The Good Samaritan E-Book

Les Haswell

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Rob MacLaine, CEO of Harper MacLaine Security and ex-Special Forces operative, is preparing to take part in a demonstration of a game-changing military weapon.

Merging the technologies of laser guidance, smart bullets and drones, the invention is something never before seen in the field of battle. But after Rob foils an attempt to kidnap a senator, a series of events is set in motion that takes him deep into the dark world of people-trafficking and crime.

Racing against time through Hamburg, Germany and back into the UK, the trail leads Rob and his team ever closer to the dangerous criminals and their cargo. To cut the head off the serpent and stop the criminal organization in their tracks, the team must act quickly. But are they already too late?

A riveting thriller set in the world of military technology and international crime, The Good Samaritan is the second book in Les Haswell's Rob MacLaine series.

Leseprobe

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

ROB MACLAINE BOOK 2

LES HASWELL

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Copyright (C) 2022 Les Haswell

Layout design and Copyright (C) 2022 by Next Chapter

Published 2022 by Next Chapter

Edited by Diana Brooks

Cover art by CoverMint

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author’s permission.

1

Sir Andrew Savage, CEO of Savage Guidance Systems (SGS) was a modern, forward thinking manager. He believed in the Steve Jobs management philosophy, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” On that basis he hired the best people he could find and let them tell him what they could potentially do with Laser Guidance Systems. He listened to their dreams and ambitions, took their advice and made business decisions based on what he heard from his team and what he considered commercially viable.

When his technical team talked at a weekly management meeting about modifying their existing technology used to guide missiles to their targets, giving the potential to guide a “smart bullet” fired from a light drone to its target, he sat up and took notice. He engaged with an innovative UK manufacturer of drones he had previously met on a Department of International Trade sponsored trip to the US. They had agreed that such a product would present a huge opportunity for both companies, if they could interest a suitable ordinance manufacturer in developing a remotely operated device to fire such a “smart bullet.”

Drones were a given, readily available and in constant use for a wide variety of applications, from big boy’s toys to surveillance and mapping. They were even under consideration for delivering parcels by a large internet retailer. An arms manufacturer had already recognised the potential for a drone mounted rifle and had done some early development work following initial feasibility studies. They had continued their development programme after an approach from Sir Andrew, as they had always believed the guidance system for such an application to be the stumbling block to commercialising their product. Eighteen months later, a prototype smart bullet firing drone mounted weapon was ready for demonstration to a small hand-picked audience of potential clients.

Sir Andrew had already spoken to his security consultants, Harper MacLaine Security about providing protection and safe transport for these select few. Now Joe Harper and Rob MacLaine were sitting with him in the conference room in the Savage building in Chiswick, discussing arrangements for the day, allocating operatives to specific roles and getting Sir Andrew’s approval for the arrangements.

“There will be parties of three, from both the ordinance and drone manufacturers. They are going to provide names and other details by Wednesday” Sir Andrew explained.

“Kasia, can you coordinate that, make sure they are forthcoming with the information by the due date,” he added, looking at the small, attractive, dark haired young woman to his right.

Kasia was a recent addition at SGS, replacing Sir Andrew’s niece, Justine, who had left to join Rob MacLaine in running the highland estate Rob had taken over after the death of his brother. She and Rob were recently married, which delighted Sir Andrew as he had come to regard Rob as a good friend since they had met when Rob left the military four years earlier and with Joe Harper, had set up Harper MacLaine Security. Rob and Joe had been with Sir Andrew’s son Chris when he had been killed in Iraq and Rob had become almost a surrogate son in his eyes, one of the few people allowed to refer to him as Andy, albeit, no one would ever replace Chris in his affection. At six foot four, powerfully built, with blond hair and piercing light blue eyes, Rob MacLaine, didn’t resemble Chris physically, but shared the same determined nature and droll sense of humour. Nor did Chris have the prominent white scar which ran diagonally across Rob’s right cheek. Joe Harper resembled Chris more closely physically, five foot ten inches, wiry, dark complexion, very like Sir Andrew himself. Rob had the physical presence that Chris had had, the charisma, the charm, which was why in most instances Rob took the customer facing role at Harper MacLaine, the salesman, the networker, the relationship builder. Joe was the sensible, pragmatic man in the background, who managed the business on a day to day basis, who made the business work from a practical point of view and allocated human resources to clients dependant on their needs.

