
**@TheLogician**

By Christian Darkin

Published by Christian Darkin

Copyright 2014 Christian Darkin

**Smashwords Edition, License Notes**

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
//Extract from "The South London Echo" online edition.

//reader: @theLogician

Severed arm thought to belong to gang member

According to police, the arm, found in Berwick Park early on Saturday morning by a dog walker had been hacked off using several pointed blades. Blood stains nearby suggested a violent struggle, but what has happened to the rest of the body remains unknown.

Details of the grim discovery are still sketchy, but police say tattoos and gold jewellery found on the arm are similar to those of Stewart Dixon (19) – missing since Friday night.

Dixon is well known to police and has a string of convictions for public order and drugs offences and has been linked to local gang, Traxden Man Dem.

Speculation that the attack is the work of a rival gang is likely to further inflame rivalries between Traxden and the infamous Dane's Estate Crew. Flowers placed at the scene yesterday have already been sprayed with red paint and skirmishes broke out last night between youths at the edge of the normally quiet park. DCI Jeremy Atkins, heading the investigation has called for a period of calm reflection, but as yet no witnesses to the attack have come forward.

...read on
//Instruction from: @theLogician

//search

//open twitter feed

//search terms "berwick park" AND "disappeared" OR "missing" OR "strange"

//inform me of all postings
//email using Victoriana social networking site

//From: Steven.Jennings

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: If I might crave your indulgence

Dear Becky,

You will hardly be expecting this communication, but if I might crave your indulgence, I write concerning a matter which is, to me at least, most urgent.

I feel I am in serious danger, though I cannot think why or what I have done to attract it. Lately, acts which I am used to dismissing as the trivial bullying I have learned to expect in my life have taken on a darker hue and seem (although I cannot be sure if it is only in my mind) to have become connected into a web which must have some guiding purpose behind it.

I shall set down the story here in as much detail as I can recall it, and with any of the information which seems to relate (although of course, what is and is not relevant, I cannot, with great confidence, say). It will perhaps seem trivial to you as I begin, and fantastical as I end, but I hope you will agree to meet with me and at least give your advice.

The first incident was three days ago. You will recall the school trip to the art gallery. I was, I think a good deal more interested in the event than the rest of the group and as they busied themselves with seeking the attentions of the security guards, I allowed myself to be drawn into the worlds of the pictures.

I suppose I must have been standing before one particular work for some time because I became aware that the rest of the group had gone from the room, but simple though the artwork was (ostensibly just a rectangle of white light, tinged with colour against a dark background) it seemed to flow from the wall until it was all around me. I found myself a part of it, somehow absent from the solid world.

Presently, I remembered our purpose in the gallery and thought to make a note of my observations for my homework. I reached for the pen in my jacket pocket and my heart jumped. I felt another hand, groping in my pocket.

Instantly it drew back as if stung by my fingers. I span around, and the hand vanished into group of visitors all peering past me at the artworks. They were close around me, but such had been my concentration that I had failed to notice them arrive. I searched for the attempted pickpocket, but no-one looked guilty or even glanced in my direction. Then, just as I had assured myself that nothing had gone from my pockets, I suddenly caught the eye of a man in the crowd. He was stocky with a wide face, and a shaven head which seemed to curve down to become shoulders without the interruption of a neck. He looked away immediately, and was gone into the crowd, but I knew instantly that it was his hand I had felt reaching into my pocket.

Dismissing the incident I followed our school group to lunch where I sat on my own. I was just logging into my Victoriana profile when I felt someone standing behind me. I turned to see Razor from the fifth (I only know him as Razor – I believe his real name may be Cecil) standing behind me. Before I could react he grabbed my phone and held it above my head. My heart sank. This game again.

