NationStates Jolt Archive

Imperial Protection Agent Nathan Cook stood loosely on guard outside the Imperial Box in the Antaeus Theater. The Empress was in attendance tonight, which explained his presence, and the presence of at least nine other IPAs throughout the building. Two stood on guard in the Box, with the Empress, while Cook and his partner stood outside. The other six were distributed through the building. Cook had worked for the Empire for a number of years, first guarding Erebus, the Empress’s father for three years, and for the last two and a half years, guarding the Empress after her father’s untimely death.

He looked over at his partner, positioned near the entrance to the box, she was talking to one of the other agents positioned in the lobby, calling them in and giving confirmation that all was clear, her eyes surveying her surroundings. Clicking off the connection, she flashed him a brief smile, then moved away from the door, walking the corridor, looking for signs of trouble. In the background, the actors could be heard reciting their lines, and Cook watched as every now and then, his companions mouth moved in time to the words, causing him to smile. What a waste?

He looked at his watch, the play hadn’t even reached the half way mark, the interval was when things would get more difficult, when the halls became full of people, yet the Imperial Box was away from the main corridor, the rare theatre goer sometimes lost their way or curiosity got the better of them, and they had to take a look where they were told not too.

As his partner moved back towards entrance of the box, Cook moved down the corridor, mirroring the actions that the young woman with him had just performed. He ran his eye down the length of the hallway, then clicking his mic to confirm that all was clear from his end. Minutes later he returned to his spot, standing a foot away from Kate McKenzie. He smiled at her, and she returned it nervously.

This was her first day on the Empress’s security detail, having worked her way up the ranks, first working with government officials, then minor members of the Imperial family before finally getting the prestigious job she was now in, her former colleagues had been envious when she had been picked to become the first female to guard a ruling monarch in Tartarus. She watched her partner, for someone who had been in the job as long as he had, she was surprised how on edge he was. When she had been picked for his partner, she had expected something different; she’s been well chuffed when he had asked for her personally to work with him.

Cook glanced at his watch again. Close enough to the intermission. I want the applause to cover me. He moved from his post, flashing his handsome smile at his female partner. She was new, and young. Like the Empress. They would both die this day. Approaching her, he sensed her nervousness at his closeness, but he knew the reason behind it was wrong.

His hands came up as he took either side of her head and spun her around into him. She gasped, not quite registering what was happening, and she never would. His hands blurring, Cook moved them across her face, and then twisted. Her vertebrae shattered, and he dropped her to the floor, watching her boneless, silent collapse impassively. One down.

The Empress was the primary target. He lifted his wrist mike to his lips as he drew his gun. “Coming in,” he alerted the two guards inside, which would delay their reaction hopefully just long enough. He chambered a round in the semi-automatic, feeling the reassuring weight of eleven steel-jacketed rounds in the grip.

* * * * *

Sitting at the front of the box, her two armed officers standing off to one side, and slightly out of her eyeshot, Gehenna heard the swish of the curtain, and the growing applause of the audience. Turning back to the stage, she joined in giving her appreciation.

“It doesn’t sound like…” the rest of Ainulindalion’s words were cut off by the crack of a pistol shot, echoing even over the applause. He began to spin, his arm coming away from Gehenna’s back…

Who the fuck is that? The thought screamed through Cook’s mind as he fired, betraying his careful aim. The sight of Ainulindalion with his arm around the Empress had thrown him off. He began to adjust his aim as the Imperial Protection Agents in the Box began to turn around, drawing their weapons…

The bullet tore into Balion’s arm, but the speed of his motion changed its intended path. Instead of tearing out of his arm into Gehenna’s spine or lungs, it ripped through her shoulder, just below the collar bone as a second bullet tore into his palm, passing behind the Empress head, shattering bones there, but its vector also changed when it left his body, missing Gehenna completely as her body was spun by the first shot.

Before Gehenna could even register what the sound was, a searing pain shot through her shoulder, a cry escaping loudly from her lips, as the second shot resounded in her ears, her body already reacting to the impact of the bullet, spinning towards the floor.

Cook paused at Gehenna’s cry, his finger catching on the trigger. She shouldn’t be able to scream. She should be dead. The pause was just long enough for, as Ainulindalion’s cry rose involuntarily to join Gehenna’s, one of the bodyguards to get his gun up.

As Cook depressed the trigger a third time, determined to finish the job, his body jerked back as if a marionette on a string, throwing his aim yet again, his third, and final, shot going high. The second bullet came in from his shoulder, and the third tore his heart to mangled muscle. The other agent’s first shot blew apart his head.

As screams began to fill the theater, patrons realizing what the noises were, Ainulindalion fought down the pain and gasped out her name. “Gehenna?” The guards spun towards him, and then one of them called, “Your Majesty?” as he knelt over her downed form, gun still in hand, eyes searching for more threats.

Her mind was fuzzy as everything moved around her in slow motion, her hand instinctively moving to her shoulder, as she felt the warm sticky blood coating her hand. She watched the crimson fluid flow down her skin, soaking into the red material. It matches my dress.

As the noise around her grew, Gehenna tried to focus on one voice one sound, her eyes staring at everything and nothing, as people rushed around her. She saw a fallen body at the back of the box, and her eyes widened. "Lord Daniels?" She couldn't see the face of the prone man, so she tried to move to see if her companion was alive, causing a bolt of pain to shoot through her body.

“I’m alright, Gehenna.” His voice told that his words were lies, but he could not let worry for him trouble her now. Feet pounded on the floor of the box as more and more IPAs arrived, and stumbled to a halt at the carnage before them. Fighting his pain, he spoke to them, his voice harsh with command and pain. “Do your duty. Get the Empress to Rinaldi Medical Center.”

As the rest drew their guns, the two largest men carefully picked Gehenna up, one trying uselessly to stop the bleeding from the hole bored through her shoulder with his hand. They began to move out into the hallway. One stopped by Ainulindalion, one of the ones from the box. “Lord Daniels? Are you okay, milord?”

“I’m fine. Go with them.” The pain in his voice, and the mangled, bloody ruin of his left arm said he was lying, but the agent followed his instructions. As the last of them left the box, leaving Ainulindalion alone with the body, he vanished as well, dispersing the avatar to lose the pain.

* * * * *

A crowd of people lingered in the lobby, the security detail trying to push everyone out of the way, as the Empress was carried semi-conscious into the hall, an ambulance had already been called and was screaming its way towards the theatre, with police escort following close behind.

Agent Chris Denton was applying pressure to the wound in the injured woman’s shoulder trying to stop the flow of blood. He sighed with relief that the gunshot had not proved more serious, the would-be assassin had been a crack shot, one of the best in his job, how he had been able to miss at such close range was a miracle. Although the man they had left in the box, had been pretty badly torn up.

Within minutes the medical team had arrived and had taken charge of the situation, the Empress removed from the scene, two security agents travelling in the ambulance, with a full police escort. As he watched the party move off, he turned and made his way back through the crowd. Now, that his charge was safely on her way to the medical centre, he had to turn his thoughts to the incident at hand. Heads were going to roll for this.


[ooc: some of this text was taken from Lord GOD in the Garden of Hell (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=110233&highlight=)]

[ooc: All posts written in italics take place before the shooting]

Rolling over onto his back, he blinked open his eyes, staring fixedly as his vision came into focus. He stretched, thinking for a moment of the previous night, his thoughts brought instantly to the form lying beside him. Turning back onto his side, he ran his fingers carefully through her long, dark brown hair, as it fanned out against the pillow. He heard her murmur in her sleep, as he leant forward and placed a kiss lightly on her cheek, before slapping her backside.

“Time to get up.” He didn’t wait for a reply, as he pulled back the sheets and swung himself out of the bed. He heard her turning over in the bed, as he entered the bathroom. Switching on the shower, he waited until he warm water began to produce billows of steam before stepping in, the water revitalising his body preparing for the day ahead.

Through the steamed up glass, he could see the woman sit up in the bed, and pick up the clock on the bedside table, look at it, and slump back onto the pillow as she realised the earliness of the hour, she groaned as she pulled back the covers and try to resume her disturbed sleep. He smiled to himself, as through the mist she looked just like another.

Stepping out, he pulled a towel around himself, and returned to the bedroom, drying himself off as he walked into the wardrobe. Casting his eye over his clothes, he picked out a charcoal grey tailored suit, and a black polo-necked shirt. Dressing quickly, he was not surprised to hear the steady breathing of his companion as he walked over to the bed. He threw the towel at her, as he perched on the side of the bed, completing his attire with black shoes and socks. “I said get up.” He stood, picking up his watch and wallet from the bedside table. “Make sure you’re gone by the time I get back.”

Without out another word, or a backward glance, he left the room.

