The Sound Box – Central London – 7:03am
‘Sam!’ Daniel Teague called out as he spotted her walking through the door. ‘I thought you were at the tube station.’
‘I was, I need to see any CCTV footage they have.’
Teague nodded. ‘I was heading up to the viewing room myself. What did you find at Piccadilly?’
‘This may have been a coordinated attack.’
Teague ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Shit.’
‘But I can’t be sure until I see footage of the attack in this club.’
‘Follow me.’ Teague replied. ‘I see the vultures are gathering outside. When do you think the chief will make a statement?’
‘It shouldn’t be long.’
A few minutes later Sam and Teague were stood in front of the bank of TV monitors.
A forensic sat at the keyboard viewing the footage. He glanced at Sam. ‘You sure you want to see this darling.’
Sam gave him a scornful look. ‘Just play the bloody footage.’
‘Jesus this bloke has super strength.’ Teague said as he watched the attacker throw a nightclub bouncer effortlessly through the air. The bouncer landed against railings that surrounded the dancefloor. Terrified clubbers scattered desperately trying to avoid the man who marched relentlessly towards the bouncer. The attacker pinned the bouncer to the dancefloor straddling him. He tore open the bouncer’s shirt exposing his chest.
‘It’s just like the woman on the subway.’ Sam said.
The man clenched his fist before punching through the bouncer’s chest.
‘Fuck me!’ Teague gasped.
The man ripped the bouncer’s heart from his chest.
‘This is insane.’
The man stood and walked to the centre of the dancefloor. He then stared directly at the camera.
‘There!’ Sam said. ‘It’s just like the woman on the tube. She did exactly the same thing.’
The man collapsed on the floor.
‘This is our first clue.’ Sam said.
‘Clue to what exactly?’ Teague asked.
‘A co-ordinated terrorist attack.’
‘What are you saying? Attack of the undead terrorists.’
‘I know how mad it sounds, although these two attackers had no pupils they could see exactly what they were doing. They knew where to look, they knew where the cameras were on the train and in this nightclub.’
‘Which means they have been to these two places before.’
‘Exactly.’ Sam said.
At that moment, Assistant Commissioner Bishop walked through the door. ‘Please tell me you have something. I have to be able to tell the press we are on top of this.’
‘It was a coordinated attack.’ Sam revealed.
Bishop inhaled. ‘Are you positive?’
‘Yes sir.’
‘We need to descend on where they live and start piecing this together. There has to be a clue as to why they carried out these attacks.’ Sam said.
‘Ok good work. I’ll prepare a statement for the press. It should be enough to keep them off our backs for now. I want you both to head up the investigative team.’ Bishop glanced at the screen. ‘I want to know everything about this man and that woman in the subway. Everything from the colour of their underwear to what they had for breakfast yesterday morning. I want you to start kicking over every stone.’
Sam nodded. ‘We’ll start knocking on the doors of people who knew them. Close Family, friends. Anyone who can shed light on this.’
Chapter 7
New Scotland Yard – Westminster – 6::02am
The crowd of journalists chatted amongst themselves waiting for the Assistant Commissioner to appear. A BBC correspondent stood in front of the iconic spinning sign relaying information back to his central London studio.
‘Alan Manning, the Examiner’s finest.’ A tall man approached smiling at Alan.
‘David Tripper, the Sun’s worst.’ Alan replied.
‘Another day another terrorist attack.’ Tripper commented looking at the New Scotland Yard sign. ‘Have you seen the video?’
‘Yes.’
‘Fifteen dead, makes you want to move to the country and give up all this shit.’
‘You wouldn’t miss this for the world.’ Alan said. ‘What is it you always say, you live on the edge.’
‘That’s why I love London, anything can happen. They reckon statistically you’re more likely to get struck by lightning than get caught up in a terrorist attack.’
‘So you think this was terrorists.’
Tripper glanced at Alan. ‘Don’t you?’
‘These people didn’t blow themselves up. The bloke in the nightclub tried to eat his way through the bouncers.’
Tripper nodded. ‘I have played that video through a hundred times and still can’t figure out how that bloke was able to do what he did.’
‘There’s buzz on the streets about some kind of performance enhancing drug.’ Alan said.
‘If it is and it hits the street then there’ll be a mass panic everywhere. What do you reckon London’s finest are about to say?’
Alan shrugged. ‘I think the police are as much in the dark as we are. This could be a game changer in terror tactics.’
‘My editor reckons this could be a new wave of terrorism.’
Alan was about to say something but spotted two high-ranking uniformed officers coming out of the building.