I asked for the phone back, but he ignored me. I tried to grab it, but he held it just out of my reach, laughing. He threw it to one of his cronies and they all began to laugh. You may have been aware of the incident at the time, but it would have doubtless been of little interest to you. The teachers, of course pretended not to notice, and I resolved that the matter would end sooner if I gave them less sport, so I simply sat down, and ignored them, and eventually, the joke became tired, and Razor made a show of dropping the phone out of the window. (I did wonder after Razor's subsequent behaviour why he did not simply keep the phone when he had it).

In any case, I ran downstairs and retrieved it, and there was no damage done save for a few scratches to the case. I looked up and saw them all leering out of the window at me. Someone spat. I brushed myself down and walked away as slowly as I could. I did not turn to look at them. As long as I didn't let them see my face, they hadn't won.

On the train on the way back, I sat between the teachers. I could see Razor's group sitting at the other side of the carriage. The others were talking, laughing. They were playing something on one of their phones, but it was too distorted to make out. Just a ticking beat and an angry voice. But Razor himself wasn't part of it. He was just staring fixedly at me. If it were not so completely out of character for him, I would swear he was thinking.

I slipped off the train a stop early but as I watched it pull away I saw Razor's face at the window. He made the sign of a gun in my direction - his two fingers pressed together. His smile chilled me.

The next day (yesterday, although it seems much more distant), I saw Razor again. He was alone, this time, and contrived to corner me behind the school where the dark, windowless side of the science block faces the blank, looming wall of Dane's estate. I was nervous instantly. I have seen the viciousness of the fights in the playground, and seen the fighters walk away as if they were nothing, and I have heard the chatter that on one day this or that boy brought a knife to school or that she or he had gone to hospital for this or that. But I have always dismissed it as what they call "hype". A fantasy game some of my classmates like to play which makes me happy enough that they choose to play without me.

But now, it seems, the game comes to me.

The back of the block is one of the school's dead areas – like the library – where nobody goes but the smokers, and even the security cameras see nothing. I have my own refuges in school where I can vanish to when things get too oppressive. I'm certain you do too, Becky.

I was on my way to one such, and passing the block when Razor appeared from nowhere, and shoved me backwards into the narrow brick-walled alley.

He stood between me and escape, his hood pulled low over his face so that save for my recognition of his build and his trainers, he could have been anybody. He spoke so quickly that I could hardly follow it, all the time, shifting from foot to foot gesturing wildly with his arms. He seemed so agitated, frantic. At one second stepping away, then at the next, looming in so close to me that his covered face almost touched mine.

I tried to follow his words, but I could not. He spoke half in threats, and boasts and half in lines that could have been stolen from films or songs, but all the time, pinning me backwards, laughing at my fear. Eventually he paused as if he wanted me to do something.

"what do you want?" I managed to ask.

"Gimme your phone" he shouted.

Then, he added the world "now". He spoke the word so quietly and so deliberately it was almost just a breath, but on instant of speaking, he drew in a single, fluid motion a black gun which he held sideways at my face in the manner of a Quentin Tarantino film.

I have never before seen a gun, and cannot vouch for whether it was an authentic weapon, or simply a toy, but I must confess a strange conflict in my response to it. Though the air was sucked from my lungs, and my heart pounded at my ribcage so hard I could feel its flow from my chest to my fingertips and up into my throbbing brain, still my face was at odds with it and took it upon itself to smile at the absurdity of the situation. I felt myself grinning like an idiot at him as his hands tightened around the handle.

Then I felt a sudden surge of anger – of bravado. I found myself telling him that the phone was at home. That it had broken when he had thrown it from the window (I think I used the word "busted" in order to seem more a part of his world).

"I don't care, init." he said. He dragged the gun away to the side, and with his other hand, pulled back on it so that it made a loud click. I presume he was disengaging a safety catch, but as I have said, I know nothing of such things. I was struck by the way it seemed more a theatrical gesture than a necessary precursor to firing. Nevertheless, as he swung it back to hover an inch from my forehead, it had the effect he desired. I swallowed hard "I want the phone." he said "here tomorrow!" and to make his point, he struck me once on the side of the head, and left me lying on the stones among the cigarette butts.

