Reaper was awake. He was waiting for the AlbAir flight to land. Two of his men had been sent to the airport to follow the kids back to the Estate. He would not be happy until they were safely tied up in the Lodge House and within his control. A room had been dressed in the Lodge and a camera set up to film the children being watched by knife wielding guards. Reaper had disguised the room as he did not want the parents to know that their kids were close by.
Leo walked into the kitchen.
“Any news?” he asked.
“The flight is in a holding pattern above the airport. Can you believe it. It’s 3.00 a.m. and it has to wait to land.” Reaper was exasperated. “I’m telling you, it will take all my strength to stop myself from killing those bloody kids when they walk through that door.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” said Leo.
“Have you got the message to the schools?” asked Reaper changing the subject.
“Yes, at 10.00 a.m. our time, our guys will let the terrorists make their demands and to show they mean business, they’ll kill 50 kids at each school.”
“I thought we said 100?” asked Reaper nonchalantly.
“They’ve all agreed 50 is fine.”
“OK. Well that should cause enough confusion and news for the next month. No-one will pay the slightest bit of attention to the deal. Perfect,” said Reaper, relishing the tactics.
“He is one cold bastard, this client,” said Leo.
“I know. He’s the only guy I’ve ever met who puts a shiver down my spine,” responded Reaper.
“And that’s saying something. Are you absolutely sure he wants that many kids killed?”
“He was adamant. His exact words were that it would be excellent cover for his transaction.”
“Cold bastard.”
“Very,” said Reaper and then changing the subject asked, “Do our Team Leaders have an exit?”
“Yes. When the kids are slaughtered, they’ll be dressed as ambulance men and will stretcher one of the bodies out when the time comes. They’ll leave their teams behind to what we’re sure will be a swift response from the authorities.”
“Yeah, fifty dead bodies will bring an end to the softly, softly approach,” said Reaper watching the hostage scenes which looked like the usual media circus, all brightly lit with news cameras from around the world vying for position.
“What if we have to call them off?” asked Reaper.
“No can do. It’s a one time communications burst. The system only allows one message and that’s what makes it so secure. Once the message has gone, it effectively self destructs so nobody can tap into it. We’re told it’s the only system the NSA can’t beat,” said Leo referring to the ultra secretive American National Security Agency whom it was said could listen into any conversation or read any message in the world.
“So there’s no going back?”
No. The orders are irreversible. At 10.00 a.m., 200 kids are going to die.”
“What the hell???” Reaper screamed at Leo as he watched the TV screens.