He pointed to a piece of high ground overlooking the village. “Here’s a perfect vantage point to launch something like a drone or radio-controlled helicopter or plane.”
“Wait, where are we going with this?”
“We have nine individual sightings of something in the air around the village during that back end of November and throughout December. But we have no reports after the explosion. Some have been reports of isolated incidents. And some comments were gleaned from remarks in the statements of the door-to-door enquiries. Most people thought that some kid had had a drone for his birthday or something. The thing is that there has never been anything reported before or since. If it were a kid, surely they’d still be flying it about today, wouldn’t they? You see, it’s not always what’s there. It’s also what’s not there that counts. Some of the elderly say that they’ve seen a UFO, while the younger generation tends to describe it as a drone of some sort.”
“I see, so you think that someone has been conducting some surveillance?”
“Maybe more than that.”
“What do you mean exactly?”
“Now, this is only my theory, but I think that something like this could have delivered the payload.”
“Really? You think that a drone could have delivered the explosives? Isn’t that a bit far-fetched?”
“I don’t think so. Look, the home had CCTV in the front and rear, and in the main entrance porch. And nobody has shown up on the footage that can’t be accounted for. Think about it. How could the explosives get to be near the gas boiler area, here, to make it look like an accident?”
Bernie pointed to the architectural plan of the home. The primary gas boiler area was indicated as being on the east side of the building, the exterior of which ran along a pathway wide enough for a man and wheelbarrow. The other ran from front to rear. Judging by the marked camera angles, any access would have been covered. Besides the plan were some photographs of the property before the explosion. Jago looked at the partition of the neighbouring property on the east side. It was a six-foot fence with trees and high shrubs on the neighbour’s side.
“And here was the fence intact, before the blast. Could someone have entered from here?”
“No, Boss. The vegetation is far too dense and besides, it’s been checked, and there are no signs of entry.”
“So, you hypothesise that they may have used a drone to deliver the half a kilo of explosives?”
“Yep, they could fly over the field of view from the cameras undetected, hover, lower, drop off the bomb, and up and away. Companies like Amazon have been playing with this technology to deliver their products. So, it’s completely feasible. With some drones, they could even nudge it into position once on the ground. I’ve done quite a bit of research, and some drones are quite quiet. It may also be reasonable to assume that the drone may have been fitted with video and sound recording for a live time feed. If that was the case, the controller could have been miles away.”
“What’s the range and the load limit of these things?”
“I’ve actually seen one that can carry a payload of six kilos with a range of five kilometres. The controller wouldn’t have to be in sight. They could be parked up somewhere. However, I do think that they would have been closer at some point to make a visual on the target. And that would marry up with two of the statements. Now, where are they?” asked Bernie, trying to find the statements within the mountain of paperwork and files on his desk.
“Don’t worry, just tell me.”
“The two statements both mention that they saw the silhouette of a man on the outcrop behind the village. It was an early afternoon with the sun at his back, hence the silhouette. There was no real description other than that.”
“And the time?”
“One on the 14th about 1500 hours, and the other on the 17th about the same time.”
Jago thought for a few moments.
“Bernie, get hold of Traffic Master and Highways to see what cameras were in position within a five-mile radius. No, make that ten-mile radius of the village. I want a record of all vehicles in and out on that day, especially if it places someone there between 1300 and 1700 hours.”
Feeling chuffed with himself, Bernie replied, “I’ll get onto it right away.”
“Good work, Bernie. Oh, one question … would the blast be consistent with your theory according to the experts?”
Bernie smiled, “Of course, Boss. Why do you ask?”
“No reason, I’m just thinking aloud. Abi, that software, what do you call it? Hot Brain?”
“Yeah, that’s right, Boss. What about it?”
“How much did it cost us?”
Abi laughed. “Do you really want to know, Boss?”
Jago thought about the question.
“I suppose not. Sounds like it’s better that I don’t know. Never mind. Just work it to death to get what we want.”
“Will do, Boss.”
***
The still light of evening was drawing in, and Jago was aware that the attackers could strike within days. He still didn’t have a clue as to where that would be, or why. It played on his mind. He’d mentally rehearsed a thousand scenarios based upon the limited information he had and all his years of experience.
“Abi, what news have we had from the profilers?”
“Sue has a copy of the profile that she’s working with. She’s going over the statements with Bernie. Do you want to see my copy?”
“Thanks, Abi.”
Jago retired to a small, low-lit desk area in the corner of the room to read undisturbed.
CLASSIFIED
This profile has been compiled at short notice and is based upon a theory that the pieces of evidence from the incidents presented are linked in some as yet unknown manner. Should new evidence come to light, this profile may be liable to change.
Preliminary Offender Profile
Organised - planner, observant, multi-skilled, i.e. use of technology, transmitter, detonators, explosives, evasion, field craft, blending capability.