As I lay there, breathing raggedy on the ground, I realised that I had taken a huge chance. The phone was not broken and it was not at home. If he had checked my pocket, he would have found it. I felt terrified, but most of all, stupid. It was a phone. Not worth this. I should have just given it to him.

In my room later, my fear overtook me. I sat on the bed, shaking with it. I had said nothing to anyone about the incident, as though silence could erase it from history, but it could not. A vision of the gun hung in front of me everywhere I looked. Only now, my imagination had added to it. Now I could smell the dull black metal. I could see beads of sweat hanging from his eyebrow.

But along with the fear came anger, swelling inside me. How dare he demand my phone? How dare he threaten me?

I resolved to try to get some sleep, but as I turned off the bedroom light, another shock awaited me. With the light on, I could see nothing out of the window. As soon as it was dark within, the street outside seemed lit up in the yellow glow of the streetlamps. Directly opposite the house, a white van was parked on the double red lines. As I watched, its headlights flickered on, and it accelerated away.

In the second during which the van passed from the shadows into the light of the streetlamp and then away, I caught one sudden glimpse of the driver. I recognised the shaved head, and thick fleshy face immediately. The pickpocket. He was there, in the darkness, watching my house!

I closed the curtains and fell into bed. Confused and frightened, I drifted into a fitful sleep full of dark dreams.

I awoke this morning with an idea – foolish perhaps – dangerous, certainly – but somehow knowing there was some action I could take, some control I could exert turned everything in my mind. This did not need to be a story about my fear, my persecution. It could be a story about my cleverness. I realised that I could keep my pride and still give Razor what he wanted.

The mysterious matter of the pickpocket was beginning to drift from my mind. Perhaps it was a coincidence. Perhaps I had mistaken the van's owner in the dark. In any case, perhaps the pickpocket had been nothing of the sort. The room had been crowded, and it was the briefest touch. I had no real proof that the man whose eye I had caught had been anything other than a visitor like myself.

My idea was simple enough. I left my phone hidden at home, and took with me my old mobile. It was a previous generation, and temperamental. It's battery only lasting a few hours now, but superficially it was similar enough to my new device that Razor would not notice the substitution. Most people believe me to be a hundred years or so out of date so I was sure he would not be surprised that the model of a phone he had thrown from a window a couple of days previously was an "i" rather than an "s".

I confess a certain thrill in my own slyness as I left the house. After a brief and disconcerting interlude, I was in control of my own life again.

How wrong I was. You may have noted my empty desk in the mathematics class today, You may also have appreciated the extra space afforded you in the admirable Mrs. Devonshire's art class by the absence of my undoubtedly irksome arrangement of papers on the table next to yours. I am certain that Razor at least missed my presence keenly. His appointment with my phone would have been the only reason for him to miss a day of sitting idly around the walls of Dane's by coming into school.

The truth is, I am running for my life. I write now from behind the computer at that shabby Internet cafe on the corner of Hodson's street (the one which doubles as a travel agent, bookshop and purveyor of dried fish). Its windows are dark and from here I can at least see most of the street outside with a fair chance of not being observed. Thankfully I have seen nothing of my attacker since this morning, but I cannot believe he has given up the chase.

As I left for school this morning I had barely left sight of my house when that same white van I saw from my window screeched to a stop on the curb in front of me. The door flew open in an instant and the pickpocket sprung out, grabbing me and pulling me towards the van. I could feel his fat fingers biting into my arm and shoulder as I struggled and fought. The side door was open and he was wrestling me towards it. Once inside, I knew there would be no escape, so I wedged my feet and one hand against the outside of the van, twisting in his grip.

Luckily for me, I was wearing my cape – the very same garment which attracts so much derision at school. Only today, it proved my salvation. As my attacker shifted to get a better grip on me, a gust of wind caught it and it flew up into his face. His hand flailed and instead of grabbing my arm, he grasped only a handful of the cloth.