“There will be a junior minister from Defence there on the day and someone from QinetiQ. We need to find out his travel arrangements, but the minister will have his own transport and close protection officer from the Met with him,” Kasia pointed out in an easily detectable Eastern European accent.

Rob raised his pen and interrupted, “That’s fine but we take over all security at the gate Kasia, make sure everyone knows that, I don’t want any discussion about that on the day. I know what some of these Westminster security people can be like”.

Kasia looked at Sir Andrew for approval.

“Agreed,” Sir Andrew nodded. “Now that brings us neatly to potentially the biggest problem of the day, the Americans.” They were adamant that their people override all other security arrangements. They are providing their own transport from and to their airbase and will have a full complement of security personnel who would operate separately from all other security arrangements. They also confirmed that their security would be armed.”

“I spoke to the MoD about this, it’s their range we are using and they went ballistic. They said no personnel will be allowed on MoD land with unlicensed weapons, full stop, no argument. I put this to the Americans and they said they would take it up with MoD, which they have done and they have been told, categorically, no unauthorised, armed security people will be allowed on site, end of!”

“That won’t please them,” Joe chipped in with a wry smile.

“Will your guys be armed, Joe?”

“Yeah, side arms. We’ve cleared it with MoD and police in the usual fashion. Filled in a mountain of paperwork, presented CVs and permits and photographs and inside leg measurements,” Joe replied theatrically.

“What’s the agenda for the day Andy?” Rob asked

“Well, after the greetings and niceties we are going to have a recognised sniper take pot-shots at a target with a normal rifle and ammo, then repeat that with a handheld rifle and a smart bullet, but at a much increased range, basically to prove the smart bullet. Then we move on to the drone mounted weapon, show them what it can do, even let some of them fire the thing, just to prove how poor a shot can still hit a target. Then a few drinkies and nibbles and off home,” Sir Andrew explained.

“We need to find a good sniper, Rob. MoD said they could find us one but apparently that has been vetoed by the powers that be at the last minute. Left us a bit in the lurch,” Sir Andrew added with a frown

“I know a guy who might be able to help you” Rob said brightly “And he is undoubtedly one of the best snipers the modern army ever had. You met him at my wedding, six foot seven inch, two hundred and sixty pounds of gentle giant called Iain MacDonald. Better known as Big Mac.”

“I remember him, we talked a bit. He said he ran an outdoor activity centre on Arran. Didn’t say he was a sniper though, that’s interesting.”

“Well, like me, he’s been places and done things that he didn’t do, ‘cause he was never there,” Rob explained to Sir Andrew’s amusement and Kasia’s bewilderment. Joe nodded.

“He gave me his card, tried to get me interested in sending some of our people on one of his courses. Women would love it but it would frighten the hell out of my male technical wizards. Yomping around muddy highland hillsides getting midge bites and sprigs of heather stuck up their arses, God no, they would freak!” Sir Andrew laughed, Kasia frowned at him. “Sorry Kasia, bottoms.”

“Give him a call then, I’m sure he would love to get involved. Give him a chance to show off, great Scottish child that he is,” Rob suggested

“Eh, excuse me, my son is Scottish,” Joe interjected

“So am I!” Rob protested

“Oh yeah,” Joe shrugged and they all laughed.

They discussed a few more of the details for the demo day and allocated people and deadlines to all outstanding tasks, thus drawing the meeting to a close.

“I’ll stick you through a final costings for the day, Andy,” Joe ventured as they walked back to the lifts. “Rob said not to include his time as he is there as an invited guest, but for ease of access on the day, I will include him on the Harper MacLaine list for site security, if that’s OK.”

“That’s very good of you Rob,” Sir Andrew replied

“Well you did invite me along to meet the drone people, I could hardly charge you for coming to talk business with them.”

“Speaking of which, I met one of their software guys when I was out there. He works with them part time as a contractor. He’s ex Special Forces, like you guys, only he didn’t fare as well as you two did. Came back in a wheelchair, paralysed from the waist down as a result of a gunshot wound. I’ve had him look at a few things for me of late and my guys say he is pretty hot stuff at what he does. Identified and sorted out a couple of glitches in our software which were causing my own team problems. Told one of our techies he could hack into just about any system given time and just loves trouble shooting system problems. You might want to talk to him, I think you’ll get on,” Sir Andrew offered as they reached the lifts.

