The Association, page 13
"That's good news, Jack," said Godfrey, "excellent news in fact. Now, you suggested I came here because you'd need some of your equipment to demonstrate the new development. So?" He smiled then he tipped the remains of his tea into his mouth.
Two down, one to go.
I watched Jack becoming more and more flustered. There was no demonstration to present. He'd hoped they'd all be implanted by now. "Sure," he said, "it's basically to do with the transmitter. I've had to make some minor modifications." He moved towards the bench that held the transmitter and a full cup of tea. I could almost hear his heart pounding. "Let me show you," he said. Godfrey moved across the room to where the bog standard transmitter stood. Jack picked up the cup and offered it to the bodyguard. "Your tea," he smiled.
The bodyguard shook his head.
I cursed under my breath. "Damn!"
Without thinking, I involuntarily thumped the tabletop with my fist, and in doing so I moved slightly on the stool. Its leg slipped off the joist and by reflex I grabbed the table. Its leg also slipped from its place on the joist and the GT220 slid off, crashing to the floor and bouncing on a joist.
Oh shit! I steadied the table, held my breath and locked my eyes onto the monitor screen.
All four men reacted immediately, first glancing at each other then looking up to stare at the ceiling.
The noise had been loud and they wouldn't be putting it down to a bird or rodent. They'd investigate, and I saw panic in Jack's eyes. Unable to think of anything else to do, I hit the stun button on the transmitter. Godfrey and one bodyguard swayed then their knees buckled and they slumped to the floor.
At first, the second bodyguard looked confused, but then he seemed to collect himself. He reached to the back of his trouser belt and pulled a pistol from under his jacket. Briefly, he glanced at Jack then swiped him across the face with the pistol's barrel and hurriedly left the room.
I heard him pull down the loft ladder and felt sick.
I'd blown it and I'd blown it badly. He wouldn't be making a polite enquiry. If he saw me he'd kill me, and my stomach churned as I grabbed the GT220 from the floor and pointed it at the loft hatch.
It struck me that it might be damaged. I tested the red beam and it worked, thank God. I hoped everything else would.
The hatch opened.
Slowly, the pistol appeared, clasped by two hands. Then even more slowly a head, a sitting target.
Crazy thoughts filled my mind. I couldn't just shoot him like a duck at a fairground - maybe if I challenged him he'd stop and give up - not a chance. Or I could aim to wing him. But his arm would be a small target; I might miss. Even if I didn't, the GT220 was so damn powerful it'd take his arm off and he'd bleed to death anyway, so there was no point. Then my mind cleared. He had just one purpose, to kill me, and if I hesitated, he'd succeed. I locked on the red beam and pulled the trigger. His head exploded.
I glanced at the monitor. Jack was stirring, trying to get to his feet. I moved to the hatch and descended the loft ladder, keeping my eyes off the headless corpse at its base, and made for the lab.
Jack was on his feet, stumbling slightly, a nasty bruise forming at his temple. "Ben," he said, "the syringe, let's do it."
The syringe sat ready in a drawer.
I retrieved it and looked to Jack. He was still dazed, but I didn't want to risk killing Godfrey with an inexpertly administered injection. He picked up my thought. "I'll do it," he said. He took the syringe from me, knelt down by Godfrey's side and rolled up a sleeve.
He began to insert the needle then stopped. His look was one of total shock. He hesitated then turned to me. "Ben," he said, "you'd better have a look at this."
***
I knelt to join Jack and he guided my finger. I felt the lump under Godfrey's skin and immediately understood Jack's reaction. "A mark two!"
Jack nodded. "I'd say so," he said, "but let's make sure."
He left the room, returning with a razor blade and tweezers. It was out within a few seconds and he held it up, gripped between the tweezers. "A mark two," he confirmed.
"But...," was all I could say.
Godfrey had spent several years investing and planning. This was his scheme. But now, suddenly, maybe it wasn't. Was he like all the others, just being used? If so, whose scheme was it? Who was doing the using? My brain wouldn't function. Discovering Jennie's involvement had been a shock, but this...
