Revenge (14 page)

Jason gingerly drove the car a few feet and slowly turned around and then drove back down the lane. Once on the main road, he found it hard to go the same speed as the other cars. He sat as close to the wheel as he could. He was surprised to find it was actually hard to drive.

“We are drawing attention, Jason. Go faster.” With his knuckles white with the tight grip he had on the steering wheel, he slowly increased his speed to be the same as the other cars. “Jason, you're too close to the edge. Keep over a bit,” she said, trying to move away from the side of the car. Eventually he got used to it and could relax slightly.

After seven hours driving with the occasional stop for fuel and snacks, they stopped at a truck stop, found a quiet corner, and parked for the night. They slept in the back together and woke cold and hungry early in the morning. Jason drove for another four hours until the road ran parallel to the French and Italian border. He started to enjoy the drive. His car was powerful and responsive. The tinted windows help prevent other drivers getting a good look at him and his age.

Eventually the huge, snow-covered mountains and Mont Blanc, the largest of them all, poked out of the low clouds. The village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains was a ski resort. It was early November, and although cold and covered with snow, the heavy snows had not yet fallen. Within a month, the village would come alive with skiers from around the world.

They went to the center of activity, a small café, and spoke to some of the local people. He invented a story that he and his stepsister were with their parents, who were looking to buy a lodge in the area. He said that they had gotten bored and had come to the village. They joined two elderly men who sat outside. They welcomed the young strangers, especially when Jason bought them both a fresh coffee. Joanne looked up at the surrounding mountains. The village was in a valley, and it was just starting to get its winter cloak of snow. Above, the great purple-blue mountains poked out above the clouds—their flanks gleaming with swathes of white.

“We found a lady's ring. I think I saw a Chinese lady drop it. I would love to return it. We may get a reward,” Jason explained. “The lady was Chinese with blond hair. She had white skin and red lipstick. She kinda looked like a doll.”

Pierre, a retired mechanic, took a sip from his coffee and nodded. “Yes, there was such a lady here last week at the butcher's. I'm sure it's a wig, not her hair. The Chinese do not have your color hair. The butcher says she bought a huge amount of fresh meat and paid cash. There are hundreds of Chinese here staying at the castle. I have heard it said that she owns it. I'm sure she would give you children a reward if you have found her ring.”

Jason thanked them and left with Joanne.

They walked across the street and looked up at the castle. It was half-built into the side of the mountain about four hundred feet from the ground. A small road meandered its way up to the castle. It was just large enough for a small car. They went into a ski supply store. Jason purchased rope, binoculars, a knife, and some climbing gloves.

“How much money do we have left?” Joanne asked.

“More than enough. I haven't even started on Patrick's money yet.”

“Can we get a hotel room? I would love to take a shower.” Jason looked at her and smiled. Her hair was tangled after sleeping in the car the night before, and neither of them had washed for three days. He nodded at her.

They chose the Hotel de Mar, a small three-story hotel with a steeply sloped roof. As they entered the hall, it seemed quite small on the inside and cold. A young woman was on the telephone taking a reservation. Patiently, they waited, looking around the inside.

“Can I help you?” she asked in French.

“Our father has asked us to book a room. He has to drive back to the airport. We left some of our luggage there. We'd like a room on the top floor overlooking the square if you have one please,” Jason said in French.

“You have no reservations?”

“No, but he gave me his credit card,” Jason said and passed Patrick's credit card.

“That will do nicely. I have a family room on the top floor. It can sleep six. How long are you staying?”

“I don't know. Father works and drags us all over the world with him. I am sure it will be a few days.”

They were given a key with a very large plastic key fob attached. Joanne ran to the bathroom and immediately started to run the bath. She emptied all the shampoo into the tub to make as many bubbles as she could. Jason looked out the window and studied the castle with the binoculars.

“Jason. Come in here.” Joanne's voice strained from inside the bathroom. He approached and slowly opened the door.

“Is it all right to come in?” he asked as he noticed her clothing spread across the floor.

“Yes.”

He cautiously looked through the steam-filled room to the huge bathtub. Frothy white bubbles spilled over the sides and up the back wall. Among the bubbles was Joanne, with just her head showing. He laughed when he saw her.

“Get in.” She laughed.

Jason blushed. “No. I'll wait until you finish.”

“Don't be a baby. Get in. It's big enough for both of us. I promise I won't look.”

He wiped the condensation off the mirror and looked at himself. He was dirty and tired. His whole body ached. He looked back at Joanne, and a large grin spread across his face.

“Don't you dare look!” he laughed.

In a flash, he was undressed and sitting at the other end of the tub consumed by bubbles. “How much stuff did you put in? I'll smell like flowers after this.”

