Chapter 5
Friday, March 2nd 09:00,
London.
The stress of gaining access to the records of Operation ESPY, explaining how his father died had taken its toll and Olsen had been unable to think of anything else. He rarely had nightmares, but the graphic detail of his father’s death had been too much to handle after so many years of believing a lie.
Graphic images flashed by in his mind. One of Thomas Deane shouting and the last image he saw was his father reaching out for help in a pool of blood.
Olsen woke up in a cold sweat, out of breath. Minutes passed and he tried to regain control. The last image of his father dying had been so clear it made him realise how hurt he was by Deane’s version of the truth. Not to mention the urgent message Deane had sent having realised that Olsen would gain access to Operation ESPY and learn the truth after all these years. Olsen was very close to Deane, and he had been part of his life for so long but he was struggling to see how they could get past the lie let alone continue to work together in the future, now that he knew the truth.
Olsen made his way to the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee. In a day’s time he would fly to Oman and work with Deane once more. In many ways he would have preferred not to have a day to think about the operation and confront Deane as soon as possible but everything was in place, and he would have to prepare himself if he was going learn first-hand exactly what happened all those years ago.
Burton watched the rain trickle down the windows of his office. The dark, miserable looking clouds reflected how he felt in every way. The conversation he’d had with a friend at the drinks machine moments before had been playing on his mind. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, his friend was right. Asking for an advance in pay didn’t worry him, it was more the fact it was Kevin Ramsey that he had to ask. So far, his day had been dominated by his financial problems, together with the small amount of work he had completed for the Royal visit to Oman. He didn’t want to admit it, but he wasn’t coping and after his wife Kate and son Oscar had gone to bed the previous night, Burton had stayed up and had one too many drinks to ease the tension. At that very moment, all he could think of was yet another drink. ‘Like that’s going to happen around here,’ he mumbled.
‘Sorry?’
Burton looked up at his assistant who had poked her head around the doorframe. ‘Nothing, Dawn, I’m just having one of those days.’ He walked over to the door. ‘Did you manage to circulate that schedule and get a positive response from OMA1?’
The young woman smiled back at her manager. ‘The security receipt came back OK, sir.’
Burton feigned interest and gave the door a push to close it. ‘That’s good, Dawn.’ He sat back down and pondered his next move. The last thing he wanted to do was ‘work from home’ and be around his wife. A large argument about their financial problems was looming and so far, Burton had no solution or improvements to hand. The thought of borrowing money from another friend came to mind but was quickly dismissed, it was never a good idea to borrow from friends. He looked in the mirror, straightened his tie for the tenth time that day and tucked in his shirt. For the first time, the face staring back at him appeared to be drawn, tired, and worn out. Burton shook it off and held his head high. ‘This one’s for you, Kate.’
Ramsey dropped several files into his briefcase and rummaged through the rest of the stack on the other side of his desk. Before he could finish, the intercom buzzed.
‘Hal Burton is here to see you, sir. He says it’s important. Shall I send him straight through?’
The acting Chief of MI6 paused for a moment and wondered whether there was a problem. ‘Yes please.’ Ahead of him, the door swung open rapidly to reveal a weary looking Burton who looked like he had the world on his shoulders. ‘Take a seat, Burton. There was no problem with the schedule, was there?’
‘No, everyone has received the file and the security receipt came back from OMA1 so we’re on track.’ He shifted in the chair and tried to think of the words to start his request. ‘There is something else sir, it’s related to my slight dip in efficiency of late. Do you remember what we talked about before?’
‘You mean what you refused to talk about yesterday.’ Straight away he scolded himself, he hadn’t meant it to sound so condescending.
‘Well, you’re right, there is a problem, and it’s one I need to sort out. My wife Kate doesn’t know the full story as yet so it’s a bit delicate.’
Ramsey put the pen and folders back on the desk and gave his full attention. ‘Just what is the full story, Burton? I mean everything.’
‘Well, to be honest, I’ve been struggling financially. We’re not talking a couple of thousand in debt, I’m talking bigger than that. I’m six months behind on the mortgage, low on funds and I haven’t paid the instalments for other things like the car. That’s the problem.’ Burton sat up straight and convinced himself he had done the right thing in not mentioning his huge gambling debts.
‘Well, there it is. I appreciate you telling me this, Burton. It can’t have been easy. Believe me, if I had those problems hanging over me, I would be reacting in exactly the same way.’
Somehow, I doubt it. ‘Wouldn’t we all, sir?’ Burton managed a smile.
‘It can’t be easy for you or your wife.’
Burton felt pangs of guilt as he thought of Kate. ‘No, sir, it’s never easy when things get this bad. We’ll work things out.’
‘So, you’d like me to arrange a visit from one of our counsellors? I’m convinced they could help you here, Burton. At the very least, point you in the right direction.’
‘Actually, sir, it was you I wanted to see. I need to ask a favour.’ Burton noticed his superior’s face change at the mention of the word ‘favour’. ‘Not exactly protocol, I know, but I was wondering if it was possible to have an advance in pay? Obviously, this is a Human Resources matter but they would require authorisation from you, wouldn’t they?’
