by Sewell, Ron
Bear gave him the once over and grinned. “William Morris, and by the end of the day I decide whether you have a job or not.”
“And who might you be, old man?”
Bear turned his head as he looked left and right. “Are you talking to me?”
“Dark-hair went to poke Bear’s chest but found himself flat on the deck with one arm twisted behind his back.”
A short, tubby, blond-haired man edged forward, the tension increasing.
Bear glared. “I’ll break his arm and play marbles with your balls if you as much as blink.”
The blond man froze.
“You’re breaking my arm,” said dark-hair.
“You’re breaking my heart. Strange as it seems I can’t tell if you’re stupid or just a plain arsehole. I’m going to let you go. Stand up and join the others. Any more kick-the-old-man ideas and a shit storm will destroy you”
Dark-hair stood and rubbed his shoulder before holding out his hand. Bear shook it and the three others held out theirs.
“Shall we start again? You four are this boat’s defence if pirates board. Those on Goliath failed. You will not have that luxury. Two of you will be awake every moment this ship is not attached to the wall.”
A fresh-eyed, grey-haired man but youthful in attitude laughed. “Not a problem in my book.”
“It's wrong to assume you’re ex-military?” He pointed to dark-hair. “Name, rank and regiment?”
“Barry Higgins, sergeant, the Paras.”
“You?”
“Colin Jones, corporal, Royal Signals.”
“You?”
“David Ramsbottom, corporal, Royal Engineers.”
“Last but not least, grey-hair.”
“Donald Mactavish, able seaman, Royal Navy.”
Bear rubbed his chin. “A motley crew by any standards. Barry’s the professional but out of date. Well as from now you’re on a refresher course. If you don’t like the idea you leave.”
“Speaking of qualifications,” Barry interrupted with an air of indignation. “What’s yours?”
“A Hereford sergeant. Bear to my friends. For your information, I was crawling along stinking ditches in Iraq while you lot filled nappies. From tomorrow we begin a keep-fit regime starting with a ten mile run. Last man back pays for the beer and I love my beer. Where are your weapons?”
Barry looked Bear straight in the eyes. “In our cabin. Why?”
“Donald, go fetch.”
“Why me?”
“Because I said so. One more word and you’re out of here.”
“Fuck you. I’m out of here.”
“You have half an hour to pack your bags and get lost. Barry, your weapons.”
Barry grinned, saluted and jogged to the accommodation section and in less than ten minutes returned with four American assault rifles.
Bear grabbed one and stripped it to its component parts. “When was this last fired?”
“No idea,” said Barry with a cheeky grin. “The chief officer handed them over when we left the States.”
“First job, clean these until they’re fit for purpose. Second, you will carry them at all times, full mags and safeties on. This weapon will be your girlfriend until you leave the ship.”
“That’s a bit over the top?” muttered Colin.
Bear chuckled. “A good card player knows when to dump a bad hand. You must want to go home.”
“No, no,” stammered Colin. “It’s just we’re not in the army anymore and well...”
“Well fucking what? A pirate bullet is as good as any other. You don’t hear the one that kills you. I’m being paid to make sure this boat is ready if attacked. I’ll be at home when it happens and if I train you to be the best, I’ll sleep in my bed without any worries.”
“He’s right,” said Barry. “The more wide awake we are the better and my wife would kill me if I went home in a wooden box. Bear, I’m with you.”
“What about you two?”
“You’re the boss,” was the joint answer.
“Right, at six tomorrow morning we begin. By the time I leave you’ll be back thinking and acting like soldiers. You never know, it might save your lives. In the meantime strip those weapons and clean them.” He turned and walked towards the stern of the vessel.
“You heard the man,” said Barry.
@@@
Bear glanced around the bridge at the computer-managed control systems. “Looks like something out of Star Trek. How are the changes progressing?”
Petros stopped reading the water cannon operator’s manual and placed it open on the chart table. “Not bad. I ask stupid questions and the engineering foreman smiles before telling me I‘m wrong. These control systems almost make the crew obsolete. What about you?"
“Lost one who didn’t want to play but the other three seem keen enough. A dozen rocket-propelled-grenade-launchers and a ton of ammo would increase the odds. I wonder if Amadou can get them to us before this boat loads with crude.”
"Give him a ring. But you and I will be long gone before then.”
“You better believe it. Ships and the sea are not my favourites. What time are we finishing tonight?”
“I’m done. Let’s stroll over to the office and cadge a lift back to the hotel.”
I’ll contact Amadou later.
@@@
When his mobile buzzed Amadou barked, “Who is it?” in Arabic.
“If it’s not convenient, I can call tomorrow.”
“Sorry, Bear. Bad day.”
“From what I read Colin Powel was right. If you break it you own it.”
Amadou chuckled. “Who wants to own a country overrun by militia? At the moment the inmates are running the madhouse. Speak out of turn at a road block and your journey ends.”
“I saw on the news some group seized an oil tanker but US troops regained possession.”
“I live in a country of chaos which under the present militia rule is disintegrating.”