Education level - intelligent although no evidence of academic training or reasoning at this stage.
Intelligence - sophisticated in approach, may be employed and in an active personal relationship.
Of the recognised types of intelligence, the subject demonstrates:
Naturalist Intelligence
The ability to be sensitive to features of the natural world (clouds, rock formations). This ability was valued in our evolutionary past as hunter-gatherers. In this sense, the subject may be utilising this sensitivity, and/or their skills and expertise, to achieve their aims. More data would be required to compile a complete profile.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. In the case of our subject, they are using related abilities. They must be calculating time, distance, effect, probability and risk. They must by nature be hypothesising, rehearsing, and reaching calculated conclusions. They are clearly demonstrating symbolic thought in that every act is a symbol. We may not yet understand the meaning, but they do, and so may someone else. It has to mean something to someone. Every act has displayed sequential reasoning skills, and inductive and deductive thinking patterns.
Our subject is a strategic thinker and planner, and they are ahead of us all.
NOTE: In dealing with these persons one must realise that every action, no matter how small, is arranged in advance; it forms part of a much larger picture.
There is insufficient material to assess whether the subject demonstrates a degree of interpersonal, linguistic, or existential intelligence. However, this cannot be ruled out.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - If we are to assume that the acts were perpetrated by the subject in question, one may consider that a high degree of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is at work here. The subject would have the capac
ity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. We can also conclude with the assumption that this intelligence is also at work as this involves a superior sense of timing and the perfection of skills through a mind-body union.
Spatial Intelligence - The subject demonstrates some characteristics attributed to spatial intelligence where core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphics and artistic skills, and an active imagination.
Tendencies - Aversion to impulsive acts, to take control of situation, act, victims.
Anomaly - covers tracks, does not hide acts, yet admits no culpability, seemingly random, yet professionally planned acts of violence. Possibly affected by trauma.
Age - likely to be early to late thirties.
Gender - Highly likely to be male.
Race - as yet indeterminate.
Residency - May be married, have close relations, and be liked by a tight circle of friends who are highly likely to be loyal to the subject.
Proximity - Indeterminate, although due to the geographical spread of the acts may not have a fixed abode. It is assumed that the acts would require physical onsite reconnaissance and planning time in each location, even with the support of technology. Some areas were quite remote and not well supported by internet-based technologies, although, it is possible that the subjects may have access to satellite imagery.
Social Skills - All but one target was not in contact with another human being. Skillset allows for murder at a distance. This is not to say that they are not capable of face-to-face murder.
Work and Military History - Likely to be highly trained in the military, currently serving or recently discharged.
Trophies/Souvenirs - no evidence to support this activity.
Modus Operandi - Difficult to determine due to varying nature of incidents.
Hypothesis - Limited information suggests the following hypothetical MO:
• Indicates covert point of entry - and egress - be free to strike again at will. (Note: not fanatical extremist);
• Create maximum effect with single act on each occasion;
• Unpredictable;
• Determined approach.
Method of Entry - Unknown
Tools - Explosives, timing devices, expert knowledge, scuba equipment, radio communications (possible).
Time of day - Time of day is varied and appears to be dependent upon the required effect. However, the date of the acts has a pattern of the 24th or 25th day. This is to be determined ASAP as it may provide vital input into the MO.
Signature - Not determined at this time due to the different type of victims, location, and methods employed. Although, a high proportion of victims have tended to be vulnerable members of society. It is therefore assumed that they are using these as an instrument to inflict terror/horror on someone (or some organisation) close to the victims.
Preliminary Conclusion
The subject is either a serving member of the security services or military, probably Special Forces-trained. They may be a Reservist or have been a full-time serving member who has recently been discharged. If the latter were the case, this possibility would be proposed owing to their current knowledge of weapons, tactics and technology.
Highly probable to be a small cell of persons with complementary skill and mind-sets.
Jago sat back in his chair. He was thinking and, as always, when he was sat down deep in thought, he put his hands on his head. He concurred with the theories outlined in the profile, and part of him wanted it to be some other type of person — a criminal or a terrorist — but not military. Not in service. But why? Why turn? It made no sense.
“Abi, Bernie, have you both read this profile?”
The answer came in unison. “Yes, Boss.”
“So, if we add in the use of drone technology, it supports the theory that we’re dealing with security services, serving or ex-Special Forces. And maybe more than one person. If there were, say, two of them, they could have complementary skills. One could be a techie, comms, satellite imagery, drones, while the other could be more on the sharp end, Special Ops.”
“Sounds great, Boss. Right up your alley,” quipped Bernie.
“And the geo-profiling. How is that going?”
“Much like the profiler stated. Difficult to determine due to the varying locations.”
Jago thought long and hard. He was pacing this time.