* * * * *

The journey to his office was less than an hour, yet the time gave him time to think, to arrange his thoughts. Lately his mind had been filled with the same thing, the same image whirling around and around. It hadn’t always been this way, once he had different plans, and still in the back of his mind, he was still not averse to them, but something had changed, something beyond his control.

He parked his car, and entered the building. It was old, dating back hundreds of years. It had been part of the seat of power all its life, created especially for the ruling family, built with an old Emperor’s desires in mind. A place where he could wield his power over those that worked beneath him. Other the years the interior had changed, but its use had remained the same. The governing of the nation, although recently there had been a slight change in that too, as the current Empress drew the power close around her.

He entered his office, and immediately picked up the phone, hitting the scrambler as he did. This may be a private office, but even he didn’t thrust the people around him, especially not all the time, and this was one occasion that he wished to remain secret. He had a meeting to arrange, knowing that if he wanted anything to change, he would have to do something about it himself, before he lost all control.

The phone rang three times before it was answered, the voice on the other side instantly recognisable to him. “Tonight, eleven thirty sharp…Yes, the usual place…” He looked out of the window, across the other side of the room; in the distance was the Ewige Verdammnis Palace, home of the ruling family of Tartarus. “Don’t be late.”

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<tag for monitoring>

<TAG for another exciting read! :D >

The car raced through the city streets, the police escort ensuring all traffic was kept out of the way, allowing the car easy access through the evening’s packed roads. The high wailing of sirens could be heard by the occupant, filling his ears causing a mild panic to spread through his body. He wanted to get to his destination and he wanted to get to it quickly.

He had been about to leave for a meeting when the call came through, informing him of the tragedy at the theatre. The words causing him to cancel his appointment, and had him racing to the Rinaldi Medical Centre. How the call had filled him with a chill, the situation reminding him of a similar event some four years previously.

The car screeched to a halt, the door being opened immediately by the security detail positioned at the entrance, and soon he was being escorted to the emergency department, where the Empress, his cousin was being treated for her wounds. He had tried to get details on the phone as to the seriousness of Gehenna’s condition, but the reports were sketchy at best, the security personnel fulfilling their obligation by informing him, they weren’t medical experts after all.

As soon as he reached the waiting room, he was greeted by Stuart Marston, Secretary of State standing with several security personnel. As he approached the older man turned towards him, his hand outstretch in welcome. “Marston, any more news?”

“Lord Nefarious, I am pleased you could get here so quickly.” As he spoke he guided them to an ante room off the main waiting area. “Her Imperial Majesty is currently in theatre, the doctors have said little, but I have been informed that the wound is not as bad as was first thought.” He gave an audible sigh of relief, he didn’t want the reigning monarch dying on his watch, so to speak. “The bullet caught her in the shoulder.”

The younger man nodded as he listened, his face full of anxiety. “But she is in no danger? The wound is not life threatening?” His eyes were locked to those of his companion, cold and dark, just like Erebus’.

Marston shook his head, a smile beginning to show now that his vigil was over, he could leave the sitting and waiting to Nefarious, while he began an inquiry into what had happened. Information was sketchy at best, and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. One of the Empress’ security detail had turned against his charge, and if there was one, there was the possibility of another. “Of course, nothing has been confirmed, but initial reports indicate that she will be unable to use her arm for a while, but no permanent damage.”

His Lordship nodded again, and watching the man before him, reading his impatience to leave, he took hold of the man’s hand and shook it firmly. “You must be eager to get to the bottom of this.” The other man indicated by the expression on his face that this was the case, as Nefarious continued. “I want to be kept informed of anything you find out. We might not be so fortunate next time, so it’s best to eradicate the problem sooner rather than later.”

“Indeed.” Marston remembered how badly his predecessor had been treated following the death of Gehenna’s father, he did not want the same to happen to him. “You will let me know…?”

“The minute I have any news, I will inform you.” He watched as the other man made his way towards the door. “And Marston, I think we should make certain this doesn’t get out, not until the full details have been gathered and assessed.”

The Secretary of State said nothing, the look in his eyes was enough confirmation for both men that the last thing either of them wanted was for this to become public knowledge and cause a stir, not to mention raising questions that neither had the answer to.

* * * * *

Nefarious sat reading through some papers that he had had the foresight to bring with him, knowing that he would be forced to wait for some time before getting news of his cousin. He was more than a little anxious, news had slowly been filtering in concerning the incident at the theatre, and there was talk of an unknown witness to the events, someone who had been in the box with Gehenna during the shooting, someone who was not meant to be there.

He sighed heavily, knowing that this was going to cause an even bigger problem. By allowing an unknown into the Empress’ box was a poor sign of security. The last thing that Tartarus needed was for news of this disaster to get out. This would have to lead to a tightening of security, and he knew that Gehenna would be less than happy about this. She liked to portray an image of strength to the populace, and this would dent that impression, but risking her life for show would be detrimental to the survival of the Empire.

Rising from his chair, he began to pace the room, stopping to read the posters and admire the décor, anything to wile away a few minutes of time. He had been sitting for several hours, and although he had seen medical personnel and had received minor updates as well as refreshments, he still had not heard anything confirming the condition of his cousin. And he was beginning to grow restless.

He reached for his phone, about to dial when a stern look from a passing nurse made him realise his mistake. Smiling, he popped it back into his pocket, looking over at a member of the security personnel, one of the countless that were dotted around the area. Each of them had an impassive expression on their faces, but it wouldn’t take long for news of the perpetrator to make its way through the ranks, and there was nothing like finding one of your own was responsible for the attempt on the person you were paid to guard. It tended to lead to suspicious looks, as colleagues tried to ascertain who else, if any, were also involved.

Walking over to the door, he made his way out into the corridor, heading for a place where he could make a call, coming to a telephone in another room marked for visitor use. He felt uneasy about using an unsecured line, years of security playing in his mind as he called Gehenna’s office, knowing that Emma Sarie and other prominent staff members would be working on getting this story out with the least amount of fuss, and with as little embarrassment as possible.

The phone was answered by a familiar female voice. “Emma Sarie speaking.” He smiled to himself, grateful that he wouldn’t need to go through some secretary, who always tended to inform you that the person you needed was too busy to talk.

“Emma, Nefarious.” His greeting was short and to the point. “Still no news this end. Has anything been sent to the media concerning the events?” They all knew that it couldn’t be hidden totally, but they would miss some of the less necessary details out. He listened as she detailed the information, and filled him in on forthcoming press releases. “I’ll call once I hear anything, and then we’ll go from there.”

Putting down the phone, Nefarious walked back to his seat, just about to pick up the paperwork he had been browsing a white coated doctor, the man’s face expressionless. As he neared, the younger man rose from his chair and fixed his eyes to those of the medics.

“Lord Nefarious, I’m Doctor Marshall.” He stopped for a moment, as the two men shook hands. “The operation on Her Majesty is finished, and I’m pleased to say, that the wound was not less threatening, and she should make a full recovery, losing little use of her arm.” He smiled kindly, finally showing some emotion. “She’s resting at the moment, but you may go in to see her now. We expect her to awaken shortly.”

Returning the man’s smile, Nefarious nodded and indicated for the doctor to lead the way, as they walked along the older man spoke of the operation and detailing the severity and possible repercussions of Gehenna’s situation.

* * * * *

“…Her Majesty, Empress Gehenna was wounded during a theatre visit, when an unknown perpetrator opened fire, seriously wounding Her Majesty and killing two of members of her security detail. The auditorium was thrown into uproar as the shots rang out…”

Nefarious lowered the volume of the television, the report running through again, repeating for the umpteenth time in the last hour. They had managed to hide the identity of Nathan Cook, making it look like an outside job, it looked better to have a rogue member of the public rather than one of her own staff trying to kill her. He smiled, and turned his attention to the nurse who had entered to check up on her charge.

She cast his Lordship a glance as she finished her duties and made to leave, she was checking on her patients progress every ten minutes, waiting for her to wake so that the doctor’s might assess the Empress’ condition. She looked down again at the sleeping form, the young woman’s dark hair framing her whiter than usual face, the expression calm, with the odd flicker denoting her dreams, and Nurse Carter didn’t think they would be pleasant for a while.

Happy that her charge was fairing well, she made to leave, walking past the other occupant in the room, feeling uneasy as his eyes fell on her. There was something about the man that she found unnerving, perhaps it was his position, or his persona, but Nurse Carter really didn’t feel comfortable around Lord Nefarious.

Just as she had her hand on the door, she heard the man cough, his motive for doing so was obvious, he wanted to talk. Turning slowly, she brought her eyes to rest on his face, and watched a smile slowly work over his lips, instantly changing his appearance, softening his features. In that instant, the nurse realised that Lord Nefarious could probably sway a lot of people with that smile, his charm growing in an instant.

“Before you leave, Nurse…” He scanned his eyes over her name badge. “Anne.” The smile he gave her was friendly, warmth glowed in his gaze. “I have not heard of any more admittances following the shooting, was Her Majesty the only one?” He had heard the talk on the grapevine, that the mysterious other occupant of the theatre box had been wounded, and this was the nearest medical centre.