Joe looked horrified, he turned to Rob, “My flabber has never been so ghasted, Rob. Is our esteemed client suggesting that we would do something illegal?”

“Absolutely not, he knows us too well to suggest that we would do that, Joe!” Rob echoed Joe’s horror.

“It’s because I know you two so well that I suggest you meet this guy,” Sir Andrew laughed. “What you would use him for would be totally up to you. I also know that if you pair had stuck to the rules in the past, at least one of you might not be alive today, so don’t give me the holier than thou act. Watch these two Kasia, I tell you they’re a couple of chancers!” Sir Andrew laughed with Rob and Joe, his hands on their shoulders as they entered the lift. Kasia appeared to be unsure as to whether Sir Andrew was serious or not and this showed on her facial expression as the two men waved from the back of the lift before the doors closed.

Sir Andrew looked at Kasia’s perplexed expression. “Only joking, Kasia. I’d trust these guys with my life. Come to think of it, I do, frequently. If you’re ever in a spot of bother you could do worse than call Batman and Robin there.”

2

Three weeks later, Rob was sitting in one of the Harper MacLaine cars, a black BMW X5M which developed 575 bhp from its powerful 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. But most importantly, sitting in a car park overlooking Salisbury Plain on a chilly Spring morning, with the frost covered grass sparkling in the early sunshine, the car had heated seats and a heated steering wheel. That trumped the sheer power of the vehicle.

Rob had been one of the first on site and was watching the various factions arrive, be checked in by his team and greeted by Sir Andrew and his people from SGS. Rob was a thinker. Some of the soldiers he commanded in his Special Forces group said he thought too much, while others reminded them that on occasions it was Lieutenant MacLaine’s quick thinking, that had kept them all alive in dangerous, life threatening, situations. As Rob sat in the warm cabin of the BMW, waiting for the others to assemble, he thought back over the last few, life changing months of his life. He looked at his reflection in the rear view mirror. Rob had a face that turned women’s heads to look twice. Once to admire the handsome tanned face, short blond hair and piercing blue eyes, which could either melt a woman’s heart or send a shiver down the spine of someone who’d got on the wrong side of him. Twice to stare at the vivid scar which ran diagonally across his left cheek.

Ten months ago, Rob had bumped into – literally bumped into, Justine Fellows, an intelligent, beautiful, tall, blonde woman of around his own age and simply, fell in love with her and she with him. Although not directly linked with that meeting, it marked the start of a series of events which literally changed Rob’s life for ever. He was summoned in mysterious circumstances to return to the island estate, his family home where he spent his early years, before being banished by his father at the age of eighteen. That fateful return saw Rob reunited with his childhood soulmate Lorna Cameron. He broke up a people smuggling operation his brother had been involved in, saw Justine and Lorna kidnapped by his brother and witnessed his devious brother’s murder. Through a second series of events, Rob had been reunited with his mother and his elder brother, neither of whom he had seen for sixteen years. He negotiated to buy full ownership of the family’s estate on the island of Achravie, which he and Justine now ran with the help of Lorna Cameron and Fraser McEwan, the estate ghillie. Ten weeks ago he and Justine were married in the church on Achravie. Boy! You couldn’t write it,”Rob thought to himself as he looked back across at the reception marquee.

He felt the growing need for a coffee so he switched off the car’s engine and walked over to the hospitality marquee where the parties were gathering. The warm air fan heaters were working away quietly in the corners, keeping the ambient temperature at a comfortable level, despite the just above zero outside. Sir Andrew Savage saw Rob approaching and signalled him to join a small group of people he was with. He introduced Rob to the group which consisted of the CEOs of the Drone manufacturer and the munitions supplier who, according to Sir Andrew, would actually manufacture the smart bullet which would incorporate SGSs guidance software. They were joined by their Sales Directors and one of their senior technical people. As they talked, Ian MacDonald, “Big Mac” to those who knew him, arrived in a Harper MacLaine car. He and Rob greeted each other with the gusto of long lost friends and Rob introduced him, firstly to Sir Andrew and then to the wider group. As they talked, the two technicians excused themselves and moved over to the coffee station where a young man sat in a wheelchair, he had arrived in the marquee just before Big Mac. Sir Andrew saw Rob’s attention move to that corner and excused himself, taking Rob’s elbow as he did.

