New short story writing today.. stay tune this week over the next couple days for posting.
The price of Freedom
by Andrew Stone.
I examined the timer on the bomb elapse with each second that passed the level of fear and anticipation increased exponentially. Thomas Allen laid lifeless on the ground, his head half submerged in dark red blood which formed in a puddle beneath him. I drew me gaze from Thomas's limp body to my hands which were stained crimson proceeding the events that brought me to this reconciliation. The job was suppose to be a quick one it was not the sort of job you found yourself hanging around even minutes after ; because in each minute that expired there was an increased risk of being nicked. I watched methodically as the incandescent numbers changed on the digital display, a prospect which marked the twenty five minutes that remained before detonation. I had to move quick if I was to get to the police station in time I thought as I scrubbed frantically to remove the stick red evidence from my hands. Thomas was something of a significance to me , the man that saved me from the tarnished suburbs of London watching over me like A brother. One may ponder the madness that lead me to consider such a controversial acted against a man I held in such high esteem, let alone someone I owed my life. Other then the temptation of a generous five-thousand pound reward the blue coats offered to the good Samaritan who assisted in the arrest of London's most wanted criminals; there was also the contingency to reclaim my old life.
Time was ticking, I had an impossible choice to make, between my brother and the opportunity of a life away from the slums which I yearned for; a life I once shared with the ravishing Shelby Thompson mother of my daughter . I retraced the memory of my daughter, Ellen would've been sixteen yesterday, I thought as tears slipped from the corners of my eyes onto my half frozen cheeks. I felt their warmth before revisiting the horrifying events that stole her from me. I brought her with me on a seemingly effortless job with minimal risk which went sour when a rival gang emerged from the dark guns blazing. In retrospect I would have left her with Shelby that night where she would still be among the living relieved from the bullets that stole her from this world. I returned from the ghastly rendition of the most detrimental night of my life to the illumination of the harbour side lights on twenty-second street. A short time ago my crew and I stole a cargo of weaponry from a Darcon storage house, the guns would yield enough revenue to live comfortably for at least a few more months. The job was simple, a diversion which we employed allied street workers known as Bumpers a cut of about thirty-five percent of the total earnings. Bumper's are vile men who exploited young women to lustful business man, lonesome aristocrats and occasionally even gang members who could afford to pay the steep price. I had known Henry Ford the Bumper we employed for several years. Henry was the only man I trusted with the job, granted the years of history we had. Henry was the sort of man you could only tolerate in small doses, a man ruled by sin and cruelty which surpassed far beyond the qualifications of his profession. Bumping was an occupation I frowned upon and if it wasn't for the requirement necessary for this job, I would never have agreed to support such a grotesque vocation.
The streets were a hard place for any man even those born into it with wasn't the case for me. I came to the suburbs by a series of unfortunate events though most prominently a result in loss of my retail company. The time on the device read Twenty minutes which brought forth a nauseating sensation that swelled from the base of my stomach all the way up my throat.
The acid burned against my throat which I held it back for as long as I could, before surrendering to to it's will, leaning over and bestowing it on the pavement that lined harbour side boardwalk. I was never a proud man least of all with the things I had done , deeds a typical man would frown upon. The acts of stealing and endless cons I pulled on the nobility , over charging them for poor quality weaponry in exploitation of their eagerness to own a gun. I never took pride in my life’s work though I can't say I regret it either, arrogance was always something I held a significant distaste for however; the murder of a fourteen year old boy on the other hand was the only thing close to a regret I ever felt. I've tried earnestly to forget the way it felt to hold such a small boy limp in my arms, younger even then my own daughter before I cast his body in the depths of the same very same Harbour of Twenty-second street.. The cool draft of the sea side brought life back into me ,returning me from my slumber. I could still taste the concoction of pork and potatoes from my dine-in dinner on what subsequently seemed like an unfathomable time ago. The sound of footsteps came from behind me as the adrenalin kicked in I reached into my pants removing the Glock from my belt. I enjoyed the sight of the various rays of light that bounced lavishly off the metallic black casing of my gun. It was in itself an art form, one of the streets which I held firmly like a painter his paint brush transfixed by the security and power it gave to me. I turned to greet the intruder with the intention of doing whatever I took to survive. I noticed immediately a feeble women her figure arresting my eyes as I traced her thin legs all the way up to her long onyx ringlets which sprawled in a disorderly fashion beneath a Ivory cap. The intruder was a member of my crew notified by the trade mark of our gang an image of a hand crushing a rose which she sported in insolence. Valery Kelland , the only female member of my crew who''s gesture suggested she was in a hurry. I stared at her as she jitter-ed for several moments her pale blue eyes darted rapidly between Thomas who's body remain as feeble on the ground as I left him and I.
“What did you do Edmond..” Valery yelled in her lower register, “Thomas...” she said immediately following now with a measure of horror in her tone reduced herself to a kneeling position at his side. Valery lifted his inert form into her lap as tears slipped from her eyes “What-have-you, done” shifting her tone to anger once again which reduced me to guilt of what I had done. “Stay where you are Valery..” I commanded steadying my voice before taking aim at her head, though I hoped I wouldn't have to hurt her. “Edmond what the fuck is this” she screamed before coming to a halt as I placed my finger to my lips quieting her before scanning the area for signs of intervention. “we're suppose to be allies,” she said coldly “ I... I thought you were in this no matter what, and now on take arms against your own people” She continued quieting her voice a great deal more. “You going to shoot me to... common shoot me” Valery said as her voice rose in volume again. “ Shut the fuck up” I yelled in desperation to keep her quiet “and Stay where you are Valery... don't make me do it.” I really didn't want to have to shoot her, I never cared for her much but she was still young, and I could bare the thought despite my bias against her to commit yet another atrocity. Valery’s tears turned to rage gaining a temporary burst of courage she rose to confront me. I took the courage from her when I slid my finger from the side of the Glock onto the trigger and in the gesture she returned on the ground clenching her jaw tightly.