In one movement, I ducked, turned and unhooked the cloth, leaving him struggling with it as I freed myself.

Without another thought, I took flight, running blindly over gardens, and down into the warren of alleys that cross through the estate and out towards the high street. I knew that one side of the estate was the car park, and the playground. It was open ground, and I made the instant calculation that the job of a pickpocket (or kidnapper or whatever form of criminal he turned out to be) would have made him faster on the flat than me. So I chose the other route, up the slope, across the concrete walkway and down through the underpass where the tunnels crossed at right angles.

He was closing behind me as we reached the subway and where the ramp down into the tunnel turned back on itself I took a chance and vaulted over the railings, turning as I did. I am no expert in parkour, but neither am I a stranger to being chased. I hit the ground and propelled myself into the tunnel five meters or so ahead of my pursuer. At the mid point of the tunnel, it crosses the hidden entrance to another, and I ducked into the second tunnel, flattening myself against the wall and held my breath.

In a second, he shot past, heedless, but in the next second, he realised his mistake and skidded to a halt. I set off again at full speed. I had gained and lost my advantage within ten seconds.

I could feel rather than hear or see him following, but I did not look back. I crossed the high street without stopping, and just managed to dodge one way as a car sped past, and then dive forward as a bus pitched to a halt with a pneumatic squeal. My attacker was still behind me as I dived into the park.

I was on open ground now, and I knew he was faster. My lungs were heaving. I forced myself onwards, but with every step, he was gaining on me.

However, I had just one more trick. It was risky, but could be devastating. I had used it before in the playground, and I knew it had to be deployed with perfect timing.

My satchel was hanging over my head and shoulder, and as I ran, I reached around and switched to the hand grip, holding it brief-case like over one shoulder. At the same time, I slowed, just slightly. The man must be close now but I couldn't afford to look back. I would have to guess. I slowed a little more until I could hear his breathing heavy behind me.

I waited until just the right second, and let go of the bag.

As I accelerated away, I heard the thud as the bag hit the ground. Unable to stop, or dodge, my pursuer ran straight into it at his full speed. His legs caught, and there was a second, skidding crash as he hit the grass face and knees first. I glanced back and, as I sprinted into the thick wood, I concluded that he would not be getting up again for a long time.

I was grateful for the overgrown paths and the thick wooded landscaping of the park, and I stayed deep in the cover at the edge of the lake for a long time. My heart was still twitching wildly, and my fingers were shaking, but slowly, I regained myself.

I have spent the day wandering the park, and the town. Unsure of what to do next. I know my pursuer is out there still, searching for me. I cannot go home. That much is clear. School would be even more dangerous. I have little money. No food. My phone is low on battery. And worse, I do not even know why I am being pursued.

This Internet cafe offers little safety, but at least some notion of control. While here, I can at least fool myself into believing I am taking some initiative in this.

I have tried to seek one line of help from here already, but found it wanting, and so now I approach you. I know that I am seen as something of an outcast in our school, and I contrive to appear as happy about this as I can, but I am not immune to observing the social interactions between our school-mates even as I am kept, or somehow keep myself, distant from them.

I realise also that you and I are not close friends (or even distant ones), but I do recognise In you the same distance kept between you and our companions as between me and them. Whether it is by their choice or yours, I cannot say, but I allow myself to believe that we are linked in our status as outsiders if in nothing else, and hope that you will help me now.

Yours,

Steven Jennings
//email using Facebook

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: Steven.Jennings

//Subject: re: If I might crave your indulgence

Hi,

Firstly, I ain't your mate.

Secondly if you go about talking like some kind of Victorian geek you can expect to get your head kicked in once in a while.

And third, if you want my advice; If Razor wants your phone. You give it him and then you keep your mouth shut and walk away.

Becky.
//email using Victoriana social networking site

//From: Steven.Jennings

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: re:If I might crave your indulgence

Dear Becky,

All I ask is that you meet me at 8pm in the park and hear the rest of my story. Meet me by the metal sculpture. The one that you told Mrs. Devonshire looks like a giant polo. I am desperate.