“Let me introduce you to Ryan, I mentioned him to you the last time we met. Interesting chap,” he said as they crossed the marquee.

“Ryan, good morning, sorry I haven’t had a chance to say hello yet. Truth be told, I was waiting for this man to arrive and thought I would kill two birds with one stone,” Sir Andrew shook Ryan’s hand as he spoke.

“Ryan, this is Rob MacLaine, CEO of Harper MacLaine, I think I mentioned him to you. Rob, this is Ryan Hughes, he has done some software development for both the Drone control system and for our guidance system.”

Just then, the Junior Defence Minister arrived, driven in a dark red Jaguar and accompanied by a close protection officer from the Metropolitan Police.

“Can I leave you to chat,” Sir Andrew said “I’d better meet and greet.”

“Hi Ryan, Andy speaks very highly of your work. He was keen for us to meet.”

Ryan Hughes shook Rob’s hand firmly and smiled, “So, a real live Laird. I’ve never met one of those before.”

“Oh!” said Rob slightly taken aback, “You know about that”

“Yes, in fact I know quite a lot about you. Sir Andrew said he would introduce us today, so I did a bit of research on you and Harper MacLaine for that matter. Old habits die hard. Don’t know what’s more impressive, the work you did with the Regiment or Harper MacLaine’s track record.”

“My work with the Regiment?”

“Yeah, you’ve been to a few places for Queen and country that you shouldn’t have been anywhere near, Lieutenant MacLaine. Don’t look so shocked, the information is all out there if you know where to look.” Ryan laughed, “Promise I won’t tell.”

Rob looked at Ryan and frowned “I might have to kill you if you know that much about me,” he said quietly, then smiled. “You can really find your way into information like that? Andy said you were an interesting character.”

“Oh yeah. Although, the way I get there is just as off the books as some of your activities, so I guess that means we might have to kill each other” This time they both laughed.

“We need to talk, Ryan. I take it you wouldn’t be averse to picking up some work with Harper MacLaine?”

“Sounds right up my street. You haven’t mentioned my wheelchair Mr MacLaine”

“You didn’t ask about the scar on my face so it seemed a bit unnecessary,” Rob smiled “and it’s Rob. Mr MacLaine was my father and I didn’t like him very much.”

“Not surprised,” Ryan countered, “Oh yes, I know about that too, you’ve had an interesting life Rob” he laughed.

Rob shook his head, with a wry smile and handed Ryan a business card, “Seriously Ryan, call me. I think we would work well together.”

“Despite the wheelchair?”

“I don’t see the wheelchair, Ryan. I see a guy whose skills and attitude impress me.”

3

Just then, a black S Class Mercedes pulled up outside and immediately two large men got out. Both were dressed identically, black suit, crisp white shirt, dark tie and dark glasses. They looked well-muscled and sported short buzz-cut hair. They looked exactly like archetypal US Secret Service agents. They swaggered into the marquee and their attitude told Rob these two would be troublesome.

“Who’s in charge here?” the smaller of the two demanded from no one in particular.

“I’m Sir Andrew Savage, gentlemen I take it you..”

“Where’s your security? We were told you would have tight security here. I don’t see your people” the larger of the two butted in.

Rob stepped toward them “They’re all around you. I take it you are with Senator Wade”

“I don’t see them. Who are you anyway?” the bigger agent demanded.

“I’m Rob MacLaine. I’m in charge of security today and my staff don’t advertise their presence”

“I don’t think so buddy,” the smaller of the two, came forward. “We are in charge of Senator Wade’s safety here, not you, so show me your security, Mr MacLaine.”

“And make it snappy, Senator Wade doesn’t want to be sat in his car all day.”

“Of course not,” Rob smiled “Follow me gentlemen,” he replied moving to the entrance of the marquee.

Rob touched his lapel and said quietly, “Gentlemen, raise your right hands if you will please”

At once eight men at various positions around the area and all wearing dark padded jackets raised their right hands.

“Thank you.”

He turned to face the two agents. “Now, let’s be perfectly clear about this. When I said I am in charge of security here, I mean all security and that includes Senator Wade. The safety and security of everyone here is in my hands and for that to work to maximum efficiency I cannot and will not divide that responsibility. In the event of an incident of any kind, all subsequent actions must be coordinated by one person. Do I make myself clear?”

