‘Unlike Fabian, of course.’
‘We are a legitimate interest group, as you know.’
‘I know exactly what you are, Mr Harrison.’
‘I thought you’d called me in to help.’
‘You’re not helping us very much, are you, Mr Harrison?’
Harrison laid the palms of his hands down on the table in a conciliatory gesture. ‘Tell me what you would like me to do?’
‘Tell us how we can stop them,’ said Hughes, taking control of the conversation.
‘You want the truth?’
‘What do you think? We want those bastards.’
‘Would you accept them dead?’
‘We would welcome it.’
‘Then go and get them. Use the army. Use your police.’
‘The police are useless; they’re too busy fighting each other.’
Harrison tutted. ‘I do have contacts,’ he said smoothly. ‘I could make a few calls.’
‘High up?’
‘At the highest level.’
‘Then, do it!’
‘What about the army?’
‘It’s not that straightforward. The Brotherhood has infiltrated every layer of society ...’
‘They are merely substrata, in the end.’
‘We kill them, we kill innocent people.’
‘Define innocent.’
‘Sorry?’
‘Anyone who shelters the Brotherhood is not, by definition, innocent. You want my advice? You go in hard.’
‘Even if people die?’
‘History is written by the victors not the losers. As I say, any unfortunate - well, collateral damage can be blamed on the Brotherhood. You want to keep control ...’
‘Gain control!’
‘You need to be brave, ruthless.’ He leaned forward and picked up the poster. He held it up. ‘If you don’t seize the moment now, then you give the country to this yellow-eyed beast, this creature, this sodomite. Is that what you want?’
Ward smiled. ‘So you have met him?’
Harrison didn’t flinch. ‘I know what he looks like; I know what he is. I know he’s a fool. I’ve been tracking him: his movements are erratic and out of control, he makes wild guesses.’
‘Successful ones.’
Harrison brushed the interruption aside. ‘He’s winning through luck not skill, but his luck will soon run out. You need do only one thing: find and destroy him. It really is that simple. If you don’t, then we all go down together.’
**********************
The small room in the prison was beginning to get uncomfortably hot. At least, Watson thought so. Hamish sat back in his seat with his arms crossed over his chest. ‘I want access to the Governor’s office,’ he said.
Watson snorted.
‘He’s barricaded himself in.’
‘Are you surprised?’
Hamish smiled. ‘No, but you’ll get us in.’
‘Why? Are you going to murder him as well?’
‘That depends.’
Watson paled. ‘On what?’
‘On whether he passes the tests.’
‘What tests?’
Hamish lifted up his arm. ‘First test ...’ He pointed to the underside of his left arm. Watson immediately understood. ‘Fabians die, no matter who they are.’
‘And the second test?’
‘Whether he co-operates.’
‘What does he need to do?’
Screwdriver bent down to him. ‘Give us the keys!’ he hissed.
Chapter 89
There were riots in the streets of our cities; armed looters roamed and terrified the innocent, except for areas occupied by Bràithreachas. In those areas, roads were guarded and blockaded, and protesters chanted and marched carrying Matrix banners. As I rode on the back of Phaedo’s bike through the different areas, I was able to get a feel for the revolution and the anarchy it was creating. People had quickly become aware that, if this state of unrest continued, there could be food and fuel shortages, the emergency services would be put under intolerable strain and the people who should be protecting them would be divided. The result was that gangs of looters were rampaging down the streets and through the shops; these could either be groups of people desperate to survive, or opportunist gangs greedy for goods and power, eager to slice up huge areas of the city for profit and to inflict maximum damage.
One of the skills of the Brotherhood was to understand the difference and use it to our advantage – the first was a natural ally, the second a natural enemy. As I travelled, I could instantly see the difference between areas controlled by Bràithreachas and those left to the armed gangs. However, in all areas, there was no commerce. Shops, services, education, and industry had all but died.
The people knew it, and so they panicked.
