Mass estimated that a hundred or so had made it back from the fort. As rescue missions went, it was abysmal, yet it still felt like a miracle. Mass and Cullen still had most of their Vampires. Along with Smithy and Addy, there was eighteen of them. Was it enough to get him to the gate? On foot, it would take them two days at least to get there, and probably with demons to fight the entire way. It seemed impossible, but the only thing Mass could do was close the gate. He could keep Crimolok from destroying whatever worlds were left, and from destroying Heaven and all the good souls that had earned their place there.
Mass needed to get to the gate. There had to be a way.
Wanstead arrived to meet them, unable to hide his surprise when he saw Thomas alive and well. “General, your safe return is” – he seemed lost for words – “remarkable.”
“A miracle is what it is,” said Thomas. “You’ve done a fine job holding down the fort here, Colonel. How go our defences?”
“We’re shelling the city, hoping to thin the demons out, but they keep on coming. Their attacks were lighter at first, but now it’s a full-on assault. I’m not sure how much longer our ammunition can last at this rate.”
“I shall lead us to victory, Colonel, mark my words. An angel brought me back to life so that I can ensure mankind’s survival.”
“You’re shitting me,” said Smithy, rolling his eyes.
Wanstead seemed confused, but he didn’t say anything. Thomas glared at Smithy, but Mass stood in front of his friend and took on the ire for himself. “Join the club, Thomas. Same angel healed me, so what does that mean?”
“That you were needed in order to safeguard my return. Without your help, Mass, I would be a dead man, no doubt about it. I am grateful for your courage, but your mission is complete.”
Wanstead nodded. “Your mission was, indeed, to rescue Thomas and his people. I see very few of the thousand I hoped for, however.”
“You’re lucky to get this many,” said Addy.
“Enough talk,” said Thomas. “I have orders for the men.”
Wanstead glanced at Mass for a moment – it was a gesture of uncertainty – but Mass gave him a subtle nod. When Wanstead turned back to Thomas, he spoke nervously. “I’m afraid I must insist you leave the city’s defences in my hands, General Thomas. The men are following orders, and to change them now would cause disruption we cannot afford.”
Thomas’s cheeks reddened. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m afraid, for now, sir, you are not in charge. I must remain in charge of our defence.”
“Ha!” Thomas turned to one of the soldiers who had refused to abandon him back at the fort. Immediately, the man raised a handgun to Wanstead’s head. Several others did the same. The guards with Wanstead seemed uncertain of what to do, but Mass noticed something about them that would help. They were all Wickstaff’s people. They had no loyalty to Thomas.
Smart man.
Mass whipped his Benelli up and aimed it at Thomas’s chest. “Wanstead calls the shots until this is over. He and I have unfinished business after that, but no matter what happens, your time in charge is done, Thomas. You murdered Amanda Wickstaff.”
The men with Wanstead looked at each other. Several raised their weapons, pointing them at Thomas’s men.
“I did no such thing.”
“You murdered Amanda Wickstaff,” said Mass again, louder. “You murdered the woman who saved this city so that you could take it for yourself. It’s time you paid for it.”
Thomas’s men were nervous. Their eyes darted back and forth, weighing up the odds. So far it was an even split between them and Wanstead’s people, but then the Urban Vampires raised their weapons in support of Wanstead. Those wavering finally raised their weapons against Thomas too.
Mass smiled. “Looks like the vote is in. You lose.”
Thomas shook his head, eyes wide, mouth twisted in a cruel smile. “You fools. I’ve been chosen by God to save us. Any who oppose me shall burn in Hell.”
“I like him even less now he’s found God,” said Smithy.
“I agree,” said Addy. “He was less of a prick when he was dying.”
“I almost gave up,” said Thomas, “but it was a test. I did the right thing and I was healed for my sacrifices. We are wasting time here, Wanstead, so order your misguided men to stand down.”
Mass raised his Benelli so it was pointing at Thomas’s head. “You ain’t in charge no more, Thomas. If you don’t stand down, I’m going to blow your fucking head off.”
Wanstead raised his sidearm and pointed it at Thomas’s face. “I’m sorry to have to do this, sir, but I insist you do as Mr Mass says.”
“I shall do no such thing. Lower your weapons now and I promise the matter will go no further.”
No one lowered their weapons. Nobody moved. With the number of people involved, no one wanted to be the first to pull the trigger. Thomas’s men were outnumbered, but they showed no sign of stepping down.
Mass wanted to shoot Thomas in the face and be done with it, consequences be damned, but that would erase any hope of getting to the gate and destroying it. There were too many guns on him to get out of the Mexican stand-off alive. Thomas might think he was mankind’s saviour, but Mass felt like he was the one with the divine task. He had to walk away from this in one piece. He didn’t see any other choice. Thomas was too arrogant – or deluded – to give in, and meanwhile Portsmouth was being attacked.
Someone has to be in charge, even if it’s Thomas. Goddamn it, I don’t want to do this.
But what choice do I have?
The air cracked