The plan was simple, divert Lee Heywood out on a night of luxury with temptress whores, meanwhile we infiltrated his safe house and stole a cargo of firearms in his absence. There were several cargo containers full of semi-automatics, a variety of pistols, a few shotguns, and enough bullets to fill them for a extended period of time. “Valery...” I said coldly I knew I’ had to keep the stakes high enough to remain in control , “He attacked me first, after I followed him out here” I lied. “Why would he..” Valery said in disbelief, catching me in a act. “He is like a brother to you ” she said “why would he save you ten years ago only to kill you now , it doesn't add up Edmond.” I realized then what I had already known; Valery was simply too smart to convince with a simple lie, it would have to be something significantly more devious to bring this to resolve. I took a second to gain my composure but not long enough to bring suspicion, “He must have thought I was one of lee's patrol men, who stayed behind to keep an eye on the cargo” I told her. My lie contained the first element of a good scam, it had to be plausible. Lee wouldn't have left his cargo completely unattended, any half intelligent gang leader would likely leave a guard; and despite his arrogance he was not by any means stupid. “My hood was up, there's no way he would have known it was me.” The second part of any good con was confidence which I displayed with the assurance I provided with my second statement. Valery scanned me searching my eyes for any sign of faultier which I was reluctant to provide. The last point of any good con is consistency , first convincing yourself what you're selling is the truth before sticking to it with as much confidence as you can. One must conceal the weaker emotions such as guilt and humility to remaining composed to establish the full effectiveness of the con. I knew she bought it , the way she bit her lip in consideration displayed a seed of doubt all I needed for confirmation.
“Alright, that sounds plausible” she said giving me a moment of satisfaction. “Why are you pointing a gun at me then,” Valery said she was some what extraordinary in her ability to reason and out wit even the above average con artists, which in normal circumstances would have admirable to me however in this instance it only brought annoyance. The darkness took hold of me, as I returned my eyes to the device, it read fifteen minutes remaining I knew I didn't have time for this, nor did I care to bring any more clarity to my deed if I had a hope to actually make it to the station before it exploded. If I left right now I would have exactly two minutes to spare provided I didn't run into any other problems along the way. The police response teams were quick on their feet, they would be able to make it down to the location after debriefing in eight minutes and it was approximately two at a run to get there. I removed my gun from Valery's head and placed it back in my belt before leaving the scene, ignoring Valery's complaints that followed. I took the sack of guns from the ground right where I left them, which housed my cut of the cargo before approaching the door and removing it the safe house we raided some time ago.
Forgive me my dear friend I thought taking a step inside, standing still for a moments time in the door way letting go of all the guilt and emotional distress that inhibited any hope of accomplishment. I hated my conscience it was the only thing that held me back from my full potential i thought as I moved through the house with haste taking corners, climbing step ups, passing through thresholds of the vast many doorways of the Darcon headquarters . I realized the sack of guns was still in my hand which brought a level of concern to my mind. It would be more then fool-hardy to carry them on the crowded streets of London let alone entering a police station full of blue coats, were with all likelihood I would serve a lengthy term for the possession of unregistered firearms. The weight of time pressed me hard into stress embodied in drops of sweat that fell from my forehead to the streets below me. My hands were twisted not only did I have to deal with the gravity of selling my brother out but I had fire arm problem which I held in inconsequential hands that shook vigorously.
There weren't many options available each with a level of risk, leaving the guns on Twenty-second street would be the most unfavourable in that the Darcon would be on the prowl upon their discovery of stolen cargo; a risk not even my pride could tempt me into. The affliction returned in the back of my throat for and it burned with as much relentlessness as before however this time I didn't bother to fight it allow it to bestow into an empty flower bed along the street. The taste was vile , almost causing a second eruption however this time I swallowed hard in avoidance before coughing several times drawing my attention else where. My daughter's face took shape in a puddle on the street, the beautiful high cheeks and eye's light blue in colour which reminded me so much of Shelby. They stared at me in bewilderment both lavish and full of despair bringing the vulnerability to prominence beneath my skin; a visual representation of innocence . “Ellen” I said quietly in hopes that in some alternate reality she was living the life my ignorance took from her. Ellen shook her head, as if bringing light that I was about to make a grave mistake. “No!” I yelled unwilling to back down, I'm not going to let my conscience control my life, my life is my own and I’ll decided what decisions will be made. I couldn't go back not now it was too late the path was determined and I would not, could not return to the life on the streets and the gangs that claimed it. I began to walk brisk fully driven away from the weakness with unmeasurable determination. I Ignored the stares of people passing by, the water that lined the roads and everything that could distract me from my endeavour. I could feel their eyes watching me, eye's filled with judgement based on my piss poor appearance, I was filthy , with my unwashed hair, the layer of dirt that covered me and the fragrance comparable to the sewers that brought even I to repulsion.
