“But the targets checked into their room OK?”
“Yes, Sir, just as I reported. I just hadn’t mentioned the pregnant woman as I thought it was irrelevant but that I guess is for you to decide.”
“No, that’s fine,” responded Zulu calmly, much to Alpha’s relief. Zulu thought it was quite natural for a doctor to help a pregnant woman. Everything would proceed as planned.
Chapter 3
Donald and Rachel Kennedy had arrived on schedule for the first night of their honeymoon. After a long and tiring journey, Donald was looking forward to the total relaxation that lay ahead, a two week break, something he hadn’t had for years. Alba Corporation, for once, was taking second place. The location of their honeymoon had been chosen carefully. There were absolutely no phone lines, computer terminals or mobile phone masts anywhere for miles. Donald was effectively cut off and had no option but to relax and enjoy quality time with his new wife, something he was still having difficulty getting used to.
It was everything they had envisaged, the forest opened up as the guesthouse came into view, the trees giving way to a large well kept lawn which itself gave way to a stunning beach with gentle waves lapping against the pristine sands. After checking in, they were shown to their room, housed in a new annex, the room had a spectacular terrace that opened directly onto the beach. Within a minute, Donald was cracking open the champagne and toasting his new wife.
“Mrs Donald Kennedy,” he announced turning to face Rachel and finding nothing but an empty room. The door to their room stood wide open and Donald could just see the back of his wife rushing across the driveway towards a battered old taxi. As he rushed after her, the full picture came into view. She wasn’t running to grab the taxi, she was running to help a young man who was struggling to help his pregnant companion from the taxi. Although relieved his wife wasn’t ‘doing a runner’, Donald had the feeling that he was going to be the only one giving up work during their honeymoon.
As he approached the car, Rachel was in full flow. Orders were being barked to the young man and the guesthouse staff as Rachel helped the young woman into the reception area, sitting her in a chair before grilling the young man who confirmed his name was Saki and informed her that his wife, Tylanni, was due to give birth in less than a week.
“OK, Donald, where are you?”
“I’m here,” replied Donald standing in the doorway behind Rachel.
“Find out what room they’re booked into and make sure it’s a cool one.”
As Donald went to check the room with the receptionist, Saki followed.
“Excuse me but who is that woman?” he whispered quietly, ensuring Rachel didn’t here him.
Donald stifled a laugh but smiled.
“She’s my wife, well I think she is. When it comes to being a doctor, she’s extremely… how can I put it… efficient. And unless you’re her patient, she’s even a little scary.”
“Hmm yes,” agreed Saki. “But she is a Doctor!” he repeated excitedly.
“Yes, a paediatrician. You know, a child doctor.”
As a more relaxed Saki turned back towards Rachel and Tylanni, Donald discovered that the coolest room in the property was theirs as it benefited from the sea breeze. It was also by far the most comfortable. With this knowledge in mind, he traipsed back to Rachel to deliver the news that was going to ensure his wedding night would be a lonely one.
“Right, Donald, Saki, a side each please,” announced Rachel on hearing Donald’s news. “Take Tylanni to our room. I’ll stay with her and you two can share the other room.”
Both wanted to protest, both wanted to be by their wives’ side but both could tell from Rachel’s tone that any protestation would be futile.
Both would later live to regret their decision.
Chapter 4
Saki woke up instantly. He checked the clock glowing on the bedside table. It was 3.53 a.m. He listened for nearly a minute and heard nothing more. As he turned over to go back to sleep, he heard the noise again. He immediately got up.
Saki moved across to Donald’s bed. He wanted to wake him up without making a sound, so he covered Donald’s mouth with his hand and whispered.
“Donald wake up, there’s somebody moving around outside.”
Donald woke up and instinctively struggled against the hand over his mouth. Saki repeated. “There’s somebody moving around outside.”
He motioned for Donald to whisper before removing his hand.
“I’m sure it’s just somebody who’s forgotten something,” said Donald. “It’s nothing, go back to sleep.”
“No,” said Saki listening out for more sounds. “There’s more than one person and they’re highly trained soldiers.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” said Donald almost too loudly. Saki motioned again for him to whisper.
“I can hear them moving, very carefully, not wanting to be heard and one at a time, as if one is covering the other. Trust me, I know these things.”
Donald stared at Saki as he tried to compute in his half asleep state, just what the hell was going on. Rachel had spent the evening nursing Tylanni while Donald had spent the evening trying to keep Saki calm. It was a very different Saki who stood before him. There was a calm quiet confidence that had not been there earlier. He was talking about trained soldiers outside and was completely unfazed. Saki also exuded a raw power that Donald had not noted earlier. With his shirt off, the slim young man had transformed into one of the most toned and defined bodies Donald had ever seen. Donald realised that this was the real Saki. The young man panicking about his wife was a man who was used to being in control and who knew that he was powerless in helping his wife when it came to childbirth.
“What do you think they want?” asked Donald as he fully wakened.
“No idea, but I must get to Tylanni,” said Saki.
Donald saw Saki disappear from the side of his bed and reappear at the door, moving so quickly and quietly it defied belief. Saki paused momentarily, cautiously opening the door just wide enough to check the coast was clear before disappearing into the night. Donald quickly followed. By the time he reached the doorway, Saki was already way ahead and almost at the women’s room. Donald couldn’t help but wonder just who Saki was. His English was perfect but he was a local, having lived most of his life on a small island to the North. All Donald knew from looking at Saki move was that he was delighted to have him on his side.
Rachel had not slept at all. She had sat up watching Tylanni and was becoming concerned at her rising temperature. There was nothing else for it, they would have to go to the hospital immediately. Just as Rachel reached her decision, the door handle turned and the door opened. Rachel was relieved, Saki and Donald could get the Land Rover while she prepared Tylanni for the journey.
Delta and Charlie slipped into the dimly lit room. They could make out the two targets, one was sitting in a chair facing away from them and the other was asleep in bed. This was going to be the easiest $100,000 they had ever made. Delta moved slowly and quietly towards the chair as Charlie moved towards the bed.
As Delta reached the back of the chair he silently raised his Blackjack, a leather wrapped lead weight with a coil-spring handle which could kill with one blow. In one smooth movement, he swung the weapon towards Rachel. He had selected a spot on the side of her head just above the ear. It offered a 90 % likelihood of an outright kill and
