Chronicles of Revenge The Final Battle

THE CHRONICLES OF REVENGE:

The Final Battle

George G George

Smashwords Edition

Chronicles of Revenge: The Final Battle

Copyright © 2014 George G George

All rights reserved

Cover Design by JRS Designs

http://jrsdesigns.yolasite.com

Smashwords License Notes:

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebooks may not be resold or given away to other people. Please purchase an additional copy for each person you share with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Chronicles of Revenge: The Final Battle is a work of fiction. Though actual locations may be mentioned, they are used in a fictitious manner and the events and occurrences were invented in the mind and imagination of the author. Similarities of names used within to any person, past, present, or future, are coincidental.

Chapter 1

Sue had a friend take her to Heathrow on his Honda Fireblade, telling him she was running late. She was sure that if anyone was tailing her that she’d know – that’s if they could keep up with Paul; an ex-motorbike racer he really knew how to make the thing fly. The ride was frightening but at the same time exciting. She’d never been that fast through London ever, and was now regretting using the excuse that she was late.

Sue opened her eyes just as they were hurtling between two big lorries and quickly shut them again. Their helmets had two-way radios and she could hear Paul listening to Motörhead’s Ace of Spades. The record had just got to the part where Lemmy says, Who wants to live forever. She pulled the cable out of her helmet thinking, Maybe not forever but I’d like to get to the airport before I die. Sue decided to not open her eyes again until they had stopped; how long the white-knuckle ride lasted she didn’t know and was so glad when it was over.

Paul nudged her. Wake up Sue, we’re here. She got off the bike swearing she’d never ride one again... Well not with Paul anyway.

Thanks Paul, I owe you.

Nah it was fun. How about we do it again sometime?

Sure, I’ll call you, she lied. Stretching, Sue took her backpack, slipped it over her back and headed for the terminal. This was the first time she’d ever tried to get on a plane with a fake passport and hoped it would be the last. How do people live their lives like this? she wondered.

Sue made her way straight to the check-in desk trying to look as normal as she could, not that it mattered. Featherstone had already had all the airports manned just in case she tried to leave; the agent soon spotted her and called it in.

Her destination was now logged and Featherstone had men waiting at Delhi airport before she even got on the plane. To her amazement she went through without any problems; the passport Wilson had given her was a very good fake… or was it?

The flight was uneventful – unless you call lots of screaming kids eventful. Sue kept watch to see if anyone was paying her more attention than they should be. Paranoid, that’s what you are girl, paranoid, she told herself, and with good reason as she had failed to spot the woman four rows back who was an MI5 agent.

Upon her arrival Sue headed for the exit. Going down the escalators, the large copper discs and huge hands on the left hand wall made her smile, as did the whole of the new airport. The last time she had been in Delhi the airport was an old ramshackled affair. Passing two armed soldiers she headed for the exit. Before she got there Sue spotted an Indian man standing there holding a sign with her passport name on it.

Wilson had given her a password and told her the reply to expect. The Indian man had the sign in the correct hand and blinked twice as she approached. Warrior, she said and he replied, Wolf.

There was one more check for her to make. She put out her had to shake his and there it was: a small tattoo of a crescent moon. Please follow me, Miss Young. Sue set off with the mystery man. Outside the air was dense and humid; it was hot – very hot. It reminded Sue of a time when she was a child and her mother had opened the oven door and the heat flooded over her making her gasp.

The walk to the car was a short one. Sue was impressed: her car was a Toyota Land Cruiser. Her guide now asked her if he should drive to the outskirts of the city, as it was a difficult drive for someone who had never driven here before. Sue agreed but would soon regret her decision. If she thought the ride to Heathrow on Paul’s bike was scary then this trip was positively petrifying. Her guide stopped somewhere outside of the city and got out, handing her the keys.

Sue climbed in and looked at the map, noticing that the route was not direct but headed off the main drag at times. Must be to hinder anyone following me, she thought.

Adjusting the seat and mirrors she switched on the aircon, fired up the engine and set off. Getting out of Delhi had made London seem like a Sunday drive. The only reason for going through the city must be to protect her from being tailed. It was mad. Sue believed that Indian driving licences must be bought at any corner shop.