Nurse Carter shook her head. “No, your Lordship, the Empress was the only casualty brought in from…”

“Lord Daniels?” The sound of the voice brought both of their attentions to the woman lying, now awake, in the bed. “What happened to Lord Daniels?”

Giving the nurse a brief look, Nefarious walked over to the bed, his face etched with concern, as he looked at the pale young woman, her blue eyes emphasised by the whiteness of her skin. He felt her eyes search his face, as he stood before her.

“Is he…?” She could not bring herself to say the word, it caught painfully in her throat, threatening to wrench her heart out. He was trying to help you, and you killed him, just like…just like… She tried to sit up, feeling useless in her prone position, wanting to regain a more professional stance, but her shoulder did not like the idea, and repaid her effort with another stabbing pain.

Lord Nefarious, watching her movements but making no move to aid her, stood looking puzzled. She had called out a name, and he tried to place it, searching for a face but came up blank. There had been talk that there had been another person in the theatre box, but if he really existed, he managed to vanish without a trace, and no one could give a clear description. And this bothered him.

Gehenna saw the confusion crossing his face, and misread its meaning. Her eyes widened and her heart sank, suddenly feeling lost and alone. “I have to see him. Where is he?”

Her companion shook his head, his forehead creased with a frown. “Who is he, Gehenna? You were brought here alone.” He smiled kindly at her, but his eyes shone with something, hidden deep and easy to miss. He turned to the nurse, as if waiting for confirmation, his movement taking the Empress’ gaze with it. “Was anyone else from the theatre admitted?”

Gehenna watched as the woman shook her head. “No, my Lord, there were no other casualties.” The nurse’s voice shook, as her desire to leave grew, uncomfortable under the gaze of the man before her. She had been having this very conversation with him before her patient had awoken. “I shall inform the doctor that you are awake, your Majesty.” And with a brief nod from the Empress, the woman left.

“What about the…?” She swallowed hard, her expression changing as she brought her thoughts and fears under control, her pain almost forgotten. “The people who did this this, what of them? And the other victims?”

Nefarious could see that she wanted to know everything, unfortunately there was little information for him to impart, the would-be assassin had been taken down, his motives hidden forever, as he took them to his grave. “The man responsible was taken down after he shot you.” He watched the Empress’ eyes for signs, but her expression remained unaffected. “The other fatality was his partner, it seems that he killed her before entering your box. Her family has already been notified.”

“Her?” Gehenna’s voice rose in question, as her eyes snapped open. Her gaze fixed on her cousin’s face. “We should be grateful that the casualty count was so low. I want a full investigation on how this managed to happen. I don’t want another repeat.”

He nodded his head. “An inquiry has already been initiated. Heads will roll for this oversight.” His anger showed in his tone, his eyes blazing as he thought about how different things may have been. “We were fortunate tonight.”

“No.” Gehenna smiled, as she moved her hand carefully to her injured shoulder. “I was lucky tonight.” Her expression turned serious. “I want you to head the investigation, I need someone I can trust to get to the bottom of this breech.”

Nefarious nodded his head. “I will get onto it right away. If you will excuse me, Gehenna.” He waited for her acknowledgement, and moved to the door, with a brief look back, he departed, leaving the Empress alone in the room.

As he closed the door behind him, Lord Nefarious smiled.


[ooc: some text taken from ‘Lord GOD in the Garden of Hell’ thread]

Stopping the car at the designated place, the engine idling, he waited. The area had little light, and was well out of the way to be noticeable by any other passing traffic, other than a few joy riders, but they were always too busy to notice anything other than a police car, and even if they did witness anything, there would be far too many questions for them to answer, to make it worth their while.

Lighting a cigarette, the flare of the match casting a glow on the man’s face, weather beaten and haggard from too many days out in the elements. He had started out in the army, had progressed nicely through the ranks, until one bad call had caused the death of a large portion of the men under his command, not to mention the injuries he had gotten. Dismissed without honour, he had languished in his own self pity, until he had pulled himself together and found a new path. And once on that path, it wasn’t long before he found someone willing to buy his expertise.

He had arrived ten minutes before the allotted time, he liked to drive around to make sure the area was secure, you didn’t stay alive long in this game by having your back exposed, and he had risked his life stupidly before, he had no intention of doing so a second time. Having checked the location, he parked the car.

Minutes later, the darkness was pierced by the headlights from another vehicle, which entered slowly, the make and model hard to distinguish in silhouette. As it slowed and stopped, lights dimming to black, the car and driver were confirmed as belonging to the man who had called him earlier. Following usual protocol, he got out of his car, throwing his cigarette onto the floor, and made his way to the new arrival, slipping into the front passenger seat without uttering a word.

Not speaking or acknowledge his arrival, the other man reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope, the contents not unexpected. He never turned to look at the man he was handing the money to, this was not the first time this type of transaction had taken place. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold and direct, this was a business meeting, no time for pleasantries or small talk.

“That’s the first payment, should be enough to start you on the job, I need someone trustworthy, someone who can pull off the job without fear of repercussions.” His eyes scanned the dark scene outside the windscreen. “It has to be clean and quick. And there are to be no loose ends.”

Jerry Wilde followed his employers example and kept his eyes forward, dropping them to check the package resting in his lap, before weighing it up in his hands and placing it in his jacket pocket. “I’ll get onto it straight away.” He raised his eyes, scanning his surroundings, the survival instinct making him naturally cautious. “Do you have a deadline?” He grinned slightly at his pun, he already knew the plan, taking out the Empress had been his employers plan for a while now.

The other man shook his head. “Not this time.” He turned towards Jerry, his eyes cold and dark. “I want no mistakes, it will take as long as necessary. Nothing must go wrong.” He returned his gaze to the view in front of him. “I don’t want Gehenna or Tartarus to know what is happening until it’s too late. Any slips and people will pay. Don’t let me down.”

Almost like an agreed cue, Jerry left the car, not speaking another word. Before he was halfway to his own vehicle, his employer departed, no longer in sight by the time he settled himself in the driver’s seat. Starting the car, his lights startling a wild rabbit, he hit the gas pedal and sped towards the city. His mind already focused on the task ahead.

Sitting at his desk, Lord Nefarious wondered what his first course of action should be. It wasn’t as if he needed to find the would-be assassin, they had him down at the morgue, but it was his responsibility to find whoever was behind it, if any. Of course, no one ever assumed these attempts were ever the brainchild of the person carrying out the hit, it was never that simple.

He picked up a copy of the initial report, a high level look at the course of events which had ended with the perpetrator lying dead on the floor, shot by one of his colleagues. The man was currently being praised by everyone for his quick action, which more than likely saved the life of the Empress. There was rumour that he might even receive a medal. Nefarious did not think that anyone was worthy of such an honour; perhaps if Gehenna had been unharmed, and not a single bullet had left Agent Cook’s gun.

Sitting back in his chair, Nefarious reviewed exactly what had happened, although even as he did, a detailed inquiry was taking place, where each of the security personnel present were giving a full briefing. This would be carried out by Chris Denton, the officer in charge at the theatre and his superior, Charles Abernethy, head of GT Security Forces.

Reading through the report, he found his eyes drawn to the mention of Lord Daniels, the unknown visitor. He couldn’t help think that things would have been different without this man’s presence, but he also knew that Lord Daniels was not who he pretended to be. Turning to his computer, he called up the intelligence net, and input the man’s details, again he watched as the screen came up blank. Nefarious was sure that didn’t mean that the mysterious man was as clean as he may have appeared. He would have to look into it further, perhaps even manage to get some information from the Empress herself, even if she was being very closed lipped about this particular friend of hers.

Reaching over the desk, he clicked his intercom. “Melanie, arrange a meeting with Charles Abernethy for this afternoon.” He did not wait for an answer as he released the button. Tapping the paperwork against his hand, he settled back to review all the facts.

* * * * *

The canteen was quiet, it was out of the normal rush times, and there were only a few sitting around using the time to catch up on some last minute reports. He had one in front of him, he had just finished completing his recollection of the events at the theatre. He couldn’t get it out of his head that things would have been different. He was only grateful that he had decided not to place Cook in the box instead of in the corridor, it was only a previous conversation about Plays, where Cook had mentioned wanting to see ‘Taming of the Shrew’, that made Chris place him outside, he could not afford his security officers to be distracted from their job.

Lowering his pen to the table, Chris picked up his sandwich and took a bit, his eyes falling on the man who had just entered the room and was heading for his table. Nodding his head in greeting, he watched his partner take his seat.

“Damn, I hate these things.” David Metternich slumped down in the chair, looking as if he had just gone ten rounds with the heavyweight champion. “It doesn’t matter how many times you repeat yourself, no one seems to listen. Jeez, you’d think we were all involved in this.”