They had reason to.
***********************
‘Sort me a meeting with General Howard.’
‘Yes, Mr Ward.’
‘I want to meet him before the Prime Minister does.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Time some decisions were made.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Harrison was right. We must seize the moment.’
‘We destroy Matrix and the Brotherhood?’
Ward gave her a look of surprise. ‘Of course not, we support them.’
‘But, sir, I thought ...’
‘The Brotherhood’s taken the country. Fabian is going to the gallows. Harrison’s heading for a very small cell – and I think he knows it. Only the PM thinks he can save the situation. Let’s make sure we don’t go down with the rest of them.’
‘Sir?’
‘I want a meeting with Matrix. Arrange it!’
‘Sir, how can I ...?’
Ward glanced at her for a brief moment. ‘Because you’re one of them – I’m not stupid, so don’t deny it.’
‘I ...’
‘Just do it.’
‘Yes, sir!’
Chapter 90
1 April 2040, midnight
Stewart peered cautiously around the corner of the wall and then ducked back.
‘Time to go?’ asked Meera.
He nodded. ‘I don’t think we wait too long. I know what Matrix said about the timing, but I think we just go for it.’
‘I agree.’
‘And I’m coming with you this time,’ said Andrew.
‘No, you don’t, we follow basic Brotherhood procedure. Medics stay behind. You’re too important to get caught up in the crossfire. We keep you safe until we need you. We won’t be long; we need to be in and out before the bastard has a chance to do anything.’
‘And we take him alive,’ said Meera.
‘Those are our orders. Matrix wants him in court. He knows too many people. His testimony is crucial if we’re to get any justice at all when this is all over.’
Andrew grabbed Stewart by the sleeve. ‘I’m tired of staying behind. I’m not some old fool – despite what you might think – and this one’s personal. This one’s special. I know Matrix would like to have been here. I’d like to be in there for the kill for him.’
‘He has me for that,’ said Stewart. ‘You follow orders and stay put until we call you.’ He nodded to Meera. She cast Andrew a look of pity and understanding and then followed Stewart into the building.
***********************
Max squirmed in the metal collar and armbands. The breaking irons bit into his flesh and made him burn with pain. ‘Let me go,’ he said.
‘Not until we’ve had some fun,’ said Paula. He’d taken his time. As usual, the essence of the enjoyment lay in the slow pace – the excitement, the anticipation, the leisurely build up of pain, taking the victim to the edge and then bringing him back again. It was an exercise in skill and expertise, and it was not to be hurried. He had chosen the music; he had stripped until he wore nothing but a loincloth; he had covered the creature’s body in sweet-smelling oils until it was slippery.
Max watched i
n horror as Paula took out his special case and opened it, carefully running his fingers along a range of scalpels, razors and needles. He smiled and hummed softly to the music as he did so. ‘Please, don’t hurt me anymore!’ said Max. ‘It hurts, the bonds hurt, please!’ He panted with the pain.
‘My dear boy, hurt doesn’t begin to describe what I have planned for you.’ He picked up a long, thin scalpel with jagged edges. ‘There are many experts in this world – people who claim they know everything about - politics - human nature - you name it.’ He put the scalpel back in its slot. ‘Me? ... I’m an expert in pain. I’ll take you on such a journey. I’ll take you to the darkest place there is, a place close to the gates of hell, bring you back, - then, do it all again. You think you know what pain is; you have no idea. The breaking irons are nothing, just rudimentary implements of control. I have something much more exquisite planned for you.’ He stroked Max gently, running his slender fingers down his arm and across his chest. ‘I never use them normally, but I thought they would suit you.’ He pinched him slightly. ‘It seems you bleed just like anyone else.’ He sounded disappointed.
‘Of course I bleed!’
Paula touched Max on his face. ‘You sweat too. Is that fear? Is that why you sweat? Is that what I can see in your eyes?’
