With a heavy sigh, Gurning drew the call to a close, “You’d better come straight back, I will have a medical team on standby. David can run some tests on the metal sheet to confirm your suspicions. We can then take it from there.”
“We should bring Burak in and discuss this with him,” Rob said, speaking for the first time through his split lips.
“Rob, the less freedom or movement Burak has the better. I don’t want him thinking that things will go back to before. We can get him on the phone.”
“Ordinarily, Steven, I would agree. However, we all know he has a soft spot for me, so if he sees me in this condition it may just help him open up a little more.”
“Steven, that’s a good point. I agree with Rob. We need Burak’s knowledge and we don’t want him withholding anything. Any emotional leverage on him should be used.”
Gurning didn’t hesitate. He easily acknowledged the wisdom of their comments and agreed to have Demir brought to Thames House that evening for a meeting.
* * *
Over a large tray of deli sandwiches and soups, Gurning, Rob, Laura, Nat, David and Demir sat around a large meeting room table in Thames House for a working dinner. Before Rob appeared Gurning was starting to regret the decision to have Demir present; he was on good form, delighted to be out of the confined space of his cell. When Rob walked in supported by Laura the change was instant and gratifying for Gurning to see.
“Rob! Oh my word, what happened?!”
Laura guided Rob to a chair, over-emphasising the play-acting to great effect, before replying. “We were following one of your leads from Logistics Arranged and ran into some strong resistance.” As she spoke, Laura gave Demir a withering look, as though he had caused Rob’s injuries. “We suspect it is terror-related!”
“What the? I mean what happened?”
“That’s why you’re here, Burak,” Gurning interjected harshly. “So, let’s discuss what we have. The potential seriousness of this matter cannot be emphasised enough.”
Having briefed everyone on the day’s events, Laura turned to David. “Have you been able to analyse the metal sheet that we brought back?”
“Yes. Quite easy really. The severe corrosion was caused by one of the chemicals we found the other day. It matches that from the leaking barrel we found. There is no doubt in my mind that Logistics Arranged is being used to transport these chemicals, potentially for a mass chemical attack!”
Burak merely looked from one person to another as the discussion proceeded, as though a startled rabbit caught in a car’s headlights. He was horrified at what he was hearing and dreading the thoughts building in his head as to who could be responsible.
“Rob, from your work, how involved do you think Logistics Arranged is with this?” Gurning asked.
“They clearly have an extensive operation to smuggle almost anything throughout Europe, possibly beyond. But as far as the chemicals are concerned, I don’t think they’re involved, that’s under the radar for them, hence them requesting our investigation.”
“In that case, how was this transport arranged?”
“That’s what they’ve been asking themselves,” Laura remarked. “I agree with Rob, they are not involved and want to know.”
“Steven, I introduced Rob and Laura to their COO who runs the illicit side of the operations for Yasuf Isler,” Demir confirmed. “I said they work for me assisting in exactly this type of situation.”
Gurning thought for a few moments before asking, “So what’s next? And do you have any idea who this could be?”
Rob shrugged. “Well, I guess we do the job we set out to do, but just be a darn sight more careful!”
“Okay. But does anyone have any idea of who this could be? Burak?”
Demir shuffled uncomfortably in his chair as Laura cleared her throat. “Steven, this has all the hallmarks of our first operation after Burak started helping us. It wouldn’t surprise me if this tracks back to Emilio Arroz and whichever terrorist organisation now controls him.”
“Burak?” Gurning asked, pressing the point.
“Steven, of course it could be, but there is no evidence one way or another.”
“Did Arroz use Logistics Arranged before he went rogue?” David asked.
“Almost certainly, yes. But in accordance with the processes.”
“Ah, there you have it!’ exclaimed Nat. Everyone looked at him expectantly. “Well, it’s a typical infiltration exercise. Get to know an organisation and some of the people: who can be bought, who can’t and then move in on those that can. Hey presto, you are then operating under the radar!”
The team spent the next two hours discussing possible approaches to the task that lay ahead, all too aware. that they were playing catch-up. Rob’s research had identified a great many collections and drop-offs across Europe and Britain, so it was likely that more shipments had already arrived in other locations. Therefore, while Rob and Laura worked within Logistics Arranged, Nat and David were to investigate the localities surrounding the identified delivery points.
At the end of the meeting, and before he was led away once more, Demir placed a gentle arm about Rob’s shoulder for a quiet chat, apologising for what had happened.
18
Emilio Arroz watched vehicle after vehicle arrive at the complex from a cracked window in a dirty and bare office in one of the unused buildings. Following the media reports in Britain a few days earlier about the discovery of explosive materials he had asked that all stocks be checked. Once his suspicions were confirmed that one of the stockpiles had been found, he had to change his strategy. Following a quick phone call to Kamal for additional funds, Arroz started buying numerous second hand, nondescript vans and small lorries from numerous countries. While he was doing that, Nikki started recruiting drivers, asking those they already bribed to take holiday. This was the first wave of vehicles to arrive and he was pleased with their appearance.
“Excellent work, Nikki. The vehicles are arriving, I just hope we bought enough. You sure the drivers can be trusted?”
“Absolutely. They already work for us. Each of those arriving at the complex has been reminded of their weaknesses and past payments, for which they are now hooked-in.” Nikki paused before adding for greater assurance, “The newer drivers will only take on driving responsibility well into the journey allowing those we absolutely control to return and collect another vehicle.”
“Good. I hope none work for Logistics Arranged?”
“Emilio, of course some do. There is no way I would have found enough drivers otherwise, but I was careful. They were the last ones I recruited so we only needed a handful and I approached only those we have the strongest hold over.”
“Okay, I suppose. I would prefer we didn’t use them, but need to trust your judgement.”
“You don’t have time not to. There are always risks doing things so quickly. I’m still amazed the extra journeys were never noticed.”
“Nikki, you know full well that’s precisely what goes on at that place! Anyway, those companies have lousy administration – that’s how they keep the costs down and their profits up.”