‘That’s correct. You do realise that we’re not in the business of bailing out our members of staff?’
‘I realise that, sir, but I’m desperate here. I can hear the wolves at my door.’ The expression on Ramsey’s face did not change. ‘I have worked for the service for close to thirty years, sir. I’ve never once made a request like this before now, have I? Well, have I?’ Desperation came through in Burton’s voice.
‘That’s true, your record has been exemplary.’ Ramsey placed his hands together, looked away and thought hard about his next response. ‘OK, Burton, I’ll authorise an advance in pay. I’ll explain everything to Elliott on his return.’
Burton suddenly looked energised. ‘Thank you, sir. I appreciate it, really I do, I’ll put in extra hours and make it up to you.’
‘I’ll have my assistant inform Human Resources to authorise the advance of one month’s salary to your account immediately. Just make sure you use that money to get yourself back on track, you hear me, Burton? We can’t afford mistakes in our line of work.’
‘I’m sorry, how much did you say, sir?’
‘One month’s salary. I’ll also need to see proof of your mortgage papers, bank statements and any letters of relevance.’
‘Don’t think I’m not grateful for you bailing me out like this, sir, but I’m going to need more than that. I’m in serious financial trouble. I was thinking along the lines of at least three months’ salary.’
‘Maybe you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to, Burton, but it’s only because of your commendable service over the years that I’m authorising this advance at all. I can’t pay off every bill for you, is that clear?’
Burton struggled to keep his tone of voice in check. ‘I can’t believe that after putting in so many years for the service, putting my life on the line, all I’m worth when I hit trouble is one month’s advance in salary.’
‘Don’t kid yourself, your days as a field agent are long gone, not to mention short in the first place. The one-month advance stands. Do you want to proceed?’
Burton wondered where the last thirty years had gone but knew it was better than nothing. ‘Yes. That’ll be fine.’ He ran his hand through his black hair and began to massage his aching forehead. ‘I’m out of line here, sir, I…apologise. The advance will come in handy. I do appreciate it, sir.’
‘I don’t want to argue, Hal. I’ll sort out the advance straight away.’ Ramsey watched Burton leave and grimaced to himself, as he wondered if he could have handled the situation better.
Burton pressed the button for the lift and leaned against the mirrored walls. Inside the lift, a digitised voice called out each floor as it passed by but the exhausted father of one didn’t hear any of it. Burton stepped out of the lift in the basement and unlocked his car. He threw his briefcase and jacket angrily onto the back seat. One month’s salary would help but it wouldn’t make a dent on the debts he faced. The anger he felt towards Ramsey started to fade, and guilt took over. Am I a failed father? What sort of future am I providing for little Oscar? Kate deserves better…
Abdullah continued to toy with Akira. ‘Perhaps I’ll crush this locket with my own hand. Would it really be that much of a loss?’
Akira stepped closer and was now only a few feet away. ‘Is it worth losing your life over?’
In a flash he whipped out a pistol and aimed it straight at Akira’s forehead. ‘When I first saw you I thought you were nothing. But now…I’m starting to wonder if you are the one I’ve heard about.’
Akira slowly raised his hands as if he was about to attack.
Abdullah lowered the gun slightly and showed Akira the open locket with the picture of Madeline inside. ‘I’ll ask again. This woman is your wife?’
‘She was my wife. What of it?’
‘I know many people in this region and its neighbouring countries and I’ve heard rumours about someone like you. Someone who lost his wife, but no one knows anything else about your past. You’re an unknown, and the more I talk to you the more I know I’m right. You’re not even from this part of the world. Why would anyone trust you?’
Abdullah dropped the locket and raised his gun to fire, but in a flash, Akira had grabbed the weapon and both men struggled to gain control.
Akira called on all his reserves and never took his eyes off those of his captor. Slowly, the gun started to turn in the direction of Abdullah until finally it was aimed at his head. Akira’s arms quivered but held firm as he maintained control and kept hold of the gun. ‘Madeline was my wife, and that is my locket,’ he hissed. ‘And for that, you will always regret it.’
Abdullah’s face couldn’t hide the fear he felt. His mind was racing, and he knew he should have killed the man and the Kiprich brothers when he had the chance. ‘Please. I have a son. I am no threat to you!’
‘How right you are.’ Akira fired once and blood splattered his face. He let go of the body and then spun away and aimed the gun at the door as he waited for someone to enter at the sound of a bullet fired.
Moments passed and no one came.
Akira dropped to the floor and retrieved the locket from Abdullah’s dead hand. He dusted it with his fingers and held it tight in his hands. A huge sense of relief spread through him, and he carefully placed the locket around his neck and tucked it beneath his clothes. When the locket was safe once more, he realised Abdullah’s men had been expecting the sound of the bullet, but it had been meant for him. Slowly, he opened the door and saw a room opposite and a corridor that led off to the right.
Akira stepped out and knocked on the door. He then retreated into the room where he had killed Abdullah. Through the crack in the door, he saw an armed man emerge and behind him, saw the Kiprich brothers tied to two chairs.
