Sam fired a round hitting the attacker in the centre of his back.
The man remained unfazed by gunfire.
Sam fired another two rounds hitting the man in the lower leg and lower back.
The attacker dropped to his knees still clutching the office worker by the throat.
Sam aimed at the man’s head and fired.
The bullet hit just above his left ear.
He let go of the office worker and turned to face Sam. His eyes were white, devoid of any pupils. He managed to get back up and stumbled towards Sam who fired her gun again hitting him in the upper chest. The man lumbered forward another few steps before collapsing onto the floor.
Armed officers burst into the room from the lift.
Sam ran towards her sister. ‘Abbey, are you ok?’
Abbey stared passed her older sister at the man who she had just shot.
‘Abbey, are you ok?’ Sam repeated in a louder voice.
Her sister nodded before burying her head in her hands sobbing.
Sam held her sister tight, tears rolled down her eyes.
Armed officers swarmed around the body of the man Sam had gunned down.
‘Come on, let’s get out of here.’ Sam said helping her sister to her feet.
Sky news – BREAKING NEWS – 8:57am
‘Good morning you’re joining us live from central London. In the last few minutes reports are starting to filter in regarding another attack. According to sources at approximately eight thirty the police were called in response to an incident at the London stock exchange. The building has been evacuated and cordoned off. We cannot give any details at this moment because this incident has just happened. Let me repeat that statement, at approximately eight thirty this morning, police were called to the London Stock Exchange following an incident. We’ll bring you more on that story as it develops.’
Chapter 10
Talk Radio – London – 9:12am
‘Good morning London you are listening to the Alex Leeder show live on air. This great city of ours has yet again been the target of another cowardly and brutal terrorist attack. Last night a man attacked clubbers at the Sound Box in Central London leaving many dead. Another attack also occurred on the London Underground at Piccadilly station. And we are now hearing an attack has happened at the London Stock Exchange. These are dark times for this great city of ours. Terror attack after terror attack. It has become a grim reality that we now have to deal with these events almost on a daily basis. What is disturbing about the attack at the nightclub last night is that a video has been uploaded to social media showing in full detail the attack happening. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media platforms have come under heavy fire this morning because of the graphic nature of the video. The big three social networking companies have yet to respond despite the police claiming that they are working together with social media to take the video down. The question that we are asking this morning, is social media being responsible by keeping the video online. I have seen the video myself and I can tell you that it is horrific to watch. As to why social media has not taken this disturbing video offline is anyone’s guess at the moment. As always you are more than welcome to phone in with your opinions. You can also text me, e-mail me as well as contact me on all the social media platforms. You are of course free to have your say. But please keep any bad language to a minimum. I have already had scores of messages coming in this morning regarding the attacks. Jane from Chelsea has messaged me saying that the police are no longer fit to tackle these kinds of terror events. A new taskforce needs to be established with a shoot on sight policy. Mark from Peckham says that whoever is behind these attacks should be wiped off the face of the earth. Let’s go to the phone lines now. We have our first caller, go ahead you are live on the Alex Leeder show.’
‘Hey Alex I think Facebook and Twitter should be shut down because of their unwillingness to take down that awful video of the attacks in the nightclub last night.’
‘There are those who would argue that if they do then they will be preventing people from knowing the truth about what happened last night.’
‘That doesn’t excuse Facebook’s irresponsibility. I have seen the video for myself. It’s disgusting that social media is running the video. They have yet to release any kind of statement as to why they haven’t removed it. Social media should take responsibility in their actions.’
‘Thank you for you call. On to the next caller.’
‘Alex after seeing that video in that nightclub, I think it is the beginning of the end.’
‘And why is that caller?’
‘Did you see the bloke’s eyes? They are completely white. He looked like something from the Walking Dead. I hope that anyone who survived being attacked are under quarantine right now.’
‘So you think this is some kind of zombie attack?’
‘Absolutely, I mean the way he attacked the bouncers and the way he tore at that girl’s throat. I’m telling you Alex, this is the beginning of the end.’
‘Thanks for your call; we have one more on the line. Go ahead caller.’
‘Hey Alex I think that last caller is totally out of his head. Zombie attacks, what a load of bullshit.’
‘You think there is a more rational explanation?’
‘It looks as if that bloke was high on drugs. I don’t care what anyone says, this is not some style of zombie apocalypse. As for social media unwillingness to remove that video, I think that it’s pretty obvious that they have been hacked. Facebook and all the other sites have a strict policy on stuff like this. I tried to delete the video off my newsfeed this morning and a message popped up saying that my Facebook account had been shut down.’
‘So why hasn’t Facebook come forward and admitted that they’ve been hacked?’
‘Money is the main reason probably. Facebook generate billions in revenue every year. If someone has hacked its newsfeed then this could destroy the company.’
‘Thanks for your comments caller. We are going to take a short break now. Here’s Taylor Swift and Blank Space.’