The sat-nav had already been pre-programmed, although according to the map she was heading to Dhaurehra in the Uttar Pradesh area. The journey should take around eight hours non-stop, but with the off-road route she was not sure. Plugging in her iPod Sue drove on, singing, feeling happy, and at the same time excited.

***

Abhay Chopra was sitting outside his house in the shade enjoying his family. All of his eleven grandchildren were here with his two daughters and their husbands, and they had just finished a fantastic meal that had been prepared by his wife Yema. There house was situated just outside of Shahabad and was typical of the region, except that his was built of concrete blocks instead of mud bricks. The render was well maintained and painted white to help keep the house cool.

Abhay was sixty years old and at over six feet tall, a big man for the region. Even at his age he still had a fairly good physique with a long grey bushy beard and a face that was dark due to the amount of time he’d spent in the sun over the years; it had more lines then Waterloo station.

One of the small boys ran up to him, wanting to be thrown into the air. Abhay obliged the boy who screamed with delight. Again, again! The old man smiled. He loved being around his family, they meant so much to him, more than life itself as he was about to find out…

Taking the mobile out of his coat hanging next to him, Abhay read the text again then looked at his family, smiling, and wondering if this would be the last time he ever saw them. He gave the boy one more throw before getting up and going out to his workshop.

From up in the rafters he took down a long canvas bag, laid it on the bench, undid the brass buckles and took out the cloth, unwrapping the rifle that it contained. Abhay started to dismantle the rifle, laying it out neatly, before he started checking and cleaning every part. Taking from the shelf a small tin of oil he poured some onto a cloth and rubbed each part before reassembling the rifle.

Next he went to a hidden compartment in his bench and withdrew a small old cardboard box along with two five-round magazines. These were also cleaned and oiled before he started to load the rounds from the box into the magazine.

The door opened and Yema walked in holding the mobile phone. She had an accusing look on her face. And what’s this? she said, holding the mobile up.

Abhay glanced at it then carried on loading the rounds. What’s this I have asked you Abhay.

A mobile, you know that. Her face hardened.

And what are you doing with it? It’s not yours so where did it come from?

It was given to me last week at the market by an old army friend.

And what are doing with your old rifle? Yema had read the text message and knew what he was going to do and was about to try and stop him. The favour now being called in was over thirty years old and he had no right to ask her husband to risk his life, no right at all.

You’re not going, Abhay. We have a family now, what about them? Her voice was stern and full of fear.

I gave my word of honour.

I care about you and my family, not your word of honour!

Abhay exploded, DO NOT QUESTION MY HONOUR! I am a man of honour and an honourable man. The debt will be paid.

Yema was taken aback. He had never ever shouted at her. In fact she had so much freedom, far more than any other woman in the village. Many of her friends were regularly beaten. Abhay had never even raised his voice to her let alone his hand in all of the thirty eight years they had been married.

Yema now spoke with an apologetic tone in her voice. I was not questioning your honour, I never would Abhay. You are the most honourable man I know... I just do not want to lose you.

I gave him my word and if costs me my life to repay the debt then let it be so.

And the children and grand children? What about them?

Abhay’s look hardened, as did his voice. We would not have them if it was not for Matt North, you know that – you were there or have you forgotten?

Yema sighed. She knew he was right. Without Matt’s help they would not have the family they had, but why now? Abhay had gone back to preparing his rifle. He hated himself for speaking to Yema like he did, and even now he just wanted to hug her and tell her all would be alright, but he didn’t know that for sure. Only time would tell.

I’ll go and prepare some food and drink for the journey. Yema left the workshop. Abhay checked the telescopic scope, then packed everything neatly back into the canvas bag and slung it over his shoulder.

At the front of the house Abhay put the rifle into the leather holder on the side of the step-through Honda motorbike and kick-started it. Yema came out with a white cloth, inside which was the food and drink. Going to the first saddle bag she found it full of sacking material and went around to the other one, putting the package in and doing up the old buckle.

Without saying a word Yema jumped onto the rear seat, sitting side saddle as was the way in these parts.

What are you doing woman? Get off!

No I’m coming with you!

No you’re not! Now get off! Yema put her arm around Abhay’s waist.

I said I’m coming and I intend to. Abhay glared at her in the mirror.

Do as I command woman.

No Abhay. If you’re going to die then so am I. You are my world, my husband, the father of my children, my lover and my best friend. There is no life for me if you die so we will do this together.

