Chapter 70

The hit squads sent out by Salter would be disappointed. Their intended victims would not be found at their normal locations. Ryan and Dan had guessed that all of their group would be at risk when the newspaper came out. They and their families were in a safe location being guarded by some of Markov's most trusted and competent soldiers.

They were being kept up to date with the fallout of the revelations by Markov and his aide. Ministers had been seen heading towards the parliament building from every quarter of District 31. Eric said that an emergency meeting would be called to discuss the photographs and the articles.

It was also reported that people were heading into the town. Some from the leadership areas and the majority from the labour zones. They were going to protest and call for the resignation of Salter and his allies. They hoped that there would not be violence as a result of their actions.

The call had come through to Markov. Nicholas Salter had ordered him and his men to get to the government building. They were being summoned to ensure the safety of Salter and the others inside. A large number of men was being transported to the OWG. Markov was not taking any chances and wanted to be well armed in case of trouble.

Phyllis made tea. Not because it was her place to do so, but because it gave her something to do. No one was celebrating yet. The paper was out and millions would have seen it. Nothing could be taken for granted. Salter was a slippery customer and there was still danger. If he had enough time there was no telling what he could achieve.

Markov would eventually have headed for the seat of government if he was not requested. He had waited because he wanted it to seem like it was Salter's idea. Being invited there was different to marching into the place without notice. Now he could go in and ensure that their newspaper was having the desired effect.

At Ryan's base they were expecting a visit. Two cars containing eight men pulled up and enquiries were made about the whereabouts of Colonel Anderson. The Ellis Immobilisers were gleefully fired and all of them fell quivering to the ground. Their weapons were swiftly confiscated and they were handcuffed.

The feeling of invincibility had spread from Salter to his henchmen. They were armed and dangerous and had not expected any resistance. When he could speak their leader protested that he had been carrying out the orders of Nicholas Salter. The man who ran the OWG.

"You do not want to do this. When Salter finds out you will be in trouble. I suggest that you let me and my men free. He's in charge of the government in case you don't know who I'm talking about."

"He was in charge of the government when he got up this morning. Not so sure he will be by the end of today. I'll take my chances thanks mate. You are not going anywhere."

The soldier on guard listened to his words, gave his response and then walked away.

Serena was clicking the same two Ellis blocks together and then apart. She was thinking back to the time when she had met Bertie. She already had her own ideas about the OWG, but this dynamic man put her thoughts into words. She wanted things to change and she had worked towards that aim ever since.

Bertie. That name meant so many things to Serena. She could picture his handsome face, but then it darkened into a sneer. That was her lasting impression. Her eyes found Dan who was smiling broadly as he chatted with Sebastien and Ryan. There was a real man. He was kind and considerate and she loved him knowing that he loved her.

Derek had purloined a couple of bottles of port from the hospital stores. Despite the early hour he had poured himself a small glass just to settle his nerves. He had seen Peter observing him and had then poured him one too. They sat sipping in the comfortable armchairs watching the younger people desperately trying to occupy their time.

News would come through at some time. Whatever the outcome their lives would never be the same again. They fervently hoped that they would not be fugitives for the rest of their lives. They hoped that they would be helping to modify the OWG following the removal of Nicholas Salter.

Inside the cabinet room Nicholas Salter was still addressing the ministers. He wasn't sure what would happen when he stopped, so he had rambled on. He could feel the perspiration on his top lip, but did not want to draw attention to it by wiping it away. The noise from the demonstration outside was seeping into the room.

They were giving him a chance to speak, but the expressions around the table were negative. Salter had sent his bodyguards out to settle some scores, but Markov was on his way. Once he had the army behind him he would be safe. He was not winning anyone around and he had to let a discussion take place. He hoped that someone would speak on his behalf.

The first of the ministers to rise from his seat was not one of his fans. Salter had been able to stare down those that opposed him before that day, but this was no longer working. He had to sit and listen to the acts shown in the photographs described in graphic detail. In several places the speech was punctuated with a reference to his crimes.

When the minister sat down the next one to talk echoed his observations. Salter sat immobile listening to the words with his glistening top lip unwiped. Alastair Barton was blustering beside him. He tutted and squirmed and vigorously shook his head. He did not say anything though. There was little that he could say in light of the photographs.

The only pauses between the litany of his shortcomings was the roar of the mob who were gathering outside. The ministers were beginning to become nervous about the possibility of an incursion into the building. Several were suggesting that they march Salter out and hand him to the people.

A civil servant came in to inform the cabinet that the army had arrived. Everyone felt a little safer and there was a shuffling in seats and a buzz of chatter. Salter sat a little straighter in his chair as he anticipated General Markov entering the room. The man who had said that he was dedicated to protecting the OWG was on his way. That oath suddenly sounded ambiguous to Nicholas Salter.

The entrance of General Markov and armed soldiers would change the dynamic in the room. If he stood behind Salter would that stop the revolution in its tracks. The ministers would have to appeal to him to implement the will of the people and remove Salter and Barton from office.

As Markov walked in Salter stood up and the sinister smile was fixed in place. The general was not moved by this display of faux confidence. He was stoic as he looked at the expectant faces around the table. He knew what was going to happen next and he enjoyed the suspense as the ministers wondered which way he was going to swing.

He marched around the table and stood beside Salter.

"I am placing you under arrest."

Alastair Barton was on his feet with his arms flailing and Markov signalled one of his men. The Ellis immobiliser was fired and Barton toppled forward onto the table before rolling off in a heap. Several ministers stood up to get a better look at his discomfort. Salter's arms were being pulled back behind him and handcuffs were being applied.

Ministers were shaking each other's hands. Some had tears in their eyes as they savoured the moment. Some were keeping quiet lest it be remembered where their sympathies had previously lain. Markov had never had so many people pat him on the back.

"May I make a suggestion." General Markov was addressing the ministers.

He advised them to go out onto the steps at the front of the building and make an announcement. They were to tell the mob that Nicholas Salter and other members of the inner cabinet had been taken into custody by the army. The general would be stood beside them to confirm the news.

Strangely no one wanted to be the spokesperson. They did not want to be seen as the one putting themselves in Nicholas Salter's place. Markov told them that they should hurry up and make a decision. The people outside were getting louder by the minute. Four ministers were hastily nominated to each give part of the address. A good democratic compromise had been reached.

A loud hailer was produced from one of the army trucks and the announcement was made. The cheering started at the front of the crowd and rippled back as the news was passed on. The ministers featured in the paper had been arrested. The threatening atmosphere evaporated and was replaced by relief and celebration. There was little chance of dispersing the people but the army would be in attendance to curb any overenthusiastic revelry.

At some point the call went through to Ryan and his face told the others everything they needed to know. Eric had his head in his hands. He had risked everything. It was only at this moment that the possible consequences of their actions truly dawned on him. He had champagne that he had brought to the house for this occasion. He must go and find it.