RED HAZE: A Werewolf Story for the 21st Century (25 page)

Jurgen Falck interrupted, his tone belying a hint of mirth, “Wilhelm, this device and obviously the date for the festival, I take it these coincide with a visit to VKE’s Rome factory?”

Otto Von Kurst burst into laughter, “very observant Jurgen, very observant!”

“Indeed so my friend. To coincide with this pathetic, Festival…” Oratz sarcastically spat the word out, “…I will be staying at the Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi, which is literally a stone’s throw away from the Vatican. On the Friday before the festival begins I will be visiting our Rome factory and offices for a sales meeting with Mister Bertulusi and his senior staff, as cover of course.”

“Brilliant,” whispered Kempler.

“Nothing short of genius,” muttered Jochen Kreutz.

“Of course I will be making sales visits to our Munich and Zurich factories before flying to Rome. As I have already stated, the case will be with me at all times until the weekend of the festival, where it will then be placed in the hotel’s safety deposit area, until my…proposed return for another sales meeting, two weeks later! Of course, in reality, I have no intention of returning…to an irradiated wasteland!”

There was laughter around the room, Von Kurst enjoying everyone’s reactions to the plan being revealed by his close friend. “Please, continue Wilhelm,” he said, his face aglow with wicked mirth.

“The device will be primed for detonation at two p.m. on the Sunday afternoon, just as the Pontiff…God bless him,” more laughter, “…will deliver his speech and blessing to the faithful. Ten minutes before detonation, phone calls will take place from the European Muslim Freedom Fighters, not only to the main Italian newspapers, but also to various press agencies across Europe, inciting hatred once again. The detonation will then incinerate the Pontiff, thousands of innocent people…” Oratz paused again, his eyes full of venomous hatred, the others listening with bated breath, “and most importantly …the very heart of the Roman Catholic religion.”

“From what we can see in this report,” Maurice Hertschell, now sat in his office, spoke quietly to Charles Mann, Piper and Descard, “this Oratz character first met Otto Von Kurst in 1973 at Dresden University of Technology. It seems their friendship is very strong.”

“Oratz has appeared on television many times sir,” Jeanette Descard continued the discussion, “he is very well known in business circles. The man is a millionaire, but from what I can gather from his profile, and what I have seen and read of him in newspapers and magazines he seems to be a loner, apart from his friendship with Von Kurst.”

There was no reply, the Commander being in deep thought. He turned to Piper.

“Sergeant, what are your thoughts so far?”

Piper put his copy of Jean-Paul’s report on the coffee table in front of him and folded his arms. “Sir, first of all we need to see what’s going in and out of that warehouse. Yes, there’s plenty of activity down there and all seems normal, but Building Four needs to be investigated much more thoroughly.”

“I agree,” Hertschell replied. There was a knock at the door, “come!”

Nick Lucas gingerly stepped in. “Commander, Colonel, I’ve hacked in to the mainframe of the warehouse facility and checked on the security systems, I’ve also obtained a copy of the daily traffic roster for the next three days.” Hurriedly, the young Canadian walked across the room and handed out a copy to each member of staff.

“Well done Nick,” said the Colonel, “take a seat.” Nick did so, the office falling quiet as they began reading the information.

“These are your standard export/ import shipments,” said Piper, “transistors, wires, various films used for microchip production,” he turned over a page, “wiring boards, and machinery parts.” He threw the roster on the table. “There’s nothing there Commander, they’re standard comings and goings, everything I would expect from a microchip manufacturer.”

Maurice Hertschell nodded his head slowly, “yes, I agree.”

Colonel Mann continued, “Nick, what are your thoughts on the warehouse security system?”

“There are three systems in total sir, as we originally summarised during the satellite recon. The systems used for buildings one to three are pretty standard, along with the security guards and the usual surveillance cameras positioned at different locations, however…” Nick paused for dramatic effect, which irritated Charles Mann.

“Carry on Nick, if you please.”

“Well sir, the system used inside Building Four, is, well, how can I put it…a right bitch!”

“Charming,” replied Jeanette.

Nick looked embarrassed, “sorry Doctor, but it is! The location of Building Four at the rear of the facility puts it well behind the other three. Of course this means a great many of Von Kurst’s employees don’t even get a view of shipments being driven in and out of this area, which is perfect if Oratz is involved with hiding something in there.” Nick turned and looked around; making sure everyone was paying attention. “Another interesting fact is the main ‘one way’ system for heavy goods vehicles to manoeuvre around the various loading bays is cleverly designed, and doesn’t come close to Building Four. However as we have seen, there is a driveway which is currently closed off, this is between Buildings Two and Three and leads directly to the loading bay at Building Four.”