Yours,

Steven Jennings
//email using Facebook

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: Steven.Jennings

//Subject: re: If I might crave your indulgence

hi,

Is this your way of trying to get off with me? #Fail!

Becky
//email using Victoriana social networking site

//From: Steven.Jennings

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: re:If I might crave your indulgence

Dear Becky

My good woman, I assure you that I have no such intentions. Every word I have written has been the truth. Meet me, please.

Yours

Steven Jennings
//email using Facebook

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: Steven.Jennings

//Subject: re: If I might crave your indulgence

Hi,

You see, this is why people think you're a dork. All this "my good woman" stuff! What's with that?

Anyway - I barely even know you.

Becky.
//email using Victoriana social networking site

//From: Steven.Jennings

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: re:If I might crave your indulgence

Dear Becky,

Nobody knows me. And the truth is that nobody knows you either.

I will be at the sculpture at 8pm. Please, I beg of you, be there too. I'll be on Twitter (@Steven.Jennings).

Thank you in anticipation,

Steven Jennings
//twitter feed: @Becky.Stein

@Becky.Stein: @Steven.Jennings Ok, You got five minutes. I'm walking up to Berwick Park now. Dunno why. This stuff's probably all in your messed up head.

@Becky.Stein: c'mon @Steven.Jennings. Where you? Berwick Park \- the sculpture right? Come on. It's raining here, you know.

@Becky.Stein: @Steven.Jennings OK, now this is weird. Where's the sculpture?

@Becky.Stein: @Steven.Jennings You do this? The whole thing - it's missing!

@Becky.Stein: @Steven.Jennings you getting this? The sculpture has disappeared. I'm getting well freaked out here.

@Becky.Stein: You better turn up right now and tell me what gives! This park is a bad place at night. A BAD place.

@Becky.Stein: @Steven.Jennings Right. I'm going to the bench now. I'm going to sit there for five minutes and then I'm gone. No messing.
//Twitter feed search result ALERT: Items: "missing"(1 occurrence), "disappeared"(1 occurrence), "Berwick Park" (2 occurrences). @theLogician notified.
@Becky.Stein: @Steven.Jennings This a sick joke? There's blood on this bench. Just put me hand in it. I'm going right now!

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Perhaps I can help.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician ??

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein I have been watching your feed. Perhaps I can help?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Wot? Watching my feed? Wot you on about?

@theLogician:@Becky.Stein I watch twitter for interesting keywords. You are waiting for a friend?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Wot? Wot's it to you? Who are you?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein You appear to have an interesting case. You wish to find your friend?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician He ain't my friend. Tell me who you are!

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein No.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician You're Steven! This some kind of messed up treasure hunt? #notfunny

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein No. I am not your friend.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Wot then?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein I am merely interested in your case

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician ain't no case here.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Your situation, then. Your mystery.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician so some kind of pervert then who listens in to other people's conversations?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Nothing will be gained by questioning me. Tell me what you see.

@Becky.Stein @theLogician I don't see nothing. It's dark and I'm going home.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Please let me help. Your friend could be in trouble.

@Becky.Stein @theLogician I told you. He ain't my friend.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein and yet you are still here.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Not much longer. He ain't here. There's blood on the bench. I don't want nothing to do with anything like this.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Just give me one minute.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician... OK one minute. Then I'm gone. What you want to know?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein your friend wanted to meet you because he is in some trouble – the "stuff" that is in "his messed up head"?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician he thinks someone's after him. If they are it's probably 'cos he's an annoying pratt.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein and his head?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician He ain't all there. He talks like he's – I dunno – on another planet. And he makes stuff up - drawings and that. I don't believe nothing he says

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein And this sculpture. How was it taken?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician You're interested in the sculpture now? I dunno. It's just been hacked off – like with an axe or something.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein how heavy was it?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician dunno. I didn't nick it, did I? A couple of blokes could've dragged it to the road maybe – not much further.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Thank you.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician and? What else do you want to know?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Nothing.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Nothing? That's it?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein For now. Yes.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician great detective you turned out to be. Not exactly CSI are you?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein what is CSI?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Damn!

