The thought of his father’s actions now brought a smile to his face which was quickly followed by a pang of regret for the father he had never really known. He pulled himself together, he had less than an hour to prepare for that night’s meeting and he had to impress The Chairman. Beaumont was certain he was being tested, although the thought crossed his mind that perhaps The Chairman was merely exerting his authority over the President by putting him firmly in his place. However, he quickly dismissed these thoughts. The Chairman did not need to play such childish games. He was all powerful and had proved the point many times. Only just recently, everyone had been reminded of The Chairman’s power. A Committee member had dared to disagree with his orders and had refused to carry them out. Within an hour, the Committee member and his entire family were executed by their own trusted bodyguards in a very public display. It was only at the next Committee meeting and the silhouette of an empty chair that the Committee members realised who the dissenting voice had been and how dangerous The Chairman really was.
The red light changed to yellow on top of the unit sitting in the centre of Beaumont’s desk. It was the only electrical product in the room and one of the most advanced communication systems in the world. It could detect the presence of any other power source and listening device. It continually scoured its surroundings and should it detect any other device, it would refuse to operate until the offending article were removed. This included phones, tape recorders, music systems, computers. In fact, the only power source Beaumont had found acceptable to the unit was a single low powered desk lamp. He had even changed his Rolex watch to an automatic version as the battery version had upset the unit.
The yellow light signified that everybody had checked in and that the meeting would commence in two minutes. Checking-in required a thumb and eye scan with the added requirement that these bodily parts be attached to their owner. It also required the member to be alone and this was checked by the unit scanning for heart beats and respiratory outputs. Should more than one be present, the check-in would fail.
The green light began to flash, 10…9…8, the countdown to the start of the meeting had begun. The real leaders of the free world (and soon the entire world) were about to be in session.
The unit’s screen lit up and its centre was filled by the silhouette of a man sitting in a large chair. A number of smaller silhouettes surrounded the perimeter of the screen, each silhouette representing its member.
“Good evening everybody and welcome to today’s meeting. Before we start, I would just like to welcome three new members or should I say Ohayo Gozai-Masu, Buenas Tardes and Good Evening.”
Three of the small silhouettes acknowledged this welcome, one giving a very deep and long bow.
The new members increased the Committee’s foreign membership to twelve and resulted in the Committee’s membership more than doubling over the previous year. Of course, it was not hard to guess where the new members were from, as each assassination led to a new member.
A chorus of welcomes echoed through their headphones, another feature to ensure security.
“Thank you Gentlemen… we’ve got a lot to get through this evening,” said The Chairman bringing the meeting to order. “First on the agenda is an update on our operation and for this, I will hand over to Member Four.”
A small mumble was heard amongst the members who thought The Chairman had said the wrong number - usually Member Three gave the operational updates.
Member Four was Beaumont.
“Thank you, Mr Chairman,” he said. Although heavily digitised, it was obvious to all other members that no mistake had been made and a few members shifted nervously in their seats as a younger voice took the floor.
“Gentlemen, as you are aware, this operation has been in planning and preparation for many years. I am pleased to report that with only two months left of our operational phase, we are on track. Every deliverable has been met and no obstacles are anticipated. We are, of course, at the most difficult and critical point of the operation and security is exceedingly tight around the remaining world leaders…”
“How can you say no obstacles are anticipated? The leaders are virtually living in nuclear bunkers?” interrupted another member. It was apparent that The Chairman’s young protégé was not going to have an easy ride.
“I’m glad you asked as that brings us to the next phase of the operation - Incrimination and Deception.”
“What the hell does that mean?” asked the same member becoming more irritated.
“Exactly, what it says,” replied Beaumont, biting his tongue. His audience, he reminded himself, were the richest and most powerful men in the world.
“The plan is,” continued Beaumont regaining his composure, “to throw up a wall of confusion and to provide the authorities with a credible suspect who will be found guilty of the assassinations. Security will then ease and our final victims will be easier to take down.”
“So who do we propose will make a credible suspect?” asked the irritated member, laughing as he posed the question. A fall guy for these assassinations was bordering on farcical. It was widely known that not one person, country or group had anything to gain from the wide and diverse list of victims. Nor did they have the opportunity, skill, wherewithal or resources to undertake such an extensive and complex operation.
“The identity of the proposed suspect shall remain confidential at this time. In fact, not even The Chairman is aware of this detail and has agreed that in the interests of the operation, it should remain so. The first you will hear of our unwitting suspect will be when he is plastered over the front page of your newspaper, labelled the world’s most wanted assassin.”
A wave of discontent began to fill the airwaves as members began to mumble disapprovingly.
“Gentlemen, please,” boomed The Chairman. “I’m assured that the need for secrecy is vital. As you can imagine, there is only a limited number of people who have the resources to be a potential suspect and therefore it is vital that on the capture of the suspect, we’re as shocked as anyone around us at the time.”