Bishop walked slowly towards the waiting cluster of journalists. He stopped and looked directly at one of the TV cameras pointed at him. ‘Good morning ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming. Just after quarter past twelve this morning police were called in regards to an incident at the Sound Box nightclub located just off Leicester Square. When they arrived they found that an attack had occurred. It is my sad duty to inform you that eight people lost their lives with another nine in a critical condition. Three of the victims have suffered life changing injuries. The main suspect involved in this horrendous attack is amongst the dead.’ Bishop paused. ‘We have done a few preliminary checks and have found that our suspect was not known to the police or security services. We are currently contacting the family of the suspect in order to ascertain why this individual carried out this horrific attack.’ Again Bishop paused. ‘Metropolitan police then received another call from Piccadilly tube station regarding another incident. When they arrived they found a scene of utter devastation.’ Bishop checked his notes. ‘Seven people are known to have lost their lives. As with the nightclub the suspect was amongst the dead. We have yet to ascertain why these two people carried out such horrific attacks. What I can tell you is that we are treating this as a terrorist incident and that the two suspects may have had a connection. All our forces are on a high state of alert across the city. We ask that people remain calm and go about their business as usual. Currently Piccadilly Tube station is closed and an area around the nightclub has been cordoned off. We understand this is causing major disruption at the moment to early morning commuters but we need to carry out a thorough investigation. I will ask that you respect the families of the victims and give them space so that they can grieve for their loved ones.’
‘Can you give us any details about the suspects who were responsible for the attacks?’ A journalist shouted out.
‘At this moment I am unable to reveal names to you. I am able to inform you the persons involved in the attack were both male and female. As I have just stated we believe both attackers are connected.’
‘Can you comment on the reluctance of social media to take down the video of the nightclub last night?’ Another journalist asked.
‘We are currently working with all the social media companies which have had the video uploaded to their sites. We are working with these companies to remove the videos.’
‘Is there any connection with any known terror groups currently operating throughout Europe.’ Alan asked.
‘It is too early to speculate on a connection with any terro
r group just yet. Our officers are going over the suspects homes. We hope to have more information for you later on today.’ Bishop turned and headed back towards the building.
‘That was short and sweet as usual.’ Tripper commented. ‘Typical Met, always leaving it up to the media as they go along.’
‘That’s what the Sun specializes in.’ Alan said reaching into his pocket as his phone started to ring.
Other ringtones filled the air.
‘Alan, Downing Street are going to make an official statement soon, better get yourself down there.’ Tony Mirren instructed.
‘Looks like the Prime Minister is about to say something.’ Tripper said putting his phone away.
The group of journalists began to break up and head towards Whitehall.
Chapter 8
Sky News – BREAKING NEWS – 8:00am
‘Good morning, you are watching sunrise on Sky news. London has been the target of yet another terror attack. We can confirm that over a dozen people have lost their lives in what the police are calling a horrendous attack. Leicester Square in central London has been sealed off while police conduct a thorough search of the surrounding area. Another attack also happened at Piccadilly tube station. As with Leicester square the area surrounding the tube station has been cordoned off. Police have also confirmed the suspects who carried out the attacks are amongst the dead. In a brief statement Assistant Commissioner Jack Bishop said that the suspect at the London nightclub was not known to the security services. Downing Street has said the Prime Minister Tessa Mayflower is due to address the nation Shortly. We go live to our correspondent in Downing Street Martin Alan. Martin what’s happening where you are?’
‘David there has been a flurry of activity here in Downing Street this morning. The Prime Minister was woken in the early hours and told of the attacks. She has already chaired an emergency meeting with both her senior cabinet ministers and security services at Cobra to discuss this current crisis.’
‘Have the police said anything about a motive behind these attacks?’
‘The police have yet to say if there is a clear motive behind the attacks. What we know about the nightclub attack is that it seemed random. One witness thought it’s was just an ordinary brawl with nightclub bouncers. Another witness described seeing severed limbs and blood everywhere.’
‘What do you think the Prime Minister is going to say?’
‘Well David as you know this is a crucial week for Tessa Mayflower. She will begin the final round of Brexit talks with the European Union tomorrow when she flies out to Brussels. She is also under fire regarding the appointment of her Deputy Prime Minister, Edwin Fuller the outspoken leader of the Republican Unionist Party. She has had to deal with a spate of terror attacks over these last two years in London. As well as the tragic events at Grenfell Tower last year. This will be a morbid standard practice for her by now. Having to address the nation in the aftermath of a terror attack. These are troubling times for our Prime Minister.’
London Stock exchange – 10 Paternoster Row – London – 8:19am
Andrew Morgan looked at his watch. ‘When was the last time you saw him.’ He snarled at a young woman.
‘About five minutes ago.’ She answered sheepishly.
‘The markets opened twenty minutes ago and he decides to just swan off on one of his wanders.’
‘I think he headed towards the toilet.’ The woman said.
Morgan marched off towards the toilet.
Darren Stephens clenched the sink trying to control his violent shaking. He looked into the mirror and for a few moments panic gripped him. Stephens stared at his reflection in horror as his eyes began to turn white.
‘For fuck sake what are you doing in here Stephens?’ Morgan shouted. ‘Get out on that floor and start trading. The markets are already down because of the attacks last night. We need to restore confidence.’