Bear hesitated. “Can I place an order on this line?”
“No problem. It’s my sat-phone.”
“I need a dozen Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG). More if you can get them.”
“This country is awash with weapons. My friend, Libya has become the primary source of illicit weapons. You ask and we have tons to sell. Gaddafi’s armouries are empty. The problem is delivery. Where do you want them?”
“Cape Town preferred but somewhere close to Das Island will do.”
“You must be joking. Cape Town is a no-no, and Egypt has tightened its border controls.” He paused. “Leave it with me and I’ll get back to you. How long have I got?”
“A week, maybe eight days at most.”
“I have a few problems of my own but I’ll see what I can do.” The line went dead.
Chapter Seven
As the sun streamed through his bedroom window, Petros showered. Revitalized, he dressed and ordered breakfast for one in his room.
At seven twenty-five he waited on the hotel steps. To the second John arrived at seven thirty.
Petros ran to the car and jumped into the front passenger seat.
“Are we waiting for Mr Morris?” asked John.
“Not today. He was up and out over an hour ago.”
“Very good, sir. Mr Stanley is meeting suppliers today. What time will you finish?”
Petros, in thought, stared at him. “If I don’t require a lift, do you have the day off?”
John manoeuvred the car out and onto the main road. “No. Mr Stanley pays me well to be available twenty-four hours a day.” He hit the brakes. “Idiot,” he muttered softly as a red convertible edged into the gap in front. “He’s a good man and only in emergency will he call me out at the weekend. I have no complaints; my children are well fed and attend school every day.”
“Stanley sounds almost too good to be true. Bear and I will return to the hotel by taxi tonight.”
John continued driving, his eyes fixed on the road and traffic ahead. �
�If you change your mind, it’s no problem.”
Petros sat back in the seat. “As soon as you drop me at the ship you can enjoy your day.”
John stopped alongside the Leviathan’s gangway, waited until Petros shut the door before driving away.
As Petros clambered onto the main deck he chuckled. Near the bow Bear and three men were in the progress of doing press-ups.
He strolled forward and waited.
“Forty-nine, fifty. You can rest for five minutes before you go for a shower and a late breakfast. I want you back here for weapon inspection by nine. If you’ve cleaned them to my standard we move on to a firing range where you’ll become better at hitting the target than you ever were. You’ll be honing dormant skills and working on your accuracy. Once you have that the rest should fall into place. The targets move and you need to drop them with your first shot. The alternative is not an option.”
Exhausted, the three men trudged along the deck.
“How did it go?”
Bear completed a series of muscle relaxing exercises before answering. “Better than expected. They put their backs into the run even though it killed them. They get bonus marks for that.”
“Would you mind if I join you tomorrow morning?”
“Fill your boots but remember it’s not a speed test. I need these men to have endurance and be prepared for the worst.”
Petros’ build gave the false impression of youth. “I’ll follow you until I see the dockyard.”
“And then you’ll sprint the remainder.”
“You can join me if you want.”
“No chance. I’m built for comfort not speed. Anyway, my mate the chef’s making me a few sausage-filled rolls with runny eggs. See you later.”
@@@
Stanley Ford alighted from the taxi and paid the driver. He waited for it to leave before entering the Cape Grace hotel. At reception he presented his Ocean Shipping Line card to the pasty-faced clerk. With one swipe the card was activated.
“I have a guest arriving in twenty minutes. She will ask for the Vice President of Ocean Shipping. Please make certain she’s escorted to the rooftop terrace.”
The clerk smiled. “Of course Mr Ford. Can I have the lady’s name to guarantee no mistake is made?”
“Linda Liu.”
“Very good, sir.”
He entered the spacious lift and inserted his key card. Classical music played as the unit ascended without stopping to the top floor. From the private hallway, he entered the extravagantly furnished suite, and strode straight into the master bedroom, found the remote and pressed the curtain control. Silently they drew back as he cracked open the bi-fold doors. The gentle breeze wafting into the room stirred the air. For a moment he enjoyed the majesty of the Cape. On inspection, the kitchen fridge was as instructed, full of champagne.
The telephone nearest the queen-sized bed rang. He lifted the receiver and closed his eyes for a moment. “Mr Ford, your guest is on her way up.”
“Thank you.” He replaced the handset, strolled to the main door and opened it just as Linda exited the lift.
She ran towards him and kissed him long and hard on the lips. “I’ve missed you so much my body aches.” With her left foot she closed the door and with no resistance dragged him into the bedroom. With a hard shove she pushed him onto the bed, removed her red trouser suit, bra and skimpy panties. In one erotic movement she unzipped his trousers and sat astride him. “I’ve waited for this moment.” She ripped open his shirt, the buttons flying everywhere. As a rag she tossed it to the floor. “You’ll never know how much I’ve longed for this. You satisfy my needs.”
He shut his eyes and moved his body to the rhythm dictated by her.
In a few minutes his features contorted as his body shuddered. She screamed and clawed at his chest. “Again, I beg you, you’re so good.”