Akira watched closely and saw the man step into the corridor and past the open door. He saw him gasp at the sight of Abdullah who had bled out across the floor. Slowly, he moved behind him and pressed the pistol against his head. ‘Lower your weapon and take me to the other room.’ Akira followed and as they stepped into the other room, he pointed at the Kiprich brothers. ‘Release them.’
Jozef was released first and then helped release his brother Gyorgy.
Akira handed Jozef the gun. ‘These men know of your exploits. I have no interest in getting involved, I have my own priorities. Meet me at the harbour but kill them first.’ Out of the corner of his vision he saw the guard visibly start to retreat but Gyorgy restrained him.
‘We can leave now, there is no need to kill anyone! We can still accomplish what we set out to do.’
Akira stepped closer to Jozef. ‘You misunderstand me. I do not want any loose ends. These people have plans to attack the Royal visit just as we do, and I can’t run the risk they will interfere and get in the way.’
Jozef looked at his brother but did not agree.
‘You think you are being treated unfairly?’
Jozef looked like he was going to say nothing for a moment but then spoke. ‘I just worry about word getting around that we killed these people for nothing. Our reputation is on the line, not yours.’
Akira opened the window and looked out onto a courtyard. ‘I will wait here for a moment. When you engage, I will leave and meet you at the harbour.’ He looked at both men with intensity. ‘Carry out my wishes.’
Jozef gripped the pistol hard with frustration and thought about aiming it at Akira but instead took aim at the guard who would be the first of many kills.
Burton drove past South Kensington tube station and continued down Sloane Avenue at speed. He felt on edge at how things had gone at work and couldn’t shake the feeling of embarrassment at having to ask for an advance in pay. A bus tried to cut him up but Burton was having none of it and squeezed down the left-hand side and then turned into Draycott Avenue. Burton parked up outside a large end of terrace house. As he reached the white front door, he tried to make out any movement through the frosted glass as he turned his key in the lock. In the hallway, he stopped and listened for any sounds. Silence filled the entire house. Not even fifteen-month-old Oscar could be heard crying, which had been a common occurrence of late, after a recent bout of colic. Burton kicked off his shoes, passed the staircase and dining room and entered the living room. His wife, Kate, was sitting at the far end of the sofa with her eyes on the doorway.
As her husband lingered in the doorway, Kate Burton, with her long black hair tied in a ponytail, tried to control her anger. ‘Nice of you to come home so early, Hal. I’ve been worrying all day over just how bad things are for us.’
Burton couldn’t hold his wife’s gaze and looked away. ‘I’m sorry, it’s been a really busy day but there’s no excuse. Where’s Oscar?’
‘Having a nap. At least tell me what was more important than your family, Hal. I’ve been sitting on this sofa, that we don’t even own by the way, wondering where we’ll be in a couple of months’ time!’
‘I’d tell you if I could, but you know I can’t, the Official Secrets Act makes it difficult.’ Burton paused and looked for that twinkle in his wife’s eyes, but it showed no sign of appearing. ‘OK Kate, OK, let’s just talk this through and then you’ll know as much as me.’
Kate looked close to tears. ‘I want everything, Hal, all the details, don’t leave anything out. We’re a family, remember. We’re all in the same boat.’
Burton rose from the sofa. ‘I could do with a drink before we start, actually.’
‘Just tell me, Hal, for goodness sake! Tell me!’
‘OK, fine! First, we’re six months behind on the mortgage. Our bank accounts have hardly anything in them, we’re behind on the electric and phone bill, together with payments on the car, the furniture and the home video set-up.’ Burton gave a big sigh and bowed his head in shame. He felt like a complete failure.
Kate sat on the sofa with her arms crossed and didn’t say a word. Several years ago, her husband had confessed to a gambling addiction. They had gotten out of trouble back then, but it had taken almost a year and they had needed financial help from family and friends. Kate thought hard about whether her husband would make the same mistake again now that they were parents. ‘That’s everything? I’ll only ask you this one time, Hal, don’t you lie to me about it. I’m your wife and you’re my husband. Our young son is upstairs sleeping. You stand there right now and tell me that’s all of our financial problems.’ Her voice broke with emotion, and she looked frustrated as she got up from the sofa and screamed at her husband. She could not believe she had been put in this position again. ‘TELL ME!’
Burton jumped slightly and moved to close the door. ‘You might wake Oscar, ease up!’
Kate started to cry and held her head in her hands.
Burton felt helpless and saw for the first time what his problems had caused. What can I say? I’m a gambler, I’m weak, I’m pathetic, and we’re up to our ears in debt! He sat down on the sofa and tried to find the words to tell his wife everything. I’ve been gambling to help us, Kate. His mouth felt dry, and he just didn’t know where to start. He tried again to think of the words but before he could begin, the doorbell interrupted the silence.
At the door, all the colour instantly drained from Burton’s face. Standing before him was one of the so called ‘finance managers’ from the casino. Burton knew they were effectively unofficial bailiffs and had come to collect the debt he owed. From the living room, he heard his wife’s anxious voice.
‘Hal? Who is that at the door?’