THE HUNT

Chapter 9

DOCS POV

I felt trapped like the walls were closing in. Sure I was a dangerous man who had escaped justice many times. But still I felt cornered. In truth,  till now I believed I  was being a good guy who helped desperate people who had been turned down or told that they weren’t good enough. I admitted them into my circle and ensured them work. I also put money into communities. Sure it was illegal money and they had to pay interest or else…

  

I once had people who were desperate enough to be molds and pass me info when it came. 

The more I thought about it, the stronger I believed that maybe it was good if I got caught this time.

But of course people wouldn't know that. 

I needed to think. I listened to some classical music which helps me to calm my mind. But the session was interrupted by my guys who rushed through the office gasping like they had just run a marathon, sweat pouring down their faces.

They all started rambling at the same time. Seriously, if it wasn't for me they would have been doomed.

“One at a time!” I yelled.

There was silence at once. Their heavy breathing could be clearly heard as each of them looked at each other. Finally, James broke the silence.

“We found Raheem’s car. But he wasn’t alone. We could have informed the boss right then, but our radios and phones stopped working all at once.”

He stopped for a second and glanced around. Almost hesitantly he began, “Harry has been shot.”

Thomas interrupted “Maybe we should stop this...and...”

Before he could finish his sentence I shot four of them excluding Tom. 

“Tom, do you like living?” I looked straight at him and he gave a slight nod. Fear and uncertainty was evident on his face  “Pass on the message I just sent. Do not fail me boy!”

“Also send in the cleanup crew first. Then double the patrols, knock down doors, break legs, I don’t care. Get me information anyhow!”

Tom was about to leave the room when I called him back, “One more thing, if you fail, I suggest do not return unless you want to lie in that pile.” I pointed at the dead bodies lying in a pool of blood. 

He gulped and replied with a meek “Yes, boss.” before leaving.

Even though I had thought about it I could not just give up. One thing was for certain: I had to stop underestimating him for if he had a squad I knew they would be elite.

My wife Janel and my two kids Steve(7) and Sara(13) walked in. I preferred that they stayed out of all this. The less they knew the better. But nothing could have prepared me for what my wife said next. 

“We aren’t stupid you know? We know what has been happening. It's' because of you that our world has turned upside down. We never wanted this life but you were too selfish to realize that. I only married you because my parents were too stupid and blind not to see who you truly are. We are leaving.”

 “Like the hell you are!” I screamed.

Sara, my oldest kid pulled out a pistol and aimed it at me, “Like mom said, we are leaving, Dad”. 

“You wouldn't shoot me.” 

“Try me.” she said determinedly.

Jane, who was my lawyer, walked in and handed me divorcd papers signed by Janel. She said, “I need you to sign these, sir.”

 I wanted to bawl them up. Sara had her pistol still aimed at me. “You wouldn't shoot daddy, would you sweetheart?”

 “She might not but we will.” I turned around to see Janel, Jane and my son had their guns out aimed at me. I signed the papers and handed them to Jane. 

“Thank you for agreeing to my terms,” Janel said, “we are now divorced and I now have sole custody. Not only that, we are going to join forces with Raheem to bring you down.”  

To add insult to injury she added  “We have been working in secret with some team to bring you down.”

Then they left. I couldn't believe this. Of  all the ways, this was the most unimaginable way for things to go down. I never thought my world and reputation would crumble down to bits in a matter of minutes. That too at the hands of my own family?

My ego, my pride and  confidence were shattered like broken glass. I felt so many emotions all at once. I was a mess. My image was the only silver lining at the moment.. 

How would I recover if I never wanted to be a fierce criminal? 

I contemplated calling  my family. But a glance on the papers strewn about the desk made me reconsider. A note that clearly read “Don’t ever contact us. You no longer exist for us.” lied there. 

But the love for my family made me finally give in to the temptation. I dialled Janel’s number and waited anxiously for her to pick up. 

“Clearly you don't understand english. I told you not to contact me. We are never coming back to you. I hope you like prison because that's where you're going or you can do the world a favour and disappear.” 

Before I could utter a word the line went dead. I felt helpless. 

How in the world would I recover now that they were gone and never going to return. Never.

I knew I had it coming but  could I really do the world a favor and disappear or be selfish and continue my reign?