“Bullshit!” Mr Big retorted threateningly. “We will not relinquish our responsibility to the Senator. Do I make myself clear?” He stepped forward to stand directly in front of Rob, but found himself looking up at the man who stood six foot four in his stocking feet.

“In that case I would have you both removed from site,” Rob countered

“Oh yeah, you and whose army buddy?”

“My army,” Rob nodded to the eight men in padded jackets fanned out just behind them. “I would have thought that even two Secret Service agents would have more sense than to challenge nine highly trained, armed personnel,” he added. The eight man army lifted their jackets slightly to show the side arms they carried.

Sorry make that nine”, Rob corrected himself lifting his own jacket to display the Heckler & Koch SFP9-SF he carried.

“Eh, make that ten wee man,” Big Mac growled in his ear as he stood cradling his sniper rifle in the crook of his arm.

“Thanks Mac, how could I forget you?”

“Now, what’s it going to be gentlemen, stay and accept our hospitality and excellent coffee or leave now?”

“They stay!” came a rather irritated voice from the car. At some point during this confrontation, Senator Robert B Wade had buzzed down the darkened rear window of the Mercedes and was now looking directly at the two agents. You stay and you do what this man tells you to do, or I’ll have you removed. Now, will someone let me out of here, this goddamed door must be on child lock for God’s sake”

The two agents just beat the driver to the Senator’s aid.

As the Senator got out he turned to the driver “Pick me up again in three hours. That should be enough time?” he looked at Sir Andrew

“Yes Senator, that fits in perfectly,” he replied.

“OK,” the Senator added, nodding to the larger of the two “You stay with him, make sure he gets back here in time. Don’t want to miss my next meeting.”

“Yessir!” came the reply accompanied by a brisk salute. The agent got into the front passenger seat of the Mercedes and signalled the driver to move off.

The Senator turned to Sir Andrew’s party who had all watched the proceedings with surprise and mild amusement.

“Sorry about that, gentlemen and my apologies for being late. My car turned up at my hotel twenty minutes behind schedule, hence his child minder to get him back in time. My escorts today are not Secret Service, they’re MPs who have been commandeered for the day. My visit, as I explained to Sir Andrew is very much off the books so I have no real call on official resources.” He looked at the remaining MP who was looking more than a little uncomfortable, “Too many “Men in Black” movies by the looks of things” he smiled and the MP looked even more uncomfortable as the others laughed.

The Senator was introduced to the rest of the party and after a coffee, as they made their way down to the demonstration area at Sir Andrew’s request, the Senator walked next to Rob.

“You got guts to stand up to these two the way you did, son, I agreed with you by the way, one man in charge, knows what’s going down, takes charge, gives the orders. Good leader, I like that and I apologise for their behaviour.”

“No need Senator, they were doing their job as they saw it. Their big mistake was not knowing when they weren’t going to win. That gets people killed in a hostile situation.”

The Senator smiled, “You’re right, son, like Kenny Rodgers sang “You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run”

“Senator, sorry to interrupt, can I ask you to take a seat, just over there in front of the monitors,” it was Kasia

“Hi Kasia,” said Rob with a tone of surprise in his voice, “I didn’t expect to see you here. How are you?”

“I’m very good Mr MacLaine. I’m organising the catering and the logistics for today. Making sure everyone gets food and drink and sits in the right place. Like an usherette, I think you say, in the cinema?” she laughed and pointed out a seat for Rob.

As he made himself comfortable, Sir Andrew walked down to the front and stood just to the right of the large LED monitors.

“Good morning once again everyone and welcome to our demonstration of what we think has the possibility to add a new dimension to modern warfare. The three companies represented today have collaborated to produce a weapon which we know has been on a few wish lists for quite some time. Together we have developed the technology, both hardware and software, to make that weapon a reality. We would like to demonstrate to you today a remotely operated drone, coupled to specially designed ammunition. By using a modified version of SGS’s proven real-time optical guidance system we can track and direct a .50-calibre “smart bullet” at targets by compensating for weather, wind, target movement and other factors that can impede conventional hits. We can demonstrate rounds manoeuvring in flight to hit targets that are moving and accelerating.

We will begin with a live-fire demonstration from a standard rifle showing how a conventional sniper operates at present, with a standard bullet. We will then demonstrate the vastly superior ability of that sniper to hit moving and evading targets with extreme accuracy at sniper ranges, unachievable with a smart bullet. Finally we will show that it is now possible to successfully bring down a target just as accurately but at a much greater range by the addition of drone technology.