The air on the contrary smelled clean a direct result of rain and the moisture in the air. It gave me the certainty I needed to go through with it a motive to clean up the filth of the last ten years. I brought myself to a canter, my legs burned beneath me, weary from the excretion. I took the corner hard transitioning onto twenty-third street almost taking out an elderly women who was in my blind spot ,“Sorry” I yelled not taking a second glace though I graced with many foul greetings she had to offer. I came to a halt less then fifteen steps from the police station taking yet another second I didn't have to plan my story and search for a place to stash my cargo. It had to be believable, I had to convince them I had no hand n the crime or I would loose any chance of freedom, not to mention the reward that would provide for me the resolve by which I sought. I thought of Thomas and prison which wouldn't be such a bad place for him, at least he would have a haven of solitude, eternal relaxation and food provided at not cost to him. I peered into an alleyway beside the station in hopes for a trash bin or something equivalent where I could stash the cargo concealed until me return. Luck was not on my side, and the acquisition of desperation took hold of me. Despite the efforts of my previous job the newly revised job was of utter most importance which administered a heightened awareness in retrospect of the trash bin directly outside the police station. It would have to due I thought, well acquainted with the risk it imposed if the cargo came to be discovered . I walked over scanning the area thoroughly before allowing them to fall into the bin before purging myself of the last remaining risk of exposure, the black hoodie which bore my gang symbol that I used to conceal the sack of firearms
I entered the station drawing a few deep breaths to settle the unease before approaching a scrawny blue coated police officer at the front desk who was so immersed in a phone call he failed to acknowledge me. There was a dissatisfying look about him in the lack of posture most officers held in high regard and the absence of admiration in his eyes. His face warped by stress or tension in his obligation I placed my hand hard down on the receiver by passing courteousness which in ordinary circumstances I would hold in high regard. “Hey! sir what the fuck do you think are you doing” the officer said as the disdain transformed into anger in his eyes. “I'm working here..” he said before I interrupted him, “I'm reporting a bomb threat there is no time you must go now.” I spoke to him in my best efforts to sound alarmed which he accepted with the urgency I aspired to gain. I watched as he pressed a thin mangled finger on one of the many white buttons that lined a large black box-shaped apparatus directly in front of him. “Where” He asked distress blatant in his tone, “It's on twenty-second street near the Harbour” I answered continuing to nourish a false distress in my tone. I knew I had to apply a great measure of despair to make the man believe what I was telling him excusing myself from playing a hand in it as well “How did you come upon this discovery sir.” “I...I saw..” I said with hesitation “ I saw a group of men... enter a house with a strange device several minutes ago, there were all dressed in black hoodies.. with um...” A hand was raised to still my lips as he nodded in approval “That will do” he said placing a firm hand on my shoulder in attempt to comfort me before I placed my head in my hands shadowing the smile that spread widely across my face; what a fool I thought impressed by the little effort my con required.
The sound of boots clanked on the tiled floors as several men in blue coats moved swiftly to the desk, each one identical in a queer conformity each with a bullet proof black vests, black baseball caps labelled police and leather gun belts strapped tightly to their hips. I had always hated the idea of a uniform, least of all one that stuck out as much as the vibrant blue the London city police sported with such pride. The leader positioned himself at the front of the group with an alarming confidence apparent in his green eyes.. His face was hardly youthful there were stress lines of a much older man with well cropped and poorly dyed black hair , likely covering up the many grey hairs that exposed him of his age. “Code two-four-six-four, optimum threat that requires immediate attention.” the slender officer said from behind the desk, “behind the Courthouse on Twenty-second street move out , move out!.” The leader nodded in affirmation, “All men move out,” and they were gone in a acquiescence not far derived from the marching of elephants in search for water blinded by their arrogance.
The fear subsided as I stared blankly at the wall behind the desk,“I'll need your testimony in court if we catch the perpetrators” the man said “and I need you to remain here until the exoneration is over.” It was a risk I would have to take suspicion would rise if I left abruptly I thought, “I'm Oliver Reed communications officer of the London city police department attachment two-seven-nine-five, would you please take a seat...sir “ he said. I hesitated for less then a second before introducing myself “My names Edmond Renford and I was hoping for a cup of coffee, If I’m to remain here for a while” I said for at least some reward for my bravery, before taking a seat in one of the many furnished chairs in the foyer. “Edmond Renford, I will get you that coffee, thank you for your co-operation” Oliver called loudly before disappearing somewhere out of sight in one of the stations back rooms.
I waited for Oliver for what seemed like a prolonged period of time consumed by the anticipation the job brought, I thought of being exposed and how Shelby deal with yet another disappointment upon my arrest. I knew she would never forgive a criminal which I conceived through the many monotonous conversations we shared on the matter though my thoughts were interrupted by Oliver's return. The slender man strolled into the foyer holding a Styrofoam cup that contained the coffee I longed for with a delicate nature in his left hand. I watched as the steam rose high into the air releasing a delightful aroma that soothed my nerves eminently. Forty-five minutes passed by which I marked on a cheap plastic clock circular in side that sat the height of an average individual opposite the room from me,. The blue coats returned with two suspects in their custody, the first was a well build women with dark ringlets and eyes full of despair which I knew to be Valery, the second was Thomas brought to confirmation upon laying eye's on his bruised and blood stained face from where I hit him in the head with my gun's grip. The price of my freedom I told myself and the cost to be rid of the streets I loathed . Astonishment was confounded in the fact that they kept their mouths sealed though the way the stared at me accomplished what their mouths neglected to state.
