Desmoterion, page 13
“Good luck.”
Just like Mike had taught him, Trent flicked the switch and steadied himself for whatever might occur.
* * *
Girish squatted in the overgrown bush and waited. Arden told him to be patient, wait for the shot, and then take it. The target needed to be away from others before taking the shot. Needless deaths were not an option.
A voice talked in Girish’s ear. “Try to wait until Rourke is on the far side of the patio. That’s the best place without him being near others.”
Girish frowned at the voice. “Arden?”
“Yeah, we’re all interconnected. The sooner it’s done, the sooner we can go back to the base, and you don’t have to think about it any more. Though, take your time to make sure you have the right shot first. You get one chance.”
Another voice cut in. “In other words, there’s no room for missed shots. Thankfully, Rourke isn’t moving around much in the small patio area. It’s a captive space and, therefore, an easy shot when he’s away from others.”
Girish rolled his eyes at Trent’s voice. “You’re not helping, Trent. I know what I must do; I just wish I didn’t have to do it all.”
“As I’ve told you, it wasn’t my idea. Our leader asked for you specifically.”
Girish scoffed. “Yeah, sure, and you didn’t tell him it was a stupid idea.”
“Don’t pass the blame on me for your doubts. The only reason Arden is there at all is to clean up the mess if you fuck up. Remember that.”
Arden’s voice cut in again. “Which you won’t do. I believe in you, Girish, even if they don’t. I know you can make the shot and take him out with little effort even though you’re conflicted with this. Remember, there is no other option. He’s rarely in public at all, so we have to take our chance when we get it. I know you’ll do it.”
“Why are you so sure? I’ve never even done this before with a living target.”
“Because it’s my job as a trainer — to encourage and get the best out of my students. Ignore what Trent is saying; it’s just going to get you angry and distracted. He’s just frustrated because this is his third time trying to take down Rourke. The pressure is all on him to get it done and, therefore, on you to do it as well. Just focus on lining up the shot and tune out all other things.”
Girish took up his rifle to aim. Arden was right; it was on him to be successful on this mission and no one else.
* * *
Trent scoffed at Arden’s declaration to Girish. It had been right, of course, but he wasn’t about to admit such things aloud. Especially not with Kipper and others half listening in.
Instead, he looked down at the display and frowned. “Who are these additional people? I thought it was just his daughter and her fiancé?”
Delgado typed on his keyboard. “I’m trying to ID them right now.”
Trent turned to Ward. “Anything out of the ordinary around the house?”
“Not that I can see. It’s the same two transporters parked out front. No others have appeared on the five cameras on the street I’m working with. I keep cycling through them.”
Trent was about to ask something else when Delgado spoke up.
“The man in the green suit is the fiancé’s father, as is the woman also in green.”
Trent glanced down at the screen to spot a man in a dark blue suit. He pointed to the display and said, “What about him?”
“Looks to be someone associated with Stefan Rourke. His name is Damien Quinn.”
Trent staggered in place. “That can’t be.”
Kipper looked down at Delgado’s display. “It’s him, and now we have to make a choice.”
Delgado frowned at his boss. “A choice?”
Trent flicked the switch to talk to their leader. “We’ve found out Damien Quinn is in attendance as well.”
“As he should be. He is the daughter’s godfather.”
“You knew he’d be there?”
“I suspected he might. I also suspected he would bring more than himself. If I’m reading these satellite images from Ward’s computer, there doesn’t appear to be any backup in the vicinity, and that worries me. It’s not like Damien Quinn to go anywhere without his backup.”
Delgado cleared his throat. “I believe I’ve identified some other men that have just come out on the patio. They looked to be carrying handguns in their suit coats.”
Trent groaned and tapped on Ward’s shoulder. “Give me a visual on the inside of the house. Why aren’t we reading it along with everything else?”
“I can’t penetrate the house with our systems. Kipper mentioned it earlier, but I don’t think you heard it.”
Ward frowned at the image. “Whoever’s there, make that two more people and a child.”
Trent turned to look at the display. “A child? Belonging to who?”
“I can’t ID children like this. I’m guessing it belongs to one of the guys with a gun.”
Trent thought for a moment. “One of them must be related to Rourke or his daughter’s fiancé.”
“You’re correct. The man with a pink carnation in his front pocket, is Rourke’s son Julius.”
Trent groaned. “It must be a pre-wedding party if the family is there.”
The leader talked in Trent’s ear. “And thereby more targets. I wouldn’t mind if you eliminated Damien Quinn, but the others are not an option. Have Kannan pick his target very carefully.”
* * *
Girish frowned at the extra people on the patio. He should have taken the shot when it was less crowded, but the target was always with someone, so he didn’t have a clear shot.
Trent’s voice chirped into his ear again, “It seems Rourke wants this to be a complicated mission. The man in the dark blue suit is Damien Quinn, who has also escaped our radar. He, like Rourke, is a man who likes to brutalize women and use them as sex slaves. He is not a target, but if you get a chance after taking out Rourke, no one will mind.”