London Evening Examiner – Fleet Street – 9:23am
Tony Mirren slammed his notebook down on the table where senior members of his staff sat. ‘Right then we need answers.’ He said loudly. ‘We have had three attacks, the police have yet to confirm the number of dead at the London Stock Exchange. Every media outlet together with social network is going into meltdown. Has anyone got any idea what this could be about?’
‘My police source reckons the Prime Minister has been evacuated from London. Three helicopters have also been spotted landing in the Palace grounds this morning.’ A woman said.
‘The government could be expecting another attack.’ Alan speculated.
‘Which means it could happen anywhere.’ Mirren sighed.
‘If there is another attack then it will be somewhere public like the last three.’
‘Another nightclub?’
Mirren shook his head. ‘It will be somewhere very public.’
‘Another tube station.’ Alan said.
‘The police already have armed officers covering all the main train stations. If anyone tries anything then the police will shoot them on sight.’
‘What do we know about the attackers?’
‘The police haven’t given much information regarding the individuals who carried out the attacks. They’ll be busy pulling in close family and friends to find out more about them.’
‘Are we dealing with some kind of new extremism here? Something we haven’t seen before?’
‘Probably.’ Mirren said. ‘As far as we know there has been no word from any known terror group. Which means that this is far from over.’
‘And social media have yet to respond to calls to take the video down.’ A young woman said.
Mirren looked at her. ‘We need to find out what’s going on with these social media sites.’
Alan glanced at his editor. ‘Are you suspecting a hack of so
me sort?’
Mirren nodded. ‘It’s possible.’
‘So this could be more than just people attacking people.’ Alan said.
Mirren nodded. ‘We could be dealing with attacks on a number of fronts including cyber attacks. All we can do at this moment is speculate on when and where another attack could occur.’ He looked at Alan. ‘Any news from your coroner source?’
‘Nothing yet, I know he’ll be in the thick of it at the moment. He’s one of the MET’s top pathologists. As soon as I hear something I’ll let you know.’
‘I want you over at the London Stock Exchange. If we can get at least one witness report it might give us insight as to what’s going on.’
‘It will be crawling with police, you know that.’ Alan warned.
‘Yes, but there will be people milling around outside who may have seen something.’
Alan nodded getting to his feet.
Chapter 11
BBC News – BREAKING NEWS – 10:00am
‘Good morning you’re watching the BBC news channel, the headlines this morning.’
‘A third terror attack has been carried out on the London Stock Exchange. It is believed that armed police stormed the building and shot dead a suspect.’
‘Fifteen people have been confirmed dead in last night’s bloody attacks at The Sound Box and Piccadilly tube station. Six are in hospital with life threatening injuries.’
‘Social media companies Facebook, YouTube and Twitter now face a commons enquiry committee as to why they haven’t taken down the video showing the attack in the Sound Box.’
‘The Prime Minister was ushered away mere seconds into her press conference this morning. Sparking rumours that she has been evacuated from London.’
‘We go live now to the London Stock Exchange to our correspondent Peter Jenkins. Peter what can you tell us about the latest attack?’
‘Jenny as you can see behind me the area is swarming with emergency vehicles. Both police and Ambulances have been coming and going for the past hour. There is a sense of sheer panic here as people were evacuated from the London Stock Exchange building earlier this morning. The police have issued a brief statement saying that they have shot dead a man in his early thirties. They have also said that there are a number of casualties but they are reluctant to say just how many.’
‘What can you tell us about the Prime Minister’s exit from that press conference at Downing Street this morning?’
‘There has been a lot of speculation that Tessa Mayflower has been airlifted out of the capital. This has caused a flurry of rumours that the government are expecting another attack. There is a tense mood here at the moment. I have spoken to a number of other journalists who are actually quite nervous about attending the scene of another attack should one occur. Helicopters have also been seen taking off from the back of Buckingham Palace. We know that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently in Sandringham with their three children including six month old baby Victoria.’
London Stock Exchange – 11:07am
‘I’m sorry I cannot let you go any further.’ The police officer stated holding up his hand.
Alan held up his press card glancing at the firearm he was carrying. ‘I was hoping the police would be giving a statement.’
‘Any statements will be given out by Assistant Commissioner Bishop at Scotland Yard. You must leave this area immediately.’
Alan nodded and started to walk away.
‘You won’t have any luck getting in there mate.’ A man said sitting on a bench nearby.
‘It would seem so.’ Alan sighed.
‘You a journalist?’ The man asked.
Alan nodded. ‘I’m with the London Evening Examiner.’
‘I saw what happened.’ The man revealed.
Alan stopped and turned to face him. ‘So why aren’t you talking to police.’
‘Because I told them I didn’t see anything.’
‘And why is that?’
‘I didn’t want them telling me that I am not allowed to tell anyone what I saw. You know what the police are like when something like this happens. They tell you to shut your mouth.’ The man looked towards the building. ‘What happened in there this morning shouldn’t be covered up.’
Alan walked over and sat down next to him. He produced a notepad and a pen.