The Chairman had given his approval to Beaumont’s plan and all mumbling ceased. “Carry on, Member Four,” he instructed Beaumont.
“The operation will begin next week and requires the involvement of one of our friendly African dictators. He, of course, is unaware of the true purpose of the operation but will give us the perfect opportunity to plant the seeds which will blossom and provide us with the perfect suspect…”
“Just because he’s apprehended doesn’t mean the leaders will come out of hiding. It may in fact drive them deeper underground and may even incite greater panic, dependent of course upon who this poor fool is,” said the irritated member, trying once more to score a point against Beaumont.
Despite the digitisation of his voice, Beaumont’s clipped tone was evident. “Yes, we understand that and that is exactly why, when everybody is certain of his guilt, he will meet with an unfortunate accident. Afterall, African prisons are very dangerous places.”
“Hmm yes, I can see that may work,” conceded the irritated member who did not enjoy being put in his place by a junior member.
“We believe it will work and just as the leaders begin to feel safe again, we’ll take them out.” Beaumont tried to adopt a more conciliatory tone. He could not afford to make enemies and The Chairman would not be impressed if he upset members on his first update.
“Excellent and timescale?” asked The Chairman in a tone which signalled an end to the discussion.
“Two weeks to frame our assassin. Two months to complete the plan.”
“Good, thank you Member Four. The next item on our agenda is financial reporting, Member Two…”
Beaumont listened as Member Two droned through the financial update which seldom changed. The Committee had more cash in hand than any other person, corporation or country in the world. The figures were now measured to the nearest billion. Almost an hour later, the meeting finally came
to a close. The world had been put to rights and decisions made that would affect the majority of the world’s population.
“Gentlemen, thank you and goodnight. Member Four please stay on line.”
The silhouettes disappeared as The Chairman cut all feeds except for his and Beaumont’s. Beaumont was worried, he had snapped at the other member and expected the full wrath of The Chairman for his lack of control.
“Well done Beaumont, succinct and to the point.”
“Thank you, Mr Chairman. I was slightly concerned about the interruptions.” Beaumont figured it was better to bring it up himself.
“Yes, well, Member Seven is getting a little too big for his boots. I think I need to send him a little reminder as to who is boss.”
Relief swept through Beaumont bringing with it an added confidence.
“Anything I can do to help?”
“No, no, this has been some time coming, leave it to me, I’ll deal with it.” The Chairman’s tone was chilling and Beaumont thanked God that he was not Member Seven.
“Good luck with the rest of the operation and call me if you need anything. Particularly if that imbecile President goes off on one of his personal vendettas again.”
Beaumont realised that The Chairman was referring to the Kennedy fiasco, a year earlier.
“You knew?” Beaumont whispered, his body rigid with fear.
“Of course I knew, I’m just disappointed that you didn’t tell me yourself, you’ve had ample opportunity. Anyway, I understand why you didn’t and good job on covering the idiot’s tracks but don’t let it happen again. He is expendable and don’t forget that.”
Beaumont’s face flushed as his heart pounded at the thought of his stupidity, why had he not told The Chairman himself?
“Yes of course Mr Chairman and please accept my sincere apolo…”
“It’s fine, in your position, I would probably have done the same but as long as it doesn’t happen again.”
The Chairman did not need to say anymore, it was obvious that a second time would be unforgivable and would result in immediate expulsion from the Committee. However there was no such thing as a living ex Committee member. Ex Committee members had two things in common, six foot of earth and a predisposition for pushing up daisies.
“Anyway, let’s move on, we’ve got a very difficult two months ahead. Are you absolutely sure your suspect will be credible?”
“Honestly, with what we’ve got on him, I’m beginning to believe he’s guilty myself.”
“He must be a very interesting individual, I’d love to know who he is…”
“It’s…”
“No, please don’t tell me, it’s better I don’t know, that way I can’t put my foot in it. When do you begin?”
“We anticipate the suspect will be in position next week. I’m just waiting for his latest schedule to finalise the plan.”
“Excellent. Good luck and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to make contact.”
“Of course and thank you Mr Chairman.”
The screen blinked and died, the red L.E.D. indicating that no transmission was being made.
Beaumont sat back and breathed deeply. A coldness hit his back as his sweat-drenched shirt made contact with his flesh. His hand was still shaking from The Chairman’s revelation. How did he know about the Kennedys? Why had he not said anything before? What would he do to him? Surely The Chairman would make him pay for his deception. Questions fizzed around his mind as he struggled to come to terms with the situation. He pushed his seat back from the desk, stood up and began to pace up and down, visions of the repercussions flashing in front of him. His father’s words rang in his ears, ‘Don’t ever underestimate The Chairman. He’s the most ruthless son of a bitch alive. Many men have underestimated him and none have lived to tell the tale.’