“I’m having enough problems mustering up the courage to kill one target, much less some other guy.”
“Know that both Rourke’s son in the black suit with a pink carnation and the other guy in the same colored suit are packing weapons. Granted, they aren’t rifles, but be very careful retreating after taking the shot. I doubt they’ll hesitate in trying to shoot you down if they can see you.”
“Thanks for that, Dupont.” Girish groaned. “So much for our firearm-free world policy. Don’t they know carry guns is illegal.“
“I’m just giving you the details as I see them.”
Girish grumbled to himself and looked down at the sight again. He adjusted the rifle to spot the target all by himself overlooking the patio. His finger flicked off the safety and aimed.
“Not yet, Girish.”
Girish was about to complain to Trent for breaking his concentration, but then he spotted a woman passing a young girl for the target to hold.
“If he gives up the kid in the next few minutes, then take the shot. Always remember that nothing stays the same for very long. If you have a shot, don’t hesitate for a second, or it will change.”
Girish watched the target talk to the kid and wondered how a man like him could act normally around others. Were there dueling personalities at work? How could he send women and children off to their potential deaths and still be so gentle with this kid?
The obvious answer was because this kid was a part of his family. Though imagine if the kid knew what grandpa did on the side. Girish shivered at the prospect of something like that. As it was, the kid was going to find out firsthand what it’s like to see someone die. It was something other than what Girish wanted to take place, but he had a job to do, and that took precedence.
The target handed back the child. Girish aimed his rifle and, once the woman and child were out of view, took the shot.
* * *
Trent stared at the monitor in horror as the bullet sliced through the small child’s head. He held onto the sides of the console to steady himself.
Kipper swore behind him and patted the back of Ward’s chair. “Radio our helicopter team. We need to get out of there ASAP!”
Trent took a deep breath and spoke. “Arden, take Rourke down.”
Another bullet rang out, hitting Stefan Rourke in the middle of his forehead dropping him to the ground in a heap. Rourke’s son removed his gun while looking around frantically, trying to work out where the bullet might have come from. He nodded at the other man in a dark suit, and they headed back into the house.
Trent flicked the switch to all three in the field. “Get to the meetup place now. The helicopter is on its way.”
Emyr’s hurried voice came over the radio, “Heading for Girish as I speak.”
Trent sucked in a breath and addressed Girish, “Girish, get your gun packed up. Arden and Emyr will be on the way.”
Silence.
Trent’s jaw clenched. “Girish?”
Still silence.
“Girish!”
CHAPTER EIGHT
The life left a small child’s limp body, blood pouring from her head, and Girish could only watch in silent, guilt-filled horror.
The target, a grown man, had been in his sights; it took a split second for everything to go terribly wrong.
Did he hesitate for a moment? He wasn’t aware of making a mistake, but the evidence told him he badly misjudged.
Missing the target and murdering a child had forced Arden to intervene and must signal Girish’s death. There was no way the leader would let such a massive fuckup pass by. What transpired wouldn’t satisfy anyone; he’d made things so much worse.
Arden wiggled into the bush. “Come on, we need to go.”
Girish dropped the rifle. “What does it matter? I’m dead now.”
“Shh. There isn’t time.” Arden pulled Girish with the rifle out of the bush. “This isn’t the time.”
Girish dropped to his knees. “Just go, save yourself, and leave me to the wrath of the family. I deserve it.”
Emyr came into the clearing wearing a frown. “What the hell is taking so long? We have to go!” He whispered harshly.
“He’s refusing to go back.” Arden motioned to Girish.
“If they have me, they might not look for you two.”
Emyr moved over to Girish and kicked him right in the midsection, knocking the wind out of him. “Give me the rifles and grab him. I’m not getting killed because of his remorse.”
Arden handed the rifles over, grunting to pick Girish up. “You know he weighs more than I do, right?”
Emyr shouldered the rifles. “Yeah, and I know you’ve dead lifted me before.”
They hurried away from the shrubs and house to stop short at the end of the walkway, hiding behind some tall grass after spotting some men coming their way.
Emyr swore and spoke to Trent in a whisper, “Dupont, get us out of here. Two men are coming for us with guns.”
“The helicopter is on the way. Have Arden take them out since Girish is probably useless.”
Arden dropped Girish on the ground and grabbed a rifle from Emyr. He aimed around the bush and shot the man with a pink flower in his pocket before taking out the second man. “Done, but what if there’s more?”
Trent didn’t get to answer as their helicopter descended on their position. Arden dragged Girish’s limp form to the helicopter and shoved him inside. Emyr got around the other side, and they launched from the ground.
They thought they were in the clear until the gunfire peppered the helicopter.
The pilot snorted down at it. “Like that’s going to reach us.”
That was the last thing he said before a bullet from the ground passed through his skull.
* * *
Trent swore again. “Get me the backup helicopter! The pilot’s been shot, and they’re swinging around in the air.”
Ward scrambled to dial up the number to their other helicopter team.
Trent paced around until he heard confirmation, all the while trying to contain his churning insides. He stopped short when he spotted the leader standing in front of him. With steely resolve, he prepared for the worst. Was this going to be Girish’s end?