‘Yes.’ Max could barely articulate the word. The breaking irons made thinking impossible, and he knew it was important he concentrated.
Paula smiled. ‘Good, I like that.’
‘Please! It hurts so much. I’ll do anything.’
‘Yes, you will. You will be in such torment you’ll hardly be able to speak. You won’t even be able to beg for mercy. Your mouth will be locked tight with pain.’ He touched Max on the lips. ‘Even now you struggle, I think.’
‘Please, God. No!’ said Max.
‘It’ll be wonderful,’ said Paula, finally choosing a long, thin razor with a double edge. ‘You’ll enjoy it. My boys always do.’
‘You can’t do this to me! You must let me go.’
Paula laughed. ‘The world is tumbling into revolution and you talk of rights?’ He sighed. ‘What a pity you’re not a discard. The lock may be a crude instrument, but it does have the advantage of silencing my boys.’
‘You’ve done this to people before?’ whispered Max incredulously.
‘I’ve taken many boys to the edge, but you’ll be my first black boy.’
‘What happened to them?’
Paula shrugged his shoulders. ‘They die - eventually. I make it slow. We have lots of fun first. Don’t worry, you’ll be here a long time yet.’
‘No, I won’t, Matrix will see to that. He’ll come and get you.’
Paula laughed. ‘Matrix is nothing! Why he’s one of mine, and one day I’ll have him back here in chains – and we’ll finish the job we started. Except this time, I’ll really make sure he suffers.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ said Max. ‘I don’t believe you ever had Matrix.’
‘Oh, believe it! I took him further than I’ve ever taken anyone. He had a remarkable ability for survival. Many times I thought I’d pushed him too far. Many times I thought the pain would drive him out – but it never did. He always came back. I admit I underestimated him, but not next time. When I have him back in my harness, I’ll know exactly what to do.’
‘I don’t believe you,’ taunted Max.
Paula moved in close again. He gazed at Max with a look of hunger and longing. ‘White skin bleeds so beautifully, the paleness of the skin against the redness of the blood. I wonder if it’ll be as exciting when it’s black skin. I wonder if it can possibly hurt you as much as it does a white boy. You’re not quite human, are you?’
‘Yes, and I feel pain just the same.’
‘How can you possibly know that? How can you know that you feel the same as anyone – especially a white boy? I don’t believe you do. I think I can push you further than a white boy.’
Max looked at the razor with its sharp steely edge. ‘It’ll hurt more than I can bear. Have pity and let me go.’
Paula’s eyes hardened. ‘You’re nothing but a cheap rent boy – even worse, you’re a nigger rent boy. You put yourself up for sale, and I came as the highest bidder. Everything and anything I do to you, you more than deserve. I’ve paid for your time, and I intend to have some fun.’ He held up the razor. ‘Now, let’s see how you bleed.’
‘You’re Fabian, aren’t you?’
Paula laughed. ‘Fabian? No! They’re just a bunch of simplistic idealists. I am me. I have my own thoughts and ideas.’
‘But you know them. You must do.’
‘Perhaps. In the end we have the same goals.’
‘What goals?’
‘Death to the substrata, long lingering painful death to all of your kind.’
‘Have pity, please.’
‘You’ll enjoy it. Matrix enjoyed it – although he could never tell me. I did such things to him. And now I’ll do the same to you.’
‘I don’t think so,’ said a voice behind him.
Paula spun around. Meera stood at the door, holding a gun outstretched in her hand; it was pointed at Paula. ‘Drop the knife or you’re dead!’
Paula half closed his eyes. ‘I don’t think so, my dear,’ he whispered. He turned to Max and lunged forward.
‘No!’ screamed Meera. She wanted to shoot but Paula was too close to Max. So, instead, she leapt across the room, but she was too far away. She would never reach him in time.
She could hear Stewart behind her. ‘Shoot!’ he yelled.