Swallowing his food, Chris placed his sandwich back on the plate and grimaced. “You got quite a grilling, huh?” He shook his head. “I guess they have to assume that everyone is guilty until proven innocent, means they keep their guard up.” He indicated his report on the table. “They want me now?”

“Sarah, cup of coffee, sweetie.” David called over to the woman behind the counter, and winked, before turning his attention back to his partner. “Not yet, seems the boss man has been called to a meeting. Didn’t seem to happy about it. Someone high up about to wring his neck for this failing, I bet.” He smiled as his beverage was delivered.

Chris looked up at the young woman. “You really should make him fetch his own. He’ll get fat, and then will you want him?” He grinned at David and shook his head. “You want a servant.”

Slapping the young woman’s behind, he smiled as he reached for her arm and pulled her down into a kiss, which she gave into graciously, before pulling herself out of his arms. “You’ll get me shot.” She pinched his cheek playfully, before walking back to the counter.

“You are one lucky son of a gun.” He took another bite of his lunch as he watched his companion nod and stare. “So, any idea who this meeting is with? They must have appointed someone to oversee the inquiry, didn’t trust the department to do it, not that I blame them considering it was an inside job.”

David shook his head. “Call came through, but he mentioned no names.” He took a sip of his coffee, and almost spat it out. “Damn, she gave me sugar.” Raising his eyes he saw Sarah laughing to herself. “Guess that will teach me to get my own.”

Chris chuckled softly. “Yeah, it should, but I don’t see you changing.” He stopped and thought for a moment, a terrible sinking feeling putting him off the rest of this sandwich. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough who’s taking over, and I get the feeling, we’re not going to like it.”

* * * * *

Charles Abernethy was not happy. He liked to keep department issues in the department, and although he knew that a threat on the Empress surpassed his authority, he really could have done without being called away from his investigation, especially by Lord Nefarious. The two men had had run ins before, if he recalled nearly every department head had, and they never saw eye to eye. He was well aware that Nefarious had put another’s name forward for his position and was more than a little annoyed when the Empress had made her own choice.

As he reached the secretary’s desk, Melanie smiled kindly and buzzed the com, then looked up at him. “Lord Nefarious is expecting you. Go right in.” He nodded and turned towards the door, from the corner of his eye he saw the woman rise from her seat and move towards the coffee.

Entering with a knock, Charles was not surprised to see Nefarious standing waiting for his entry. As the man indicated a seat for him, he moved around the desk and took his own chair. Making himself comfortable, Charles sat and waited for Nefarious to begin.

“Thank you for coming so quickly, I know you are busy at the moment.” He lowered his eyes to his desk and picked up a document. “I thought I should inform you as soon as possible that I am taking over the investigation, on the direct orders of Her Majesty herself.” He raised his eyes to the other man’s and smiled, not at all pleasantly. “I understand you have started questioning everyone present?”

Charles sat speechless for a moment as the information sank in, he knew this was coming, the fact that his Lordship had called him to his office had spoken volumes. “Yes, I have been debriefing the security personnel who were on duty and have ordered officers to question anyone attending the theatre.” He stopped for a moment to gather his thoughts. “We’ve kept information to a minimum, sticking to a strict ‘need to know’ basis.”

“Good. The last thing we need is for the public to become aware of how inadequately we have been protecting our sovereign, especially from one of our own.” He interlaced his fingers, and reclined in the chair. “As you can imagine, this looks bad on the department as a whole, and those in positions of authority can be prone to a lot of criticism.” He smiled slightly, and unnerving expression. “We would hate for that to happen.”

Charles was about to answer when Nefarious cut him off. “If you could make certain that copies of all your reports are on my desk by tomorrow morning. I think that covers everything.” Without another word he turned back to his papers, declaring the meeting over. As Charles got up silently and made for the door, Nefarious looked up at him. “And I will be appointing a someone to assist you in your investigation. They will be at your office in the morning.”

Charles sighed and left the room, he couldn’t help wondering if things could get any worse.

tag for my first time reading your work

#tagged

The drive back into the city took little more than an hour, he had chosen a different route back from his employer to ensure there was not chance of them being connected. Also the journey allowed him some time to think of his options and work out his next course of action. Finding the right person took time, especially if you wanted it done probably.

Parking the car, his eyes scanned around the parking lot, recognising the vehicles of several acquaintances, although he would deny all knowledge if questioned. He looked up at the building he was approaching and smiled, the place looked like one portrayed in films, the sleazy joint where a person could pick up anything and everything he wanted, and some things he didn’t. Trouble hung in the air like a sign, clearer than the one that advertised the name of the place.

Stepping through the door, the dingy interior made it difficult for new comers to see who was lurking inside, just as the lighted entrance allowed people time to disappear or to deal with anyone coming in that they may not have wanted to see. The police tended to give the place a glance, but they seldom entered, unless they were searching for someone, and then they would know where to come.

Jerry Wilde walked up to the bar, his eyes fixed on his destination, not once scanning his surroundings. He was a regular, everyone seemed to know his face, even if few knew his name or business. He nodded to an unasked question from the man behind the bar, and was presented moments later with his favoured tipple, a straight whiskey, which he downed in one go, before a second was place before him.

Giving the other occupants a brief scan, as he swigged his drink, he once again returned his attention to the barman. “Has Kat been in?” His voice was low, and steady. Whether the awaited answer what that important to him was difficult to tell.

The man behind the bar nodded to a door leading off to the right. “Came in about an hour ago.” He poured a drink as he spoke, and presented it to Jerry. “Go right in, she’s alone.”

Picking up the glass without a word, he walked slowly to the door, and entered the back room. This time his eyes did travel around his surroundings, making a quick mental note of any others inside. The backroom was less open that the main bar. Cubicles dominated the area, allowing private business to be carried out, without people seeing and hearing things that they weren’t meant to.

Jerry slipped into a cubicle, knowing instantly that Kat would be waiting inside, she always used the same one, one that was unofficially kept for her, although there was rarely a day that she didn’t occupy it. Putting the drink down in front of her, he stood beside the table until she looked up at him; a smile fixing on her lips as she indicated for him to take a seat.

“Jerry?” She frown as he sat down across from her. “You have something you want from me.” Picking up her glass, she took a sip, licking her lips as she lowered it back to the table. “One of these days, you’ll come here for pleasure alone.”

He chuckled softly. “It’s always a pleasure doing business with you, Kat.” He looked at the woman before him, knowing how much he would like to visit her for something other than business, but then it was her looks that made her helpful in the countless jobs he had used her for. “And this is a particularly important job, I have for you, will pay a lot of money.” He smiled at her. “Unfortunately, it’s going to take up a bit of your time. This one has to be done right, or there’s going to be real trouble, and I’m not talking of a couple of years in the slammer.”

Kat’s eyes opened wide, as she searched his face. “I see.” She took another sip of her drink. She’d done some things in the past, had spent a bit of time behind bars, but usually she only dabbled in things that would make the most money with little trouble, she didn’t like the sound of this. “What is it?”

Shaking his head, Jerry grinned. “You know me better than that, Kat. I want you to decide if you are willing to take the risk.” He sat back in his chair. “You can walk away at the moment, but once involved, there is no turning back.” He swigged down the rest of his whiskey, and banged the glass back on the table. “I’ll contact you in a few days.”

Without another word, he slipped out of his seat and disappeared back into the main bar, Kat just sat staring at the now empty seat before her. Her mind was whirling at the possibilities that lay before her. She was not a coward, but then she wasn’t a fool. She wanted money, and would do anything for it, but even she had a line, and she couldn’t help thinking this job just might cross it.

<TAG for another exciting read! :D >

Ditto. :?

Chris Denton knocked at the door and waited for an answer for him to enter. He looked at the young woman behind the desk and smiled, as she pressed a button and told her employer that he was waiting. Just then a click sounded and Melanie waved her hand ushering him into the room.

Stepping into the room, Chris’ gaze was drawn to the Mahogany décor, the room appearing several shades darker as the windows natural like was swallowed up by the dark word finish. Taking a moment for his eyes to adjust to the low lighting, he began to walk slowly into the room, stopping as he reached the desk, and looked at the man in the chair.

“Please be seated, Mr Denton.” Lord Nefarious indicated the seat by the desk, and continued to speak as Chris sat down. “As I’m sure you are aware, I am leading the enquiry into Her Imperial Majesty’s recent brush with death.” He fixed his eyes to the security agent’s face. “And you were the man in charge of operations at the time.”

Chris looked at the man, his brow furrowing slightly, as he waited to see where his Lordship was taking this conversation. He knew that there was talk going around that more than one of the agents had been involved in setting up the attempt on the Empress’ life, but if he was about to be accused of helping then there had better be a lot of evidence to back up the claim.

