Erebus: A Rick Cooper Novel

By Ethan Bishop

Rick Cooper enlisted in the military at the young age of 16, earning medals for bravery and distinction. After completing two long tours he left and joined the police force. With his military background he quickly ascended to the rank of detective, becoming known throughout the UK as one of the best and brightest in the force.
Enclosed in this book is one of the many harrowing adventures that Cooper was a part of in his storied career. After leaving the force, Cooper started working for the GDA. What starts as an easy-to-handle missing person case soon turns into a dark and twisted turn of events. It will lead him to his most dangerous adversary so far.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jun 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781528993388

Ethan Bishop

Ethan Bishop was born in Chertsey, Surrey, and was raised for the most part in West Molesey, Surrey. As a young child, Ethan would often regale his mum with his made up stories. Even in those moments when his mum wanted to be left alone! After his school years, Ethan continued onto college where he achieved his Level 3 national diploma in music. After years of storytelling and entertaining his friends and family, Ethan decided to attempt to bring his stories to a larger audience, starting with Rick Cooper and his adventures.

Book preview

About the Author

Ethan Bishop was born in Chertsey, Surrey, and was raised for the most part in West Molesey, Surrey. As a young child, Ethan would often regale his mum with his made up stories. Even in those moments when his mum wanted to be left alone! After his school years, Ethan continued onto college where he achieved his Level 3 national diploma in music.

After years of storytelling and entertaining his friends and family, Ethan decided to attempt to bring his stories to a larger audience, starting with Rick Cooper and his adventures.

Dedication

To my wonderful mum, for always supporting me in everything I do.

Copyright Information ©

Ethan Bishop 2022

The right of Ethan Bishop to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528993371 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528993388 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Chapter One

A Slice of Death

There is little work that a skilled detective cannot handle. Of course some cases are harder than others, however for a man that has honed his craft, all cases become just another day on the job. For our hero Det. Richard Cooper every day was just another day on the job.

On a rainy night in London, he was working another one of these simple cases, although this case would not turn out the way he had hoped. Standing outside a dingy pub in Hackney, he was taking his time looking at every angle of the street he was on. Making sure he had not been tailed by ne’er-do-wells or perhaps disgruntled ex-clients. Our hero was here in his trademark look, a fedora hat, a freshly pressed tailored white shirt and blue tie, black slacks, loafers and the stereotypical PI trench coat. As Cooper continued his covert examination of the street, he took from his trouser pocket to reveal his cigarettes. Cooper smoked not only because he liked it but because he could use the time to continue discreetly surveying his surroundings. Not only that, he could pretend he didn’t have his personally engraved butane lighter as a conversation starter if necessary. He pulled out his lighter, which was engraved with the words ‘who dares wins’.

As he lit his cigarette and continued to case the pub, he noticed a silhouette in the distance. Coopers piercing blue eyes shone in the moonlight as he carefully watched this possible deviant. Easy, Cooper, he mumbled under his breath. He had to be careful in this particular neighbourhood of London, Hackney was not known for high class citizens. The silhouette became clearer and Cooper had to be cautious. As the shrouded figure drew closer and closer, Cooper began to prepare for the worst. The figure started moving faster, now seeming to beeline for our hero. Cooper was unable to read this man’s intent as he was wearing, what had now become a sight to be wary of, a hoodie. As the hooded man drew closer and closer, Cooper’s heart began to beat faster and faster. Now, a bit too close for comfort, the hooded man finally revealed his intentions. Hey, man, you got a light? Cooper let out a sigh of relief. Sure, Cooper’s voice was low and gravelly, the kind of deep voice that could instil terror in his foes but, if he spoke softly, could provide encouragement also. As Cooper lit the stranger’s cigarette, the hooded man began to depart. Thanks, mate, the hooded man said as he went about his business. As Cooper lit the stranger’s cigarette, the hooded man began to depart. Thanks mate the hooded man said as he went about his business. Cooper did not respond; it was unlike him to be so unnerved by such a small situation. What’s that famous quote? I’m too old for this shit? Cooper chuckled to himself as he took one last puff of his cigarette and snuffed it out on the pavement. Time to put my game face on.

