"Based on our intelligence," Rab continues, "the lad is indeed being held at Cairntorran.Likely in the cellar.It's been converted into what Dougal calls his 'negotiation room.'"
The way Rab's jaw tightens tells me exactly what kind of negotiations happen in that room.
"So, we're dealing with a heavily guarded manor house," I say as my mind races through potential scenarios."How many men does he typically have on site?"
"Fifteen to twenty," Rab answers."All armed, most with military or mercenary backgrounds.They rotate shifts, but there's always at least ten on active duty."
I worry my lip as I mull the options."Those aren't great odds, even for special forces guys like you.And a frontal assault might put Kenny at risk."
Kirk raises one brow."What are you suggesting,gràidh?"
"A diversion."My idea is forming as I speak."Something to draw most of Dougal's men away from the manor, leaving a skeleton crew that would be easier to handle."
Archie perks up from his corner of the room."Like what?Set fire to the woods?"
I shake my head."No, Archie.I was thinking of a three-pronged approach involving code words, which could make it harder for Dougal's men to understand us if he manages to hack into our phones.We should also turn off all Wi-Fi or over the air communications surrounding Cairntorran Manor.That might cause confusion."
Archie grins at me."You are bloody amazing, Gretchen."
"Don't pat me on the back just yet.I don't have a full plan, after all."
Kirk smiles and shakes his head."Maybe you don't have the entire plan, but all our skills combined might do the trick."
"You actually like my idea?"
"Oh aye, I'm fair certain you are the hidden genius among us."
Rab and Archie nod in unison.
My cheeks grow warm at their unified approval.It's strange having three men---especially three Scottish men, two of whom look like they could bench-press a Highland cow---treating my input with genuine respect.
"Okay, so if we're going with a diversion..."I tap my finger on my lip, thinking hard."What about using Dougal's own business interests against him?Rab, you mentioned he's got tentacles everywhere.What's his most valuable operation besides kidnapping?"
"The whisky," Rab answers without hesitation."He's been counterfeiting Thane Buchanan labels---particularly Sensual Secret and Dùndubhan Masterpiece.It's bringing in millions."
"Perfect."I rub my palms, getting more excited about this plan by the minute."So, what if we spread word that one of his illicit whisky warehouses is being raided by competitors or law enforcement?"
"Or," Kirk interjects, "we could use Dougal's own greed against him."
"I'm listening."
"Archie has all the computer skills, aye?"Kirk taps his lips, clearly considering my suggestions."What if we could find a way to create a devastating fake virus or some such thing, strictly as a distraction.Then Dougal might come out of hiding and expose himself."
I wrinkle my nose."I hope you don't mean 'expose' in the sense of removing clothing."
"No, lass," Kirk says with a slight chuckle."I meant exposing himself to risk.If we make him believe there's a critical threat to his operation, he might respond in person.Rich bastards like Dougal always think they're the only ones who can fix any crisis."
"That might work," I agree, warming to the idea."Archie, could you create something convincing enough to draw Dougal out?"
"Oh aye."Archie's fingers are already dancing across his laptop keyboard."I could cook up a wee digital catastrophe that would have him sweating bullets.Maybe a supposed security breach in his financial accounts or a threat to his supply chain.I've already uncovered his network of casinos and weapons that are spread throughout the entire United Kingdom."
"If I may," Rab interjects, leaning forward with newfound interest, "Dougal's most closely guarded secret is his new operation of counterfeit bank notes.He's invested millions in specialized printing equipment hidden somewhere at Cairntorran.If he thought that operation was compromised, he'd definitely come running."
I study Rab, unable to tamp down my curiosity."How do you know what kind of bank notes Dougal has?In America, we have dollars in several dominations, and treasury bonds too.But I'm curious about how you gained all that knowledge of UK money."
Rab's eyes dart to Kirk, then back to me with an appraising look."I've spent years tracking criminal enterprises across Scotland and the entire UK.It's my job to know these things."
His answer feels rehearsed and a bit too smooth.There's something he's not telling me, but I decide to let it slide for now.Kenny's safety is more important than satisfying my curiosity about Rab's mysterious background.
