Free Out of the Shadows (Akira and Deane Thriller Series Book 1) by Tim Jopling Page B

brothers, looked back sharply, wondering how he
knew so much about Western security protocols. ‘What makes you
think so?’
    Akira sensed
the hostility but merely stared at his ally. He made a mental note
to monitor the respect Jozef showed him as he opened the door to
get out. ‘I just know. Go to the back of the shop and wait for my
entrance.’
    Raising the hood of his sand
coloured robe, Akira immediately blended in with the busy shoppers.
As he reached the end of the street, he confidently walked into the
antique shop and approached the owner. ‘How long have you had this
shop?’ he asked bluntly.
    Saheed was a
tall man, with a thick black beard, who wore a light blue
dishdasha, a traditional Omani shirtdress. He looked up at the
visitor and gave a warm smile. ‘Many years. How can I help you?’ He
rose quickly from his seat when he saw the visitor lock the door.
‘Just what do you think you’re-’
    Akira cut him
off and spoke in the calmest of tones. ‘You are a contact and
trusted friend of MI6 agent Thomas Deane and you’ve also worked for
the C.I.A. in the past. I know Deane will be visiting you in the
next few days. I want you to tell him that you have no information
for him. Nothing.’
    Saheed had
indeed known Deane for many years, believed in his cause and had
great respect for the man. He did his best to play dumb. ‘I’m sorry
but I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about. What is MI6?
Or C.I.A.?’ He raised his arms in mock confusion. ‘I have never met
anyone called Thomas Deane.’
    Akira stood
tall with his hands crossed in front of him. His eyes never once
left the shop owner. ‘I see.’ He took several steps towards the
counter. ‘Your loyalty is admirable but misplaced.’ Tilting his
head slightly, he spoke in a questionable tone. ‘Tell me, how is
your young son?’
    Saheed thought
about reaching for the knife he kept under the counter but quickly
moved to the back of the shop to find his young son. ‘NO!’ There,
ahead of him, was a chilling sight. Two other men had broken in,
with one man holding the boy at gunpoint. Tears were running down
the child’s face. Saheed looked back at the visitor and saw just a
blank face, showing no emotion.
    Akira held the
gaze of Jozef, who was holding the child and then looked back at
the shopkeeper. His voice was filled with frustration as he
focussed on every word. ‘I grow tired of this resistance….you will
follow through with my request or you and your family will all burn
when this shop goes up in flames.’ Throughout the whole
confrontation, his warped mind was full of one voice, that of his
dead wife Madeline spurring him on, feeding him strength, fuelling
his belief.
    Saheed wondered
whether his MI6 friend was even still alive and was completely
shocked at this turn of events. For years, he had worked alongside
Deane and had provided countless pieces of crucial information over
that time but they had been so cautious; how had anyone been able
to trace Deane to him? ‘I tell you I don’t know anyone of that
name, believe me. I’m just a shop keeper who-’
    Akira raised his right hand and
spat out the words angrily. ‘Kill the boy.’
    ‘NO! WAIT!’
Saheed had reached his limit. He had spent many years helping the
cause he believed in and had put his own life on the line but he
would not sacrifice his family. He closed his eyes and spoke the
truth. ‘I do know Thomas Deane and yes he works for MI6. He hasn’t
been in touch of late but I do expect him to be.’ Saheed looked
into the eyes of the initial visitor. ‘I am begging you. Please let
my son go. I will do what you ask. Please.’
    Akira ordered
Jozef to let the boy go. He smiled faintly at the shopkeeper but
there was no warmth there. ‘I knew I could count on you Saheed. I
will leave one of my followers here to help you. When Deane
arrives, you will inform him that you have no information. You have
not heard anything nor seen anyone that could be of use to