“Edmond Renford,” the leader said in the moments following the escort of the prisoners to their cells and the few words Oliver and he shared in private. “You have assisted in the arrest of one of the most notorious terrorists in London, I would like to personally thank you “ he said by which I remained silent, keeping my mouth closed as I watched his approach in anxiety. There was something in those complacent green eyes that unnerved me however despite my concern I rose to take his outstretched hand in acceptance; his grip was firm which I returned with an equal displacement of strength. My eagerness mixed with impatience, “I heard a rumour about a reward ” I asked curiously. “Indeed... Oliver the reward please” he said extending a hand outwardly behind him to accept the check though he remained focused on me the entire time. I watched euphorically as the parchment transfer from Oliver to the man before me. “Five-thousand pounds exactly,” the man said with those gratified green eyes that seemed surreal, as if the concealed a secret that I overlooked. I wondered if I had been sold out by Valery or Thomas before denying the possibility in apprehension, a prisoner who squawked to the police is as good as dead. The inmates disapproved of snitching which would likely result in brutality leading to one's death. Thomas wasn't the Squawking type either even if his life was threatened, a character trait I held deep admiration.
“One question Sir Edmond...” The officer said “ How did you come upon the Intel that brought you to this report again?.” Something was wrong , very wrong I thought. “Like I said, I saw the women carrying the device and her group entering the house, the rest was just a bad feeling I had” “a feeling...” the officer said condescendingly before bring my distress to adjournment as he reached his hand out placing the check in front of him. I reached out to take the freedom I so longed for, I felt it between the tips of my fingers before my suspicions were answered in a firm grasp of the wrist I extended to receive the check. It was over and I knew affirmed by the swift twist of my wrist into hyper tension which throbbed under the pressure it rendered, accompanied by a pair of steel hand cuffs that clasped shut with an ephemeral set of clicking sounds.
I couldn't hardly believe it, how did this man come to the truth so indefinitely. “Your under arrest for, assisting in terrorism,” the man said “You have the right to an attorney, you have the right to remain silence, any thing you say or do may result in farther punishment or extension of your term.” I clenched my teeth hard in anger brought forth by the tears which welled deep in the chasms behind my eye's. Then strangely enough a smile spread long across my face in realization that my daughter Ellen was right all along. She had told me not to do it but my arrogance and greed blinded me to see the truth that was before me. I felt the relief of the steel from my wrists after I entered a dull room concealed by four stone walls where I left to my solitude as the bars drew closed sealing me in.
It's been seven years since my freedom was taken from me, the life I longed for resolved not by triumph but by the thump of a gavel. I get out today I thought though though it was hardily a day to celebrate. “Edmond Renford,” the prison guard said loudly “You have served your time, pardoned by a early release based on your good behaviour.” Seven years I thought which I sat in isolation with only my dark deeds to keep me company. I grew attached to the life of confinement it had grown on me in the last few years as I became accustom to,the silence the night brought. Dark and disheartening at first now brought peace and tranquillity. I followed Fin out of my cell and through several sets of barred rooms used as a security measure to keep prisoners from escaping if they were fortunate enough to escape their cells. I walked through the last set of bars into a pale white room which housed a separate box-shaped sort of office within. I stood before the double pain glass bracing myself against the counter that housed a large slot in the centre where items could by passed back and forth through. “Be safe, and I hope I never see you again” Fin said eyeing me down before slamming the stamp on my release papers and placing them along with a bin full of my possessions through the slit. I took the bin, pulled out my still unwashed street clothes , a silver locket which was significant being the only tangible memory of my daughter and a warn chestnut brown wallet weathered by the many years of wear and tear it endured.
A loud buzz released the door directly adjacent of me which I filtered out into the foyer of the police station. It looked precisely as I left it except for the addition of a small coffee maker they placed behind the well furnished decor I sat on only seven years ago. I entered the washroom and pondered what life would have in store for an ex-con and the idea was hardly satisfying. I locked the door behind me before turning to the sink where I pulled the latch on tap forward releasing the water from it's confines. I decided to end it all, I had been living a life absent of propriety. I had very little time before someone in station would interrupt me. I knelt before the potty taking only a second to contemplate the decision before a resolve was established by the placement of my head in the shallow waters that dwell. I held it under the cold waters as I clutched my daughter's silver locket hard in my hand , it's edges burrowed deep into the skin drawing my attention away from suffocation. Ellen returned to me in a dark abyss my tightly fastened eye's induced. My paradise arrived in the fabric of my imagination where I stood hand in hand with the love of my life Shelby at our old cabin by the lake. I watched with her in contempt as Ellen frolicked along the beach in front of us. Reality stole me away as the water from the toilet entered my nose and mouth choking . I kept it under, I fought hard greeted by the sounds of the people outside banged on the door behind me, They were too late I said to myself; it would be over soon. They stole my freedom from me once I won't let it happen again I thought before returning to the Image of Ellen. Her smile was lavish there was a childish innocence to them which I loved deeply. Eternal stillness came in the seconds following which relieved me of the pain and fear of drowning. “Daddy, let's go..” Ellen said in amusement as she ran along the beach away from me, “Alright honey.. here comes the monster” I said in response before placing my arms high above my head in a menacing escapade before the final sharp pain took me from the realm of the living to my imaginary world where the dim lights faded into black.
