“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.
“I’m sure we won’t have a hard time finding her if we go through this route,” Frank said as he studied the map carefully again and stuffed it into his breast pocket. He abruptly stopped in his tracks. “This way,” he commanded as he heard a painful moan not far from the riverbank. "Sarah!" He called out as he walked towards her. "What's she trying to say?" He Wondered as Sarah kept shaking her head vehemently. He moved a little closer. "Why is she tied to a tree?" He said to sergeant Anderson who was now standing beside him. "I think she is telling us to run, Frank," sergeant Peter who had joined them said in panic but Frank was already heading towards Sarah.  
Sarah's feet was stuck in shingle. The thought of seeing Richard's beastly face made a stream of hot blood spurt into Sarah's throat. She wasn't going to let Frank down. She was going to try something besides waiting for her own death. But she was drained of the littlest strength and could only mutter softly under her breath, "someone...help!" But no help was coming. Even the birds that hovered around the tall coconut trees that beautified the ocean, seemed to be enjoying her predicament and twittered merrily in what sounded to Sarah like, 'why did you join the police force?' She laughed bitterly at her poor self. After a long while, she silently said a prayer and decided it was time she relied on her strength else she dies away. She tried to lift her legs but almost fell immediately. Her legs were too weak to support her weight. She bit hard on her lips as if her survival depended on ho
The large hall was lusterless and sparsely decorated. The only ornament in the big hall that had several rooms inside was an art work that instilled horror to every visitor. The atmosphere was feastive as the men were busy celebrating what Sarah knew too well wouldn't be anything good. Jack was calmly sipping a glass of whiskey when he caught sight of Sarah and Richard making their ways into the large hall. Richard was steadily supporting her with his huge arm. "We awaited your return, man. But certainly not with that fellow. What really stopped the great and heartless Richard from sending that thing to the bottom of the hell," Jack asked as he staggered towards them. His glass of whiskey was shaking in his hand. Richard looked at Sarah briefly before saying, "She escaped," he took a few steps forward. &
"You can at least tell me where you're taking me to," Sarah's voice was cracky. Richard shut the car door, turned on the ignition and zoomed across the lonely and deserted old building.After what seemed like a century, he lazily replied, "The brotherhood suggested that you come with me. You'll need to make use of your acting skill once again. You're job here is to convince any suspicious eyes that we're a couple. They believe it'll help divert the attention of some zealous minds who may want to report me to the authority for the bounty and make them focus on their poor lives instead,"his face remained expressionless as he pulled on the gear. "This idea was never mine but you'll need to impress me, young lady. Hence, I suppose you know the actions every decent housewife take? You can put up some," he said.
"What happened to the smile every married woman who happens to be in a shopping mall with her husband manage to put on?" Richard whispered almost inaudibly. "Don't dream too much because you're not getting that from me," Sarah barked undertone as Richard chuckled. He was so handsome when he smiled. His thin lips parted, showing a set of white teeth. He touched his temple before replying evenly, "Sure. I found out long time ago that you're not in good terms with smiles," he led her to the whiskey department. Sarah paused and looked up at Richard. He was a giant compared to Sarah. She'll need to raise her head slightly if she wanted to see his face. She frowned and said, "This dosen't look like the items any couple would buy," she was mocking him. "You're the only
"Sarah!" To his utter surprise, it was her.By now, Richard was running short of bullets and was swiftly reloading. There were only two of the robbers left and they had hidden behind the deflated vehicle. He swiftly changed his position. The DPO caught sight of Richard. He stared at him for a while before muttering to himself, "Richard!"The sketch that Sarah had made earlier of the wanted men had hurriedly come to his mind. "Bastard!" He cursed under his breath. "You rendered this country unhabitable and think you can go scot-free? Think again!" Without wasting a second, he reached for the trigger but Sarah had noticed his move on time.She ran fleetly towards the DPO and pushed his hand to a different direction as the bullet hit a sports car parked under the shade. &nbs
"Have you no nonsense to say, young lady?" Richard asked as they had driven close to 30 minutes out of the town and to the lonely path where the bungalow was built.The building seemed seemed to belong to an ancient loner who had only trees, shrubs, rivers and birds as his neighbours.Richard stole a glance at the young lady who was rapt in thought. His intent gaze seemed to have drawn Sarah back to the present as she slowly replied, "None that will interest you," "I Never knew you would be this sensible and allow minutes pass without talking or rather cursing," he mocked. Sarah stared at him sternly. " From what I remember, you never acted like you heard me nor responded," she returned with a straight face. "That's to ensure my safety, w
"Who exactly are you?" Sarah wanted to know. "Apart from a monster?" He asked without looking up. "Yes," Sarah replied evenly. "Lucifer," Richard supplied. "I know you aren't as bad as you're making me believe, Richard. You have actually proven that to me on two different occasions. You spared my life even when you caught me attempting to...to...kill your men in their slumbers," she stammered, not knowing if reminding him of that incident would stir the beast in him and cost her, her life. "Few minutes ago, I saw the emotion and empathy in you when you dashed off from the car to fight those gangsters," she carefully observed his expression to know if she should continue but she didn't see anything. Richard was as expressionless as a statue. Sarah waited