“Interesting,” whispered Piper, “so what about the actual system then Nick, what sort of problems would it cause me?” Piper’s colleagues stared at him. His question had taken them all by surprise. It was now obvious what CEATA’s new field agent was thinking.

“Infra-red sensors are laid out across all the main area inside Building Four, and there are surveillance cameras positioned all over the place and…get this,” Nick looked excited as he rolled open a large photograph. “I ran another infra-red satellite scan and a general hi-res photo scan over the main roofing of the facility,” he ran his right index finger across the dramatic photograph of the entire warehouse complex. “Look at these small bumps…on the roofing itself.” All left their chairs as Nick looked grim faced.

“Pressure pads?” asked Piper.

“That’s exactly what I thought Ash. The security system across the whole of this massive roofing area is very, very professional, in fact…it’s a nightmare.”

“But could you help me gain entry into Building Four?”

Nick fell silent, his gaze moving from Piper to Commander Hertschell, who nodded his head in acceptance of Piper’s question.

“Err, yeah, I suppose so, but believe me Ash, once inside the facility you’ll have to work closely with me, to within seconds as I shut down each individual sector…and I mean seconds!”

“Agreed,” Piper quickly stood up and faced the Commander. “Sir, I would like to request a HALO drop in the vicinity of the VKE warehouse facility. I need to see what’s going on in Building Four.”

“Agreed Sergeant, and the sooner the better.”

EPILOGUE

INFILTRATION

“In conclusion, please accept my thanks to you all.” Otto Von Kurst pulled his chair back from the round table and smiled, “dinner is served at eight thirty in the main hall. In the meantime, I have some urgent VKE business to attend to. Phase Four of Project Amen is now well under way, let us all,” he paused, “pray…for its success.”

There was muffled laughter from the senior hierarchy of the New Totenkopf, apart from Wilhelm Oratz, whose gaze was firmly fixed on Lana Franke. She had been overly quiet during the meeting he thought, I wonder if Otto had noticed?

“Here we have an overhead view of the Von Kurst Electronics warehouse facility,” Nick Lucas walked away from the photograph lit up on the blue screen behind him. In the dimmed light his glasses reflected the glare of the projection system in the CEATA Operations Room. He turned to a small control panel and pressed a button. As he did so, faint red horizontal lines glowed within the area of Building Four.

The infra-red security system!

CEATA’s senior command team, now seated in front of the screen looked on as Nick picked up a laser pointer and switched it on. He continued his report, “as far as I can ascertain, the only way for Sergeant Piper to infiltrate the facility, and of course Building Four is by scaling the perimeter wall to the rear…here!” The red dot of the laser pointer slowly circled the outline of a thick concrete wall at the rear of the warehousing complex. “From our previous satellite analysis, I estimate this wall to be approximately eight metres high, so one of our standard grapple devices can be used.”

“Agreed.” Ash Piper, his mind alert and gearing into overdrive, was happy to be going back into the field again, and this time there was a great deal at stake. Thoughtfully Piper, like his colleagues continued to listen carefully to Nick, who for the most part of this dangerous mission, would be the CEATA field agent’s secondary eyes and ears. He smiled inwardly, knowing that even with his own incredible, heightened senses, Nick’s observations and instructions would be of great use during this important covert operation.

“Now, when I say you must do exactly what I tell you within a second of my instructions, then I mean EXACTLY that Sergeant. Do I make myself quite clear on this matter, and especially when you are inside Building Four?” Nick had everyone’s attention, not least so Commander Hertschell who was very impressed with the way the young Canadian was chairing the operational meeting. “Once inside Building Four,” he continued, “I will close down each zone of the infra-red alarm system. This will then give you free movement, under my control.”

“Understood,” Piper replied, nodding his head thoughtfully.

“I can only close the zones for several seconds at a time Sergeant, otherwise they’ll start getting wise to us, therefore you must move stealthily, but quickly, exactly within the parameters I give you. Again Sergeant,” Piper looked on, “I cannot emphasize enough that I AM IN CHARGE, do you understand?”

“Of course Nick.”

“Good, because just one slip up Ash, and you’ll be screwed, and here’s one more reason why.” Another button was pressed as a further section of the warehouse facility lit up, showing an armed guard on each of the rear corners of Building Four. “These guys run a patrol down the rear of the building every twenty minutes, they meet in the centre, then return to their original posts, and as we all know, they are armed.” Nick paused as he manipulated the image, “now, let’s move to the next set of problems shall we, namely these,” the young Canadian pointed the laser at another section of the photograph. “Two sets of razor wire, which you will have to…quietly, cut through.”

