Chapter 5 I'll take care of that

                      “From one of our trusted allies, I won’t be surprised if the police closes in on us now,” Jack said as he took a glass of wine from Richard who looked unbothered by what he had just said and pokily filled every cup on the large brown wooden table like a professional waiter in a royal home.

                   

                   “That leaves us with one choice,” he finally said as he sipped his wine leisurely.

Jack raised his eyebrows slightly in enthusiasm as he asked,

                      “And what is that, bro?”

                     

                      “Use the detective as a bait to lure others in, then send them all in flames when they come to rescue her. I’m sure the detective won’t mind leaving the earth sooner and will definitely prefer this to a knife into her throat," he rested the cup on the table as his white and slender fingers traced its rim. His sea blue eyes emitted danger.

                      "This will help save the stress an open fire will cost us,” he calmly said.

Jack gave a knowing smile to Richard who returned it with a wink.

If there was anything Jack and every member of this dangerous group were sure of, it was that Richard would never disappoint whenever a solution was needed. One trait the gangs could never do without.

This also prove the news about his business savvy to be true. Before meeting Richard, Jack considered these rumors as products of greedy journalists who only wanted to climb the social ladder by fawning over the rich.

Although Richard's identity was a secret he had tried so hard to keep from the members of this group, Jack managed to investigate his background and was shocked to discover that the ruthless and powerful Mr.Wilson whom the society respected and feared, was a member of the brotherhood but he dared not reveal this to others as he knew Richard would not spare him if he did.

With a man as smart as Richard in the group, it would be a huge joke to assume that the cops would outwit them.

                     “How do we go about it, Rich,” Sammy inquired.

                     “A bomb around her wouldn’t be a bad idea, will it?” Richard asked as he refilled his cup for the third time and sent the drink down his throat.

                 

                     “I wouldn’t have thought of a better idea, dude,” Jack said, smiling. Jack and the others discussed the details and the likely route the police might take.

                    “If they take this route, it will only mean one thing,” he said pointing on the map.

                   “They will need to sail to cross the border. We’ll need a little distraction here, this will force them to take the route we want them to,” he pointed out, looking at no person in particular and they agreed in unison.

                “Then, the detective will faithfully await them here when they come ashore. With luck, she won’t have to wait for too long. From what I know, the sailors here are exceptionally speedy and can make a journey of hours last only for few minutes…”

             

               “It will take them, approximately, 20 minutes to get here using a speed boat,” Paul cut in.

               “That’s correct. So, this is where you come in, Paul. You will see to it that everything goes according to plan," Jack said.

                "I'll take care of that," Richard said calmly as he walked lazily to Jack. Jack looked up and could only nod at him. Whenever Richard set to handle a task, he would make sure he left no room for mistakes.

              "Ok. I and every other person here will be heading to the station. We'll seize this opportunity and invade their station just like they are invading our territory,” he finalized.

              “Rich, don't waste any time with her if she acts stubborn. You can actually walk faster with a corpse than a stubborn fellow,” Jack advised, patting Richard on the shoulder.

             “She dies the minute she goes wild either by her words or actions,” Richard responded calmly as he dashed off.

             “The rest of us here will handle the other businesses of the day,” Jack said to none in particular as he exited from the dark room.

           “What exactly do you what from me this time?” Sarah questioned as she was forcefully pushed into the car.

       

           “You won’t be asking the same question in the next few minutes.” Richard said meanly as he looked through the driving mirror to see the beautiful young lady who would drop dead in the next 40 minutes. He wasn't generous in any way. His words were as brutal as his actions.

 

          “Did I just see fear in your eyes?” Richard asked mockingly.

         “No,” Sarah collected herself and uttered calmly,

     

        “What you see is impatience to die knowing that every minute I see you alive makes me want to puke out of regret for not sliting your throat when I had the chance. You deserve nothing less than death!” She said through clenched teeth.

Richard cackled.

        “Don’t worry, young woman. We’re almost there. I shall help you end this little madness of yours soon enough. Don’t fail to extend my greetings to the devil.”

Richard was far from being bothered by Sarah's outrage as his face was devoid of any expression. His calm expression spelled as much doom as his stony words and scorching gaze.

     

         “You bastards! Bunch of frustrated idiots!” Sarah cursed as she was led out of the car and the explosive belt, securely fastened around her.

        “Why wait further, why don’t you shoot me outrightly, huh?" She tried to convince him.

         “Because you’re not the only one going down the death lane, detective. Few of your friends will need to accompany you in the journey.”

        “What the devil is up your sleeves bastard!” Sarah managed to squeak as her throat became dry.

 

       “Well, we learnt that some of your willful comrades are on a rescue mission to save your ass. That’s if their cowardice doesn’t send them racing back to their station when they eventually get here.

        “You’re a bastard, Richard!” she yelled.

        “You have said that before,” he said calmly as he narrowed his eyes. Those charming eyes of his infuriated Sarah the more.

        "You carnivorous animal!” she gritted her teeth.

        “Save your strength, woman. You may need it if you’re to talk your way into heaven. From the book I read, all cops have one thing driving them to hell—bribery. With this grievous sin, I doubt Lucifer will allow you walk straight into heaven without questioning your audacity,” he advised.

            “You’re the only Lucifer I know, you fool!” she cursed bitterly.

            “Then, it’s time you met my distant cousin, Lucifer himself and the last Lucifer you will ever know," he squinted.

          "Oh, let's not keep you away from him any further. Farewell, woman,” he said as he effortlessly tied Sarah to a small tree very close to the riverbank and had her mouth firmly tied.

Sarah watched as the bomb mercilessly began to count down 40, 39, 38… there was, indeed, the sword of damocles hanging over her head. This was the end of the road for her and the career she was passionately committed to.