The Shock of the New

Chapter 52: Unleash the Beast

Standing in the vault with armed officers surrounding them, Eleanor really didn't see a way out. Then Mike stepped forward

"Look, Mr Rutherford" he stammered "Surely we can cut some sort of a deal here?"

Rutherford scowled "Don't talk rubbish! The only deal you're gonna get is whether you die slowly or quickly"
"Now let's not be too hasty" Mike stepped up towards Rutherford causing the officers behind him to raise their guns "I mean I know we've gotten off on the wrong foot a bit, but I really think we can strike a deal that'll leave all parties involved much better off"

"Step away from Mr Rutherford!" Colin pointed his gun at Mike. Rutherford however raised an eyebrow.

"No let him speak. I could use some amusement before we kill them"

Mike swallowed nervously "Well I'm glad that even as somebody as wealthy and influential can take time out to speak to a member of the lower classes and-"
"Get on with it man!" Rutherford snapped causing Mike to jump

"Well Mr Rutherford sir, I couldn't help but notice your appreciation for the fine arts and we in the cult of Babbage have hidden an extremely rare treasure that may or may not be to your liking"
Rutherford thought for a couple of seconds "Ok, I'll admit it. I'm somewhat interested. What can you offer?"

Colin scowled at Rutherford

"Mr Rutherford, with all due respect, these people are dangerous fugitives! We shouldn't be bargaining with them"
"Oh shut up" Rutherford said back "If there's one thing I'm always on the lookout for, it's a rare work of art. We'll just find out what they have now and after we've killed them I'll go and claim it for myself"
Mike cleared his throat "Well that might be a problem..."
Immediately Rutherford glared at him "Explain yourself!"
"Well..." Mike looked around nervously "The treasure is known only to the members of the Cult of Babbage within this very room. You kill us now, you'll never know where any of it is hidden"
Rutherford laughed "Oh really? May I remind you that I have you outnumbered and outgunned. I only have to give the word and you'll all be pumped full of bullets."

"Then you won't ever find the treasure and miss out on adding an extremely rare work to your collection" Mike told him

"We'll see about that" Rutherford snarled "I can have you interrogated to the full extent of the law before you're executed. I daresay you won't last five minutes before you crack and tell me the location"
"You underestimate us" Mike smiled a sly smile "The cult of Babbage can stand up to even the worst interrogation techniques that the W.E.R. can throw at us. We'll die before we give up information"

For a few seconds nobody in the room spoke. Everything was so silent that one could have heard a pin drop. Then Rutherford spoke

"What exactly is this treasure?"

"Ah" Mike looked around nervously "It's really something quite spectacular, In fact it's quite possibly one of the most amazing works of art held by the cult of Babbage"
"But what is it?" Rutherford was getting impatient. Mike hesitated

"Out with it!" Rutherford snapped

"It's a treasure beyond your wildest imagination" Mike began strolling around the room "It can grant every single one of your wishes and make all of your wildest dreams come true, no matter how incredible"
"But what is it!" Rutherford practically burst with anger "What is the treasure!"

Mike stared at him for several seconds "I guess you really wanna know don't you? You really want to hear about the greatest treasure in the cult of Babbage's collection"

"Tell me!" Rutherford demanded

"Ok" Mike nodded "I'll tell you. It's..."
Then quick as a flash. Mike grabbed the gun of the officer who he was standing next to. As the two of them struggled, Mike yelled to the rest of the cult "Now!"