I flew off of the slip lane like a bullet, opened up the noise and flew around two slow moving cars before hitting the fast lane and putting my foot to the floor. We undertook and dodged, but we carried on at speed, my training kicking in and taking over.

“Target ahead Chuck” my passenger Owen, said to me calmly, the talkie to his face, listening to orders and giving our location back in a constant commentary.

Two hours ago we were on standby in an abandoned factory unit in the east of London. All we knew was that a substantial amount of explosive was being transported from Dorking, north on the M25 toward an unknown location near Luton. The explosive would be in a transit van being driven by known associates of a terrorist group. The decision was decided that the best place to accomplish the grab would be on the larger road, hence the M25. The target was confirmed as it passed Staines. Owen and I were then given permission to do what it took to secure the job.

We were driving an enhanced ford Mondeo. We both wore jeans, t-shirt and jacket. Our 9mm’s secured under the jackets, MP5K sub machine guns tucked between our legs and the doors. We were well trained and ready to go.

The back of the van appeared ahead, I eased off the accelerator slightly, nodded at Owen “set” he said. I rammed my foot down “go” I shouted above the roar of the engine. I saw my chance, pulled to the left of the van to overtake it. That’s when things went to shit. As I pulled out the left front tire of the van seemed to explode in a lightening flash. The van knifed in front of me. I braked, hard but too late. The van was now in front of me, side on, I was going too fast. Our mondeo went straight into the side. Hitting the explosive within. Triggering a blast and pile up nobody could survive.

Apart from me, in a sense. Chuckie Miller. British special forces. Now the plaything of otherworldly forces.

The devil had a job for me. He wanted me to become the plaything of lady death, her muse if you will. Apparently she had wanted me dead for some time to add to her collection. I was to gather information on her operation. If I succeeded I would be granted my life back.

“Fuck death” I said.

The devil smiled

“Whatever it takes” he said.