“I want to speak with Kannan before you debrief him.”
Trent stared at his leader.
“I also prefer to do it alone. That way, I can find out what went wrong. Although the mission was successful, it cost an innocent life.”
Trent’s jaw clenched. “That’s unnecessary, as I know where it went wrong. Girish took the shot too soon. He thought he had a clear shot after the child returned to the mother. The problem was that the woman and child came back into the frame at the same time. That’s how the child was killed.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that and will discuss it with Kannan when he arrives.” He turned to Kipper. “I assume the second helicopter team is on their way?”
“Not yet, and the current one is without a pilot. Emyr is trying to control it, but struggling while others are shooting at it.”
Trent flicked the switch. “Arden, if you have a clear shot, take it. The mission is over, but I’d rather you three not get shot down in the middle. Don’t conserve ammo.”
“Will do.” Came back Arden’s brief reply.
Trent turned back to their leader, waiting for the inevitable dressing down. It was only a matter of time before he commented on Trent screwing up again, despite taking out Rourke.
The leader eyed Trent. “Is there something else?”
Trent frowned. “I assume I’ll be talked to about this as well.”
“You know my feelings about failure, Trent. Despite the loss of innocents, you succeeded on this mission.”
“Then why do you want to meet with Girish?”
The leader smiled at Trent, flashing his perfectly white teeth. “Is that what you think, that I will gain some secret insight before you’ve had the chance? You said it yourself on how it went down. I would like to hear Kannan’s version of events.”
Anger raced through Trent’s veins. “There is nothing to gain. It happened, like I said!”
Kipper turned around to stare, horrified at Trent’s outburst.
The leader studied Trent’s shaking body and shook his head. “I don’t tolerate outbursts from anyone, especially from you. You’re relieved of duty for today. Head back to your room and wait for my instructions.”
Trent shook his head, the anger draining away. “I’m sorry for that. It will not happen again.”
“We’ll see. Now, you’re dismissed.”
Trent moved over to stand in front of the leader. “Look, I screwed up and apologized. Let me finish this mission and then dismiss me.”
“Do I need to repeat myself? You are dismissed, or do I need to call security to take you away?”
Backing away from their leader, Trent felt annoyed with himself; should’ve known better.
* * *
Emyr held onto the stick, trying to steady the helicopter and save their lives. “I can’t keep this up for much longer, Trent!”
“Try to divert it to a field away from the houses if you can. That will be easier for the second to pick you up. Another is on the way.”
Emyr frowned at their leader’s voice. “Where’s Trent? He’s leading this mission?”
“Just do as I say, Laurent.”
“Yes, sir.”
Arden mouthed to Emyr. “What happened to Trent?”
Emyr shrugged, diverting the helicopter to the left side.
* * *
Trent didn’t head to his room, instead bypassing it to his office. He walked inside and hoped his codes were still active as he punched them into the panel.
The door locked shut, and Trent sunk to the ground on his knees.
He’d finally done it, crossed the invisible line of unacceptable acting out.
Despite the calm look on the leader’s face, he was obviously livid. Disobedience, protests, and cheek weren’t tolerated and usually resulted in a suicide mission or elimination.
Granted, Trent hadn’t made a habit of destructive behavior, so this was his first time talking back to the leader. He had to hope for a little leniency based on years of exemplary service.
But what about next time?
Inside him, trouble was brewing, and he had difficulty controlling it. He had to put his plan into motion, but could he still accomplish it after being relieved of duty? Never mind the fact that Desmoterion might eliminate him at any time.
Girish might very well be his replacement. Maybe the leader wanted to see if Girish was fit for that sort of thing. Trent didn’t think Girish was ready, but it wasn’t up to him. Girish never struck him as ambitious or wanting to lead anyone; he’d follow along like a meek animal and do what he was told for the most part.
The room buzzed with Kipper’s voice, “Trent, the leader wants to see you in his office in ten minutes. The team is on its way from the crash site, and no one was injured in it, thankfully.”
Trent responded, hoping his out-of-control emotions wouldn’t fail him more. “Will do.”
* * *
When Trent entered the office, their leader was sitting at his desk. He glanced up and gestured to the hard plastic chair in front. “Sit down.”
Trent did as instructed and waited for the onslaught.
The leader leaned forward on his desk. “First of all, the team is on their way back from the site. Laurent was able to crash the helicopter into a field, and the second helicopter team rescued them.”
Trent nodded but said nothing.
“Second, you are not to speak to any of them when they arrive. You’ll return to either your office or your quarters and start work on the next mission.”
Trent bit his lip and wondered what the next mission would be. Would it be his final?
“Also, Kannan is no longer under your supervision. You are not to interact with him nor order him around. All orders for him will come from me.”
Trent stared at the ground. “So I am to be replaced?”
“I didn’t say that, only that I have other things in mind for Kannan. Before you started your tirade at me, I was about to reveal my intentions regarding him, but I saw you weren’t ready to listen. I trust that there will be no more instances of that disobedience?”