Nefarious leant back in his chair, his fingers interweaving as he place his hand in his lap. “I know you’ve already been through this before, many times I’m sure, but there is just one point that has been playing on my mind.” His eyes moved until they held Chris’. “What can you tell me about the appearance of Lord Daniels?”

Thrown into silence momentarily, Chris had not been expecting Lord Nefarious to jump so quickly to the Empress’ guest. He knew there was no love lost on his Lordship’s part, and was well aware that the man sitting on the other side of the desk desired to have Lord Daniels’ head on a plate, and even garnished with an apple and some herbs.

“I didn’t see him, but if I’m honest, I couldn’t name half the people who walked past me in the lobby.” He knew there was no point being anything other than honest. He had spoken to the two guys who had been guarding inside the box, and neither of them could remember when he entered. In fact neither of them could give many details concerning his presence, including the way he looked, how he entered, or even how long he had been sitting there. “I can only assume Her Majesty had invited him.”

Lord Nefarious looked blankly at Chris for a moment then slowly nodded his head. “Yes, Her Majesty.” He steepled his fingers, as he thought for a moment, contemplating his next move. “I want you to find Lord Daniels, speak to the others who were on duty. He could help in our enquiries.”

Chris nodded his head. “If nothing more than to clear himself of suspicion.” He unlike Lord Nefarious did not believe the man was involved. He had been the one that stopped the bullet, had save the Empress’ life, not something a person does if he wants someone killed. If Chris ever met the man, he was more likely to shake his hand than to bring him in for questioning.

The other man nodded his head slowly. “Yes, indeed.” He gave a small smile, and rose from his chair, presenting his hand to Chris, who took hold of it and shook. “Thank you for coming, Mr Denton.”

“Lord Nefarious.” With a slight tilt of the head, Chris walked over to the door and left the room, his head full of thoughts. The main one being how was he to find Lord Daniels, he didn’t even know whether the man was even from Tartarus. He smiled at Melanie as he re-entered the outer office, and gave her a wink, before heading out of the main door.

* * * * *

Sitting up, supported by several pillows, Gehenna watched the television footage on the news; her shooting was still the lead story on the news, which wasn’t that surprising, but she couldn’t understand why there was no mention of Lord Daniels. She knew he had been injured, she had seen him in the box, had heard him cry out to her.

A knock at the door to her room drew her attention away from the news. “Come in.” She kept her eyes on the door as it opened, and a watched as a familiar figure entered. “Charles, please take a seat.” She waited until he was settled. “I am assuming that Lord Nefarious has informed you of my decision?”

Charles nodded. “Yes, he did, Your Majesty.” He frowned slightly, his brows knitting. “He called me to a meeting this morning.”

“I have a reason for doing it, Charles.” She smiled, as she leant over and picked up the remote, flicking off the television that was still playing away. “It was one of my own people that tried to kill me, I have to put someone outside the department onto it.” She raised her hand as he opened his mouth to speak. “That isn’t why I called you here, I want the team put back on duty, especially Mr Denton. I intend to return to the Palace tomorrow, and I want everything back the way it was.” She waved her hand again as he once again started. “The Palace is the safest place. I want you to make the arrangements, and have Mr Denton here first thing in the morning.”

Shifting in his seat, Charles looked at his Empress, and nodded his head in ascent. “Lord Nefarious knows of your decision?”

Gehenna smiled. “Charles, Lord Nefarious is not my keeper.” She looked at the man sitting by her bed, and indicated the phone on the bedside table. “I need to call Lady Maleficent before she hears that my condition is worse than it is.”

He positioned the phone on the bed beside her, and rose from the chair. She watched him leave, before picking up the receiver and dialling.

* * * * *

Chris walked into the bar, the day had just gone from bad to worse. First Charles Abernethy with news that there were being externally investigated, then Lord Nefarious wanting him to head up the search for Lord Daniels, and he knew why. His Lordship was hoping that Chris would pick up some information from the Empress herself, but Nefarious was going to be out of luck. Chris had vowed his undying allegiance to her Majesty, and had signed a secrecy clause, anything he heard from the Empress would die with him.

Stepping up to the bar, Chris nodded to the barman, who promptly served him his usual drink. Picking up the glass, he down half the drink in own go, before returning it to the counter, as he looked around the room, looking for a familiar face.

“Hard day, Denton?” A voice seeped into his conscious, as he spun around and face a young woman, her smile making him feel better instantly. She turned her head to the barman and ordered two more drinks. “I saw the news, not good for you lot.” She leant forward and pressed her lips to his, kissing away his cares. “I’ll be finished in a bit.”

Nodding his head, Chris pulled the woman to him, his hand resting on the curve of her buttocks. “I am looking forward to getting you home.” He grinned as he lowered his head and began to nibble gently on her neck.

“Woah!” She laughed lightly, as she playfully pushed him away. “Wait until we get home.” Kissing him lightly on the cheek, she picked up her drink and emptied the glass. “I’ll just grab my coat.” Walking out the back, she almost ran into another woman coming back the other way. “Goodnight, Kat.”

The other woman mumbled something in return and disappeared into a side room, as Debbie picked up her things and walked back to Chris. “Ready?” She looped her arm through his, and walked with him slowly to the car. “You want to talk about it?”

Chris shook his head. “I have other plans.” He smiled and winked, as he opened the car door for his wife.

retagged...

Kat returned to her apartment, not the best in the city but it was home. And perhaps if she did the job that Jerry Wilde had approached her about, then maybe she could buy something in a better part of town. She walked up to the door, and turned the key. A noise inside, made her heart race as she slowly pushed open the door, and her cat came rushing out past her feet. “Damn cat!”

Taking several deep breaths, she told herself she was being foolish. Nevertheless she closed and locked the door behind her, keeping all the bad things out. Not that she really knew what they were. Her conversation with Wilde had spooked her more than she cared to admit. It was not every day that man asked her for a favour, yet every time he did, the request required a lot of work, and he said this one was big. And she still could not shake the feeling that big was an understatement.

She walked further into the dark apartment and dropped her bag and keys onto the couch, before slipping off her shoes, sighing as she did, and wiggled her toes. She perched herself on the edge of the seat, and rolled off her stockings, feeling relaxed as her bare feet touched the floor. She leant back and let her eyes close for a moment, a yawn escaping, revealing how tired she felt.

A few moments later, she rose from the couch and moved into the kitchen, flicking on the light and bathing the room in light. She blinked several times as she adjusted her eyes to the glare, then began to prepare herself a drink. She opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of wine, and reached up into a cupboard and took out a large glass. Filling it almost to the rim, she placed the wine back in its place, and headed for the bathroom, where she would wash away her cares, enjoy the relaxing qualities of the wine, and allow herself a moment to think about Wilde’s offer.

* * * * *

Jerry Wilde, on the other hand, did not return to his home following his meeting with Kat. He got into his car and headed into the seedier parts of the town, a place that made Kat’s place seem like a palace in comparison. Not that it bothered Wilde, he had been to worse places in his life, practically growing up in a similar area. To him it was almost like coming home. A home he was glad to be able to walk away from.

As he drove, he played over the conversation he had had with Kat. He could not help feeling that it had gone better than planned, he even felt sure than she would answer in the positive. No matter what Kat said to him, she had never let him down. And although the end result was going to be dramatic, her part was much less prominent, but was definitely central to the success of the mission.

Looking around as he drove into the secluded area, the buildings around him were in ruin, with only the desperate choosing to frequent the place. He parked the car, but he did not lock or alarm it. He knew that no one here would come within an inch of his car. The inhabitants knew better than to get on Wilde’s wrong side. He was much more use to them as a friend than he would ever be as an enemy.

He walked over to one of the doors, his feet crunching on the gravel. The people who called this area home had deliberately laid the stones across the ground in order to give them warning of any cars or people that approached without giving the newcomers much of a warning that they were being tracked.

Before Wilde could knock on the door, it was opened, the person unseen as they stood behind the door in shadow.

A voice broke through the silence. “Ah, Mr Carter. What can we do for you today?” The owner stepped forward, his face becoming visible as he entered the glow of a low light, a smile of greeting on his face as he presented his hand to his guest.

Shaking the hand firmly, Wilde turned his attention to the man, not missing the movement to his left as the door was closed by the woman who was now caught in the light. “I need a weapon. I’m looking for a MSG90.” He watched the man’s face as he spoke. “And I know you can get hold of one for me, Ruschak.”

The other man laughed heartily. “When have I ever let you down, huh?” He slapped Wilde comradely on the back and guided him further into the room, pointing to a set of drinks. “You will take something?”

“I’ll have a whiskey…straight.” Sitting down on a seat that Ruschak indicated, Wilde made himself comfortable, as his host poured him his drink, passing him the glass moments later. “Business has been good, I see.” His eyes fell on some of the illegal equipment that was scattered about the room.

