‘Kate, how much longer before we have a clearer picture of what they’re targeting?’ asked the commissioner.
‘Sir, one of our lines of thinking is that they could use their property portfolio as the base for attacks on energy installations. Rafi believes their aim is also to crash the financial markets and in the process make a fortune in the derivatives markets. They’re thinking big, as they seem willing to throw away Prima Terra which is worth around?1.5 billion, and we reckon that they’ve invested a couple of years in planning these attacks.’ Kate paused. ‘We also think that they’ll pull the rug from under their public sector company and all in all give the Government a particularly bloody nose.’
‘Surely you’re exaggerating the position, aren’t you?’ asked David.
‘Well, no, I’m afraid not; in fact, as things stand I’d be willing to bet a year’s salary on this hunch,’ said Rafi.
‘Do, please, keep me informed. See where you’ve got to at 2.00 p.m. David and I will make a decision on who to inform at that point.’
‘Could I make a request?’ ventured Rafi.
‘What is it?’ enquired David.
‘I think we need an expert to see what Jameel and his colleagues have been up to in the derivatives markets.’
David looked across at Rafi. ‘Do you know a suitably qualified person?’
‘Yes, sir.’
Jeremy, who had been sitting quietly, spoke up. ‘Seems straightforward enough – you name him, I get him, problem solved.’
‘Agreed,’ said the commissioner. ‘Please see to it as soon as we finish this meeting.’
The two senior officers stood up to leave. ‘We’ll be close at hand should you require any, and I repeat, any assistance,’ said Giles. ‘All this station’s resources are at your disposal -just ask.’
‘As are all those of my colleagues,’ added Jeremy.
The meeting was over.
Chapter 3
‘Jeremy, using your diplomatic skills, could you pick up Aidan Gilchrist from Maine Leadbetter’s dealing room? Rafi will give you the address,’ said Kate. ‘Do it quietly and get him here as soon as possible. Tell him some cock and bull story that you’re looking into a money laundering scam for MI5 and if he’s not convinced reassure him that you’ve been given his name as a head honcho and a quiet chat would be much appreciated.’
‘Oh, you mean, the could-he-give-James-Bond-a-helping-hand story?’ said Jeremy with a grin.
Kate looked across at him and returned the smile. ‘You read too many comic books!’
‘But it isn’t half fun! And what if he’s too busy and won’t come?’ asked Jeremy.
‘I suggest you take him somewhere quiet and advise him of the powers of MI5, should they wish to flex their muscles,’ suggested Kate. ‘I think it would be best if you went alone. It’ll raise less suspicion. We don’t want Gilchrist’s colleagues to know what’s going on. I’ll arrange for a car to take you.’
Jeremy picked up his jacket from the back of his chair and was gone.
‘Kate, we’re going to need a couple more computers and access to some databases,’ said Emma glancing around the room. ‘Shall I chat to Greg or do you need to clear it with the boss?’
‘No problem. I have his delegated authority on this one. Leave it with me,’ replied Kate.
John looked at Rafi thoughtfully. ‘Could you explain in layman’s terms why the derivatives market is potentially so dangerous… And so lucrative?’
Rafi smiled. ‘Put simply, derivatives are a way of betting whether a financial asset will go up or down relative to peoples’ expectations. In our case, let’s say that the terrorists do something which causes the markets to plunge unexpectedly. If they have bought put contracts, the more the market goes down the bigger the profit they’ll make. If you speculate correctly you can make big profits of say ten, maybe twenty times your initial outlay. However, derivative markets are a zero-sum-game, thus for every winner there’s a loser. They’re the rocket science end of things, which is why I could do with Aidan’s help.’
‘Thanks,’ said John. ‘So if the sheikh and his associates were to speculate say?1 billion in these markets and they rig things to go their way, they stand to make?10 to?20 billion? Sort of puts all their planning into perspective, doesn’t it?’
‘I fear so,’ replied Rafi.
A look of concern spread across John’s face. ‘For a payout of?20 billion, heaven only knows what they have planned! Oh, by the way, I’ve been mulling over something you said about their exit plans. If they are intending to get that rich they won’t want to hang around. So I would put looking for a fast motor cruiser at the top of my “to do list”. Just a thought. Must dash now – I’ve got a meeting with my team. Let’s talk soon.’
Jeremy was standing at reception accompanied by a very unhappy individual. ‘Give DI Adams a bell and tell her I have Mr Gilchrist with me and that I am heading for the fourth floor interview room.’
Kate, Emma and Rafi arrived at the interview room moments before Jeremy and a very disgruntled Aidan Gilchrist, who looked as if a thunder cloud was hovering directly over his head.
‘What do you want from me?’ He was annoyed. ‘I thought you were taking me somewhere civilised to talk, not to a bloody police station.’ He turned and, on seeing Rafi did a double take.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’
Suddenly, it dawned on Rafi that his mugshot – as the man behind the Bishopsgate bombing – must have been all over the papers.
Aidan looked uncertainly at Rafi then, like the first class financial dealer that he was, he quickly regained his composure. And acted as if he had known what was going to happen all along.
Kate decided to take charge of the situation and spoke up. ‘Let me introduce you to my team: I’m Detective Inspector Kate Adams and this is my assistant, Detective Constable Emma Jessop. We specialise in financial fraud. You already know our infamous friend, Rafi. We’ll shortly be joined by the head of our IT section, Greg Thompson, and you’ve met Jeremy, from MI5. Please bear in mind that you’re here as our guest. I’m sorry that our hospitality doesn’t match the standards set by your bank.’ Kate smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. ‘Rafi has been helping us with our enquiries. He’s best placed to explain why we need your help,’ she concluded, indicating to Rafi that he could begin.
‘Thank you, Kate. Aidan, I’m sorry for the cloak-and-dagger stuff. Basically, I was framed. By accident, I stumbled across pieces of the terrorists’ plans. Before we go any further I should explain your position and make it absolutely clear that you’re here under no coercion. I asked Jeremy to get you as we need your help – we believe they are targeting the derivatives market.’
‘OK, wait a minute. Are you saying that if I think you’re talking a load of bullshit, I can walk out of here?’
‘Yes,’ replied Rafi, ‘With one proviso: you can’t tell anyone you’ve seen me. Agreed?’
‘Agreed,’ said Aidan. ‘Please start, I’m all ears.’
Rafi sensed that the other members of the team weren’t happy with what he had promised Aidan. No doubt the signing of some formal documentation would be the norm. But this was the City of London, where for Rafi and his work colleagues one’s word was one’s bond.
The phone rang before Rafi could begin. Kate picked it up, listened for a moment and spoke to Jeremy. ‘Your delivery from Luigi’s is here.’ He disappeared out of the room and returned a few moments later with coffee and croissants.
Rafi started. ‘We’ve uncovered a network of companies controlled by a terrorist cell. Amongst other things we believe that they will attack energy installations thereby triggering a meltdown of the financial markets and enabling them to reap huge profits from their positions in the derivatives market. As a top, if not the top derivatives man, please help us find out what they’re up to and help us stop them?’