Anthony Wall by The Eden Mission

Author:The Eden Mission
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-02-02T15:08:11+00:00

5. Sharks

Gloria Benton closed the sliding glass door and tip-tapped to the balcony’s edge. Kicking off her high-heeled shoes, she inhaled deeply and gazed out over the prosperous city of Houston. Phew! She needed a break from the angry men in the smoke-filled apartment behind her. Art, her husband, had lost his temper.

And so had more than one of his business associates, gathered for a hastily called meeting. She didn’t understand what was going on. But if it caused Art to shout, it must be serious.

Indoors, Maximilian Kruger pointed an accusing finger at Benton. “You told me we had nothing to fear from The Eden Mission, said it was no match for the organization. Why are these do-gooders still nosing around, stirring things up, spoiling trade? It’s time they were squashed.”

A fat Brazilian cocaine-dealer named Gomez echoed the German’s sentiments:

“Yeah. Stop pussyfooting, get rid of the snoopers for keeps.”

Benton’s knuckles went white as he fought to take a grip of himself. “We’ve gotta be careful,” he warned. “Look, this is a global game, spreading as far south as Antarctica. The organization holds all the high cards. It’s playing them one by one, and it’s winning. Our people are everywhere—even in the ecologists’ camp—watching, reporting, telling us where and when to strike next. There’s no way we can lose.”

Be patient, he urged Gomez, reminding him of future assaults on the conservation movement.

Gomez remained unconvinced. Sneering, he referred to the bungled collision attempt in Miami harbour.

Benton’s control snapped. He banged the arm of his chair. “OK, the crash failed. What do you suggest—blow up the ship?”

“Sounds good to me,” Gomez retorted.

Benton smiled mirthlessly. “Great! Make heroes of the creeps … all those dead kids … bring the press and police swarming like flies. Just what the organization needs! The Eden Mission is attracting enough publicity already.”

He added in a calmer tone: “And remember, not everyone on board is Bellingham’s ally.”

Gomez dropped the argument, but Kruger took it up. Benton gritted his teeth.

When Kruger had finished, Benton replied quietly: “Please listen to reason, Max. We’ve got the money, the power, the spies, the muscle. The conservationists don’t know what’s hitting ‘em, and nobody can prove a thing against the organization. Let’s keep it that way. If we have to get really rough, we will. Believe me.”

However, Kruger still wasn’t satisfied, and a Japanese businessman made further objections.

Benton passed Kruger an ashtray. “The Director has given specific instructions. Do you want to oppose his wishes?”

A hush descended on the meeting. Benton waited. “Right, we’ll vote. Those in favour of pursuing the present policy raise your hands.”

All but Kruger responded. Benton glanced at the German. “I’m sure Max will abide by the majority decision,” he purred.

“WELCOME TO SEA WORLD.” Glimpsing the sign, Susan felt her heart skip.

Pleasure … and a thrill and chill of anticipation. How often do you come face to face with bloodthirsty sharks—even if they’re mouthing at the four-inch-thick glass that holds them back in a gigantic aquarium? Scary. A birthday treat to treasure.

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