Ruschak followed his gaze and shrugged. “A man has to do what he can to survive. This is but a trifle.”

“A trifle the Imperial Customs would be happy to know about.” Wilde took a large swig of his drink. “About the rifle? You think you can get one?”

Another laugh burst out of Ruschak. “Consider it done, Mr Carter.” The man became serious again. “Cash on delivery?”

Wilde nodded, as he finished his glass in one. “Yes. Cost plus bonus as usual. Call me once its here.” He frowned as he calculated something in his head. “You think you can have it here within a fortnight at the latest?”

Ruschak nodded as he shook Wilde’s hand to seal the deal. “It will be here.”

With a few more brief words to finalise the deal, Wilde left the building and headed for his car. He sat in the vehicle as he straightened out his thoughts, planning his next course of action. He could do nothing until he knew whether Kat was in on the deal, but that did not stop him planning ahead slightly. After a few minutes, he turned the key in the ignition and drove the car back into the city.

* * * * *

Kat tossed and turned in her sleep, unable to rest with the thoughts whirling around her head. She wanted to back down, to tell Wilde that she was not interested, but at the same time she was intrigued, not to mention she needed the money. And although she had morals, she was sure that whatever he had planned, it could be justified.

Pulling back her covers, she slipped her feet out of the bed, and sat up, her feet on the floor. In one movement she had risen into a standing position, and began to walk to the door, her mind finally made up. She entered the lounge and picked up the phone.

She held the receiver in her hand as she gave the situation one last consideration, then she began to push the buttons, dialling up a number. The voice on the other end came through after several rings. “Wilde.” The voice spoke.

“Wilde, this is Kat.” She paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath. “I’m going to take the job.”

Pulling up outside the Medical Centre, Chris Denton stopped the car just outside the main door, already the area was a hive of activity, the police presence backed up with a more than obvious military back up, it certainly seemed that some people were taking the situation very seriously, and it did not take an expert to guess who had upped the level of security. He shook his head, knowing that a low key removal of the Empress to the Palace would have been preferable.

Stepping up to the main doors, he flashed his ID at the personnel at the door, and was waved inside, being directed towards the elevators. As he walked, his eyes scanned around the lobby, wondering what would happen if suddenly an emergency was brought here. He knew that the Empress would not be pleased about this, this allowed too much information out, and she did not like her every move known by everyone. And even though she had ordered a full scale inquiry, she would not like the public to get wind of her fears. This level of security spoke fear, and he knew that the leader of Tartarus did not like to portray that image to the world.

He made his way towards her room, nodding and chatting briefly to those he recognised on the way, seeing more and more people as he drew ever closer to where the Empress was currently residing.

* * * * *

“Damien, there really was no need for you to come here personally.” Gehenna looked over at her cousin from her position on the bed, the doctor’s refusing to allow her to get up until she was ready to leave. She struggled to bring herself up into a more upright seated position, her right arm being held in a sling and no use to her at present. “Everything is arranged.”

Lord Nefarious moved closer to the bed, pacing back and forth in agitation. “You know that you should not even be leaving here yet. You could have been killed…”

“Do not go down that path again; I really am not in the mood to repeat myself.” She looked over at the door and frowned. “Where is Mr Denton?” Turning her attention back to her cousin, she smiled sweetly, trying to ease the tension. “The hospital is not a secure location; it’s as open as the Theatre.”

“But…”

Gehenna raised her hand and cut him off. “And I have been advised by my security that I would be safer in the Palace, and I agree with them.” She finally managed to get herself into a better position on the bed, carefully trying to move her legs to the edge of the bed. “And that is the end of the subject.”

A knock at the door drew her attention, and after giving her consent to enter, the door swung open to reveal her head bodyguard. “Mr Denton, if you would be so kind as to help me stand.” She cast her cousin another smile. “Will you be travelling with us?”

Lord Nefarious flicked his eyes between the man and woman before him. “I must decline, I am afraid. I have something to attend to.” He scowled as his eyes met Denton’s. “You just make sure you get Her Majesty back to the Palace without incident.”

Gehenna watched as Chris nodded and answered Nefarious in the affirmative, before resuming his task of helping his Empress off the hospital bed. “Don’t let us keep you, Lord Nefarious. I am sure that Mr Denton can manage from here.” She shot her cousin a look that could be read as nothing other than a dismissal.

Bowing his head slightly, he gave her a grave smile, then left with little more than a few words informing he would call upon her at the Palace some time later, which caused a little sigh to escape from her lips once he hand left the room.

Turning to her bodyguard, she smiled her attention once more drawn to the door by the arrival of a doctor and her maid, Isla, who had a coat resting over her arm. Without a word, she moved forward and placed the coat over the Empress’ shoulders, as he doctor went over some last minute details.

* * * * *

Lord Nefarious drove through the streets of Erebus, his temper flaring as he replayed the conversation with Gehenna, knowing that once again she had managed to knock down his suggestion over than of one of her employees. He knew that Charles Abernethy was behind this idea. He had been removed from the investigation, and repaid his Lordship by removing him from the loop, and only giving him information once it was too late to react on it.

But if that was the game that the head of the security department wanted to play then Nefarious knew that he could easily match him at his own game. Once he reached his office, the Heir of Tartarus picked up the phone and gave the order for a full background search of all members of the Imperial Protection Agency, knowing that this would send ripples through the department.

* * * * *

Relaxing back in the leather seat of the Imperial car, Gehenna watched the familiar scenery of the capital roll passed. Caught up in the peace and quiet, she had been in the car for ten minutes before she spoke to the man in the front passenger seat. “How is the investigation proceeding?”

Chris Denton swung around in the seat, until he could see the Empress plainly. “Lord Nefarious is doing a very thorough job.” He smiled, trying not to roll his eyes at the thought. “The last I heard, he had ordered the re-questioning of everyone on duty, which had to be expected.”

Gehenna nodded her head slowly. “Has anything been discovered connecting anyone to Agent Cook?” Her eyes flashed over with a barely concealed hatred as she said her would-be assassin’s name.

The bodyguard shook his head, feeling a little uncomfortable discussing a colleague in front of the Empress’ driver. “Nothing at all, but it is still early days.” As he looked at her, he could see the questioning look in her eyes, and knew exactly what she feared hearing. “I would swear on my life, that Lord Daniel’s is not involved.”

She broke into a smile. “Oh, I know he isn’t.” She relaxed further against the seat, her eyes once again fixed at the passing scene, her features looking less tense than before.

Turning back towards the front of the vehicle, Chris Denton fell silent. The rest of the journey was conducted in silence, the car winding its way through the streets of Erebus, heading towards the Palace on the hill above the city. Each occupant of the car lost in their own thoughts and theories.

Placing the glass on the shelf, Debbie turned and picked up another, stopping in mid action as she turned the door swing open, and the familiar face of her colleague walk through. Frowning to herself, she watched the usually cheerful Kat move through the bar, lost in her own thoughts, before disappearing out the back. Stopping her refilling, Debbie walked over to the door, and followed Kat through to the staff rooms.

“Are you alright?” Debbie asked gently, unsure whether Kat was suffering from a little too much celebrating from the night before and did not want to add to her troubles. “You seem very quiet this morning.” She moved over to the counter, and propped herself against it, as she watched the other woman, get herself ready.

Kat laughed lightly. “Just a lack of sleep.” She picked out a bag that contained her makeup, and moved over to the mirror, her free hand running over her skin, as she checked out her appearance. “And I’m not sure this stuff is going to hide the traces.”

“Oh, you over exaggerate. If I looked that good normally, I would be happy.” Debbie smiled as she watched her colleague, unzip the bag and pour the contents over the shelf, picking up each item individually and applying it like a professional. “I’ll see you back outside. Best get the place ready for opening.”

Stopping her work for a moment, Kat nodded and threw Debbie a dazzling smile. “I’ll be there in a bit.” She turned back to the mirror and pulled out her lipstick, sending her lips a brilliant shade of red, in several easy strokes.

Leaving her to it, Debbie stepped through the door, her thoughts still lingering on her friend, even if some of her fears had been alleviated, she knew that something was troubling Kat.

* * * * *

Jerry Wilde sat back in his seat, as he reflected on how things were progressing. He had managed to arrange the delivery of a weapon from outside the Empire, this was to restrict the chances of the hit to lead back to any of the key players, himself and his boss in particular, the others were expendable. Casualties of war. He grinned to himself, as he turned his thoughts to the next plan of action; the reason that he had called in Kat for her assistance.

They needed someone on the inside, someone who could be persuaded that the Empress was not the person to lead the Empire into greatness, someone who recalled the leadership of her father, and still remained loyal to the way he did things. Of course this was the hard part, and it was going to be Kat’s job to find the ideal candidate. A few of the Security personnel spent time in here, those that wanted a moment away from the order that their working lives contained. Plus he knew that one of the Officers’ wives was an employee there.