Abhay’s eyes softened in the mirror and to reinforce her statement Yema gripped him harder around the waist. Come on or we’ll be late, husband. Abhay smiled as he pulled away, he had chosen well – very well – no matter what his late father had said.

The bike chugged away, bellowing smoke as it did. Abhay thought about their first meeting. It was in the market as he was returning from leave in the army. The trader who had thrown her to the ground received a hard punch to the face and sat there looking sorry for himself. Abhay helped her up and something clicked in his heart; he knew she was the one and he had to have her.

The problem was he came from a higher social class than Yema – a lot higher – and his father forbade his son to have anything to do with the low class slut, he’d said. Abhay had knocked him down for the comment and then left, swearing he would never return if his wife to be was not allowed at their house.

Their wedding was going to be a low key affair with Abhay’s family not coming and Yema’s afraid to upset such a powerful family. On the day, Abhay’s father and three cousins arrived to either talk him out of the wedding or forcibly stop it. Abhay wiped a tear from his eye as he remembered the day. It was the last time he saw his father alive. When the talking failed they had tried to forcibly take him away, not knowing he had trained with the British SAS and was now an extremely dangerous man.

The fight that ensued left his father and three cousins blooded and beaten. As they carried his father away he was unaware that he would never see him again.

The Honda hit a rut, bouncing him back to the job in hand; it took nearly two hours riding to reach the place that Abhay had scouted a few days earlier, which gave him time to set the ambush. A good hunter has patience and he had lots of it. Yema watched as he set the sacking from the bike’s saddle bag over some rocks, using smaller ones to hold it down. The colour match was almost perfect and now they had a nice shaded area completely out of sight.

Yema took the food and drink, setting it down in the shade of the sacking. Abhay joined her, Yema I am sorry for shouting at you... I was just upset.

Shush, Abhay, it was my fault for not trusting you. Abhay smiled I liked what you said, although I don’t think the part about being your lover is now irrelevant. Yema smiled strangely at her husband then slid her hand over his groin and gently rubbed, Abhay grinned. It’s been a while, I’m not sure if... Again she spoke softly to him. Hush, lover, let me be the judge of that. Minutes later they were making love like it would be their last, and it may well be.

They both lay there grinning at each other like a pair of teenagers. Then dressed and started on the food, after which they chatted freely about everything and nothing. Suddenly Abhay raised his hand. Yema stopped talking and stayed motionless while Abhay looked over the rock in front of them. It seemed an age to Yema before he spoke. There’s a car approaching. Taking his rifle, he extended a cover in front of the scope to stop the glass glittering and giving away their position. Next he attached a long leather tube over the barrel. Inside was some asbestos cloth hanging down. Yema looked at it for a moment What’s the tube for?

It’ll help hide the muzzle flash.

Where did you find that? I’ve not seen one before.

I invented it. Yema’s smile grew across her face. So my husband’s an inventor! Abhay took a small telescope and slid the same tubular cover over the front before giving it to Yema.

Use this to see who’s in the car. Yema looked for a moment, adjusting it to see more clearly. I see a young white woman with blonde hair driving alone. is she the target?

No, we let her go and stop the vehicles coming after her, and that small aeroplane.

What aeroplane? She looked for a minute seeing nothing, then he pointed it out to her.

How will you do that? He winked at her, smiling.

Sue drove on following the map and sat-nav – when it worked – totally unaware of what was following her and what was in front. She’d refuelled at the last town and bought more water, plus there was ample petrol in the two jerry cans in the rear. Yema watched intently as the two other vehicles’ dust now appeared on the horizon. Abhay sat totally relaxed just watching; he’d laid four markers the night he’d scouted the area, ranging from 1,000 yards to 300 yards.

Sue was merrily singing along to her music and had just opened a Mars bar when Abhay fired the first shot. She thought she’d heard something outside: a quick check told her she was imagining it.

At 500 yards the armour-piercing round entered the engine block of the first vehicle and exploded out of the side, taking most of the big ends with it. The man inside got out and inspected the damage, then climbed back in again to radio the backup vehicle towing the trailer for the microlight for help. No sooner had it reached the 800 yard marker when it too ground to a halt.