Cooper closed his eyes so that he could remember the details of the case, given to him directly from the head of his agency, Known only as…Driscoll. In her office, on the top floor of their five-story agency, Driscoll prepared to brief her top detective Rick Cooper on his newest case. As he rode up the lift, she prepared some drinks for them at her personal bar in her office. Cooper strode towards the door knowing that on the other side of it was sure to be yet more work for him. Cooper was about to knock on his boss’ door but just before his fist reached the door, he heard Driscoll’s voice. ‘Come in Cooper’, Perplexed at his boss’ apparent psychic powers, Cooper did as he was told and entered the office. The room was quite large and well decorated. The dark green carpet accented by the brown furniture. Out of the window Cooper could see the people down below. Tourists taking photos, businessmen and women quickly rushing past, not caring about anyone who was not in their way. Finally, Coopers gaze met with Driscoll’s. Despite being in her 50s, she looked good for her age. Wearing a black suit and skirt, you could still see that she was in better shape than some women half her age. Her shoulder length grey hair did not age her either, if anything Cooper thought it actually made her more attractive. Drink? said Driscoll already knowing his answer. Sure, Cooper replied. Approaching Driscoll and, after taking his glass of scotch, sat down with his boss at her desk.

I’ve got a case for you and I need it solved quickly and efficiently, such is why I chose you for it. Driscoll drank some of her scotch then handed Cooper the case file. A wealthy aristocrat’s daughter disappeared last night. She left to go to her friend’s house but never made it. The police wait at least 24 hours before looking into such a case but that isn’t fast enough for our client, that’s why she’s come to us.

Cooper glanced at the case file before throwing it back on the desk. Charlotte Davies, 18 years of age, she’s probably shacked up with some loser somewhere, she’ll turn up.

Her mother, Michelle Davies, is unconvinced and at the price she is paying us to locate her daughter she can believe whatever she wants. You will find her no matter your opinion on her current whereabouts. Cooper rolled his eyes. There must be some barely trained monkey downstairs who would be happy to do an open and shut case like this.

Driscoll scowled, she hated such insubordination. But Coopers reputation helped bring clients in the door and the happier her clients were, the happier she could be…and the bigger bonus she got.

Ms Davies is paying for our best and, whether I like it or not, that’s you.

Cooper was not happy with this. He knew he was the best and this case was not worth his time. But he wondered how he would feel if he had a daughter and what he would do to find her, such thoughts filled him with empathy.

Fine, I’ll do it. Cooper downed the remaining contents of his glass and took the case file and headed for the office door.

Cooper opened his eyes. Now back in reality, Cooper stood at the entrance of Charlotte Davies last known location, The Drunken Ox. A dingy looking place, even in this neighbourhood. Cooper had lucked out and after talking to Charlottes friends, found out that she frequented this dive, though that fact confused Cooper. What would a girl who came from money be doing in a place like this? The answer lied inside.

Cooper opened the door to the bar to find it a lot smaller than it looked on the outside. The bar was a mere ten feet from the door with just two tables in between. The carpet was a horrible brown with an appalling pattern on it. The green wallpaper walls only made the pub seem worse, spit and sawdust as the locals would say. The pub was empty apart from three customers on the corner table. The three men were indistinguishable from each other except for the one man with a scar on his face in the shape of a crescent moon.

Cooper approached the bartender, a middle aged man dressed in a plain black shirt underneath his apron.