“This looks tough Ash,” whispered Jeanette.

“I know,” replied Piper, the look on his face one of dire concern.

Helga Zeist lay on her bed. She was sweating. It was late afternoon as the sun shone radiantly into her room, the beautiful bedroom Otto had carefully chosen for her stay at Feldtberg Castle. Helga sighed. She still felt very sick and weak. The specially hired catering staff would be here in a few minutes she thought, I must get up, they’ll require assistance, I can’t let Otto down!

A feeling of nausea surged through Helga’s mind as she tried to leave the warmth and comfort of her bed. The room spun crazily. She vomited over the carpet. Oh Otto, she thought, what is happening to me? Unexpectedly, as Helga began to cry, her hands clutched at her stomach. She felt hungry. Very hungry!

There was a knock at the door and Otto Von Kurst entered. “Helga…” his deep, enigmatic voice fuelled concern as he leaned over her, his hand tenderly pushing away the strands of hair lying bedraggled across Helga’s sweating forehead.

“Otto,” she whimpered, “I’m frightened!”

Von Kurst smiled and gently kissed Helga’s cheek, “don’t be my love, for I am with you. Calm yourself.”

Helga stared lovingly into Von Kurst’s eyes, “how did you know?”

“I sensed your sickness whilst sat at the Round Table. Unfortunately I could not come to your assistance at the time,” his voice had become gentle, comforting, “but I am here now.” Anxiously, Von Kurst looked down at the vomit-stained carpet, “the change is upon you Helga, your body is becoming,” he gazed at her again, “…different.”

“I know Otto, I can’t stop shaking…I feel cold.” Helga managed a trace of a smile, which quickly left almost before it appeared, “Otto…I am so afraid.” Von Kurst’s ex lover’s tearful voice was no longer a whisper, but a frightened whimper, her hands shaking uncontrollably, her eyes tear stained, fearful…and slightly bloodshot!

“Yes, my love…I know.” Von Kurst could not help his feelings. He stood up and walked over to the bedroom’s large bay windows, the golden shards of sunlight drifting in, enveloping him in warm sunshine. “It is the end of a beautiful day Helga,” he turned to face the woman he once loved so passionately, as differing thoughts raced through his mind. Their love affair seemed a lifetime ago, but now the wolf was awakening inside Helga’s body, developing, growing, eventually to become at one with herself and with the others of her kind. Von Kurst turned back and gazed up at the bright sunlight, his eyes closing as he relished the warmth enveloping his body, the warmth of nature, nurturing, giving power, giving…life! He smiled, arms outstretched, as if to envelop the shards of sunlight. Power he thought, yes Helga, I can sense your mind developing, I can sense the alpha female inside you, calling, not only to yourself…but to me as well. Quickly, Von Kurst turned around and faced the tear stricken, frightened woman lying across from him. Yes he thought, Falck and Kempler will help guide you my love, and I will be by your side once again.

As if sensing power rushing through his veins, the wolf inside his body calling to him, Von Kurst yet again turned back to face the sunlight as the irises of his pupils dilated to slits, the sunlight continuing to warm his body, the magnificent radiance of heat and light bringing the wolf’s senses alive. He growled, slowly, deeply, closing his eyes again. Sunlight he thought, another deep monotone growl leaving his lips, it was so bright, but comforting and so different…to moonlight. “Stay in bed Helga,” Von Kurst continued, his voice deep, penetrating, “the grenadiers are attending to the catering staff. I have ordered them to remove all of their weapons and camo clothing for the moment. A grenadier will also clean up your sickness, now…” he walked slowly back to the bedside with Helga watching, her ex lover’s head tilting inquisitively to the right, just slightly.

Helga Zeist knew the look emanating from Otto Von Kurst’s slightly bloodshot eyes. It was as if the wolf inside Von Kurst had sighted its own kind, lying dormant in Helga’s body. “Otto, please tell me what is happening here, why are the men in the castle all armed?”

“At present Helga, that is none of your concern, all you have to do is trust me.” His answer was enough for the moment, for she was tired…and hungry. “I will bring you refreshment, what would you like?” Von Kurst knew what Helga would say; he just needed to hear her say the word, the one word, confirming the change was upon her.

“Water please Otto,” she whispered, Von Kurst’s enquiring, rugged face staring at her inquisitively.

“And…?”

“Meat…plenty of fresh, uncooked meat.”

Von Kurst smiled, left the bedroom and locked the door.

“Again, the cutting of the razor wire must coincide with my instructions. If I say FREEZE Sergeant Piper, then you damn well become like ice, you get my drift?”

“Yes.”