We at SGS are convinced that introducing our guidance capabilities into a small .50-calibre size projectile is a major breakthrough and opens the door to what could be possible in future guided projectiles across all calibres.”

“I am acutely aware that you came here today to see a demonstration, not listen to me, so let’s get the show on the road. We’ll start with the here and now scenario, sniper with a rifle and a conventional bullet. Iain will be looking at a target at a range of 1,200 yards. He will make four shots, gentlemen and you will be able to witness the result on these monitors”

Ryan Hughes spoke into a headset microphone and instructed Big Mac to commence firing at will. Big Mac took eight minutes to register 3 kills out of four, much to the delight of his audience.

“Iain will now fire “smart bullets” at a target at a range of 2,000 yards, just over a mile,” Sir Andrew explained

Again Ryan Hughes spoke into his microphone and Big Mac responded, this time taking five minutes to record four direct hits with four “smart bullets”. The audience applauded what they saw as outstanding marksmanship.

Sir Andrew took the microphone, “And now gentlemen, we come to the main event. If you look at the monitors, you will see a man shaped target mounted on the back of a pick-up truck, which has been mounted on rails, courtesy of the MoD. That guy is just over three miles from here. After this introduction, Ryan will bring up the drone where you will be able to see it then fly it off in the direction of our truck. When the drone is about a mile from the target he will then detect it using an on-board camera and lock on to it with a laser. Once he has done that the “smart bullet” will pick up on it and Ryan will fire the bullet at the truck which by this time will be accelerating down the tracks. Take it away Ryan.”

Ryan Hughes took a few seconds then brought the drone into line of sight for the audience. He turned it to face the small marquee where they were all sitting and suddenly, much to everyone’s amusement, the monitors lit up with images of the audience sitting watching.

“Smile please, you’re on Candid Camera,” Sir Andrew joked and everyone laughed.

Ryan then spun the drone and it flew off in the direction of the target. The on-board camera came back on and the audience watched Ryan zoom in on the target as he approached to within about a mile of the pick-up, which was starting to move down the track. He picked out the man with the laser and released the “smart bullet”. Seconds later, the target exploded and the audience cheered and broke into animated chatter.

“Now, Ryan is just downloading the on-board video of the strike and will add a couple of lines to it to illustrate the straight line which a conventional bullet would have followed had it been fired and the actual trajectory of the “smart bullet” which was fired.” There was a moment or two of hush as Ryan did his work “There,” Sir Andrew picked up as an image came on the screen. “The red line is a straight line trajectory and the yellow line is the actual trajectory of the bullet we fired. It is not a straight line because the bullet was following its target.”

“Now, our snipers will say in their defence, that they would make allowance for the movement of the vehicle by aiming ahead of it and firing to where they calculated it would be when their bullet reached it. That’s true, provided the target didn’t change speed or direction in the few seconds before potential impact. With the “smart bullet”, it doesn’t matter what their man does. The bullet is locked on to him and is following him as the monitors show. Also, that “smart bullet” was fired from a range of about a mile. So in conclusion, we have just hit an accelerating target, from a range of just in excess of a mile. Also, we have done it with a weapon mounted on a compact drone, which on impact of the bullet, would be flown back to the controller, complete with film of the hit and could be packed away and carried safely from the scene with no more effort than a conventional weapon. Up until now, if we had a target we needed to take out, we either sent in men, or, if that was not possible, or was too dangerous, we deployed something like a “Hellfire” missile, which did the job, but also caused no end of collateral damage to innocent people and property and I have to say, is a dammed sight more expensive than a “smart bullet”.

The audience were obviously pleased with what they had seen and watched video re-runs of the event, asked questions and put suggestions. They exchanged business cards and contact details over coffee, drinks and sandwiches back in the main marquee. Kasia fussed around in the background, ensuring the guests were well catered for. Rob ensured that his operatives were on their toes, doing what they were there to do and satisfied that they were, he grabbed some food and a soft drink. He was about to walk back outside when he encountered the junior minister from the Ministry of Defence.