Abhay smiled. It had been a long time since he’d fired a shot in anger, but he still had it and that felt good. Yema was amazed that her man could shoot so well and told him so; he in turn enjoyed the praise. Now the microlight was flying nearer, Abhay took aim and fired. Nothing: he’d missed. He took aim again and fired. Again, the same result. The third and last shot in the magazine missed as well.

Yema could see he was now nervous as he loaded the next magazine of five rounds; he took aim again. This time before he pulled the trigger she wiped his brow and ran her hand over his crotch, whispering to him, You wouldn’t miss if you were aiming this would you? This brought a huge smile to his face as he fired. Moments later the microlight juddered and smoke started to come from the rear. The pilot made for the ground as fast as he could, landing on the road ahead of the two vehicles.

Abhay chuckled to himself as all four agents were scratching their heads looking under the bonnets of both vehicles and the plane’s smashed engine. What now? Yema asked.

Home. Matt’s coming to stay for the night with the lady in the car.

***

Sue continued on completely oblivious to what had happened behind her. Taking a tight bend ahead she was faced with a long hill and it seemed to go on forever. Nearing the top she spotted a turbaned head to the right of the road and for the first time since she’d set off from Delhi she was worried who this man was and were there anymore?

Sue slowed the car and instinctively reached across her chest: no Glock. Now she felt the concern in her rise. Her eyes were fixed on the stranger. His head and chest were now fully in view and she could see no other men with him, although that didn’t mean there weren’t more hiding out of sight. Sue’s hands were now sweating and so intense was her gaze that she went over a deep rut, bouncing her up high enough to make her head hit the roof of the car. She almost cried with relief as the outline of two pointed ears came into view: it was Matt and Wolf.

As she neared that huge smile all she wanted to do was run over and hug him, but then doubt crept into her mind. What if he told her to go back and wanted nothing to do with her and their unborn baby?

Getting out of the car Sue smiled back at him. She’d run hundreds of ways of telling Matt, but now he was there facing her they all faded away like smoke. Hi... How’s my Wolf doing? She bent down and stroked his head. Miss me boy? He growled back, rubbing his head along her thigh.

You’ve come a long way to ask some more questions, stubborn or foolish. Sue looked into his deep blue eyes. All the cogs in her head were turning but none would engage.

Ha! Sue Young lost for words, now that has to be a first! Matt chuckled only for a moment, then his mood turned serious. Sue tried to speak calmly; it didn’t work.

Look I’m... No, we... Well it’s like this... Er…

Spit it out girl we don’t have all day! He laughed. Sue’s eyes opened wide and then it came out.

I’M PREGNANT!

Matt’s laugh tailed away, and he held her gaze forever, she thought. Then he spoke: I thought you said that medically you were unable to have children?

I know. I don’t know how it happened. Well, I know how it happened but I don’t, if you know what I mean?

Matt put his hand on her belly and gently rubbed it; all the while he never took his eyes from hers.

You want me to go don’t you... I can see it in your eyes.

No. But why come to me? You know what I have to do and nothing will stop me except my death, and that includes you and the baby.

Urie said that we would be in danger if word got out, and that you were the only person that could protect us. I could have an abortion.

NO... Life is a gift and should never be given or taken lightly. Sue looked at him. How could a man who has killed so many come out with a statement like that? Matt detected this.

I have told you before, I only kill when I have to.

So what now? You still haven’t told me what you want me to do.

The truth was she had not planned for him to say no and turn her away; it was stupid for her to assume that he would want them. She knew fear and excitement can do strange things to people. Now she waited. Sue could see he was deep in thought and knew she would be a big hindrance to him searching for the remaining three men or was it now only two? She saw a chance to change the subject and she grasped it.

What happened to Dent?

Do you really want to know?

No, not really.

She didn’t, but it meant he’d found him and she knew he was dead. There was no way Matt would have let him live. Before she’d met Matt she would have been sickened by such an act. Her opinion had changed since knowing him and now she was expecting her own child her previous beliefs were now turned on their head.

Sue knew she would die to protect her child and kill anyone who tried to hurt her baby. Matt’s face had not changed. Sue looked down at her belly which to her didn’t seem any bigger and ran her hand over it.

What about us? His deep blue eyes softened and his big smile grew across his face. Sue could have wet herself with delight. Matt looked at Wolf, then at Sue’s belly.

Well, Wolf, it looks like the magnificent three and a half ride again. Then he turned and spoke seriously to her. This is not going to be easy, we could all die.