The price of Freedom
by Andrew Stone.
I examined the timer on the bomb elapse with each second that passed the level of fear and anticipation increased exponentially. Thomas Allen laid lifeless on the ground, his head half submerged in dark red blood which formed in a puddle beneath him. I drew me gaze from Thomas's limp body to my hands which were stained crimson proceeding the events that brought me to this reconciliation. The job was suppose to be a quick one it was not the sort of job you found yourself hanging around even minutes after ; because in each minute that expired there was an increased risk of being nicked. I watched methodically as the incandescent numbers changed on the digital display, a prospect which marked the twenty five minutes that remained before detonation. I had to move quick if I was to get to the police station in time I thought as I scrubbed frantically to remove the stick red evidence from my hands. Thomas was something of a significance to me , the man that saved me from the tarnished suburbs of London watching over me like A brother. One may ponder the madness that lead me to consider such a controversial acted against a man I held in such high esteem, let alone someone I owed my life. Other then the temptation of a generous five-thousand pound reward the blue coats offered to the good Samaritan who assisted in the arrest of London's most wanted criminals; there was also the contingency to reclaim my old life.
Time was ticking, I had an impossible choice to make, between my brother and the opportunity of a life away from the slums which I yearned for; a life I once shared with the ravishing Shelby Thompson mother of my daughter . I retraced the memory of my daughter, Ellen would've been sixteen yesterday, I thought as tears slipped from the corners of my eyes onto my half frozen cheeks. I felt their warmth before revisiting the horrifying events that stole her from me. I brought her with me on a seemingly effortless job with minimal risk which went sour when a rival gang emerged from the dark guns blazing. In retrospect I would have left her with Shelby that night where she would still be among the living relieved from the bullets that stole her from this world. I returned from the ghastly rendition of the most detrimental night of my life to the illumination of the harbour side lights on twenty-second street. A short time ago my crew and I stole a cargo of weaponry from a Darcon storage house, the guns would yield enough revenue to live comfortably for at least a few more months. The job was simple, a diversion which we employed allied street workers known as Bumpers a cut of about thirty-five percent of the total earnings. Bumper's are vile men who exploited young women to lustful business man, lonesome aristocrats and occasionally even gang members who could afford to pay the steep price. I had known Henry Ford the Bumper we employed for several years. Henry was the only man I trusted with the job, granted the years of history we had. Henry was the sort of man you could only tolerate in small doses, a man ruled by sin and cruelty which surpassed far beyond the qualifications of his profession. Bumping was an occupation I frowned upon and if it wasn't for the requirement necessary for this job, I would never have agreed to support such a grotesque vocation.
The streets were a hard place for any man even those born into it with wasn't the case for me. I came to the suburbs by a series of unfortunate events though most prominently a result in loss of my retail company. The time on the device read Twenty minutes which brought forth a nauseating sensation that swelled from the base of my stomach all the way up my throat.
The acid burned against my throat which I held it back for as long as I could, before surrendering to to it's will, leaning over and bestowing it on the pavement that lined harbour side boardwalk. I was never a proud man least of all with the things I had done , deeds a typical man would frown upon. The acts of stealing and endless cons I pulled on the nobility , over charging them for poor quality weaponry in exploitation of their eagerness to own a gun. I never took pride in my life’s work though I can't say I regret it either, arrogance was always something I held a significant distaste for however; the murder of a fourteen year old boy on the other hand was the only thing close to a regret I ever felt. I've tried earnestly to forget the way it felt to hold such a small boy limp in my arms, younger even then my own daughter before I cast his body in the depths of the same very same Harbour of Twenty-second street.. The cool draft of the sea side brought life back into me ,returning me from my slumber. I could still taste the concoction of pork and potatoes from my dine-in dinner on what subsequently seemed like an unfathomable time ago. The sound of footsteps came from behind me as the adrenalin kicked in I reached into my pants removing the Glock from my belt. I enjoyed the sight of the various rays of light that bounced lavishly off the metallic black casing of my gun. It was in itself an art form, one of the streets which I held firmly like a painter his paint brush transfixed by the security and power it gave to me. I turned to greet the intruder with the intention of doing whatever I took to survive. I noticed immediately a feeble women her figure arresting my eyes as I traced her thin legs all the way up to her long onyx ringlets which sprawled in a disorderly fashion beneath a Ivory cap. The intruder was a member of my crew notified by the trade mark of our gang an image of a hand crushing a rose which she sported in insolence. Valery Kelland , the only female member of my crew who''s gesture suggested she was in a hurry. I stared at her as she jitter-ed for several moments her pale blue eyes darted rapidly between Thomas who's body remain as feeble on the ground as I left him and I.
“What did you do Edmond..” Valery yelled in her lower register, “Thomas...” she said immediately following now with a measure of horror in her tone reduced herself to a kneeling position at his side. Valery lifted his inert form into her lap as tears slipped from her eyes “What-have-you, done” shifting her tone to anger once again which reduced me to guilt of what I had done. “Stay where you are Valery..” I commanded steadying my voice before taking aim at her head, though I hoped I wouldn't have to hurt her. “Edmond what the fuck is this” she screamed before coming to a halt as I placed my finger to my lips quieting her before scanning the area for signs of intervention. “we're suppose to be allies,” she said coldly “ I... I thought you were in this no matter what, and now on take arms against your own people” She continued quieting her voice a great deal more. “You going to shoot me to... common shoot me” Valery said as her voice rose in volume again. “ Shut the fuck up” I yelled in desperation to keep her quiet “and Stay where you are Valery... don't make me do it.” I really didn't want to have to shoot her, I never cared for her much but she was still young, and I could bare the thought despite my bias against her to commit yet another atrocity. Valery’s tears turned to rage gaining a temporary burst of courage she rose to confront me. I took the courage from her when I slid my finger from the side of the Glock onto the trigger and in the gesture she returned on the ground clenching her jaw tightly.