“What if we take the profile as it is, assuming that they’re serving. What security or military installations have we got near the crime scene locations? Bernie, can you run that on your system?”
“I’ll do it right away and get Sue to take a look.”
“Yes, that’s good. But don’t let any of the installations know that you’re running it. If they’re still serving, we don’t want them alerted.”
“Understood, Boss.”
Bernie set to work immediately.
“Abi, I want a list of all recently discharged security and military personnel with Special Forces training.”
“Okay, when you say ‘recently’, how recent is that? Six months? Twelve months?”
“Let’s start with six months and see what that turns up. And can you give me Dom’s list while you’re there. I’ve got to make some house calls. I’ll be taking one of the Stealth Hawks. Are they all charged and is the tracking working?”
“Yes, the signal is at full strength. And the bike has been fitted with the new, experimental laser. It costs a packet so please be careful with it. The bike mounted range is about half a mile. The controls are self-explanatory.”
“And the list of locations?”
“The list is in order of distance from here. You’ll see that Mitchell in Hastings is already in custody, so he’s scrubbed. That leaves Rafa in Croydon and Brian Temple in Ladbroke Grove. By all accounts, Rafa is in over his head and not likely to resist. In fact, he’ll probably wet himself when he sees you. But be careful with Temple — he’ll have backup, and he’s quite handy himself. The last one is Sir Arthur Green. He’s at the opera this evening at Covent Garden starting at 1930 hours until 2245. He’s in the balcony, box seventy-one on the second floor and alone, evidently. The addresses are synced up with the satnav on your mobile. Just plug into the bike and play.”
“Well done, Abi. You have been busy. Anything else?”
“Are you wearing the D-ops lens? You know, the one that I gave you that captures the MPD image.”
“What the hell are MPDs when they are at home?” Bernie asked.
Abi threw him a look.
“They’re Micro Protector Drones. Jago has three of them on his belt. When he’s in a tight spot, he launches them by throwing them up in the air, and they’re programmed to establish an observation perimeter around him and him only. The images are streamed live through a lens that Jago will be wearing on his right eye. It’s similar in size to a contact lens but much like a helmet-mounted display in miniature. It came complete with optical tracking and it’s equipped with day, night and brownout systems. That way he can have eyes in the back of his head, around corners and, at times, through brick walls. And our dear old boss will come home to us in one piece. Do you remember the course that you went on a few months ago, Boss?”
“Okay, I get the message, Abi.”
He placed the lens into his right eye and adjusted his focus for a few seconds.
“There, are you happy now?”
“Very, Boss. Very happy. Oh, and before you go, I wanted to tell you that the security turrets are operational as of three hours ago. And before you ask — yes, they have the anti-drone sonic feature.”
“How many do we have?”
“We have five in total, all fitted with infrared heat-seeking and night vision. The two rear turrets are paired up with four floating sensors in the river. They’ll detect and record any approach from the water. The rooftop turret has all of the usual devices for recording plus an anti-air assault detection and a response capability of ne
utralising the threat with 7.62mm rounds. Its 360-degree mounting provides great initial protection and plenty of warning.”
“Thanks for the update, Abi. Let’s hope that we won’t need to use them. But seeing as we don’t know what we’re up against, I guess we’d better be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”
Jago put on his black motorcycle jacket, turned towards the door and left.
Chapter 10 – Planning and Evaluation
In a busy high street location, a man wearing a green weatherproof jacket entered a door in between two shops. He climbed the drab staircase, put the key in the lock of an old wooden door and entered a dingy, unfurnished flat.
“You’re back sooner than I expected.”
“That’s because everything worked like a charm, Mart,” said Jed, the more muscular of the two.
“Has anyone cottoned on to us yet?”
“If they have, brother, they’re keeping quiet about it. I’ve monitored all networks, and I’ve heard and seen nothing.”
“Has no one ever got close yet?”
“Nope. Either they haven’t got a clue, or they’ll be breaking the door down at dawn. I have curry?”
“I thought that I could smell it. I’ll go and set it out.”
Marti headed to a large room full of cardboard boxes and wooden crates of all shapes and sizes. He started positioning some of them as makeshift table and chairs.
Jed entered a musty bedroom that housed two camp beds. He removed his jacket, revealing a shoulder holster and two spare magazines, as well as the dark hilt of a knife peeking out from behind the right hip of his waistband. He removed his earpiece and stuffed it into a jacket pocket.
Tall, gangly and wearing nerdy glasses, Marti passed by the room. “Jed, you’ll see that I’ve placed two crates together to make a table.”
“I see it, are you coming?”
“Yeah, I’m just grabbing some beers for us. They’ve been soaking in the sink. Did you get us any clacky?”
“No, the supermarkets have got too many cameras. I’ll get some tomorrow from the newsagents. Do you want milk or dark?”
Shades of Loyalty Page 8