“Mr MacLaine, good to meet you. I’m George Bigglesworth, junior minister at the Ministry of Defence, but you probably know that already.” Rob put his drink down to shake the man’s offered hand. “Did a bit of research on you and your company before we came out today. Very impressed by what I found on both. Harper MacLaine comes very highly recommended and your military record, or to be accurate, lack of it speaks volumes. You’ve obviously been a naughty boy for Queen and country in a few highly deniable places”

“You may think that, but I couldn’t possibly comment, as Francis Urquhart said on numerous occasions” Rob smiled in response.

“Ah yes, House of Cards, Ian Richardson as Francis Urquhart, brilliant, brilliant,” Bigglesworth mused. “Speaking of Urquhart, Tony asked me to pass on his regards when I spoke to him the other day. Went to school with Tony, he went into the military and I opted for politics. He knows your history and I’ll be diplomatic. He’s doing very well at NCA, bit of a rising star is our Tony. Very impressive display today, very impressive. I’ll take back an extremely positive report to the minister. He wanted to see this for himself but he’s in the Middle East with a high ranking trade delegation, so he asked me to come instead.”

“Thanks”, Rob replied “I know Tony well. He was my CO in the Regiment and I’ve worked with him a couple of times since”

“Yes, Tony said you pulled him and his chaps out of a rather deep hole in Afghanistan a few years back. Got yourself a DSO, for that one, well done you. Ah, here comes my driver, must dash. Good to meet you Rob,” Bigglesworth shook Robs hand vigorously and strode over to his ministerial car which departed swiftly.

“You met Biggles then,” Sir Andrew smiled

“Biggles! Oh please, don’t tell me he gets Biggles!” Rob laughed.

“Um, ‘fraid so. I mean, what else are you going to call someone with a name like Bigglesworth? He knows everyone calls him that. Loves it, plays on it. Once told an Italian trade delegation that he tried to get into the RAF, by telling them he was related to Biggles. But, don’t be fooled by the “old school, old chap, hail fellow, well met” act, because that’s exactly what it is, an act. He’s a pretty switched on guy, very astute, one or two have been rather badly caught out by underestimating our Biggles.”

4

“Gentlemen, please excuse me for interrupting, but my driver should have been here to collect me twenty minutes ago,” Senator Wade interjected. “I’ve tried calling both him and Max the big guy I sent away with him, neither are responding and the hire company haven’t heard from him either. I know cell phones can be dodgy in some areas, so they may well get back to me if they are having signal problems. In the meantime, I guess I’m looking for a “Good Samaritan” to help a traveller in trouble.” Can someone drop me off at the Holland Park Mews Hotel in London?”

Sir Andrew looked at Rob and raised an eyebrow

“Eh, sure. Yeah, I can do that,” Rob replied

“You sure, Rob” the Senator asked

“Yeah, no problem. Let me tell my guys what’s happening and I’ll be right with you Senator”

“You look just like Rodger Moore when you do that,” Rob smiled at Sir Andrew

“Do what?”

Rob raised an eyebrow theatrically and laughed as he turned away.

Senator Wade sat in the rear of the car while his remaining security guard sat in the front passenger seat of Rob’s BMW as he accellerated out of the main gate of the site, heading to the A36.

The Senator was calling the hotel and his aide to confirm last minute arrangements for a party he was hosting at the London hotel later that week and to arrange meetings for the week he was to be in London.

After a few miles of silence Rob’s passenger turned to look at him. “Look, I’m sorry about earlier, Max and I, we’re not used to doing this kind of work, we’re military police, not bodyguards and we were told to look after the Senator’s safety today as a favour to our commanding officer who is an old buddy of the Senator’s. I guess we got a bit carried away.”

“It’s OK, you were doing your job as you saw it, you just approached the problem the wrong way,” Rob responded.

“I’m Kevin by the way”

“Good to meet you Kevin.”

“I’m worried about Max, it’s not like him just to drop off the radar like this,”

“Why was there no formal security arrangements put in place?” Rob asked

“Because my visit here was off the books. I wanted to see this demo for my own information, Sir Andrew can explain when you talk to him,” Senator Wade interrupted from the back seat between calls. His phone rang and he took another call.

“See what I mean, there is no problem with cellphone signals in the area” Kevin said quietly

Just at that moment as if on cue Rob’s Bluetooth headset buzzed telling him he had an incoming call.

“Rob MacLaine!” he answered.

“Rob its Ryan Hughes, your friendly eye in the sky. I’ve been following you with the drone, just to see how it fares for reconnaissance, I think you may have a problem”

“Go on.”