Kneeling by Godfrey and wondering what the hell this was all about, like me, Jack was stunned by the discovery. Then he seemed to come to life. He placed the mark three syringe to one side. "Let's bring him round," he said, "see what we can find out." I glanced at the syringe. “I don’t think there’s any need for that now, do you?” he asked.
"Right,” I said. I guess not, but what about the bodyguard?"
"I don't think it's necessary for him either," he replied. "The oral one will control him for now, and by the time it's passed through his digestive tract, controlling him probably won't be necessary. He'll do as Godfrey tells him."
"Yes, of course," I said. I made for the door, heading towards the loft to collect the transmitter.
Jack stopped me. "Not necessary," he said. He nodded towards the transmitter on the bench. "You can use this one."
I pressed the button and almost immediately Godfrey and his bodyguard stirred.
Clearly dazed and confused, the guard looked to Godfrey and Godfrey looked at us. His hand moved to his arm. "Ben, Jack," he said, "what...I don't..."
Jack showed him the mark two. "We've just taken this from your arm. Do you know what it is?"
Godfrey's head seemed to be clearing and I could see his mind race. "A mark two," he answered. "But how..." Suddenly, realisation seemed to hit him. "The Association," he said. "Oh God, what have I been doing?"
Jack and I threw questions at him, trying to find out what he remembered, what he knew. There seemed no problem with his memory and he had a perfect understanding of the last few years’ events. Distress, even despair, kept washing across his face. When it did, he repeated, "Oh God, what have I been doing?"
This was all very well, but the threat was still there. Presumably, the Association's objectives were still the same. They might not be Godfrey's objectives, but they were still somebody's. "Have you any idea who put it into you?" I asked.
He hesitated too long; I could see the lie coming. "No, no I haven't," he said.
Whoever had no longer controlled him, but he was protecting that person. So maybe his sympathies did still lie with the Association's objectives, maybe ‘Oh Gods’ and looks of remorse were playacting, a means of gaining our confidence until he could regain control.
I quickly thought through the possibilities only to conclude that I didn't know what the hell to think. "We need to get away from here," I said, "give ourselves time to think and try to sort out what's what."
Jack agreed. Godfrey considered for several seconds, I thought he was going to argue but then he nodded.
I remembered the bodyguard. "There's a body in the hall," I said.
Godfrey scanned the lab, noticing for the first time that one of his guards was missing.
"George?" he asked.
I had no idea what his name was. Godfrey nodded to the other guard. He went to the hall, returned and confirmed. Godfrey looked at me. "You?"
"Yes," I said. "He was about to kill me.”
"I understand," said Godfrey, simply. He turned to the remaining guard. "Make the arrangements after we've left, Warren," he said, "then stay with the car and keep your mobile switched on in case I need you."
As Warren nodded acceptance of Godfrey's instruction the possibility struck me. "D'you mind
if I check your arm?" I asked.
He looked to Godfrey for advice. Godfrey nodded.
There was nothing there and that confirmed Jack's view. I supposed there was no need with people like him because the necessary co-operation could be bought and maintained by a large regular paycheque.
We were ready to leave, but where to go?
At first I dismissed the hotel as a possibility because there might be dangers for Jennie and I wasn't ready to trust Godfrey yet. But Jack suggested that it would be ideal on the basis that it was local and that the room would offer privacy. I considered his suggestion, and in the end agreed. With me and Jack there, Godfrey could do her no harm, and anyway she'd be desperately wondering what had happened.
***
Jennie opened the door and her jaw dropped. "Lord Godfrey!"
I explained about his implant and that we were here to think about what to do next. We discussed the situation for over two hours and it became more and more clear that Godfrey wasn't faking his abhorrence of the Association's aims. Yes, he had huge concerns about the planet's growing population, its effect on the environment and the obvious reluctance of the world's governments to take necessary steps, though such steps were desperately needed. But mass murder on a global scale was clearly an unacceptable solution to him.
