Part 5
The night was crisp and clear, and the docks had all been vacated by Andre's men. The pavement was still puddled from the earlier rain. King Rupert sat waiting in his limo, followed by two small silver cars containing royal security. Andre waited with his King, knowing it would be a long night. It was quiet, too quiet. The only sound was his watch ticking, ten fifty-one. He had spent the entire day preparing for this, and was still certain that something was going to go wrong. It was too easy, and too risky. Everything depended on his men.
Within minutes another limo arrived, followed by several motorcycles. They pulled up and still left a short distance between them. The door was opened and out stepped a rather huge man, tall and heavy. He became surrounded by his men as they walked toward the King.
Rupert , refusing to be followed by anyone other than Andre, stepped toward the man being referred to as 'Boss'. His eyes dancing about, looking for Clarisse.
"Where is she, where is my wife?"
"Well now, she will be here momentarily. You have my word. Where is your part of the bargain?"
Andre stepped forward, showing a large black briefcase. He flicked the locks and opened it, flashing before the gentlemen a huge sum of cash.
"Very well, now the cargo."
King Rupert grimaced a little, "Here, in here," he pointed to the large warehouse next to him.
"All of it?"
"Yes, all of it. You're welcome to inspect it."
"Very well. After all, I believe you know your wife's life depends on it."
With those words, Joseph walked out of the shadows, holding onto Clarisse. She was shaking, though not from the cold. She knew he was right, these men were not to mess with. They were serious, and she was afraid.
"Clarisse, are you alright."
"Yes," she simply stated, not sure whether he really cared or not. "I'm fine."
"I promised you she would be, let's get on with this exchange. I want the cash and two hours time to ship the cargo out. I want the docks kept clear during that time."
"You have my word," Rupert agreed.
With a nod from his King, Andre stepped forward and handed over the briefcase. 'Boss' began a deep rumbling laughter.
"Rupert, you fool. You are no more fit to run a country than that sea gull over there. Matter of fact, it might make a better king than you are." His laughter shook his belly again. Suddenly turning serious, he reaches inside his jacket and pulls a gun.
Andre sees his actions, and gives the word to his men. What passes the next minute goes by in the slowest of motions.
'Boss' points directly at Clarisse and fires. Andre grabs Rupert and somehow manages to push him inside his limo. Gunfire rings out throughout the pier. Rupert pushes himself up and tries to find Clarisse. He can't see her. Wait he can. She's sprawled out on the pavement with a man lying next to her. There's a stream of blood flowing from the area. Rupert is stunned.
Within aminute the whole Genovian guard has pressed inward. The gunfire has stopped. Andre looks back and his King nods, to assure him of his safety.
"Clarisse..."
Andre is already running for her. All he can hear is the thumping of his heart beating in his head.