Death Trappers: The Death Trap Stories, #3

By Zia Black

Armed. Dangerous. Ready To Die...Death Trappers concludes the Death Trap Trilogy with an explosive finale. Jasper Mariko will do anything to protect his family, even if it means infiltrating one of the deadliest factions of all time. Unfortunately, now he must play the hitman role. Will Jasper sacrifice others to protect his loved ones, or resist the evil around him for the greater good?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amaria & Sariel
• Release date: Jul 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781501483097

Zia Black

As the daughter of Stephen King’s biggest fan, it felt natural when Zia Black drifted to the darkness of crime and thrillers. Since childhood, her stories have shown the world’s twisted side. Against the predictable and mundane, she loves to be shocked and be shocking. People say it’s all been done before. Zia disagrees, and she’s ready to prove it. On most days, you’ll find Zia lurking in the shadows of her mind, fighting to bring the darkness out…

Book preview

Part One

There she was.

Sleek, shiny hair most women would die for. Bright eyes that always smiled. A never-ending smile, even when they felt excruciating pain. There she was. When they lost their home. When they lost their daughter. When they lost their love. There she was.

I love you, Jasper said, stroking her hair. Why did you betray me like this?

"I didn't betray you...You took the boys away from me...You took them to him."

He's a part of our lives now. You have to accept that.

She smacked his hand and shoved him away. He slammed into the wall and fell to his knees. He cupped his hands, pleading with his eyes. She sniggered and turned her back to him.

Why the children?

Why not?

The dog howled.

She slipped back into bed and snuggled against the pillow. He curled into a ball and closed his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks. He heard her muffled laughter, her joy cutting through his heart. When he peered over the bed, she had gone.

Again, he whispered. When will this stop?

Jasper got into bed and pulled the covers over his head. He closed his eyes and thought of the boys. Then he thought of sheep jumping over a fence. Then his mind drifted back to the Parisian tunnel where Mike's tiny body lay across the train tracks.

Jasper turned on the television and flipped through the channels. Channel One showed a news reporter in a desert land, soldiers trudging along in the background. Channel Two had a pretty blonde standing by a roulette board, a list of so-called winners scrolling up the screen. Channel Three had a-

The dog howled.

Shut up, Jasper hissed. Stupid dog!

There was a movie on Channel Three, so he turned up the volume before snuggling against the pillow. He chuckled when the lead male told an old joke, and then closed his eyes while the adverts played.

The dog yelped.

Jasper sprung up and looked outside. The dog had gone, her collar dangling from the tree. He stayed low and carefully moved the curtain aside, his eyes scanning the street. Besides the neighbours' dog digging a hole, there was no movement outside.

Then a black figure slunk from behind the house. It froze and then fell to the ground. Jasper grabbed the torch from his bedside table and shone it outside. His dog's yellow eyes stared ahead, her tongue hanging out. She panted heavily before her breathing slowed. She sighed and was still.

Nara?

The dog's body was pulled away. He pressed his ear against the glass and heard bones crunching. His hands clasped the gun in the bedside drawer and he got down to the floor.

It's just an intruder, he whispered. Death Trap is over. We got away. We're off their hit list. Death Trap is over.

Glass smashed next door.

Jasper rushed outside and aimed at the kitchen door. He stayed still, his eyes focused on the door handle. It turned and the door creaked open. Two small eyes peered outside and widened when the pupils focused on him.

Dad, look out!

Jasper ducked and a bullet flew over his head. He rolled into the kitchen and pulled the boys under the table. The windows smashed as bullets shot into the room. The family lay low, the boys sobbing as broken glass rained down. Jasper pulled the boys into the cupboard and handed them each a knife.

If anyone comes in here, defend yourself. Jasper looked back at the shattered phone hanging off the wall. I need to get my mobile.

Don't go, Dad, Ben said, holding his little brother's hand. Just wait here for the police.

We don't have that long. I'll distract them and come right back.

Promise?

I can't do that.

Jasper pulled the dining chair into the cupboard.

Jam this under the handle, he said. Don't move it until Inspector Black gets here.

Dad, please!

Jasper hugged his sons and crawled outside. He closed the door and waited for a moment before turning the handle. It wouldn't move.