From time to time Jack would look at me, Jennie would look at Jack and I'd look at Jennie. We all had the same view - Godfrey had been manipulated by whoever implanted the mark two into him. But I couldn't accept that he didn't know who that was. He remembered everything else and he must have been in constant contact with whoever it was. Whichever way I looked at it, the conclusion was obvious. He must know who it was.
I probed and probed, but each time I did he feigned ignorance. Then Jennie turned to him and spoke gently as only a woman can. "Tom," she said, "somehow or other we must find out who's in control of the Association and its objectives. If necessary, we'll have to sit here all night. Somewhere in your memory there must at least be a clue and we have to find it. If we don't, billions of people will die in a few months time and the world will be ruled by a relatively small number of men whose only interest is in themselves. We can't let that happen, you must know that."
For two or three minutes Godfrey didn't respond, but it was clear that Jennie's words had affected him. His mind was clearly in turmoil and we sat in silence, waiting for him to speak.
At last he did. His eyes moistened and his words choked him. "You're right," he said, "we can't let that happen, a better way must be found." He paused, his face ashen. "Lucy."
"Lucy's behind this?" The thought seemed incredulous to me. She'd seemed too much under his control, hanging on to his every word, so obviously in love with him.
Godfrey spoke quietly, constantly fighting to keep his composure. "The seed was mine," he said, "and I must accept responsibility for that." He paused. "For years I'd felt strongly about the issue, and over time it became an obsession. When I became ill and we put everything into the research facility, we were both amazed by the incredible things that resulted. Gradually, she put these things together and suggested her solution."
He stopped, failing to control his distress. But at last he did. He turned to Jennie. "She did it for me, Jennie. You must understand that. She knew how I felt, she saw a solution, and to her, solving the problem that played on my mind was worth any price. She didn't see the evil in her plan, only the benefits." He turned to me. "She's not an evil person, Ben, she's not, please accept that. She believes that what she's doing is right. My obsession became her obsession. I tried so hard to convince her that it wasn't the right way, but by then she'd become so obsessed herself that, to her, killing my strong objections with the mark two seemed an acceptable price to pay. I'm sure she believed I'd see that when it was all over and done."
Despite everything that had happened, I found myself feeling his pain. But that didn't alter the fact of what must be done. "We've got to stop her, Tom," I said. "You do understand that, don't you?"
He sighed. "I know who she controls and who she doesn't, I know who to approach, the right authorities." He paused. "But I can't do it to her, Ben. They'd say she was evil, she'd be locked away. I couldn't allow that to happen."
I began to understand his thinking. "Maybe we could still convince her that she's wrong," I suggested. From what he'd already said, I had grave doubts, but somehow I needed to offer him hope.
His smile was wry, and so sad. "No," he said. "The obsession is too great." It was clear that in his heart he knew what must be done, and it was equally clear that the knowing was crucifying him.
Jennie touched his hand then moved close and put her arm around him. It struck me that only a few hours ago all three of us would have willingly killed him. But now, all we wanted was to help him. "Tom," she said, softly, "let's do whatever we must do as kindly as possible."
He sat in silence for several seconds then he nodded acceptance and glanced at his watch. "It's late," he said. "Perhaps Jack and I should book into the hotel for tonight. Let's go and see Lucy tomorrow morning."
He needed a little time. Jack quietly suggested they share a room and Godfrey agreed, clearly understanding and accepting the reason for the suggestion. Jennie looked to me and I nodded. "Yes," said Jennie, "let's do that."
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
22nd August 2024
We met in the hotel dining room at just after eight-thirty. Breakfast was a buffet with every imaginable choice, but while other guests selected from the table and ate with enthusiasm, we sat sipping tea or coffee. None of us were interested in food.
Godfrey appeared to be remarkably composed and relaxed. Immaculately turned out, it seemed almost as though he was living the first day of a long planned holiday. He instigated what conversation existed and it was light and contained humour, as though yesterday hadn't happened, as though he wasn't about to face what would be a terrible ordeal for him.