“All of it,” she said, laughing as she threw a handful of soap suds at him. He threw some back. She made a bubble beard for him and called him Santa Claus.

For a few moments, they could enjoy being children, tickling each other's feet, slipping beneath the sea of bubbles, coming up laughing, and blowing the suds away. They forgot about the death they had witnessed and the trouble that lay ahead. Jason felt strangely at peace.

• • •

Jason put the room's telephone to use. He called SYUI and asked to speak to Simon Caldwell. He was in a meeting, but as soon as Jason gave his name, he was put directly through.

“Hello?”

“I…the four MI6 agents you sent to kill me—one of them was alive when I left, but the other three are dead. Don't send any more. I don't enjoy hurting our own people.”

There was a long silence.

“Jason, it's not like it seems. It's complicated,” Caldwell replied.

“When this is all over,” Jason said and then paused, his voice breaking with emotion. “When this is all over, I'm coming to get
you
.”

He stood for a moment, looking at the phone and tapping the receiver. He wanted to call his father, but he knew his dad would just order him home. But he couldn't leave until Boudica was caught.

• • •

After a few hours, they ordered room service and Jason continued to study the castle. He watched as more people arrived. If his plan was going to work, he had to wait for the right moment. Then he saw her. Her blond wig cut into a straight bob. Her expressionless face—it was Boudica.

“You bitch,” Jason said, cursing at the same time. He gritted his teeth and squinted his eyes.

“What did I do?” Joanne asked.

“Not
you
. Come and look. I think it's Boudica. It's hard to say for sure. She is too far away to get a good look.”

Joanne looked through the binoculars and said, “Where?”

“To the left of the castle. Look at the large balcony. The woman with the blond hair.”

Joanne searched with the binoculars. “I see her. Can we call SYUI now? She is playing with a dog or something. She's petting something and feeding it.”

Jason took the binoculars off her and looked. Boudica was walking up and down. The balcony covered everything from her waist down, so it was impossible to see the dog.

“I have to be sure it's her before I call. I have to get ready. It'll be dark soon. I know I said I wouldn't leave you, but you can't come with me. Stay here and I'll find out if it's her and then call SYUI.”

“Promise me you will come back, Jason.”

“I promise.”

He put the gun in his pocket, clipped the knife to his belt, and put the rope over his shoulder. Before he left, he walked over to Joanne and bent forward to kiss her good-bye. She turned and kissed him on his lips. He slowly pulled away a few inches. They gazed into each other's eyes and smiled.

“I promise,” he said. “I will be back.”

Then she was alone.

The cold night air soon brought him to his senses. He had a job to do. He had no plan of action—just a desire to finish this once and for all.

He walked across the courtyard and started walking up the single-track road, his feet crunching on some newly laid snow. He walked as close to the castle as he could without being seen. There was a sliver of a crescent moon and a sky full of stars. But away from the streetlights, he was engulfed by silence and darkness. The old castle cast a dark, gloomy shadow. It was like stepping back a thousand years in time. The once-busy town square was deserted and silent. It gave Jason a chill. His heartbeat was echoing in his ears. The regular thud was the only sound.

Just before the castle, a cold mist hung in the air. The road was dimly lit. He could see two guards standing outside. They clapped their hands together and stamped their feet, trying to keep warm. Their breaths formed billowing clouds of steam. He left the road and walked gingerly along the side of the steep bank. He paused and listened. He thought he heard something in the darkness behind him—a shuffling noise.

It didn't take him long to reach the edge of the mountain wall. An owl hooted just above his head and made him jump. He told himself to calm down, but then he heard it again. He was convinced something was following and shuffling close behind him. His heart raced, and his feet seemed frozen to the spot. He took a deep breath and stood in a fighting stance, ready to take on his pursuer. His eyes strained in the darkness, trying to see what was approaching.

The shuffling noise continued to get closer. He screamed when he felt something heavy brush against his leg. It was a marmot—a ratlike creature the size of a dog. It ran off as soon as it heard Jason scream.

“Stupid animal,” he cursed under his breath.

Jason tried to calm himself down and then smiled to himself for being so stupid.

A solitary guard stood at the side of the castle and he stopped to light a cigarette. Jason knew this was a perfect chance to strike. As he crept up on the man, he lashed out with his right leg, pivoting on his hip. With a faint groan, the guard clattered to the ground and didn't get up.

“See, smoking's bad for your health,” Jason snickered.

