Edward looked curiously at Sarah, “Are you police?”

  “Me? No.” She laughed, “I have some pull in that department though.”

  “I wondered for a minute. The way he spoke to you, I assumed you were his superior.”

  “I am. In a roundabout sort of a way.” She said, her attention turning to the argument at the other side of the bar, “Kids in pubs.” Sarah stated with a shake of her head.

  “I had the same thought earlier.” Edward replied.

  “See, we’re so much alike.” Sarah turned back to Edward. “Now, back to business, when you spoke to Max, did he say anything else?”

  Edward shook his head, “He just asked had I seen the darkness.”

  “What darkness?” she asked intrigued.

  “The darkness of the expanse, he asked if I had seen the real darkness.” Edward shrugged, “I don’t know what he meant, but he was adamant.”

  Sarah knew what he meant. She had heard rumours of another plain, a darker more sinister place. But rumours and conjecture were not part of her job, she needed facts and evidence.

  “Would he contact you again?”

  “Max? Who knows, it’s possible, especially if he thinks I’m involved with his defection.”

  “Yes it is, if he does contact you, play along. There’s no harm in that.”

  “I will do my best to convince him I helped expedite him to his new employer.”

  “Good. I expect little help from the police. Sadly they are working against forces which they cannot comprehend.”

  “If the person or persons behind the curtain truly are Associates, then he could be among the police and they wouldn’t know it.”

  “Very true. Our problem is finding the leak, in a group of suspects we don't know.”

  “As always, you follow the trail. There is always a trail. We just need to find it.” The thought of the hunt gave Edward reason smile.

  “Where do we start, Edward?”

  “Well, Sarah. I think we need to start with Maximus.” He declared.

  “Maximus,” Sarah smiled again, recalling the name from when she took part in the arena. “You still call him that.”

  “Indeed, he will always be Maximus to me.”

  “Did you ever tell him?” Sarah asked.

  “No.” Edward replied swiftly. “On occasion I thought about it. But no, I never did.”

  Sarah looked away for a moment and then turned back. “I could request his whereabouts,” she said changing the subject.

  “I wouldn’t,” Edward said sharply.

  Taken back at his response, Sarah raised her brows, “Why wouldn’t you?”

  “If you suspect the Associate's involvement, then alerting them to our plans would be an error.”

  She just nodded in agreement, happy to listen to Edward’s suggestion.

  “If the person or persons we seek find out we’re looking for Maximus the simplest thing for them would be to eliminate him.” He opened his hands, “And with that our only link to them is severed.”

  “But without their help, how do we locate him?” Sarah asked.

  Edward shook his head disapprovingly and replied. “I expected more from you Sarah.”

  “I’ve not been in the field for a long time,” she justified herself. “But I’m sure I’ll pick it back up, like riding a bike.” She grinned.

  “Remember if you’re looking for someone and they know it…”

  “They’ll be looking for you. To find out what you know or how close you’re getting.” Sarah finished, “I remember it well.”

  “Good.” Edward replied sipping his orange juice.

  “Perhaps he's watching us now?”

  “Perhaps. If not, he will be soon enough.”

  “You have a plan already?” Sarah asked with a wry smile.

  “It’s beginning to form.” He smiled.

  “Like I said, that’s why I chose to work with you.”

  Still concealed within the doorway Max continued his observation of the Red Lion. He avoided the strong wind that blew down the high street; it was chilly but not cold. He actually felt warmer now than he had been inside his house. Even with the heating on full the place remained cold, the lack of insulation from carpets and furniture not helping.

  His brow furrowed as he moved closer to the wall minimizing the chance of being seen. He knew her, he said to himself as his line of sight fell upon a couple moving up Titchfield Road. Dressed in business attire, the tall blonde was someone Max knew well from his past. Sarah Mather was her name, and she was an up and comer when Max was new to the organisation. He didn’t recognise the man, but by his cheap suit he assumed he was nothing more than a tool of the Associates. Sarah however was in a designer coat, her suit trousers made to measure. Although he was a tool, he fitted the description he had been given. The powers that be obviously desired him for something. The pair disappeared inside the public house to Max’s dismay, he suddenly felt sick. Were they here to meet the boy? The boy he was supposed to be protecting, but why would they send someone like Sarah Mather to do the meet? Max knew he had to get a closer look.

  He crossed the street and entered the Red Lion. The main bar was through the door ahead, the toilets were located on his right. The dark brown wooden doors were well-built, with shiny brass handles and stained green and red glass windows. Max’s nose filled with the stench of nicotine. Since the smoking ban the doorway had become a haven of the addition. Max pushed the door with his fingers just enough to see. The boy was seated with two friends. A few tables away the man sat alone. That meant Sarah was meeting with someone else, but was it a coincidence they all arrived at the same pub at the same
time? Max didn't subscribe to it, but the facts were there. Everyone was here and nobody knew it. He returned to the doorway and waited.

  Max took out his mobile phone, deciding it was in his best interest to make a call. He dialled the number from memory and awaited a response.

  “Yes, Max?” the voice answered.

  “I’ve located the target, but there’s a problem.” Max explained.

  “Go on.”

  “The target has arrived with a high level operative within the Associate's organisation.”

  “Sarah Mather we are aware of her involvement.” The voice confirmed. “Continue with your mission.”

  “The target and Mather are in the same place as the boy.”

  “Please wait.”

  “Okay.” Max replied.

  After a twenty or thirty second wait the voice returned. “They are unaware the boy is there.”

  “How can you know that?” Max enquired.

  “Continue with your mission, Max.” The voice reiterated.

  “Right,” Max replied. Annoyed at the lack of information, he snapped the phone shut and continued to wait.

  He didn’t wait long before the man emerged alone. Even though he was just a tool, the expanse wanted him. It was obviously beyond Max’s comprehension but this tool was a necessity, but for what? Max pursued him further up the high street. As they reached the corner of the street, it was then that it occurred to Max, the man was heading toward the local car park. Quickly he frantically waved at the passing traffic hoping for a taxi to pass him by and stop. Luckily he managed to flag down a cab as his target dipped into the parking area.

  A dark blue BMW pulled up to the curb side. The taxi had leather seats and a refined finish throughout. The driver certainly had an ulterior revenue stream. The income the job provided wasn’t enough to afford such a car.

  “Hello, where to mate?” the driver asked as his passenger plonked himself down on the backseat.

  “Not sure yet,” Max replied shutting the door, he paused for a moment, the uncomfortable silence between them unsettling the man behind the wheel.