As nine o’clock approached, I raised a thought that had been on my mind since waking. "Tom," I said, "by now Lucy will be aware that your mark two has been removed."
"Yes, you're right, she will," he confirmed without apparent concern.
"That doesn't worry you?"
"No," he said, simply.
"Might there not be danger in the knowing?" I persisted.
He wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin and smiled. "Are you concerned that she might want to harm me?" he asked.
"Well..."
"Don't worry, Ben. Lucy and I have been together for almost fifty years and we've never wanted it any other way." He looked me squarely in the eye. "She'd never hurt me." He paused, the smile back firmly in place. "Perhaps you're concerned that she might have plans for you?" I began to respond but he cut me off. "Again, don't worry, Ben," he said. "You have my word that none of you are in danger." I nodded to accept his word and to confirm that the issue was dealt with. Whether I was right to do so, I wasn’t sure.
Jack spoke. His expression was sympathetic, his words gentle but probing. "Have you considered how you're going to approach Lucy?" he asked.
"In the same way that I've always approached her," Godfrey replied. "With respect, with understanding and in the knowledge that we've always been able to discuss our differences sensibly," he smiled, "usually resulting in amicable compromise."
Like Jack, Jennie spoke gently. "But you know there can be no compromise, Tom," she said.
He smiled again. "In respect of her objectives, no, you're right, there can't, and I accept that. But at the same time you must understand that I cannot hurt her. I must think of a way to protect her." He paused, and for the first time since last night I saw moisture in his eyes. "It has been my life's work to protect Lucy," he said, "and please be aware...that isn't going to change.”
"Tom," I said, "I don't understand. Lucy can't be allowed to continue with her plans and..."
He seemed a little annoyed by the line of questioning. "We are agreed on that," he interrupted. "It's simply a matter of methodology. Why don't we play it by ear?"
I suppose that his dismissive tone annoyed me. Perhaps that was why I felt I should be demanding explanations of what he planned. Since last night, I’d seen him in a new light, a victim just like all the others, just like Jennie and Jack. But Lucy's aims were of such frightening magnitude that dealing with them shouldn't be left to one man, especially a man who loved her. Jennie seemed to read my mind, and under cover of the table she touched my leg with her foot. I looked into her eyes and they said, "Let's trust him."
Perhaps she was right. As long as we were there to see what happened, to intervene if necessary, perhaps we should give him his chance. I changed the subject. "Do you keep your records at the house, Tom?" I asked.
He smiled an understanding smile. "You'll need them, of course," he said. "Yes, I have everything at the house." He glanced at his watch. "May I suggest that we finish our drinks? It's time we made a move."
As we left the hotel it occurred to me that the GT220 was still on the floor of Jack's loft, and I wondered whether I should detour to collect it. I looked at Godfrey, still serene, calm and relaxed, and decided perhaps foolishly that it wouldn't be necessary.
***
Lucy stood by the fireplace in the dining room, as beautiful as ever, and Warren stood beside her, his expression indicating that his role was that of protector. Clearly, Godfrey's conviction that he was loyal to him was overstated and he seemed surprised that Warren was there at all. But he made no comment.
"Ben, Mr. Fancourt, Miss Swift, how nice to see you all." Her open smile was convincing until you looked into her eyes. It wasn't quite fear, but it was certainly concern. She was unsure what was happening and that clearly worried her. Warren unbuttoned his jacket as she left his side to approach us.
She embraced me, kissed my cheek then admonished me. "You've been naughty, Ben," she smiled. "It's been months since you paid us a visit. I thought we were friends."
Godfrey watched in silence as she flirted with then hugged Fancourt and spoke words that killed any illusion I might have. I wasn't a special case. Then she held Jennie at arm's length and looked her up and down, enthusing about her beauty. "I just can't understand why some young, wealthy stud hasn't snapped you up," she smiled. "What's the matter with them these days?"