He slowly started climbing up the rock face. His eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, and the moonlight gave just enough light. As he made his way up the steep bank, he stopped at the brickwork of the castle. There were no handrails or footholds here. He had to lie as flat as he could and clamber up. He noticed a set of large bricks on the edge of the castle's base protruding out. With one hand, he made a lasso and threw it up to the protruding bricks. It took him four attempts to catch a brick. Once he did, he pulled it tight and slowly walked up the wall, hand over hand. It seemed to take a lot longer than he had thought. As he neared the top, he pulled himself up.

He came to the lower level of the castle. He looked up. It was a long way to go before getting to the balcony. The castle wall was built of heavy granite bricks that were rough and slightly rounded. Jason started climbing. Using his fingers and lying flat against the brickwork, he slowly climbed up. His shoes gave no grip, so he kicked them off along with his socks and carried on up barefoot. His small toes dug into the crevices for support. His small, lightweight, but strong body was perfect for climbing. An adult would not have been able to scale the building so easily.

It was a long, tiring climb. His toes started to ache and scratch on the rough surface. When he was over forty feet up, he noticed that the wall was getting damp and slippery. Relentlessly, he carried on, breathing deeply as he exhausted his body's strength. Now over halfway and one hundred feet up, his body was tired, but he could not go back down. He had to keep going.

Not
one
of
your
best
ideas, was it?

He concentrated and tried to ignore the pain in his hands and feet—all the time wishing he was back in the warm hotel room with Joanne. He had no idea how he would call for help once he confirmed seeing Boudica.

He looked up and realized he was close. It gave him new life and he pulled and pushed his body up. Once he got a grip on the top wall of the balcony, he pulled himself over onto Boudica's balcony. He stopped to catch his breath and take in his surroundings.

The balcony was long with a metal table and chairs in the center. It had a large, black, arch-shaped door that entered into the castle. He assumed it was Boudica's room. The balcony stretched around the corner. At the back was a steep drop into the darkness. He slowly walked across to the doorway and stopped as he put his bare foot on something soft. Immediately the stench hit his senses. It was animal droppings.

He made a face and wiped his foot across the floor and then made his way to the doorway. He slowly turned the iron handle and opened the door a crack. Light escaped from inside. Quickly, he opened the door and stepped in.

It was the most magnificent bedroom he had ever seen. It was better than anything he had seen at Buckingham Palace while he was visiting Princess Catherine. Boudica sat on a four-poster bed, reading. Behind the bed was a floor-to-ceiling mirror in a decorated gold frame. She looked up and then looked back down at her book as if he were insignificant. All the furniture was antique and would not have looked out of place in a museum. In the center of the room, a large chandelier with six curving arms hung, its crystal teardrops shining like diamonds, dancing light around the room.

Boudica was stunning. There was no other way for Jason to describe her. She was more like a film star than a criminal. Her blond wig was perfectly cut. She smiled and tilted her head and looked at him.

“Jason, darling, you are full of surprises. I would never in a million years have expected to see you here.” She turned the corner of the page she was reading and calmly put the book down. “There. It's a good book—I don't wish to lose my page.” Jason was squinting, trying to get his eyes accustomed to the light.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Your blood would be nice.”

“Darling, there is no need for that here. You are remarkable. You've taken out some of the best hit men we have. Now look at you. You scale the walls of my castle—truly amazing. You would be very valuable to our organization. Look around you. We have more money than you could ever have imagined. It could all be yours one day.” She lifted a silver jug and poured water into a gleaming crystal glass.

“Have some water,” she said and offered Jason the glass.

“You are sicker than I thought if you think I would join your organization.” He smiled meanly. “Besides, most of it is gone,” he said as he took the water.

“Tomorrow the Triad leaders hold a meeting. Once I have my assets back in China—with the help of the girl—all will be fine. Then we can put the money to good use. Chairman Mao will no longer rule China, and I will have my revenge…on you.” She threw back her head and laughed. Her blond hair looked more out of place on her oriental face.

“Shame you won't be around to join them. Where is George Young?” Jason was now next to her bed, standing on his toes, his fists clenched.

“Jason, darling, calm down. You and I are so much alike. We would make a great team. I have always wanted a son.” Her voice was soft and very precise.

Jason drank his water and threw the glass against the wall. “Funny that. I've always wanted a mother, but I'd rather be dead than have a mother like you. Now, where is George or do I have to beat it out of you like you did to Jim Kinver?”

Boudica's smile turned to a frown. She raised her hand and admired her long fingernails. “Then you shall have your wish and die. Have you met Luke, Jason? I'm sure he will like you. He loved your old friend, Andrew. Luke, come here, boy.” A deep growl came from a closet, and Luke, the leopard, stepped out and stared at the boy. Jason took a deep breath.