“Pull my trousers off”
She slid to the carpeted floor, her fingers tugging at the material. In moments he lay on the bed naked. “You are not ready for me,” she whispered.
“You know how much pleasure it gives me when you do it your way.”
Her eyes opened wide as she kissed the tip of his penis. She used her tongue until he was ready. Again she mounted him but he pulled her close and rolled her on her back.
She played the game, matching his thrusting with hers, screaming as he climaxed.
He fell back, his head resting on a pillow as she slid close. “I want more.” Stanley turned and perched on the edge of the bed. “Champagne. We need champagne.” Naked, he lurched to the kitchen, returning with two glasses and a bottle. The frothy liquid overflowed onto the floor as the cork burst from the neck and he filled two glasses.
From his briefcase he removed a thin black leather box. “A present for my luscious mistress.”
Linda grabbed and removed the lid. “Diamonds. I love the way they sparkle money. I shall wear them on a special occasion.”
“Put them on now.”
The diamonds circled her neck. Arms entwined, they sipped the champagne spilling most on the bed.
Linda stroked his skin and tangled her fingers in his chest hair. She tugged, pulling him towards her. “When does Leviathan sail?” She pulled the hair so it hurt.
“You bitch. I’ve a problem with a couple of limeys sent over from head office. They have full authorisation to implement anti-piracy measures.”
She jerked her hand hard back ripping the hairs from his chest.
He yelled and pushed her flat on her back. “You’ll pay for that.” The thought of what he wanted readied him. He flipped her over and pushed himself into her.
She raised her buttocks and pressed back with enthusiastic thrusts until spent he collapsed on the bed.
She sat over him and with subtle movements of her hips massaged his lifeless penis. “These men, what are they doing to your ship?”
He opened his eyes. “You expect me to talk while you’re doing what you do best?”
She stopped and lowered her head to his.”If you want your bank balance to grow and our sex life to continue, tell me everything. When you have I’ll blow your mind one more time. I promise you’ll beg me for more.”
His hands grabbed her waist and although awkward he pulled himself up until they were face to face. “They are installing three water cannon and some cameras to cover the main deck at night. You have nothing to worry about. My man on board will make sure they are out of action long before you arrive. This time they’ll be closer to India than Africa. Money for nothing.”
“I need a pee.” She rolled off the bed and padded bare foot into the bathroom.
A few minutes later she returned, picked up her handbag and out of Stanley’s sight removed a small package. “More champagne.” She lifted the two glasses and with her back turned, refilled them. In one, a measure of cocaine dissolved. “Wake up sleepy-head.” One glass she gave to him as she sipped from the other. “Soon we can disappear and spend the remainder of our lives together.”
In one gulp he downed the drink. “The way you treat my body I’ll last six months at best.”
She grinned and placed her empty glass on the bedside cabinet. “Six fantastic months.” With both her hands she massaged his penis until it cooperated. “How are you feeling?”
“Out of my mind.”
She chuckled. “You’ll get the buzz soon.”
One hour later Linda showered, dressed and collected her handbag. She left Stanley sleeping. Using her mobile, she contacted a friend.
“Hi, Linda.”
“I need the frighteners placed on two Brits, one has blond hair and the other’s a black. If they should die you get a bonus.”
“Give me the details and consider it done.”
A few minutes later she hung up, smiled, dropped the mobile into her bag and left Stanley to his dreams.
Chapter Eight
A thin man with a cruel smile, wearing a pale blue denim jacket and jeans, smoked a cigarette. He leant against a
wall and studied the five runners from a distance. “Same route for two days. We do the business tomorrow.”
His associate, a dark-haired fat man, in his late thirties with an acne-scarred face and tattoos on his fingers, grinned. “An AK on automatic should scare the shit out of them.”
“Steal a Merc. I like them. I’ll drive and you can take them out.”
@@@
Bear set a fast pace along the streets from the dockyard. Petros remained with him, happy to be away from his duties on Leviathan. He had spoken to Maria the previous evening agreeing to her plans for their holiday when he arrived home. A few metres behind, Barry shouted at Colin and David to keep up. Rivulets of sweat rolled down their faces
Bear dodged a couple of slow moving pedestrians as he turned his head to Petros. “Did you see those two in the old silver Mercedes?”
“Yes. If my memory serves they’ve been watching us for two days, maybe longer.”
“Time to increase the pace,” said Bear. He lengthened his stride opening up a gap between them and the others.
The Mercedes slowed and kept pace with the rear group before accelerating along the road. Almost out of sight it turned, its tyres screeching on the road surface as it hurtled towards them.
“Jesus Christ,” shouted Bear as he grabbed Petros’ collar and dragged him to the ground behind a parked car.
The sound of gunfire filled the morning air. Bullets bounced off a wall while others thumped into the steel of the car. A woman pushing a pram screamed.
“Shit,” roared Petros as he hugged the pavement.
The Mercedes engine roared as the vehicle raced away and merged with the traffic.
Five men lay prone until they were certain the car was not about to complete another run.
“Bear, you saw something, didn’t you?”