“The black Merc that brought the Senator is behind you.”

“OK so they found their way back.”

“No, that’s not the problem. The problems are sitting in the back seat. I had a closer look and there are two passengers in the back, one in the front. I can’t see the one in the front but the two in the back are holding what looks like assault rifles. They have been sitting about a mile back from you since you left the site. These guys are following you, Rob, they are making no effort to catch up with you.”

“Are you sure it’s the same car?”

“It is, same registration and I’m sure it’s the same driver. Tall thin guy looks to be of Middle East, North African origin.”

“Sounds like him. Are any of my guys still around?”

“No, they’re all escorting their allocated guests back to wherever.

“OK,” Rob thought for a moment. He looked at his satnav screen.

“Right, there’s a road to my left just up ahead, I’m going to turn up there, see if they follow, maybe try to get a look at them.”

“OK, I’ll keep watch. I can maintain surveillance for about fifteen minutes more”

“Sounds good, here we go.”

By this time both Kevin and the Senator had picked up that there may be a problem. Rob explained quickly as he took the left turn. He drove slowly for about quarter of a mile and just beyond a tight left hand bend, stopped, reversed into a field entrance and drove back out on to the road facing the way they had just come stopping just short of the bend.

Rob had put the Bluetooth on to speaker so that everyone could hear his conversation with Ryan.

“They’ve turned in after you. They must have a tracker on your car or following your GPS” Ryan’s voice came into the car.

“OK, can you see us?”

“Yeah.”

“OK, as they approach the bend in the road that I‘m looking at, let me know.”

“OK.”

A moment or so later Ryan’s voice filled the BMW.

“Approaching now.”

Rob gunned the BMW towards the bend just as the Mercedes rounded the bend at speed. The Mercedes driver saw the big SUV late and as Rob had expected took evasive action. The black Merc shot across the narrow road just missing the BMW and with a crunch and crash of shattered glass, smashed through the wooden fence. The front end dipped over the edge of an almost sheer embankment, the momentum of the big heavy car taking it all the way over and it began to somersault, end over end, down the steep incline. The Mercedes finally crunched into a large conifer tree near the bottom of the embankment, hitting the tree trunk about eight feet above the bottom. It fell to the ground and came to rest.

Rob kept his foot on the accelerator as he rounded the bend and sped back towards the main road.”

“Report, Ryan!” Rob called.

“The Merc is sitting on its roof against a big tree near the bottom of the embankment. The guys in it? I don’t think they’re going anywhere. Problem is, I think there is a silver Audi stopped by the road end. I wasn’t sure till now but they may be part of the same party. Look out for it, no one has got out yet.”

“OK.”

Rob powered the BMW down to the end of the road. The big SUV seating gave Rob enough height to allow him to see there was a silver Audi sitting just before the junction, but no other traffic around. He steered the BMW into a left hand turn on to the main road, the large tyres squealing as they struggled for grip and Rob steered into a four-wheel drift, taking the full width of the road. He floored the accelerator again as the 575 bhp from its V8 engine translated into rapid acceleration pushing his passengers into the backs of their seats. Rob looked into his mirror and saw the Audi rapidly accelerate after them. Rob was familiar with the silhouette of an Audi RS4 from the one Joe Harper drove. These guys had chosen their cars well.

“We’re not going to outrun those guys on roads like this, gentlemen,” Rob explained the RS4 would match the performance of the heavier BMW X5M.

“Ryan, have you called this in?”

“Sir Andrew has called Joe Harper and let the MoD know that there is a problem and they are responding, they have also told the Americans,” Ryan replied

“I’ve called my people as well,” Senator Wade shouted from the back seat.

“Good, we may need back-up eventually,” Rob said

The Audi was slowly gaining on the BMW and Rob knew they would soon be right behind them. As the Audi got close Rob expected to see assault rifles appear from the side windows and when one did, the shots were aimed at the tyres.

“He’s wasting his time trying to burst these babies” Rob informed his passengers, “but the fact that he isn’t shooting at the windows suggests they want a prisoner rather than a body. That changes things slightly.”

The Audi was now right behind the BMW and Rob eased off the accelerator slightly. The Audi pulled level with the BMW for a second.

“Hold tight!” Rob slammed on the brakes, the alloy wheels locked sending plumes of smoke from the tyres and the Audi shot past them, the driver, caught totally off guard, braked hard when he realised what had happened.