Evening, mate, said the bartender as he greeted Cooper. What’ll you have? the bartender inquired. Cooper sat on the stool in front of the bartender. Information, I’m looking for this girl, Cooper said as he pulled out his picture of the girl in question. The bartender looked at the picture. Pretty young thing, though I’m afraid I’ve never seen her ‘round here, Cooper watched the bartender meticulously, keeping a keen eye for any tells. Really, you’ve never seen her? Cooper raised the picture higher and moved it closer to the bartenders face. Check it again. Cooper was using a sterner tone of voice now, making the bartender noticeably more nervous. I told you, I haven’t seen ‘er in ’ere. The bartender was getting anxious now. Cooper could see the bartender was lying, the sweat pouring from his forehead was a clear sign of deceit. That’s very strange, all of this young lady’s friends say she frequented this bar with some boy. This is when Cooper noticed in his peripheral vision that one of the three customers started to shift slightly closer to the door. Cooper turned around on his stool to face the three men. You gents wouldn’t happen to know anything about this girl would you? Charlotte Davies? Two of the three men faced Cooper to reply, ’No’. However, the one man closest to the door did not reply. Instead, he stood and started making his way towards the door leading to the street.Hey! Maybe you didn’t hear me. Have you seen this girl in here?! Cooper’s voice began to grow fiercer now, as the anger built inside him. He knew that this young punk was the kid who Charlotte was supposed to meet. The young man suddenly sprinted out the door and Cooper went immediately after him. The young man barrelled left out the door, sprinting down the street. Cooper chased after him, his heart pounding faster and faster as he gave chase. There were only two things the suspect could do at this point. He would either turn left at the next crossing or continue on this street to try and simply outrun him. Cooper was prepared for either eventuality but he had a hunch this kid would veer left. The young man turned his head quickly behind him to see Cooper getting closer to him. He turned left to go to the next street and started to sprint even faster now, sure that he would lose this old man on his tail. He swiftly turned his head ’round again to find that Cooper was…gone. He stopped to turn around properly and look all around the empty street…nothing. The boy started laughing and turned once again to head home when, as he turned around, a low gravelly voice said…’Boo’. The boy yelped as he fell to the floor in shock. Standing there before him was Cooper. He had gone with his gut instinct that his quarry would turn left and cut down an alley way to head off his prey. The young man started wriggling away but Cooper lifted him up by his shirt collar so that their faces were mere inches apart. Cooper pulled down the kid’s hood to reveal the scared young man underneath it. The boy had dark short hair and was now as pale as a ghost since Cooper had put such fear into him. Cooper growled at his now terrified suspect.Where…is…the…girl? The boy was now shaking in fear. I don’t know! The boy’s voice was now quivering as Cooper interrogated him. Then why did you run, you little punk?! Tell me now before I ram my fist down your throat and yank out your spine! Cooper and the boy’s face were now mere centimetres apart. Alright alright, she’s hidden in the pub back there but you’ll never get her from them! Them who? Growled Cooper. I can’t! They’ll kill me! This was puzzling to Cooper. He was so sure that this was an open and shut case, had he stumbled onto something bigger? You should be more worried about me right now. Where exactly is the girl? She’s in the basement! I swear that’s all I know! This is where Cooper came to a crossroads. Should he arrest the boy? Or go after the girl immediately? Go on get outta here, Cooper said as he released the boy. The boy scurried away, nearly falling over as he sprinted down the street. Cooper ran back to the bar; he’d decided that the girl may have a limited amount of time left and that the boy wasn’t going anywhere. Even so, he planned on giving that kid’s details to the police anyway. Cooper once again reached the door of the pub, taking a small moment to catch his breath and try to work out a strategy for dealing with the pub’s occupants. If he assumed that the two customers inside were also in on this, then that meant there were three hostiles that he knew about. It was incredibly likely that there were at least two other men guarding the girl. Cooper had to play this one carefully.

Our hero strolled back into the bar and Cooper was relieved to see that the two remaining customers had now departed but the bartender was nowhere to be seen. Cooper scanned the room but could still see no one. As he made his way towards the bar, he could hear faint voices in the distance. Cooper went behind the bar and headed towards a door leading to the basement. He looked around the hallway, listening out for any foes. Cooper reached the door to the stairs and began his descent down to the basement. The voices he had vaguely heard in the bar grew louder as he approached. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw the shadow of a guard. He quickly took cover by the wall, still creeping towards the figure stood guard. Cooper peeked his head around the corner to see the man guarding the door. Cooper leapt out from the wall and began suffocating the guard, dragging him to the stairwell as he did so. Cooper placed the now unconscious guard on the stairs and continued to the still talking voices. Cooper had to be careful not to bump into any of the beer barrels that were littered