I’m game if you are. She was now smiling; the relief was quite visible, not that she cared. I’ve decided that writing your life’s story is way more complicated than I had thought and I don’t think anyone would believe it anyway. Not that I don’t want to hear more. Matt nodded.

Right, now that’s sorted, let’s get moving. Abhay and Yema will be waiting, they’re friends, and will put us up for the night.

And then?

Kathmandu. he beat her by answering her question before she could ask it. Steve Butler’s there.

Is this information as good as before? Is it from the same source?

No, Dent told me.

And he freely gave this to you did he? Matt looked at Wolf who raised his lips in a growl. Sue knew how he had got it, Wolf had his way of doing things. She had seen this in Bangkok before and she had no compassion for Dent. Her dad had a saying; You reap what you sow, and Dent had.

Matt drove back to Abhay’s house. Sue told him about her brother Giles’ betrayal and the rest of what had happened. Matt laughed when she recalled the incident on Tower Bridge. That guy Angus is as big as US if not bigger!

He’s a bit of a monster. The rest of the journey was completed in small talk until they stopped outside Abhay’s house. He and his wife came out along with lots of children.

Formal greetings were exchanged and then Matt went to his back pack and started to bring out small bags of sweets and held them up high. Not a single child moved: all were looking at Abhay. He had a stern look on his face, which as if by magic turned into a huge grin and the children went wild, jumping up at Matt as he danced around handing the bags out to the smallest first.

Sue sat next to Yema and her two daughters, sipping a cold drink. All four were laughing at Matt and the kids. Yema spoke out loud. Men: they never grow up! They are all children at heart. The rest nodded. Yema’s daughters went to prepare the food for their special guests. Sue laughed as Matt allowed himself to be pulled down to the ground. Yema said to her, It’s strange isn’t it, one moment a killer, the next a clown?

Yes he seems to get on better with children than with a lot of adults, and you have a lot of them if you don’t mind me saying. Yema smiled back. Yes we do and if Matt had not shown up and helped when he did we would not have any. We owe him a great deal.

Would you be offended if I asked how? We have been on a long trip and Matt has been telling me about his life, it’s fascinating. Yema was watching Matt and Abhay swing the children around and replied, "No, I do not mind, and I’m sure he and Abhay will not either, but I must ask first.

Hey, you two clowns! Sue would like to know about why we owe Matt so much, can I tell her? Matt looked at Abhay and shrugged his shoulders indifferently. After we have eaten and the children have gone, it is not for young ears to hear, said Abhay.

The meal was fantastic. Sue had never eaten with so many children all at once and to their parents’ credit their manners were impeccable, even the youngest. It was a couple of hours later that they all went home, leaving just the four of them.

Matt and Abhay did the washing up, which in this area was unheard of, and as they came out Yema spoke to Sue. So you’re having Matt’s baby; it’s about time a man should have lots of children. Sue’s head spun around to Matt as did Abhay’s, both expecting the worst.

Yema did have a way of speaking that could upset people. Matt knew she was a straight talking woman and pulled no punches, plus she meant no ill will by her comment. I mean no disrespect, Sue, but Matt, are you sure the baby’s yours? He looked at Sue for a moment. His senses had told him she was not lying and the baby was his, although he could not pass up this opportunity to have a bit of fun.

Sue stood in front of Matt and replied sharply, Yes it is. Matt, with all the sincerity he could muster, replied, Well there were seven men. Sue grabbed him by the collars and pulled him close.

I swear if you ever mention that again, I’ll find what part of that bloody brain of yours has that memory and I’ll cut it out, you see if I don’t SOLDIER BOY! Matt put up his arms like he was surrendering.

What memory? Then he laughed and so did they all.

I like this woman, Abhay, yes I like her a lot, he was grinning away. Yema brought tea and they all sat outside. The air was humid but much cooler now. Sue listened to the insects chattering away somewhere in the foliage, then Yema began to recall the incident.

Abhay and I were at an army function and my mother was watching the girls for us. Everything seemed to be going well until my mother came running in screaming. It took a moment to calm her so she could talk.

The girls, Yema, the girls! They’ve been taken! I tried to stop them but I could not. They’re gone, gone!

What do you mean they’re gone, mother? Where have they gone?