Jasper checked the bullets in the gun and then pressed his back against the wall. On the floor was someone's shadow strolling by the window. The person stopped and reached inside, his black gloved hand fumbling over the lock. Jasper slid into a corner of the room and waited until the man had climbed inside. He watched the hooded man stop by the kitchen door, where another man suddenly appeared, smaller and shiftier than the other.

Where are they? the man in the kitchen asked.

I checked the house, but they've gone.

They're here somewhere. Did you check the cupboards and stuff? Little boys can hide anywhere.

A police siren blared in the distance.

Let's just get outta here, the small man said. I didn't sign up for this shit.

Yes, you did. The bigger man pushed the other aside and looked both ways down the corridor. You know what happens if we fail, don't you?

Then don't go back. Let's just leave the country or something. Get new names, new faces. No big deal.

No one escapes.

The Marikos did, didn't they?

Not when we're done with them.

The big man pushed his way back into the kitchen and stared at the cupboard. He pointed at it and sniggered. The men drew their weapons and edged closer to the boys. They stood on either side of the door and the big man knocked.

It's the police, he said calmly. It's all right. We got the Death Trappers.

Silence.

Is your daddy in there with you? the small man asked. Tell him to come out. We're getting you guys outta here.

My colleague is right. We have a car waiting outside. Officer Green is with us.

Where's Inspector Black? Ben asked. We're not coming out until he gets here!

The Death Trappers moved closer to Jasper, who squeezed himself against the wall and kept his head low.

What now? the small man asked.

We're going in...You first.

Why me?

Because I'm your superior, that's why. The big man grabbed his inferior by the collar and shook his hood off. Do not question me, Brother. Never question me, Brother, or I will kill you.

That doesn't sound like justice to me, the small man said, wriggling free. Just relax. I don't want to fail, that's all.

Then get in there and kill those boys.

I...I...I can't.

And why not?

They're children. Didn't you read their file? They're not even ten. One's the same age as my little sister. It could be her, you know?

"It will be her if you don't get in there and finish them off. I'll go look for their father."

But-

Those aren't some innocent kids, you know? They poisoned their mother and tried to kill their father. He found out and got all abusive on their poor mother. Made her miscarry their little girl.

The superior pointed at the kitchen table.

Picture those bastards concocting something deadly for the woman who gave them life. Her, battered and bruised, nine months pregnant, rubbing her swollen belly as the little sweetheart slept within. Then the poison kicks in. That little life is choking, kicking and crying as something sucks the life outta her. She fights it, but it wins.

Why?

Some children are twisted like that, the superior said. They get coddled by the system, but really they need something harsher. Not a cuddle, but a damn good beating. Obviously Death Trap didn't work. They've been causing menace around here too. You put that dog out of her misery, believe me. She's literally torn up inside, I mean, she was long before you came along. Now she doesn't feel a thing. No more pain.

Maybe there's hope for them?

What if there isn't? The superior stepped closer to his inferior. What if they get worse? Then they'll go looking for another victim. Another woman, perhaps, since they're easy targets. By that time your little sister will be a voluptuous, young lady with masses of appeal. A prime target for beasts like that.

The inferior cocked his rifle and turned to the cupboard.

No one will hurt my sister, he said. That's why I joined, you know? To rid the world of evil like that. The money's nice, but justice is better.

Then serve it.

The inferior tried the handle and cursed before kicking at the door. He kicked and kicked while his superior looked on.

Jasper looked down and saw the gun lying on the floor. He tried to pick it up, but it was glued down. He pried it away, but only the handle lifted up. He glanced over at the men, who were now staring at him. They grinned before turning back to the door.

Jasper ran from his hiding place and reached for the superior, but his hands slid through the man's neck. He fell to the floor and turned back as the door flew open. The boys stepped out with the knives trembling in their tiny hands.

Daddy, help us! Carl screamed. Don't let the bad men get us!

There's nothing I can do...I'm so bloody useless!

The boys dropped their knives and knelt before the men. The men raised their guns and rested them against the boys' foreheads. The boys looked over at their father and then closed their eyes.

Wait! Jasper shouted. I have money, all right? Take it and go. Get your new names, your new faces.

"That worked so well for you, didn't it? the inferior said. No thanks."

Letting you live is failure, the superior hissed. Failure is punishable by death.

Just let us go, please?