He picked up his glass, which contained a good amount of scotch, and no ice, and took a long sip, as his free hand moved over to the file he had beside him. Flicking it open, he began his search for the ideal candidate, tossing several on the floor as he dismissed them from his list. He needed someone who was set in his ways, and one that was stubborn to change, and more importantly, someone that was lonely and longing for company.

* * * * *

Chris Denton entered the shooting range, and walked past the lanes, glancing in as he passed any that were occupied. He stopped behind one, and watched as the officer inside emptied several shots into the target board, managing to put a couple in the head, and one directly into the heart marker.

“Someone is on form today, Cook.” Chris spoke as the other man lowered the gun, and allowed himself to admire his work. “That’s going to take some beating.”

Norman Cook turned at the words, as he made safe his weapon. He let out a loud laugh, and nodded to his board. “You know you can’t beat that, Chris. In fact, I’m willing to wager that you won’t even get close.”

“Normally, I’m not a betting man.” Chris grinned, as he thought for a moment. “But I’m feeling lucky today. So you are on.” He patted the other man on the shoulder. “What ante are you thinking?”

Norman laughed. “The usual.”

Chris nodded his head, and presented his hand, in the sportsman’s gesture. “Fifty it is. I hope you have it on you, I want to take Debbie out somewhere nice tonight.” He pulled out his weapon, and set his headphones on his ears, as he made his way into the next cubical and set the lane, positioning a new target form.

Pulling his gun, and preparing for the off, Chris waited a minute then emptied several shots into the target, falling to match the effort of Agent Cook, who stood slightly behind watching his progress. He let out a sigh, as the target drew near, revealing his almost but not quite identical hit. Letting out a laugh, he turned to his colleague. “Ah, dang. It’s gonna be an early night for me tonight.” He made safe his weapon, and pulled his wallet from his inner pocket, presenting the victory a fifty note.

“Some of us will be out having fun, Chris.” Norman clapped Chris on the back. “I’ll have a drink for you, and explain to Debbie it’s a night in front of the box.” With the echo of laughter following him, Norman left the firing range.

* * * * *

“Someone’s happy.”

The voice of Kat broke through Norman’s thoughts, causing him to look up at her and smile. “I’ve just had a good day at the office.” He grinned. “And now I am out celebrating.”

“Celebrating? Here?” Kat laughed.

Norman smiled, and nodded. “I can’t think of a place I’d rather be.” He indicated his glass with a flick of his head. “A good drink and good company.” He looked at her, and grinned. “Who could ask for more?”

Kat pulled out a clean glass and filled it with Norman’s usual tipple, and placed it before him. “On the house, to help you celebrate…and because you made me smile.” As if to prove her point, she gave him on of her most dazzling, as she poured herself a drink. She chinked her glass against his. “Cheers!”

Settling at his desk, Chris Denton tapped a couple of buttons on his keyboard, and watched as Norman Cook’s record came up on the screen. He had the known the man for a while, had worked closely with him for many years. They had both served under Emperor Erebus together, before Chris had been moved to protect Gehenna when she was still a princess.

Cook was as dedicated to Erebus as anyone, perhaps more so, he was so protective of the man, and often pushed himself into double shifts to ensure the Emperor was protected. Chris could remember the day the Emperor died, Cook had been inconsolable, blaming himself for not being able to save the man’s life. Not that there was much he could have done, but that did not stop him from taking it so badly.

But despite his grief, he moved into the service, giving her the same dedication he had given her father. And yet, as facts now proved, he had another agenda. And fortunately, from Chris’ perspective, the man had paid for his betrayal in the only way possible. Yet, he wished that he could have asked Cook just what had caused this change.

There is more to this than meets the eye. There has to be something else, something I’m missing.

Beginning at the top of his file, Chris settled in for a long read.

* * * * *

Kat sat in her apartment, having already called in sick, unable to face another day of false smiles as she listened to another report on the attempted shooting. She recalled the day the first broadcast had appeared on the news, detailing the death of Norman Cook. She had become friendly with the man over the months before, had grown used to his company, his companionship. She had known the basics of the plan, but had not been given full details, but there was no denying now just what she had gotten herself involved in.

Wilde had told her the job was big, but then the man always had a tendency to exaggerate the importance of everything. She had put it down to some complex the man had got about his own standing, yet now she had to change her opinions of him. He said big, and he meant big. She had managed to get herself involved in the biggest story now being played all over the television screens of Tartarus.

Walking over to the cupboard, Kat pulled out a bottle of scotch and a glass. Moving back to the couch, she settling in for a brain numbing session, hoping to temporarily forget what she had done.

* * * * *

Jerry Wilde was also watching the television, as more and more details were emerging from sources, although he knew that Palace would only release details they wanted the public needed to know. They had already covered over the fact that the would-be assassin was one of the Empress’ on security. They would not want that little snip-bit to be known.

The phone sprang to life, drawing his attention away from the news. Grabbing the remote, he muted the sound as he picked up the receiver. “Wilde.”

“What the hell were you thinking?” The voice of a female screamed into his ear, forcing him to move the ear piece away. “You should have told me! You should have told me!”

Wilde frowned; this was something he had not been expecting. “Calm down, Kat. There is nothing to get concerned about. Everything is in hand.”

“Calm down? How the fuck am I meant to calm down.” Kat’s voice continued to scream down the line. “You tried to kill her and I helped! I fucking helped you try to kill the Empress and you want me to be calm!” Her pitch rose, as impossible as that seemed to Wilde. “I want money, and I want out of the country. You fail me, Wilde, and I swear I’ll go straight to the police.”

“Now don’t do anything rash, Kat.” Wilde had to think fast, the last thing he wanted was trouble from this source. He should have known that the foolish woman would have become too attached to that incompetent fool. “I’ll get you the money and a ticket out of here. You just need to give me some time. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Kat laughed, in an unpleasant way. “If I don’t hear from you tomorrow by ten, you’ll have the police at your door before midday.” Without another word, she cut the call.

Slamming down the receiver, Wilde paced around his apartment, wondering to himself why he had involved that woman, knowing he had little chance without her. Damn you, Kat! Picking up the phone, he dialled.

“Odessa’s.”

Wilde vaguely recognised the voice on the other end. “Hello, can I speak to Kat?”

“I’m afraid she has the day off today.”

Smiling to himself, Wilde suddenly felt that things were going his way after all. “Thanks, I’ll catch her there.” He put the receiver down, and headed for the door, his course of action formulating in his mind.

* * * * *

Chris pulled up outside Odessa’s, his mind whirling with a host of facts that related to Norman Cook. The man had recommendations; good service medals and a list of other things that made his recent behaviour seem so out of character. He could not help wondering what made such a man become so unstable. A lot of people had problems coming to terms with a female ruler, the nation had not had one for many years, but everyone had evaluations carried out to ensure they were happy to work with Gehenna.

Shaking his head, he stepped out of the car and looked at the building before him. He frowned at the total lack of activity about the place. He grabbed the doorknob, and turned, only to find it resisting his attempt. He knocked on the door. “Debbie?” He knocked again. “Are you there?”

There was no sound for a moment then the muffled sound of footsteps from inside, followed by the click of the bolt being pulled. Slowly the door opened to reveal Debbie. He looked at her tear-stained face, taking her quickly in his arms, her own wrapping around him.

Standing on the doorstep for a moment, Chris held his wife before guiding her back inside, releasing his hold on her slightly, to look into her face, a frown marring his brow. “What’s happened?”

“It’s Kat. They found her dead in her apartment.” The tears began to roll once more down her cheeks.

Driving through Erebus at night was a relaxing time; driving in the early hours of the morning was like being in a ghost down, especially on the outskirts. The sky was clear, barely a cloud to obscure the stars, the moon shone brightly on the tops of the trees that lined the road, helping to bring some light to the unlit path that the solitary car followed.

Turning off the main road, tyres crunched the gravel. Manoeuvring along the familiar route, Jerry Wilde picked up his phone, and pushed in a number, a voice sounding after several rings.

“Katherine Dennis.” The voice mumbled, obviously having just been dragged from sleep.

“Kat, it’s Jerry.” He dimmed the lights of his car, as he pulled the car to the right, taking it off of the little track, and into a clearing. He drove to the end, and pulled the car around, facing it the way he had come. “I need another favour.”

* * * * *

Kat picked up the clock beside the bed, her half-asleep eyes pulled into a squint to capture the reading. “It’s gone three in the morning. Can’t this wait until morning?” She placed the clock back on the bedside table with more of a thud than she wanted. Beside her, she felt the bed stir.

“I’m sending you a package. I want you to keep it safe for a while.” The voice remained level, as if Wilde had not even heard her question.

Sitting upright, Kat frowned in the darkness, only the light that seeped through the curtain from a street lamp threatened the gloom. “What is it?” She stretched her body, trying to bring a little life into her head and body. Her hand moved through her hair, pushing the strands from her face.