She lifted her gun to fire, but Paula was even closer to Max now. Then, before she could pull the trigger, a body flew across the room from another door. It landed on top of Paula knocking him flying.
She came to an abrupt halt, still holding the gun in her hands. She still hadn’t fired it. Stewart had come in behind her at speed. He crashed into her, knocking her to the ground. They both fell tumbling down. They rolled over, came back up on their knees and then they were up and on their feet. Paula lay sprawled on the ground absolutely still. He was entwined with Andrew.
‘Andrew!’ screamed Meera and Stewart together. They scrambled across to the two bodies and pulled them apart. The razor was embedded in Paula’s throat. Another blade, a scalpel, was embedded in Andrew’s heart. They were both dead.
‘No!’ wailed Meera. She collapsed onto the floor on her knees. She heard a sob behind her, and she knew that it was Stewart. Andrew was dead. He was one of the Blood Brothers and a close friend of Matrix.
He was dead.
I had lost one of my most treasured and important chess pieces. One I had vowed to protect. A man I had loved as a father. In this I failed – and I will always mourn.
**********************
‘Chief Constable, I’m calling in a favour.’
‘Martin! How can I help?’
‘Need I ask?’
‘Something to do with a gang of terrorists?’
‘I understand your officers are divided.’
‘We’ve had some trouble, it’s true.’
‘Trouble? You surprise me, a man of your calibre allowing such dissent. I’ve heard that good people have died – good men and women. Please, tell me that it’s not true?’
‘There has been some exaggeration in the media.’
‘So, what’s happening in the media? It seems some low life sodomite has taken control. I thought we’d got rid of that sort ...’
‘The media is nothing to do with me.’
‘But your officers are. You could do worse than sending them to the media centres.’
‘Are you telling me how to do my job?’
‘The Brotherhood thinks they’re in control. They think they’re winning. We need to put them right about that. Your officers can play their part in this. I trust you’ve put in safeguards to protect our people in the force?’
It was already too late. Blood had been spilt; there had been violence and death. The Chief Constable was aware
of that. ‘I’ve put in place all the necessary safeguards,’ he said carefully. For some reason Harrison did not feel comforted. ‘And,’ continued the Chief Constable, ‘it’s not a case of thinking they’re winning. At this moment, they are winning.’
‘Something we can still change.’
‘Martin, if I were you, I would find myself a secure bolt hole and wait for the worst to pass over.’
‘Where would you suggest? The country’s gone mad. The mobs are in the streets. The rabble’s taking over. They’re everywhere! Instead of blaming the Brotherhood for the anarchy, they blame the Government. Where’s the sense in that?’ For the first time there was a touch of panic in his voice.
There was a long silence, and Harrison thought he had lost contact.
The Chief Constable answered at last. ‘I’ll send some officers to your house to protect you. It’ll be discreet. The man in charge will be someone by the name of Gray. He’s a good man, someone you can trust.’
‘What rank?’
‘DCI.’
Harrison snorted in derision.
‘He’s one of the best, and you need someone of working rank to help you in this. As I say, I’d trust him with my life.’
Harrison thought for a while and then made up his mind. ‘That’s good enough for me. Send him over.’
***********************
Paula’s House
‘Cadros, could you get me out of these,’ said a voice from above. Meera and Stewart looked up and then scrambled back to their feet. Max was looking down at them. They ran across to him. ‘Max!’ said Meera.
‘Is the Doctor dead?’ he asked.
‘Yes!’ she sobbed.
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Not your fault.’ She began to look at his manacles to find a way to release him. ‘This was not supposed to happen, not like this ...’ she muttered.
‘What about ...?’
‘Paula’s dead too.’
‘Shit! We really have fucked up, haven’t we?’
She nodded.
Stewart was working on releasing the irons from the back. He glanced up. ‘Personally, I don’t give a fuck that Paula’s dead. I just wish he’d suffered more first.’
The Dream Catcher Diaries Page 50