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein What has happened?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Police! That's the last thing I bloody need!

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein The police cannot be party to our conversations. Avoid them.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Too late. They've seen me. If I run now... Damn. Last thing I want is to be dropped off home in a squad car.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Say nothing.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician I don't never say nothing. I ain't stupid. Whoever you are, you've messed me up now.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein They will not hold you for long. When they release you, contact me immediately.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Whatever.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Do not mention your friend. 
//Twelve minutes later

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician I'm in the back of the squad car now. They're poking around the statue – someone must've reported it.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein I will begin our investigation. When you are released, report back.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician we ain't got no investigation. I ain't playing your stupid game – Anyway you don't know nothing to investigate.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein It is not necessary to know anything. It is only necessary to know how to find out. Goodbye.
// search

//instigated by @theLogician

//wikipedia entry: "sculpture theft" (abridged):

Theft of high-value art and sculpture is usually committed by highly organised thieves for resale, for use as a bargaining tool between organised criminals, or for ransom back to the original owners. Art taken for resale most often ends up in the private collections of extremely wealthy individuals. Only about 5-10% is ever recovered once it reaches its ultimate buyer.

The protection given to high-profile pieces in large museums can be impressive, but pieces are frequently loaned to smaller exhibitions and galleries where security is disproportionately low. Public sculpture is even less well protected, but generally its size and location offers its own security.

Art thieves are typically careful to plan and execute their crimes, and to ensure that damage to the stolen artefact is minimal. Stolen works are usually, then in little danger of destruction by thieves, and members of the public are rarely harmed during raids. 
// search

//instigated by @theLogician

//social media search: terms "Steven Jennings" AND "Berwick Park"

// result: 1 result found

Steven Jennings

Victoriana Steampunk fans social media profile:

Lives in: South East London

Male

School: Berwick Park Academy
//@theLogician request

// display Victoriana Steampunk Fans social media timeline: "Steven_Jennings"

//Timeline for: Steven Jennings:

//Last Login time: 20:30 Today

//Post from: Steven Jennings

//Time: 15:30 today

I need help! Someone just tried to kidnap me. I am running for my life. I don't know where I'm going or what I am to do! I cannot go home. Does anyone have anywhere I can stay?

Professor Firebrand:  Get a grip, man. Surely things cannot be this bad.

Steven Jennings: I am deadly serious.

Professor Firebrand: You need to calm down before you think about doing anything else.

The Countess: If you really are worried for your safety, you should contact the police. They will be able to help you.

Steven Jennings:  Trust me, madam. The police around here have enough on their plate dealing with crimes that have already happened. They'll give me a crime number and send me home!

Professor Firebrand: Then perhaps you should go home now.

The Countess: Your parents will be worried.

Steven Jennings:  I have emailed to tell them I am staying over with a friend tonight. Whoever is after me knows where I live. I saw them watching my house.

Baron Von Wylde:  It is very disconcerting when you feel you are being watched. Try to focus on what you know to be true. Try to place everything in order in your mind and keep it there. That's the best advice I can give you.

Steven Jennings:  Do any of you have anywhere I can stay tonight?

Professor Firebrand:  Steady on, old chap. Tough it out. That's what I say.

The Countess: That won't be possible, I'm afraid. Just be careful. You will be fine.

Baron Von Wylde: I'm sorry. I truly am, I would like to offer you a place to stay, but I have to maintain a certain order to things here. Disruption is unhealthy for me I'm told. I'm doing very well at present and I have to keep things on a level. I'm sure you understand.