I don’t know. Men came and took them! Abhay pushed his way forward and spoke in a very military way, asking the same question as Yema had. When? was the next thing he asked. She didn’t exactly know, but guessed about three hours before.

Abhay ordered two Land Rovers to be made ready to move out straight away, only to be stopped by a high-ranking official. You must alert the police. This is their work not the army’s! Abhay fired back.

These are my children and I will go after them with or without your consent! The official stood his ground so Abhay punched him to the ground; he was arrested and was being taken to the guard house.

Matt had been watching the entire thing. He was there as an advisory to help train some of the Indian Special Forces. Now unseen, he moved outside the function room and quickly made his way to a point where he knew the guards escorting Abhay would pass. He and Abhay had struck up quite a good friendship and as a father he was not going to let some jumped up official come between a man and his children. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two rocks soared across the hallway, striking two of the four guards escorting Abhay; the other two were too stunned to move as fast as Matt did. In a blur they were on the ground laid out cold.

Let’s go, I’ve got a Land Rover ready to move out, said Matt. Abhay never hesitated and followed. In the front of the car was a driver and Yema was in the back with Wolf.

Where to, Boss? She’s juiced, loaded and ready, bit like one of me birds, then the driver burst out laughing. Yema could not understand a word he’d said. She knew English but not his English; he spoke so fast and his laugh was even faster, like a motorbike engine running at full speed. Compared to Abhay and Matt the driver looked like a child; small and muscular, he never stopped talking and laughing.

The Land Rover had stopped outside Abhay’s house. It had been over five hours since the two girls had been taken and Yema was in pieces, while Abhay was fired up, swearing he’d get them back and kill the men who had done this; they would pay dearly.

We will never find them, Abhay. It’s been hours they could be anywhere, Yema cried. He tried to calm her. I will find them, Yema, I promise. No matter how long it takes or how far I have to go.

It’s too late, you know this.

While this was happening Matt and Wolf had walked around. Both were sniffing the air, then he stated, This way, let’s go. Now the Rover was hurling down the road, Matt stood up with pair of desert goggles on and a cloth wrapped around the bottom half of his face.

The race was now on. Atom was driving flat out following Matt’s directions, all the time talking to himself. Warp factor eight, Mr Scot. And then he’d answer himself, She cannae take it sir, she’ll break up.

Abhay had been out with Atom a few times and was used to his ways; Yema was not. Looking at her, he just shook his head and raised his eyebrows.

Hurtling through a village, Atom skidded to a halt at a small run down garage. We need more juice, Boss. I’m saving what’s in the cans for last. Abhay spoke to the owner who seemed reluctant to let them have some of his petrol. Atom jumped out and spoke to the owner.

Listen pal we need that jungle juice, so either you cough it up or that big hairy mutt over there is gonna have a word with yer, savvy? On cue Wolf snarled and the owner could not get the jerry cans out quick enough. Atom was filling the tanks from the jerry cans as the others waited; the garage owner was sweating profusely and took a piece of cloth out from behind the door and wiped his brow.

Abhay watched the man and as soon as he saw the cloth he reacted instantly, grabbing the man around the throat and smashing his head against the wall. WHERE DID YOU GET THIS? he shouted. The man could not answer due to the grip Abhay had on him.

ANSWER YOU DOG! he shouted again. Yema helped release him and watched as he gasped for breath. Our two daughters were kidnapped a few hours ago and this is part of one of their tops, where did you get it from? It took a moment for him to control his breathing and then answer. There was three lorries packed with men and children, they left here about two hours ago.

Is that all you know... Answer me! Abhay was about to strike the man when Atom called. Wolf see if he’s telling the truth will yer. Wolf leapt down, lips back, fangs dripping. The man’s eyes were now the size of saucers and with his back against the wall had nowhere to go; a small puddle now appeared around his feet.

No sir, that’s all I know sir. It was Atom who spoke next. Abhay let’s go. We’re wasting time. Matt stared at the man for a moment while the others boarded the Rover.

Wolf he’s lying. He leapt and brought the garage owner down with his throat clamped between his powerful jaws. Abhay was out of the Rover in an instant with his pistol drawn. It was Matt who stopped him firing.

We need him to talk and – suddenly he stopped mid-sentence and walked into the back of the garage, stopping next to an old canvas sheet. Matt removed the sheet. Underneath was