The plan was simple, divert Lee Heywood out on a night of luxury with temptress whores, meanwhile we infiltrated his safe house and stole a cargo of firearms in his absence. There were several cargo containers full of semi-automatics, a variety of pistols, a few shotguns, and enough bullets to fill them for a extended period of time. “Valery...” I said coldly I knew I’ had to keep the stakes high enough to remain in control , “He attacked me first, after I followed him out here” I lied. “Why would he..” Valery said in disbelief, catching me in a act. “He is like a brother to you ” she said “why would he save you ten years ago only to kill you now , it doesn't add up Edmond.” I realized then what I had already known; Valery was simply too smart to convince with a simple lie, it would have to be something significantly more devious to bring this to resolve. I took a second to gain my composure but not long enough to bring suspicion, “He must have thought I was one of lee's patrol men, who stayed behind to keep an eye on the cargo” I told her. My lie contained the first element of a good scam, it had to be plausible. Lee wouldn't have left his cargo completely unattended, any half intelligent gang leader would likely leave a guard; and despite his arrogance he was not by any means stupid. “My hood was up, there's no way he would have known it was me.” The second part of any good con was confidence which I displayed with the assurance I provided with my second statement. Valery scanned me searching my eyes for any sign of faultier which I was reluctant to provide. The last point of any good con is consistency , first convincing yourself what you're selling is the truth before sticking to it with as much confidence as you can. One must conceal the weaker emotions such as guilt and humility to remaining composed to establish the full effectiveness of the con. I knew she bought it , the way she bit her lip in consideration displayed a seed of doubt all I needed for confirmation.
“Alright, that sounds plausible” she said giving me a moment of satisfaction. “Why are you pointing a gun at me then,” Valery said she was some what extraordinary in her ability to reason and out wit even the above average con artists, which in normal circumstances would have admirable to me however in this instance it only brought annoyance. The darkness took hold of me, as I returned my eyes to the device, it read fifteen minutes remaining I knew I didn't have time for this, nor did I care to bring any more clarity to my deed if I had a hope to actually make it to the station before it exploded. If I left right now I would have exactly two minutes to spare provided I didn't run into any other problems along the way. The police response teams were quick on their feet, they would be able to make it down to the location after debriefing in eight minutes and it was approximately two at a run to get there. I removed my gun from Valery's head and placed it back in my belt before leaving the scene, ignoring Valery's complaints that followed. I took the sack of guns from the ground right where I left them, which housed my cut of the cargo before approaching the door and removing it the safe house we raided some time ago.
Forgive me my dear friend I thought taking a step inside, standing still for a moments time in the door way letting go of all the guilt and emotional distress that inhibited any hope of accomplishment. I hated my conscience it was the only thing that held me back from my full potential i thought as I moved through the house with haste taking corners, climbing step ups, passing through thresholds of the vast many doorways of the Darcon headquarters . I realized the sack of guns was still in my hand which brought a level of concern to my mind. It would be more then fool-hardy to carry them on the crowded streets of London let alone entering a police station full of blue coats, were with all likelihood I would serve a lengthy term for the possession of unregistered firearms. The weight of time pressed me hard into stress embodied in drops of sweat that fell from my forehead to the streets below me. My hands were twisted not only did I have to deal with the gravity of selling my brother out but I had fire arm problem which I held in inconsequential hands that shook vigorously.
There weren't many options available each with a level of risk, leaving the guns on Twenty-second street would be the most unfavourable in that the Darcon would be on the prowl upon their discovery of stolen cargo; a risk not even my pride could tempt me into. The affliction returned in the back of my throat for and it burned with as much relentlessness as before however this time I didn't bother to fight it allow it to bestow into an empty flower bed along the street. The taste was vile , almost causing a second eruption however this time I swallowed hard in avoidance before coughing several times drawing my attention else where. My daughter's face took shape in a puddle on the street, the beautiful high cheeks and eye's light blue in colour which reminded me so much of Shelby. They stared at me in bewilderment both lavish and full of despair bringing the vulnerability to prominence beneath my skin; a visual representation of innocence . “Ellen” I said quietly in hopes that in some alternate reality she was living the life my ignorance took from her. Ellen shook her head, as if bringing light that I was about to make a grave mistake. “No!” I yelled unwilling to back down, I'm not going to let my conscience control my life, my life is my own and I’ll decided what decisions will be made. I couldn't go back not now it was too late the path was determined and I would not, could not return to the life on the streets and the gangs that claimed it. I began to walk brisk fully driven away from the weakness with unmeasurable determination. I Ignored the stares of people passing by, the water that lined the roads and everything that could distract me from my endeavour. I could feel their eyes watching me, eye's filled with judgement based on my piss poor appearance, I was filthy , with my unwashed hair, the layer of dirt that covered me and the fragrance comparable to the sewers that brought even I to repulsion.