Don't you get it? The superior strolled over to Jasper. "Death Trap never fails. We're not going anywhere. Wherever you are, we'll be. You can't run. You can't hide. You can't escape. We'll always be one step ahead of you. Always."

Just take my money and go, please. I'm begging you, please! My boys are innocent!

"No one is truly innocent, the superior said, pulling back his hood. His green eyes glowed in the dark. Not even children. Not even you."

I haven't done anything that warrants death.

I disagree. You went behind your wife's back and did something horrible. The other man. Let's not go there, shall we? All those calls late at night. All those secret meetings when you should've been at work. Have you told the boys the truth about their father?

I'm going to...

"Their whole lives have been a lie. The truth could kill them...Actually, it will kill them. And it's your fault, entirely, of course."

The superior spun round and shot Ben in the head. The boy's body slumped over, his brother screaming. The inferior clamped his hand over the boy's mouth and pulled him into the cupboard.

This is inevitable, the superior said. "It's only a matter of time. Trust me. Death Trap never fails. No one survives. You won't be the first who tried."

My money-

"Listen to me, Mister Mariko. I have millions. Millions! Do you have that to offer me? Even then, shouldn't I earn my millions? I don't do handouts. I tread my own path and pave the way for others. I do not scrounge. I work hard for a living, which is why I have the very best."

"Just take me instead."

"Mariko, pay attention. I am taking all of you. Not one. All. When he dies-"

A gunshot followed by a thud.

"Now it is your turn."

Jasper lunged for the gun and the men wrestled to the floor. They rolled around, neither holding the gun long enough to fire. They managed to stand, the gun being tugged between them. The inferior fired, hitting Jasper in the leg. He fired again, hitting his superior in the chest. The green-eyed man fell and his eyes glazed over.

The inferior dropped the gun and climbed outside. Jasper grabbed the gun and chased after him. The men ran down the street, Jasper firing into the inferior's back. Then the inferior stopped and raised his hands. He slowly turned round and laughed, his eyes focused on something behind Jasper.

Jasper spun round and saw the legion of Death Trappers descending on the street. They pulled out their weaponry from under their cloaks and stormed each house. Lights turned on, people screamed, pets were butchered, bodies littered the pavement, bullet holes tore up the houses, prized goods were snatched.

Jesus...

You see? the inferior said, pulling the hood over his head. Kill one and there are thousands more.

Why? For money?

Yes. And justice. You deserve this and you know it.

I had to see him...I had to. I couldn't live a lie anymore. Jasper fell to his knees and bowed his head. The boys deserved to know the truth.

Jasper looked up and found the inferior standing over him. The man's green eyes glowed in the moonlight. The Death Trappers rushed by, heading for the houses next door. Then the buildings were alight, souls screaming as they turned to ash. Soon the town was unrecognisable as Death Trappers continued down the street, spreading far and wide.

Again and again and again, the inferior said. Don't you ever get tired of this?

The gun slipped from Jasper's grasp.

A Death Trapper dragged an old woman from next door and tossed her into the road. Two Death Trappers held her down while a third brought over a bat. He glanced back at Jasper and sniggered while the others looked on. The inferior nodded at the man and stepped behind Jasper. He grabbed Jasper's head and held it steady.

"This is your dream, remember? The man's fingers held Jasper's eyes open. It's only fair that you watch."

The woman reached out to Jasper, her pleading gaze burning his heart. He reached out but the inferior smacked his hand down. He tried to stand, but his legs were heavy. The woman closed her eyes when the third Death Trapper raised the bat overhead.

No! Jasper shouted.

The bat swung and smacked the ground. The Death Trapper tugged on it, but it was stuck to the road. The others let the woman go and calmly walked away. She pushed the Death Trapper off and grabbed the bat. She chased him away before hobbling back to her house.

Thank you, she cried.

Jasper wriggled free from the Death Trapper's grip. He looked back and the man was staring ahead, a frown on his face.

I can change things, Jasper said, can't I?

Only because it's a dream. The inferior snatched the gun. When you wake up, you'll be your usual pathetic, helpless self again. A dream changes nothing.

But reality does.

Jasper raised his head and looked the man straight in the eye. A nervous look flashed across the man's face before his smug look returned.

Are you ready to die? the inferior asked.

"Are you ready to die?"

What do you mean?

I am going to find you and kill you.