The man smiled. ‘You still use a notepad, most journalists use their phones to record interviews.’
‘I’m old school, my editor insists I use a notepad and pen. He says it gives journalism a more personal touch.’ Alan paused. ‘Why don’t we begin by you telling me your name?’
‘Reece Tyler.’
Alan started to jot down notes. ‘Do you know the person who was responsible for the attacks this morning?’
‘If I tell you, I don’t want you using my name in the article.’
Alan nodded.
Tyler hesitated for a moment. ‘Darren Stephens.’
‘Did you know him well?’
‘Sort of, he was a bit of a dick towards people.’
‘What did he do?’
‘He was a trader, one of the best on our floor. Bit of a Jack the lad, very popular with the women. Although everyone knew he treated women like shit. He liked to play games with them before dumping them.’
‘Are you a trader?’
Tyler shook his head. ‘I’m just a stock analyst.’ Tyler massaged his head wincing.
‘Are you ok?’
‘Just got a bit of a headache that’s all.’
‘Perhaps you should see a doctor. You’ve obviously been through a lot today.’
Tyler let out a laugh. ‘Trust me when I say this, no doctor can help me with what I’m going through.’
‘Why do you think the police would cover up what went on in there today.’
‘Because that’s what they always do.’ Tyler said. ‘Like everything else they are controlled by the system.’
‘So what happened in there?’
‘Sheer chaos, the morning started out like any other. The markets were fluctuating because of what happened in the city last night. I started my shift as usual. I was about to go over spreadsheets from last week when all hell broke loose.’ Tyler composed himself. ‘Someone heard a scream from the men’s toilets. One of our senior analysers went to have a look. Next thing I knew he was being thrown through the door. People started panicking. Stephens marched out of the bathroom. ’
‘What happened next?’
‘One of the boys from the office tried to jump on top of him, but it was pointless. Stephens threw him twenty feet across the office. He then started attacking one of the women.’ Tyler stopped and rubbed his forehead.
‘If you don’t want to say anything else you don’t have to.’ Alan reassured Tyler.
Tyler shook his head, wiping a tear away. ‘He then started attacking one of the women. Or rather he started to eat her.’
‘Eat her.’
Tyler nodded. ‘It sounds bizarre I know but I watched him bite into her throat.’
‘Like a vampire.’
‘No, more like a zombie.’
‘A zombie?’ Alan said.
‘I don’t blame you if you don’t believe me.’ Tyler said. ‘But that’s what I saw.’
‘Did you notice anything else.’
‘Yes, his eyes were wrong.’
‘How so?’
‘They were completely white. There were no pupils of any kind. It was like he was alive but at the same time dead.’
‘Like a zombie.’ Alan added.
Tyler looked at him. ‘Sounds stupid, doesn’t it.’
‘It sounds exactly like the attacker in the nightclub last night.’ Alan said.
‘I watched the video this morning before I came to work. There’s more here going on than what the authorities are saying. That’s why I haven’t spoken to the police. I know they wouldn’t want this getting out into the open. They’ll want to cover the whole thing up and come up with some mundane
excuse, like terrorism.’
‘You don’t think it was terrorism.’ Alan asked.
‘No, unless Isis has started to recruit zombies. When any kind of incident occurs the government are all too eager to label it as terrorism.’ Tyler paused. ‘There’s no way Stephens was part of any terror group. I knew him well enough to know that. Every time a story appeared on the news about a terror attack somewhere Stephens would be the first one to speak. He was a bit racist, didn’t like foreigners. Always used to moan about them taking jobs.’
Alan scribbled notes as Tyler spoke. ‘Can you tell me anything else about this Stephens?’
‘I think he was into drugs or something.’
‘What kind of drugs?’
‘He was a pill popper. I always used to catch him in the toilet downing something. Last Friday I caught him downing some tablets in the toilet. He told me to fuck off.’
‘Did he speak to you after that?’
‘No, but then again I steered clear of him. When he started to attack the people in the office I found a place to hide. The printer room has another door to a stairway. I hid in there while he tore people to shreds. After a few minutes I looked through the window of the print room. A woman copper appeared and started to fire her gun at Stephens. It took more than a few bullets to bring him down. The woman almost emptied her magazine. When Stephens finally hit the ground I got the hell out of there.’
Alan stopped writing and looked over at the stock exchange building. ‘Well thank you for that Mr Tyler.’
‘Promise you won’t use my name. I don’t want to get into trouble. I have enough on my plate as it is.’
‘Is there a way I can get in touch with you?’
Tyler produced his wallet and handed Alan a business card, which had his name on it with a telephone number and an e-mail address. The word ‘contact’ was printed across the top of the card spanning its width.
‘Is contact some sort of support group.’ Alan asked looking at Tyler. ‘Are you an alcoholic or a recovering addict?’
Tyler shook his head. ‘I wish it were that simple.’
‘Thank you for your time Mr Tyler. If there is anything else you want to talk about don’t hesitate to call me at the Examiner.’
Dystopia Page 5
