The Great Heist

Chapter Nine

“An hour after the World Cup Trophy went missing here at the Lusail Iconic Arena, the Qatari authorities in a desperate countermeasure to apprehend the thieves and retrieve the World Cup Trophy have ordered the total lockdown of the city of Lusail.” Liam began from a close-up. Right now, the snow had let up some, thus allowing for clearer visibility. “The order, which we have reasons to believe was issued by the Director of the Qatar State Security has come into full effect throughout the districts of Lusail as I speak.”

“The lockdown which came after police roadblocks were set up across every district of the city some fifteen minutes ago has been said to have caused a ripple effect throughout Lusail and has brought traffic and all activities within the city to a standstill.” He paused for a moment to catch his breath before he continued. “News coming in from across the city indicated the heavy presence of Police and Al Fazaa units throughout the streets of Lusail, which has brought about the closure of all highways and thoroughfares, and hence, causing great hindrance to the movement of people within and without the city.”

Now, the camera zoomed out for a wider-angle shot of Liam holding the microphone to his mouth. “Scenes reported from across most of the districts, most notably the Marina district suggested the closing down of many of its malls and shop-fronts.”

“Also reported is the city-wide case of the police traffic stop, which has since begun on all streets along with pedestrians’ stop and frisk.” Again, Liam took a brief pause before he continued in the same breath. “Same thing has been observed on all metros and tram stations across the city, as passengers were reported to have been stopped and frisked by the police before boarding a train or tram. While all outbound transits to neighboring Doha and West Bay Lagoon have been suspended in every station and substation throughout the city.”

The camera zoomed further out from Liam a little more as he continued rapidly. “It appears the effects of the lockdown doesn’t end here in Lusail alone, as the news reaching us at the moment from the capital city of Doha, has indicated similar restrictions taking root in some part of the port city as well, particularly at both international airports; The Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport that serves as the major air traffic hub for both cities, where it is said that things are beginning to heat up after the airport authorities put some security measures in place.” 

He scratched at an itchy spot on his forehead and took a firmer grip on the microphone before he progressed. “I must stress the point that there’s been no official report or statement from anyone in the Qatari government confirming the disappearance of the World Cup Trophy, or, the issuance of the lockdown as yet.” 

There was a brief stop again as Liam paused for yet another breath. “Now, that we can all stand on common ground and agree with the fact that the World Cup trophy has since left the stadium. The real question that remains as I round off my report for the hour is; could it be possible that the World Cup Trophy is still within the city limits of Lusail, or, has already left the city of Lusail?”

“It’s with this last deet of news that I’m wishing the Qatari government and her law enforcement agencies good luck in apprehending those responsible for stealing the World Cup Trophy, and I bring to a close this news update.” Liam finished, looked away from the camera, and toggled off the microphone.