“Good! Once through the two sets of razor wire, whilst I continuously monitor the guards’ movements, you will sneak to the edge of the surveillance camera perimeter, again under my instructions, then…YOU STOP!”

“Understood.”

“Now, this is where things get really tricky. Okay, the next problems of course are the surveillance cameras themselves.” Once again, Nick Lucas’s full attention focused on Piper. “From what I have viewed and from what you can see, these surveillance devices are set on each corner of all four buildings in the facility. However, after close examination of the camera angles being utilised, it seems they do have a blind spot and that, Sergeant Piper, can, and will be used to your advantage.”

Piper didn’t say a word, he just sat staring at the screen in front of him, his thoughts drifting slightly.

“Sergeant Piper, hey…Ash,” Nick sounded annoyed as Piper suddenly seemed to be alert again.

“Are you alright?” Jeanette Descard’s voice took him by surprise.

“Err, yes…sorry Nick, please…carry on.”

Nick was not happy, neither was Colonel Mann.

“Sergeant, are you paying attention,” Charles Mann’s voice hinted frustration.

“Of course sir.” Nick continued his briefing as Piper’s thoughts started to reel. Why did I suddenly feel so sick he thought, why? Quickly, but with a slight sense of nausea invading his senses, he returned his full concentration to the bespectacled man talking to him.

“From here on, this will be what I call, a ‘stop-go’ scenario.” Nick was immersed in his planning thought Piper, but he had to admit, the lad had worked hard, his preparation…meticulous. “Again, I cannot stress this point enough, when I say stop, you stop instantly. When I say go, you move again, slowly and carefully, simple as that!”

Charles Mann interrupted, “the only way you are going to get in that building Sergeant, is by following Nick’s instructions to the letter. There is no room for error, no room for failure,” Colonel Mann paused, his gaze like ice, “we only have one chance Red Haze, and that chance has to work.”

Piper nodded his head once again. Yes, just the one chance, he thought…just one!

“Otto, where have you been?” Lana Franke sounded irritated.

“Why Lana, what’s the matter?”

The look in Lana’s eyes conveyed a message of quiet distrust. “There’s been serious rioting in Calais and Felixstowe, with many fatalities.”

“I see.”

“Several news channels are running the events as they happen, the immigrants are suffering and several buildings have been burnt to the ground.”

Von Kurst seemed pleased, “excellent!”

With a wicked smile, Lana beckoned him to follow her, “quickly Otto, this is worth watching. Claude and Jochen are in the Operations Centre, you’ll be pleased with what you see.”

Von Kurst hesitated, his eyes looking beyond his mistress, down the hallway he stood in, as if focusing on something else.

“Otto, what is it…what’s the matter?”

“It is Helga, she is unwell.”

Lana placed her hands on her hips, the look on her face telling of wanton jealousy. “So what! The grenadiers can take care of her. Quickly my love or we’ll miss the fun.”

“I will join you in a few minutes Lana; first I must visit the kitchens.” With his face set like stone, Von Kurst turned away from his mistress and walked steadfastly down the hallway.

At the same time, Lana Franke cursed the name of Helga Zeist. 

Charles Mann took his gaze from the enlarged photograph on the blue screen. “Nick, obviously we will be monitoring Red Haze every inch of the way by satellite, but what concerns me the most is the actual entry into Building Four. My guess is the side door of the building will be electro-magnetically locked. Just one slip-up on the codes to open the door…and that’s it!”

“Correct sir! I’ll hack into the mainframe again and obtain the codes, they’ll be given to Sergeant Piper at the correct time, i.e. just when he is outside the door.”

“Very well,” replied the Colonel as Nick continued with his briefing.

Otto Von Kurst’s right index finger gently traced its way across Lana Franke’s breasts. He leaned down and began sucking at her nipples, gently, sensuously. She began to moan as his tongue ran down her naked, ever so sensual form, licking at her velvet, supple flesh towards the moist dampness between her legs.

How she enjoyed the grip of his hands and the smell of his body, she thought. She gasped! Otto knew how to please her, every inch of her. And why not? She had pleasured him for over three hours, with the needles…and the new DVD recording. She was pleased with her course of treatment for her lover. She had strapped him outstretched to the corners of the four-poster bed, then worked on him, slowly, assertively. Gently, but firmly she had inserted the needles, one by one, probing his more sensitive areas, just as he always liked! How she had smiled, longingly, passionately…perversely. Oh, the thrill of it all, to have him at her mercy once again. And then there was the recording, the slow, excruciatingly painful castration of her patient. Otto had enjoyed watching him suffer. It was just a pity she couldn’t have tortured the man for several more days and recorded further scenes of his misery and suffering.