The air on the contrary smelled clean a direct result of rain and the moisture in the air. It gave me the certainty I needed to go through with it a motive to clean up the filth of the last ten years. I brought myself to a canter, my legs burned beneath me, weary from the excretion. I took the corner hard transitioning onto twenty-third street almost taking out an elderly women who was in my blind spot ,“Sorry” I yelled not taking a second glace though I graced with many foul greetings she had to offer. I came to a halt less then fifteen steps from the police station taking yet another second I didn't have to plan my story and search for a place to stash my cargo. It had to be believable, I had to convince them I had no hand n the crime or I would loose any chance of freedom, not to mention the reward that would provide for me the resolve by which I sought. I thought of Thomas and prison which wouldn't be such a bad place for him, at least he would have a haven of solitude, eternal relaxation and food provided at not cost to him. I peered into an alleyway beside the station in hopes for a trash bin or something equivalent where I could stash the cargo concealed until me return. Luck was not on my side, and the acquisition of desperation took hold of me. Despite the efforts of my previous job the newly revised job was of utter most importance which administered a heightened awareness in retrospect of the trash bin directly outside the police station. It would have to due I thought, well acquainted with the risk it imposed if the cargo came to be discovered . I walked over scanning the area thoroughly before allowing them to fall into the bin before purging myself of the last remaining risk of exposure, the black hoodie which bore my gang symbol that I used to conceal the sack of firearms
I entered the station drawing a few deep breaths to settle the unease before approaching a scrawny blue coated police officer at the front desk who was so immersed in a phone call he failed to acknowledge me. There was a dissatisfying look about him in the lack of posture most officers held in high regard and the absence of admiration in his eyes. His face warped by stress or tension in his obligation I placed my hand hard down on the receiver by passing courteousness which in ordinary circumstances I would hold in high regard. “Hey! sir what the fuck do you think are you doing” the officer said as the disdain transformed into anger in his eyes. “I'm working here..” he said before I interrupted him, “I'm reporting a bomb threat there is no time you must go now.” I spoke to him in my best efforts to sound alarmed which he accepted with the urgency I aspired to gain. I watched as he pressed a thin mangled finger on one of the many white buttons that lined a large black box-shaped apparatus directly in front of him. “Where” He asked distress blatant in his tone, “It's on twenty-second street near the Harbour” I answered continuing to nourish a false distress in my tone. I knew I had to apply a great measure of despair to make the man believe what I was telling him excusing myself from playing a hand in it as well “How did you come upon this discovery sir.” “I...I saw..” I said with hesitation “ I saw a group of men... enter a house with a strange device several minutes ago, there were all dressed in black hoodies.. with um...” A hand was raised to still my lips as he nodded in approval “That will do” he said placing a firm hand on my shoulder in attempt to comfort me before I placed my head in my hands shadowing the smile that spread widely across my face; what a fool I thought impressed by the little effort my con required.
The sound of boots clanked on the tiled floors as several men in blue coats moved swiftly to the desk, each one identical in a queer conformity each with a bullet proof black vests, black baseball caps labelled police and leather gun belts strapped tightly to their hips. I had always hated the idea of a uniform, least of all one that stuck out as much as the vibrant blue the London city police sported with such pride. The leader positioned himself at the front of the group with an alarming confidence apparent in his green eyes.. His face was hardly youthful there were stress lines of a much older man with well cropped and poorly dyed black hair , likely covering up the many grey hairs that exposed him of his age. “Code two-four-six-four, optimum threat that requires immediate attention.” the slender officer said from behind the desk, “behind the Courthouse on Twenty-second street move out , move out!.” The leader nodded in affirmation, “All men move out,” and they were gone in a acquiescence not far derived from the marching of elephants in search for water blinded by their arrogance.
The fear subsided as I stared blankly at the wall behind the desk,“I'll need your testimony in court if we catch the perpetrators” the man said “and I need you to remain here until the exoneration is over.” It was a risk I would have to take suspicion would rise if I left abruptly I thought, “I'm Oliver Reed communications officer of the London city police department attachment two-seven-nine-five, would you please take a seat...sir “ he said. I hesitated for less then a second before introducing myself “My names Edmond Renford and I was hoping for a cup of coffee, If I’m to remain here for a while” I said for at least some reward for my bravery, before taking a seat in one of the many furnished chairs in the foyer. “Edmond Renford, I will get you that coffee, thank you for your co-operation” Oliver called loudly before disappearing somewhere out of sight in one of the stations back rooms.
I waited for Oliver for what seemed like a prolonged period of time consumed by the anticipation the job brought, I thought of being exposed and how Shelby deal with yet another disappointment upon my arrest. I knew she would never forgive a criminal which I conceived through the many monotonous conversations we shared on the matter though my thoughts were interrupted by Oliver's return. The slender man strolled into the foyer holding a Styrofoam cup that contained the coffee I longed for with a delicate nature in his left hand. I watched as the steam rose high into the air releasing a delightful aroma that soothed my nerves eminently. Forty-five minutes passed by which I marked on a cheap plastic clock circular in side that sat the height of an average individual opposite the room from me,. The blue coats returned with two suspects in their custody, the first was a well build women with dark ringlets and eyes full of despair which I knew to be Valery, the second was Thomas brought to confirmation upon laying eye's on his bruised and blood stained face from where I hit him in the head with my gun's grip. The price of my freedom I told myself and the cost to be rid of the streets I loathed . Astonishment was confounded in the fact that they kept their mouths sealed though the way the stared at me accomplished what their mouths neglected to state.
