Autumn: Inferno by David Moody

Author:David Moody
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction & Literature
Publisher: David Moody
Published: 2022-11-27T00:00:00+00:00

25

They were refusing to play ball. Marianne and the others had shut themselves away downstairs in the hotel meeting room. It meant no access to food or other supplies in the short term, but they figured that was a small price to pay to stay alive. A furious Piotr had sent Stan over to try and talk some sense into the group, but negotiations had gone as badly as expected. Stan was an inherently selfish and inflexible old git who couldn’t understand why none of them were prepared to go out and clear the streets again, even though he’d barely left his plush apartment in the last few weeks, other than at mealtimes.

‘Be reasonable,’ he said. ‘We’ve all got to play our part.’

‘And what exactly is your part, Stan?’ David asked. Marianne had coaxed him down from his room, but his mood was not improved. ‘See, I’m at a loss there. In all the time I’ve known you, I haven’t seen you lift a bloody finger. I can’t see the point of you being here at all. And, for the record, I am very reasonable, I just don’t have a death wish.’

‘I play my part, you know. I help in other ways. I’m an advisor. I’ve got a lot of useful experience. And let’s be honest, I’m too old for fighting.’

‘Too old or too scared?’

‘If you’re just going to throw silly insults around, I’ll leave.’

‘I wish you would.’

‘Look, all Piotr’s trying to do is keep us all safe.’

‘Really? I’m starting to think he’s trying to keep himself safe by using us as human shields. It’s alright for you and Damien and everyone else over there in your fancy apartments, but we’re right on top of the area where most of the problems are happening. When things go tits up, we won’t stand a chance.’

‘Then help , for goodness’s sake. One more push and the whole of the area behind the hotel will be secure.’

‘Christ, you’re even talking like him now. What Piotr’s planning isn’t helping. He’s only making things worse.’

‘Well, I disagree,’ Stan said, shaking his head.

‘Well, I don’t care,’ David told him. ‘I’ve been out there, mate, and I’m not going out again. What’s it going to take before you wise up? There are no half measures with Piotr. Time and time again I’ve watched his plans turn to chaos.’

‘And what would you do different? How else do you expect to get out of this stinking hotel without getting rid of all those horrible things outside?’

‘I’d rather stink of sewerage and be safe, if that’s what you’re asking. Look, Stan, it really doesn’t matter, because Piotr will do whatever he wants. He wants to take back the whole of London when we only need a few streets. Until there’s a change of tactics, I’ve made a conscious decision not to get involved. Same as you have, actually.’

Stan was about to say something but was interrupted when Sanjay burst into the room.

‘Any sign?’ Marianne asked.

He shook his head. ‘Nothing.’

‘What’s wrong?’ asked Stan.

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