A laugh came down the receiver. “That’s not really important. I just need you to hold the package for me until I come to pick it up.” The sound of a car engine died in the background. “Should be in a day or two.”

“Yeah, I can do that.” Kat sighed slightly. “Is that all? I really need to sleep; I’ve an early shift in the morning.”

“That’s all. I’ll contact you shortly.” The receiver clicked then went dead.

Placing the handset in the cradle, Kat slumped back in the bed. Beside her the bed moved again, as an arm moved around her body, pulling her close. A pair of eyes could be seen vaguely in the darkness. “Who was that?”

“No one important, Norman. Go back to sleep.” She pressed a kiss to his lips, as her arms moved around his body. It was sometime later before the two did as she had asked.

* * * * *

As the call came to an end, the sound of rubber on gravel filled the silence. Jerry watched as the vehicle pulled into the clearing, driving up close to his own car. As the other came to a stop, he pushed open his door, and stepped out, and made his way over to the new arrival. The passenger door swung open, and he climbed inside.

“How is everything proceeding?”

Jerry made himself comfortable, straightening his suit jacket. “The delivery is set for tomorrow. The courier is dropping it off at a safe location, one that cannot be traced back to us.” He watched the man nod his head approvingly. “I’ve been through the files, and I’ve found the contact, I have someone working on that part right now. I think he should be in the back very shortly, once I’ve confirmed a few details.”

The man smiled, his voice showing his pleasure. “This cannot fail. Too much rests on this. It is time for the Empire to follow its original path…and not this foolish ideology of the Empress.” He practically spat out the last word. “If only there was another way, it is such a waste of good flesh.”

Jerry laughed. “Definitely a waste.” He let out a wolf-whistle.

“Once you have the contact in the bag, we’ll finalise the location of the event.” The man paused for a moment. “There will be plenty of opportunities. The only thing I have to make sure of is that she is alone. No possible interference from anyone outside, other than her protection team, and they can be easily taken care of.”

Nodding his head slowly, Jerry looked out of the window silently hoping that his boss was not going to be fooled into thinking this was going to be easy. “It’s best not to underestimate anyone. As long as we cover all eventualities, we will be successful.”

“I don’t underestimate them, but with the assassination coming from the direction with plan, they won’t see it coming.” The man grinned to himself. “The Empress will be dead, and the Empire will be back on Emperor Erebus’ path.”

Jerry nodded. “I’ll keep you up to date with progress.”

The man smiled. “If this is successful, Wilde, you and I are going to be very wealthy men.” He turned and looked at his accomplish. “You can count on it.”

Laughing, Jerry pulled open the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

As he slipped out of the vehicle, and pushed the door closed, he had barely moved away before the man fired the engine and circled around Wilde’s car, disappearing back along the track and out of sight. Walking back to the driver’s door, Wilde pulled out a cigarette, and struck a match, the flash illuminating his face. He took a puff, and slowly exhaled the smoke. Things were looking good.

Climbing back into his car, Wilde drove back down the track, heading for the heart of Erebus. As he saw the Palace overlooking the city, he suddenly felt a little unsure, but quickly pushed the bad thoughts from his head. His boss knew what he was doing. Everything would go to plan, and he would be able to retire to a life of luxury. Yet, as the Palace disappeared from his windscreen, he cast a look at it in his rear view mirror, wondering why he suddenly seemed as if it were mocking him.

“…was found dead in her apartment yesterday. The popular owner of Odessa’s, in the heart of Erebus, was beaten up and left for dead by her assailant. The police are interested in speaking with anyone who knew the victim or may have been in the vicinity of Larcombe Street…”

The television droned on in the background, as Chris sat eating his breakfast. He had left Sarah in bed, as she had gotten little sleep during the night, but had finally managed to cry herself to sleep little more than an hour earlier. There was something about the whole situation that left Chris with a very uneasy feeling. He knew that Tartarus had its share of murders, but this one just played at his mind, which niggled him more than usual.

Looking at his watch, he frowned and walked over to the window, looking out at the parking area. He was expecting one of Sarah’s friends, who he had called once his wife had fallen asleep. He did not want her walking up alone and spending the day dwelling on what had happened. It was not pleasant for her to have to go through such a thing. Although the two women had never been bosom buddies, they still had been good friends, and Sarah had worked for Kat ever since Chris had known her, it was at Odessa’s that the two had met.

Just about to turn his attention away from the window, he heard the sound of a car arriving, and he smiled to himself as he recognised the driver. Moving over to the door, he hit the button that would unlatch the main door to the apartment block, and undid the door. As he waited for the woman to arrive, he began to walk around the apartment gather together everything he needed to take with him.

“Anyone here?” A slight knock on the door accompanied the voice a few moments later, as a young woman of the same age as Sarah stood at the door, her head poking through as she looked for signs of life. “Chris?”

“Come in, Claire.” Chris walked over to the door and smiled, giving the new arrival a brief hug. “Thanks for coming.”

Claire shook her head. “No need for thanks. It’s dreadful. I was listening to the story on the radio on the way over.” She gave Chris a little smile that did not hide her concern. “How is she?”

“Sleeping…finally.” Chris guided them further into the apartment and pointed to the bedroom door. “She had a bit of a rough night, and I’m hoping that she’ll sleep for a few hours, but I didn’t want her waking up to an empty house.” He sighed lightly and shook his head with disbelief. “She has it in her head that it’s a disgruntled customer who might come after her next.”

The woman frowned, her eyes moving over to the bedroom door, as if she could she the sleeping Sarah from where she stood. “I don’t know the kind of person that could do such a thing. I just hope they catch them quickly and get them were they should be. Locked up behind bars, or hung.” She moved over to the television where the story was still running.

Chris nodded his head and moved over to the counter, where he picked up his keys. “I’ve got to shoot. Thanks again for coming.” He indicated the kitchen. “Make yourself at home, the fridge and cupboards are stocked.” He smiled sadly. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

With a brief goodbye, Chris left the apartment, feeling more than a little heavy hearted as he thought about his wife. He knew that she would be fine with her friend present, but that did not stop him wishing he could be there with her. A few moments later he was seated in his car, heading towards the palace.

* * * * *

Lord Nefarious watched the news report, his eyes staring at the screen but showed little interest. He had turned around slowly as he heard soft footfalls behind him, and smiled at the woman who was walking towards him. He bowed his head slightly in greeting, which caught the young woman by surprise.

“Damien, what a pleasant surprise.” Gehenna had a fix smile on her face, but it never reached her eyes. “Are you here to update me on the proceedings of your investigation?” As she came to a stop, her eyes flicked to the television, a frown creasing her brow. “I understand it was quite a brutal murder. The woman was battered to death, or so Charles was telling me this morning.” She flicked her eyes back to Lord Nefarious’ face.

Nodding his head, Damien returned his cousin’s gaze. “I am sure the police will have the perpetrator caught. They are very reliable, after all.” He smiled at her graciously and moved towards one of the seats. He met her eye and waited for her to nod her consent for him to sit. “I did come to give you an update, Gehenna, but to be honest with you; I don’t feel any closer to understanding why one of your own men would want to kill you.”

Gehenna furrowed her brow in thought. “Yes, I can understand you might be having trouble. Norman Cook was a very good and respected worker, one that Emperor Erebus had only the highest praise for.” She suddenly smiled sweetly at her cousin. “Why would such a man want to kill the daughter of his previous employer, especially an employer that he held in such high regard?”

Nefarious opened his mouth to speak, but Gehenna cut him off. “Do you know what I think, Damien?” She looked at him, knowing that he would remain silent until she was finished. “I do not believe that this was the work of Norman Cook, not directly. I believe that he was merely the pawn in someone else’s plan.” She paused for a moment. “Assassination of a prominent individual takes courage, and Norman Cook, he did not have the kind of courage that it takes to do this on his own.”

His Lordship pondered her words for a moment. “Gehenna, it does not take much for someone to snap, like Agent Cook did.” He shrugged. “The wrong word…a slight disgruntlement…not a big enough pay rise…”

“We shall both have our own beliefs, Damien.” She rose from her chair and stared at him. “But let me just say this, if you do not make any progress within the next week, I am handing this case back to Charles Abernethy as an internal matter.” She shook her head at him. “I’m sure you can find your own way out.”

Turning, she headed towards the door. Behind her, the look on Nefarious’ face was not one of happiness.

* * * * *

Ring!

“Hello?” The voice on the other end of the phone ranted on for some time, the listener unable to interject a word for some time. “Calm down. Everything is under control. No one will be able to trace the woman’s death to me or you.” The voice continued up again, the tone showed nothing but displeasure. “You have my word; this will not progress any further. There is no where for the police to go.”

The other end cut off abruptly, and Jerry Wilde sat back in his chair, smiling to himself.