A Number, Not a Name

Collision Course

Three months earlier:

Norvan clenched his fists as he struggled to control his growing anger. Thoughts raced through his mind. Not even one week ago the pieces of the puzzle were continuing to fall in place. Everything was going according to plan. But now in light of recent events, he couldn't help but feel that everything they had worked toward was beginning to slip away. Success is certain. That had always been his motto in life. A saying he had always stood by. But now he had been given a rude awakening. Reminded that nothing in life is assured, least of all, power. He passed through an iron gate, beyond which a BMW was parked, and walked a few more feet until he reached the car. Norvan opened the right rear passenger door and quickly climbed in.

"Where to sir?" his driver Aren asked.

"Home Aren." Norvan quietly replied.

"Of course sir."

Aren turned the key in the ignition and the BMW roared to life. He then pressed down on the gas pedal and they began making their way from the large mansion and down the wooded mountainside.

For several minutes Norvan and Aren rode in silence, Norvan completely lost in his thoughts about the events of the last few days.

Aren glanced in his boss' direction and noticed the pensive uneasy expression spread across his face as Norvan peered through the passenger window.

"Sir?" Aren asked, interrupting Norvan's thoughts.

Norvan turned his head toward Aren. "Yes, what is it?" He asked, not much in the mood for conversation.

"Forgive me for asking," he spoke somewhat hesitantly "but are you, all right? Pardon me for saying this sir but you don't look well."

"I'm fine Aren. Just a little tired is all. I haven't been able to get much sleep lately."

He glanced momentarily at his reflection in the window. His hair was disheveled and large dark circles had formed under his eyes. On the outside, it looked as though he hadn't slept for months which was probably true. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept. The stress and constant worry of the past few months had heavily weighed on him through all hours of the day and try as he might he couldn't shake them.

Aren spoke again, "Well, we have a long drive ahead of us sir. Perhaps you can get some rest on the way."

"I believe I wi—"

Norvan was suddenly cut off as a bullet shattered the rear windshield sending shards of glass flying toward him and Aren.

Norvan quickly turned his head and saw three vehicles following behind them.

"Hold on sir!" Aren flattened the accelerator to the floor, pushing them each back in their seats as the car accelerated forward.

Aren drove the car as fast as he could, mindful of the winding road, and the steep embankment on one side of them. Afraid they might drive off the road to their certain deaths. After a few moments, Norvan carefully looked behind him again and saw the line of cars still in hot pursuit. Drawing closer to the BMW with every passing second. It was clear they would soon catch up to them.

"Shoot!" Norvan muttered under his breath as he bent down and grabbed a gun from under his seat. It was something that he had always kept hidden there for situations like this. In his line of work, one could never be too prepared. For a brief moment, he stared down at the gleaming pistol and then cocked back the safety. He turned around and aimed the gun through the shattered rear windshield. Norvan could feel his heart beating rapidly and drops of sweat trickling down his face. He struggled to keep his aim steady as his hands were shaking profusely. He swallowed hard and pulled back the trigger. He fired off a rapid succession of shots which sent one car careening to the side. He assumed he'd hit the driver.