It took Beaumont nearly five minutes of pacing before he noticed an envelope which had been slipped under the door. He bent down and picked it up. It was marked ‘Top Secret For Beaumont’s Eyes Only’. The envelope was from a law firm which Beaumont used exclusively for Committee work. This in itself signalled it was urgent and the three additional ‘urgent’ stamps were completely unnecessary.
He tore open the envelope and extracted a single sheet of paper. Half way through the first line of text he paused, his composure returned. He had work to do and an operation to plan. He started reading the document again, from the start.
‘Travel Schedule for Donald Kennedy…’
***
Member Seven did not have to wait long before he felt the wrath of The Chairman. He realised he had gone too far and had desperately tried to contact The Chairman after the meeting. But for the first time, The Chairman did not respond to his urgent messages. Member Seven began to panic and quickly contacted each member of his family to check their whereabouts. They were all safe. The phone rang. At last he thought, The Chairman was calling him back. But it was his normal work mobile not his special Committee phone.
“Hello?” he answered. The caller id showed that it was his Personal Secretary, a secretary who had been rather more personal than his wife would have liked. It was after midnight why would she be calling him so late?
“Hello, I wonder if you can help. Do you recognise this number?” asked a rather awkward male voice.
“Yes, of course, it’s my secretary’s mobile. Did you find it somewhere?”
“Well sort of yes. I’m with the local police, I’m afraid I may have some terrible news…”
Member Seven heard little more than she had been beaten to death and had a knife wound on her back in the shape of a number and two letters.
The waiting was over. The Chairman had vented his anger. His beautiful secretary, only 28, was dead with 7 – TC carved into her back. A message direct to Member 7 from The Chairman.
Part Two
Chapter 7
“Dad?”
“Yes Tom?” came the muffled response.
Tom tried to open the study door but it was locked. He didn’t know the door had a lock.
“Just give me a minute son,” said his father nervously.
Tom was beginning to worry. His father’s behaviour was becoming more and more weird. It had been a week since Saki had returned and since Tom had spoken at any length to his father. Saki and Donald had spent the week huddled together in the study. As Tom waited, he could hear the shuffling of papers and agitated whispering.
Even Kano and Kisho had noticed that things were not normal and were beginning to ask questions. In fact, from the moment they landed at Glasgow, Saki had been like a man possessed, trying to get back to the Kennedy Estate. They had landed early and rather than waiting 20 minutes for a helicopter, Saki had insisted on jumping in the first cab available. He had then coaxed the driver into breaking just about every road traffic regulation in order to get home as quickly as possible. When they hit roadworks 3 miles from the Estate, Saki looked at the queue of traffic, paid the driver, opened the door and started running. Kano and Kisho followed suit but despite being significantly younger than Saki, did not stand a chance of keeping up with him. Saki forged ahead and was soon out of sight. Just as they thought they had made it and jumped over the Estate wall, they were surrounded by Rottweillers.
Saki and Donald had not even waited for the twins to enter the house before disappearing into the study and it was left to Kano and Kisho to explain why they were there. Everybody had been so pleased to see the twins that it was not until they sat down at the dinner table that Lela asked the question
“But why are you here, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing at all. You didn’t think you were going to school without us did you?” Kano replied. The twins, ex Special Forces soldiers, were now Tom and Lela’s unofficial bodyguards at school.
With everything that was going on, Donald’s strange behaviour, Saki being away and the terrifying assassinations, nobody had realised that there was only one week to go before school started.
Tom li
stened as the whispering and the sound of paper shuffling stopped. He stepped back expecting the door to open but nothing happened. There was just complete silence. Just as he thought his father had found another way out of the study, he heard a dull thud followed by a loud metallic click. Soon after, the study door opened.
“Hi, Tom, what’s up?” asked Donald casually, as though the last two minutes had never happened.
“Hmmm, nothing,” said Tom as he strained to see past his father.
“Hi Saki,” he said as he saw Saki sitting on the study’s sofa.
“Oh hi Tom, how are you?” responded Saki a little more nervously.
“Good thanks, just wondering whether you two will be joining us for dinner? It’ll be our last meal together before the Christmas hols you know.”
“Of course, we were just finishing off a few bits and pieces, we’ll be down in a second.”
“OK,” replied Tom gloomily. He wasn’t used to being kept in the dark and he was now sure something was going on. He made his way back down to the kitchen.
As he walked in, four expectant faces looked beyond him and their smiles faded.
“Didn’t you find them?” asked Rachel.
“Yes I did,” replied Tom.
“And?” asked Lela.
“They’ll be down soon.”
“Well that’s just not good enough,” said Lela whose voice rose as her anger stirred. She had hardly seen her father in a month and the least he could do was spend some quality time with them before they left for school.
Assassin (The Billionaire Series) Page 3