“Edmond Renford,” the leader said in the moments following the escort of the prisoners to their cells and the few words Oliver and he shared in private. “You have assisted in the arrest of one of the most notorious terrorists in London, I would like to personally thank you “ he said by which I remained silent, keeping my mouth closed as I watched his approach in anxiety. There was something in those complacent green eyes that unnerved me however despite my concern I rose to take his outstretched hand in acceptance; his grip was firm which I returned with an equal displacement of strength. My eagerness mixed with impatience, “I heard a rumour about a reward ” I asked curiously. “Indeed... Oliver the reward please” he said extending a hand outwardly behind him to accept the check though he remained focused on me the entire time. I watched euphorically as the parchment transfer from Oliver to the man before me. “Five-thousand pounds exactly,” the man said with those gratified green eyes that seemed surreal, as if the concealed a secret that I overlooked. I wondered if I had been sold out by Valery or Thomas before denying the possibility in apprehension, a prisoner who squawked to the police is as good as dead. The inmates disapproved of snitching which would likely result in brutality leading to one's death. Thomas wasn't the Squawking type either even if his life was threatened, a character trait I held deep admiration.
“One question Sir Edmond...” The officer said “ How did you come upon the Intel that brought you to this report again?.” Something was wrong , very wrong I thought. “Like I said, I saw the women carrying the device and her group entering the house, the rest was just a bad feeling I had” “a feeling...” the officer said condescendingly before bring my distress to adjournment as he reached his hand out placing the check in front of him. I reached out to take the freedom I so longed for, I felt it between the tips of my fingers before my suspicions were answered in a firm grasp of the wrist I extended to receive the check. It was over and I knew affirmed by the swift twist of my wrist into hyper tension which throbbed under the pressure it rendered, accompanied by a pair of steel hand cuffs that clasped shut with an ephemeral set of clicking sounds.
I couldn't hardly believe it, how did this man come to the truth so indefinitely. “Your under arrest for, assisting in terrorism,” the man said “You have the right to an attorney, you have the right to remain silence, any thing you say or do may result in farther punishment or extension of your term.” I clenched my teeth hard in anger brought forth by the tears which welled deep in the chasms behind my eye's. Then strangely enough a smile spread long across my face in realization that my daughter Ellen was right all along. She had told me not to do it but my arrogance and greed blinded me to see the truth that was before me. I felt the relief of the steel from my wrists after I entered a dull room concealed by four stone walls where I left to my solitude as the bars drew closed sealing me in.
It's been seven years since my freedom was taken from me, the life I longed for resolved not by triumph but by the thump of a gavel. I get out today I thought though though it was hardily a day to celebrate. “Edmond Renford,” the prison guard said loudly “You have served your time, pardoned by a early release based on your good behaviour.” Seven years I thought which I sat in isolation with only my dark deeds to keep me company. I grew attached to the life of confinement it had grown on me in the last few years as I became accustom to,the silence the night brought. Dark and disheartening at first now brought peace and tranquillity. I followed Fin out of my cell and through several sets of barred rooms used as a security measure to keep prisoners from escaping if they were fortunate enough to escape their cells. I walked through the last set of bars into a pale white room which housed a separate box-shaped sort of office within. I stood before the double pain glass bracing myself against the counter that housed a large slot in the centre where items could by passed back and forth through. “Be safe, and I hope I never see you again” Fin said eyeing me down before slamming the stamp on my release papers and placing them along with a bin full of my possessions through the slit. I took the bin, pulled out my still unwashed street clothes , a silver locket which was significant being the only tangible memory of my daughter and a warn chestnut brown wallet weathered by the many years of wear and tear it endured.
A loud buzz released the door directly adjacent of me which I filtered out into the foyer of the police station. It looked precisely as I left it except for the addition of a small coffee maker they placed behind the well furnished decor I sat on only seven years ago. I entered the washroom and pondered what life would have in store for an ex-con and the idea was hardly satisfying. I locked the door behind me before turning to the sink where I pulled the latch on tap forward releasing the water from it's confines. I decided to end it all, I had been living a life absent of propriety. I had very little time before someone in station would interrupt me. I knelt before the potty taking only a second to contemplate the decision before a resolve was established by the placement of my head in the shallow waters that dwell. I held it under the cold waters as I clutched my daughter's silver locket hard in my hand , it's edges burrowed deep into the skin drawing my attention away from suffocation. Ellen returned to me in a dark abyss my tightly fastened eye's induced. My paradise arrived in the fabric of my imagination where I stood hand in hand with the love of my life Shelby at our old cabin by the lake. I watched with her in contempt as Ellen frolicked along the beach in front of us. Reality stole me away as the water from the toilet entered my nose and mouth choking . I kept it under, I fought hard greeted by the sounds of the people outside banged on the door behind me, They were too late I said to myself; it would be over soon. They stole my freedom from me once I won't let it happen again I thought before returning to the Image of Ellen. Her smile was lavish there was a childish innocence to them which I loved deeply. Eternal stillness came in the seconds following which relieved me of the pain and fear of drowning. “Daddy, let's go..” Ellen said in amusement as she ran along the beach away from me, “Alright honey.. here comes the monster” I said in response before placing my arms high above my head in a menacing escapade before the final sharp pain took me from the realm of the living to my imaginary world where the dim lights faded into black.