The Death Trappers gathered around the men, their green eyes staring into Jasper. They whispered amongst themselves before the inferior raised his hand.

Are you threatening me? The man laughed. You know this is just a dream, right?

I know, but I'm making it reality. Jasper stood up and stepped closer to the man. No more running away. No more hiding. You're right. That doesn't work. It never does.

Oh, the other option...I didn't think you'd do that with the boys, but at least you're taking control, I suppose. That's a positive way to look at suicide.

I'm not killing my boys...I might end up dead, but so be it.

Cut to the chase, the inferior said. Your alarm will go off any second now.

I'm killing Death Trap.

The Death Trappers laughed, but the green-eyed man was serious. He raised his hand and the others fell silent.

And how will you do that?

Wait and see.

––––––––

Jasper crept into the house and bolted the door. He ushered the boys down the hall and motioned for them to wait outside the bedroom door. He knocked and then entered, finding his parents stirring in bed. His father sprung up and aimed a rifle at him.

What the hell? the old man shouted. You mad?

Sorry, Dad, but-

Where the boys?

Ben and Carl peeked inside before their father closed the door. He kissed his mother and then helped his father out of bed. The men moved into the ensuite and closed the door. Jasper's father sat on the toilet seat, getting his breath back.

What wrong?

They're coming.

Who?

The Death Trappers.

The old man rolled his eyes.

They not come. They dead.

"There's more, Dad. I can feel it. I dreamt about it."

Too big for nightmares. Just a dream.

Jasper clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

You're still not listening to me, are you? Jasper hissed. The men who died in the tunnel weren't alone. This was a big operation, Dad. There's more out there. They're watching. They're waiting. They're coming.

His father gulped.

You sure?

No, but I'm not taking any chances. Take the boys far away from here. Somewhere the killers wouldn't expect.

Southern Japan? Your uncle-

Not Japan, not Asia. Somewhere else. Go somewhere you've never been like...like... Jasper paced up and down. Somewhere you can hide. It won't be for long. Just long enough for me to sort everything out.

And get killed, he snapped. Not leaving you. You come too. End of.

No. I have to protect my boys.

And I have to protect mine. His father struggled to his feet and placed his hand on Jasper's shoulder. You come too.

I've lost Mike. I'm not losing you all too. If we split up, it'll be harder to find us. By the time they track you down, the police will have figured everything out. Black needs time. I need time. The boys need time, time Mike never got.

His father blinked back the tears in his eyes. The men hugged briefly before pulling away.

I always want go Australia. Desert to hide. Get lost. Can't find yourself.

I'll buy the tickets, Jasper said. Pack your bags.

How long?

The maximum stay without a VISA. If you overstay your welcome, tough. They won't find you anyway.

And where you go?

I'm staying here for now. I'll get whatever I can and then go where Death Trap takes me.

Let me know.

No. No calls, no emails, no letters. They could track you down. I will return when the job is done.

What if never come back?

Jasper looked out the window at the early morning sky. He closed his eyes as the first rays broke through the glass, warming his skin. He smiled.

Then I'll be with little Mike, he replied. Him and little Kristine.

Jasper's parents packed their prized possessions in their luggage before getting Jasper's old clothes from his bedroom. Jasper stayed by the front window, watching passersby in the street.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder.

Carl?

Daddy, are you gonnna die too?

Not if I can help it. Jasper pulled Carl onto his lap. If anything does happen to me, don't worry. I'll be with Mike and Kristine. We'll watch over you together.

You can watch down here with us.

Someone knocked at the front door.

Jasper motioned to the floor and everyone got down. He crept to the front door and peered through the lace curtain over the glass. A postman tapped his foot and then checked his watch. He knocked again before heading next door.

Hey, Jasper called. Come here!

Please!

The postman thrust the package into Jasper's hands and dumped the clipboard and pen on top. He pointed at the dotted line and turned his back to Jasper. Jasper turned the package over in his hands and pressed his ear against it. He heard ticking.

Who sent this?

Your old friend Green.

I don't have any old friend called Green. Jasper held the package against the postman's ear. You hear that?

The postman's eyes widened and he ran. He sprinted off down the street, yelling, Bomb! Bomb! in Japanese.

Jasper ran in the opposite direction, dodging pedestrians on the way. He heard his father calling after him, but he kept moving faster until he reached the lake. He threw the package into