“Yes, he seems to like you too. You know he ate Andrew in just two days. You are smaller, so I doubt it will take him so long with you.”

Jason backed away but kept his eyes on Luke, who was getting closer, crouching down as he stalked him. Boudica crossed her legs and smiled as she rubbed her hands together. Luke's yellow eyes were now fixed on him, and he could almost hear the leopard's only thought:
Fresh
food
. Jason was not sure how much a leopard could eat but was pretty sure there wouldn't be a great deal left.

“Luke…kill.”

The leopard growled. It was a low-pitch rumbling noise that came deep from within its body. It was one of the most terrifying noises Jason had ever heard. Without a second's notice, Luke's yellow eyes darkened, and he pounced. Its open jaw revealed huge white fangs. Jason saw the perfect muscles rippling beneath the fur. He had to defend himself the only way he knew how.

Every karate instructor he had ever had had told him he was the fastest they had seen. His reactions were faster than any opponent he had come across. But was he faster than a leopard?

As the gaping jaws got closer, he instinctively blocked with his left forearm, which smashed against the side of Luke's face and kept the fatal fangs away from his throat. He grabbed his knife with his right hand. Luke's large claws ripped into Jason's arm. Jason's left hand grabbed at Luke's neck in an effort to avoid its mouth. They both fell then—Jason on his back. Luke's back legs started clawing and gouging at Jason's thigh. Jason screamed out in pain. He then plunged his knife into Luke's back.

Luke gave an ear-shattering roar. His front paw and claws swiped across Jason's face, just missing his eyes. Jason's soft skin was ripped open with such ease. He knew he had to act quickly before Luke literally tore him apart. Again, Jason plunged the knife into Luke a second time, this time as deep as he could. Luke leapt off Jason and circled him, growling loudly and in pain. Jason was pumped with adrenaline. He jumped to his feet—his pupils dilated. He was now in survival mode and at his most lethal.

This time, Jason attacked Luke and screamed at the top of his lungs. The knife cut into Luke's neck. The leopard was taken by surprise and tried to retreat, but Jason struck again. He swung wildly at Luke, who was now cowering away, blood running down his coat. Out of the corner of his eye, Jason noticed Boudica had slipped off the bed and was trying to get away. Jason leapt onto the bed, bounced off the other side, and kicked out at Boudica. To his surprise, she blocked his kick and counterattacked with a fist. Jason blocked with his forearm and landed on his feet.

“What have you done to Luke? You despicable boy, you have no idea what this is all about. You pathetic child, this is bigger than you and your George Young ever dreamed of. I'm about to change history.”

Jason ignored her and threw out a full roundhouse kick. She went to block the kick; however, it was just a feint. Jason quickly pulled back and then struck out a second time, catching her in the stomach. She was knocked against the wall.

“You will die for this! You will suffer a very slow and painful death. There are people in very high places who are counting on me.” She coughed, pushing away from the wall. Suddenly, she ran screaming at Jason. He caught her hands, but her momentum and body weight pushed him back. He stepped back, trying to keep his balance, until he eventually tripped over the doorstep. He fell on his back—her on top of him. Boudica head-butted his face, and Jason's nose broke. He cried out in pain as blood covered his cheeks and mouth. She sank her teeth into his neck and tore at his skin. Pain shot through his body. He had dropped his knife in the fall, but he used all his strength to push her off.

Once he forced her off, he rolled across the balcony and put a hand on his neck wound. She picked up his knife and circled him, panting like a wild animal. She smiled and licked his blood off her chin. Jason was fighting to stay conscious, and he started feeling light-headed.

Concentrate. Don't lose it now. Wake up.

“It's time for you to die, Jason Steed. Your stupid attempt to stop me has done nothing but slow things down. You really have no idea what this is all about, do you?” She said and grinned.

“Yes,” he said. “Greed. You want everyone addicted to your cereal so you can increase the price and make a fortune. Then bribe people in China to take over the government.” Jason was hurt. He was angry with himself for getting injured and annoyed he was being laughed at.

She laughed again and then attacked him. It seemed like slow motion to Jason. Her attack was predictable. She raised her knife arm and ran forward. He turned, bent his legs slightly, and caught her arm as it came down. He pulled down hard on her arm, using her own body weight against her, and performed a basic judo throw. She was launched onto the back wall, which stood waist high. Her body slumped over the edge, her legs kicking out, trying to counterbalance her weight. He grabbed her ankle and pushed it up, holding her balanced on the wall.

“Now, tell me where George Young is or you'll need to learn to fly!” he panted.

She cursed at him. “Let me go, you little horror.” More curse words followed in English and Chinese.

Enraged and high on adrenaline, he did just what she asked.

“Okay.”