David nodded in agreement. ‘So if Delaney stages an ‘accident’ using this technology, it’s back to using oil and coal until the supplies run out for good. Not to mention his shares in European gas companies will skyrocket in value.’
Dan nodded. ‘That’s it exactly. What better way to get the impact he wants than by using an environmentally friendly fuel source and detonating it during Earth Hour?’
David rocked back in his chair. ‘We’re going to have to let them come to us – there’s no way we’re going to be able to board the ship in the middle of the North Sea.’ He turned to the two analysts. ‘Get your reports finished and have them on my desk within the hour.’
The two men nodded, gathered up the notes and scurried from the room. David watched them go then turned to Philippa. ‘Get assault teams organised. Dan can lead one.’
Dan looked at him in astonishment. ‘Really?’
David smiled. ‘Yeah, really – think you can remember how?’
Dan nodded. ‘You bet. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
‘Good. We’ll need three land-based teams and one aquatic team to make sure no-one tries to leave the ship when we board her.’
Philippa made a couple of points in her notebook then rose from the table. ‘We’ve only got a day to prepare,’ she said, ‘so I’ll speak to Steve and see who’s been in the field recently. I’ll want experts – there’s going to be no room for error.’
David stood up. ‘Right – let’s get on with it.’
Chapter 46
Terry looked out the window of the freighter’s bridge as it powered slowly up the Thames. In the distance he could see the top of familiar landmarks of England’s capital – the Tower Bridge, the Telecom Tower, the Millennium Wheel.
He snorted, turning to Charles. ‘You know, there used to be a time in history when great cities were defined by their churches and cathedrals,’ he said, pointing out the window. ‘Now they’re defined by how big their hamster wheel is.’
Charles managed a nervous smile, unsure how to react to Terry’s confidence and humour.
Terry gripped the railing and stared out the window. ‘Soon,’ he promised himself. ‘Soon.’
Dan looked around the ops centre as the assault team began to prepare to leave. He looked over to the conference room and saw Sarah watching him from the doorway. He smiled and walked through the small crowd towards her.
‘You’re loving every minute of this, aren’t you?’ she said.
He looked back at the assault team and smiled. He turned back to her and nodded. ‘It feels familiar. And I want to stop Delaney’s bomb.’
David joined them. ‘Time to saddle up, Dan,’ he said. ‘Sarah – you can go in the helicopter. I’d rather you stayed here but I know you’ll just ignore that advice so I might as well put you somewhere where I know you won’t get into trouble.’
Sarah grinned and began to gather her things together.
Dan laughed. ‘You’re going to have to travel light – there’s not a lot of room in the chopper. It’s not like the ones you journalists are used to swanning around in.’
Sarah grimaced and placed her laptop bag back on the table. Dan watched her glance back at it wistfully, then he pushed her out the door and into the main ops room where David was gathering his team together for a last-minute overview of the assault on the freighter.
‘Okay people. Listen up. Dan will lead the assault from the bow of the ship, my team to the stern. The aquatic team won’t be boarding. They’ll provide cover if we need it and stop anyone from leaving the ship. The final team will cover the wharf to make sure no-one escapes down the gangways once we’re on board.’ David turned to make sure he addressed every person in the room. ‘We know the crew, apart from the captain, are already dead so we’ve only got him to worry about. Okay, let’s go.’
David began herding the assault team out of the ops room. As they made their way down the stairs to the underground car park, Dan pulled Sarah to one side. He nodded as David walked past them. He waited until they were alone, and then lowered his voice.
‘I know it goes against your nature but you really have to do as I say tonight. This is real, Sarah. Someone’s going to get hurt. I really hope it’s one of Delaney’s lot, not ours.’
She nodded. ‘I know.’ She looked around to make sure no-one could see them, and then hugged Dan. ‘Stay out of trouble.’
He grinned. ‘Always.’ He released her. ‘Come on. Can’t keep them waiting.’
They jogged through the car park to where the assault teams were climbing into four black mini-vans. The windows were blacked out, the wheels painted black and as Sarah followed the pilot out to the helicopter gunship, Dan noticed none of the vehicles had licence plates.
David pulled Dan to one side. ‘Here, you might need this,’ he said, slipping a gun to him.
‘Ah, my favourite – how did you know?’ asked Dan, smiling as he tucked the Sig Sauer into the back of his waistband.
Dan followed David to the lead mini-van and clipped on the battery pack for the radio on his belt. He inserted the earpiece, tested the volume and then nodded at David. Ready.
He opened the sliding door on the side of the vehicle and climbed in, nodding at the men already seated. David jumped in next to the driver. Dan slid the door shut and the driver floored the accelerator, leading the vehicles out of the underground car park.
Dan watched through the tinted glass as the helicopter gunship lifted into the air, ready to offer support. He leaned forwards and tapped David on the shoulder. ‘Do the police know we’re coming?’
David nodded. ‘We’ve alerted the police at Tilbury – they have their own jurisdiction at the docks.’
‘As long as they’re not creating a panic down there,’ said Dan. ‘The last thing we want is for Delaney’s crew to get spooked.’