Stephens stood up straight, backing away from the sink. He turned and faced Morgan.
‘Fuck me what’s wrong with your eyes?’
Stephens didn’t respond, he walked towards his first victim grabbing him by the throat.
Downing Street – Whitehall – 8:25am
The Prime Minister composed herself as she stood at the door.
‘They’re ready for you ma’am.’ Her aide said holding the door handle.
Mayflower nodded. ‘Ok.’
The camera flashes lit up the door as the Prime Minister stepped out onto the pavement. She walked towards the podium which had been set up and placed her notes down. ‘Good morning, once again our capital has been the target of a most brutal attack. I would first like to convey my deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones last night as a result of this horrific act of violence. Both the metropolitan police and the security services are working flat out to find the reason behind these terrible attacks. What we know so far is last night’s attacks were carried out by both male and female attackers who both died along with their victims. Our security forces are working hard to get to the bottom of this latest atrocity. I only ask that the people of this great city remain calm and go about their normal business.’
The door opened behind the Prime Minister suddenly. Two of her security detail marched out. One of them whispered something to her.
Camera flashes lit up the street as journalist began to shout questions at the Prime Minister as she was escorted quickly back into Number Ten.
‘What was all that about.’ Alan asked the journalist next to him who simply shrugged.
The door slammed shut.
‘What’s going on?’ Mayflower asked. ‘Why did you just drag me off the street like that in front of the press?’
‘We’ve just received word from the police ma’am. They are responding to another attack as we speak.’
‘My god where?’ Mayflower gasped.
‘The London Stock Exchange, we need to get you to a more secure location. A helicopter is on its way. You will be flown to Chequers.’
Chapter 9
London Stock Exchange – 10 Paternoster Row – London 8:38am
Sam slammed on her breaks narrowly missing a woman who ran across her path. She jumped out of the car and looked over towards the building. A feeling of dread engulfed her as she stared at the mass of people running from the building. She looked at the panicked crowd for a familiar face.
Teague joined her staring at the people running from the building. ‘Jesus, what the hell is going on in there?’
Sam wasn’t listening, she spotted someone she recognised and jogged towards the figure sat on a stone wall. ‘Lara, have you seen Abbey?’
The young woman shook her head sobbing. ‘No, I just ran, everyone started screaming.’
Armed officers swarmed around the building’s main entrance.
Sam spotted Bishop speaking to one of the armed response team. ‘Sir we have to get in there immediately.’
‘We are about to proceed inside. There are still quite a few people trapped in there.’
‘Sir, my younger sister is still inside. I have to get in there. I have to find her.’
Bishop looked at the detective before glancing at the armed officer. ‘Give her a weapon.’
Sam strapped her vest on and checked her weapon.
‘Are you sure you are up for this Sam?’ Teague questioned.
‘My sister is in there I have to find her.’
‘You should let these guys go, they can deal with this situation.’
‘No!’ Sam shouted. ‘I have to go in with them, I have to save my sister.’ Sam looked down at her hand that started to shake. She took a few moments to calm her breathing. ‘I’ll be fine, I just need to find Abbey.’
Teague nodded. ‘These guys will have your back if it gets ugly.’
A few minutes later Sam entered the building, her gun firmly pointing the way.
Terrified people were still heading towards the exit. An armed officer was pointing towards the entrance to the building shouting
orders.
A man covered in blood suddenly appeared in a doorway. He looked at Sam stumbling towards her collapsing onto the floor.
Sam rushed over, she holstered her gun and knelt.
‘You have to stop him.’ The man sobbed. ‘He’s going to kill everyone.’
‘Where is he?’ Sam asked.
‘One floor up.’ The man pointed towards the ceiling. ‘Please you have to stop him.’
Sam helped the man up. She glanced towards the door he had just come through.
The Armed police unit headed towards the lift.
Cautiously Sam climbed the stairs to the first floor. She could hear panicked screams of people desperately trying to escape the building.
A man burst out of a hallway door and started running down the stairs.
Sam blocked his path. ‘Which way?’
The man locked eyes with her, his face racked with terror. He pointed towards the door and continued on down the stairs.
Sam reached the top of the stairs. She stood at the door for a few moments contemplating her next move. Then she heard it, a familiar voice, the voice of her younger sister crying. Without hesitation she burst through the door. Fear coursed through her body as a scene of utter devastation greeted her.
A man lay on his back, his dead eyes stared up at the ceiling. Another woman lay on her side. Her throat had been savaged. Blood pumped out of the open wound. Another man slumped against the wall of the office, his neck was broken.
The sobs of people trapped in the large office space filled the air.
Sam stepped over another body of a woman. Panic replaced fear as she homed in on the sound of her terrified sister. Sam spotted a man standing over her. Abbey was huddled up to another male office worker.
‘Lay down on the floor and put your hands on the back of your head!’ Sam shouted in a broken voice.
The man ignored her and stooped over grabbing the man Abbey was hunched next to.
Dystopia Page 4
