Murray McDonald - Assassin

The unit’s screen lit up and its centre was filled by the silhouette of a man sitting in a large chair. A number of smaller silhouettes surrounded the perimeter of the screen, each silhouette representing its member.

“Good evening everybody and welcome to today’s meeting. Before we start, I would just like to welcome three new members or should I say Ohayo Gozai-Masu, Buenas Tardes and Good Evening.”

Three of the small silhouettes acknowledged this welcome, one giving a very deep and long bow.

The new members increased the Committee’s foreign membership to twelve and resulted in the Committee’s membership more than doubling over the previous year. Of course, it was not hard to guess where the new members were from, as each assassination led to a new member.

A chorus of welcomes echoed through their headphones, another feature to ensure security.

“Thank you Gentlemen… we’ve got a lot to get through this evening,” said The Chairman bringing the meeting to order. “First on the agenda is an update on our operation and for this, I will hand over to Member Four.”

A small mumble was heard amongst the members who thought The Chairman had said the wrong number — usually Member Three gave the operational updates.

Member Four was Beaumont.

“Thank you, Mr Chairman,” he said. Although heavily digitised, it was obvious to all other members that no mistake had been made and a few members shifted nervously in their seats as a younger voice took the floor.

“Gentlemen, as you are aware, this operation has been in planning and preparation for many years. I am pleased to report that with only two months left of our operational phase, we are on track. Every deliverable has been met and no obstacles are anticipated. We are, of course, at the most difficult and critical point of the operation and security is exceedingly tight around the remaining world leaders…”

“How can you say no obstacles are anticipated? The leaders are virtually living in nuclear bunkers?” interrupted another member. It was apparent that The Chairman’s young protege was not going to have an easy ride.

“I’m glad you asked as that brings us to the next phase of the operation — Incrimination and Deception.”

“What the hell does that mean?” asked the same member becoming more irritated.

“Exactly, what it says,” replied Beaumont, biting his tongue. His audience, he reminded himself, were the richest and most powerful men in the world.

“The plan is,” continued Beaumont regaining his composure, “to throw up a wall of confusion and to provide the authorities with a credible suspect who will be found guilty of the assassinations. Security will then ease and our final victims will be easier to take down.”

“So who do we propose will make a credible suspect?” asked the irritated member, laughing as he posed the question. A fall guy for these assassinations was bordering on farcical. It was widely known that not one person, country or group had anything to gain from the wide and diverse list of victims. Nor did they have the opportunity, skill, wherewithal or resources to undertake such an extensive and complex operation.

“The identity of the proposed suspect shall remain confidential at this time. In fact, not even The Chairman is aware of this detail and has agreed that in the interests of the operation, it should remain so. The first you will hear of our unwitting suspect will be when he is plastered over the front page of your newspaper, labelled the world’s most wanted assassin.”

A wave of discontent began to fill the airwaves as members began to mumble disapprovingly.

“Gentlemen, please,” boomed The Chairman. “I’m assured that the need for secrecy is vital. As you can imagine, there is only a limited number of people who have the resources to be a potential suspect and therefore it is vital that on the capture of the suspect, we’re as shocked as anyone around us at the time.”

The Chairman had given his approval to Beaumont’s plan and all mumbling ceased. “Carry on, Member Four,” he instructed Beaumont.

“The operation will begin next week and requires the involvement of one of our friendly African dictators. He, of course, is unaware of the true purpose of the operation but will give us the perfect opportunity to plant the seeds which will blossom and provide us with the perfect suspect…”

“Just because he’s apprehended doesn’t mean the leaders will come out of hiding. It may in fact drive them deeper underground and may even incite greater panic, dependent of course upon who this poor fool is,” said the irritated member, trying once more to score a point against Beaumont.

Despite the digitisation of his voice, Beaumont’s clipped tone was evident. “Yes, we understand that and that is exactly why, when everybody is certain of his guilt, he will meet with an unfortunate accident. Afterall, African prisons are very dangerous places.”

“Hmm yes, I can see that may work,” conceded the irritated member who did not enjoy being put in his place by a junior member.

“We believe it will work and just as the leaders begin to feel safe again, we’ll take them out.” Beaumont tried to adopt a more conciliatory tone. He could not afford to make enemies and The Chairman would not be impressed if he upset members on his first update.

“Excellent and timescale?” asked The Chairman in a tone which signalled an end to the discussion.

“Two weeks to frame our assassin. Two months to complete the plan.”

“Good, thank you Member Four. The next item on our agenda is financial reporting, Member Two…”

Beaumont listened as Member Two droned through the financial update which seldom changed. The Committee had more cash in hand than any other person, corporation or country in the world. The figures were now measured to the nearest billion. Almost an hour later, the meeting finally came to a close. The world had been put to rights and decisions made that would affect the majority of the world’s population.

“Gentlemen, thank you and goodnight. Member Four please stay on line.”

The silhouettes disappeared as The Chairman cut all feeds except for his and Beaumont’s. Beaumont was worried, he had snapped at the other member and expected the full wrath of The Chairman for his lack of control.

“Well done Beaumont, succinct and to the point.”

“Thank you, Mr Chairman. I was slightly concerned about the interruptions.” Beaumont figured it was better to bring it up himself.

“Yes, well, Member Seven is getting a little too big for his boots. I think I need to send him a little reminder as to who is boss.”

Relief swept through Beaumont bringing with it an added confidence.

“Anything I can do to help?”

“No, no, this has been some time coming, leave it to me, I’ll deal with it.” The Chairman’s tone was chilling and Beaumont thanked God that he was not Member Seven.

“Good luck with the rest of the operation and call me if you need anything. Particularly if that imbecile President goes off on one of his personal vendettas again.”

Beaumont realised that The Chairman was referring to the Kennedy fiasco, a year earlier.

“You knew?” Beaumont whispered, his body rigid with fear.

“Of course I knew, I’m just disappointed that you didn’t tell me yourself, you’ve had ample opportunity. Anyway, I understand why you didn’t and good job on covering the idiot’s tracks but don’t let it happen again. He is expendable and don’t forget that.”

Beaumont’s face flushed as his heart pounded at the thought of his stupidity, why had he not told The Chairman himself?

“Yes of course Mr Chairman and please accept my sincere apolo…”

“It’s fine, in your position, I would probably have done the same but as long as it doesn’t happen again.”