Steven Jennings: Nobody then? None of you – when it really comes to the crunch? So be it. I feel I've gained a greater understanding of our relationship today, my friends. It appears I must now seek the help of a stranger. I do not relish the next few hours. Thank you. And goodbye.
//Post from: Steven Jennings

//Time: 19:39 yesterday

This is getting out of control. Razor threatened me with a gun today.

Steven Jennings: I was expecting a response to that last post.

Professor Firebrand: you mean you were serious, sir?

Steven Jennings:  Indeed. He wanted my phone. I lied to him and said it was broken. What is going on?

Professor Firebrand: I can't imagine.

Baron Von Wylde: are you sure it was real?

Steven Jennings: I think it must have been a replica.

Baron Von Wylde: I meant, are you sure you really saw it?

Professor Firebrand:  People don't carry guns around. Not in real life.

Steven Jennings:  Yes. I'm certain!

The Countess:  Look after yourself, Steven. 
//Post from: Steven Jennings

//Time: 16:17 two days ago

On the train home now. In a much worse mood. One of the idiots from school stole my phone and threw it out of the window. No major damage, but I find myself more angry and sadder than I should.

Professor Firebrand: Who was this cad? Had I been there, I would have had a stout cudgel waiting for him.

Steven Jennings: A knuckle-dragger who insists on being known as "Razor". Why do these people insist on giving themselves stupid names? It defeats me, Professor.

The countess:  It's their own inadequacy. Ignore them.

Steven Jennings:  I try. But I wonder if it's worth it sometimes.

The countess: Whether what's worth it?

Steven Jennings:  Any of it. Fighting it. Not fighting it. Trying to be part of it. Trying to avoid being part of it. Any of it. I wake up with a sick hole in my stomach every morning and then haul myself in to school to face them again. Is it worth it?

Baron Von Wylde:  What kind of phone was it? The "S" series is a little more robust but then you have the problem that the processor doesn't cache fast enough to play back video at any great quality. I Personally go for a Samsung – just because I like the larger form factor.

Steven Jennings: I'm going to get off the train early and walk home. It's three miles, but at least I won't have to talk to anyone....

The Countess:  Remember we're always here.

Steven Jennings:  Thank you I will. Things are very tough for me at school right now. But then I come here and get into an argument with the Baron about how to create a steam driven anti-gravity array and all that other stuff doesn't seem to matter! Thank you again.

Baron Von Wylde: You are most welcome. And you still have not dealt with my issues over that matter.
//Post from: Steven Jennings

//Time: 12:53 two days ago

Steven Jennings:  Just had to do a quick post. At lunch at the art gallery, and feeling ecstatic. It's a joy to be looking at real paintings by real artists. I'm taking reams of pictures here, although I know they won't do the works any justice. Here's one:

Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov

You may perceive it as nothing but a smudge – light on dark. I have looked at these pictures online before my visit and they seemed nothing much to me. In reality, here, I see colours and brush-strokes dancing within, marks and changes showing the artist at work, and the whole piece jumps out, glowing before me. But perhaps that is what digital reproduction does? On a screen, we see only light. The real world is full of texture... shadow. 
//Post from: Steven Jennings

//Time: 22:48 three days ago

...And here she is. The final render of my steam-powered airship. All my own artwork. I'm beginning to master this 3d package I do believe. So, chaps. What do you think? Will she fly? And go easy - you know how much I value your opinions on this forum :)

Professor Firebrand: You know, I do believe she will. Excellent work, there sir as always. Enough to make a chap dewy eyed for the open air...

The Countess: wow – you're quite the artist, aren't you?

Steven Jennings: why, thank you professor and countess. You are too kind as always. I'm planning a graphic novel – when I have the time to work on it.

Baron Von Wylde: On a specific note, what's your technical rationale. This is clearly supposed to be a lighter-than-air craft, and yet, there appears to be a fair amount of metal shielding on the hull. It does seem a little fanciful...

Steven Jennings: The metalwork at the bottom is part of an anti-gravity array

Baron Von Wylde:  And how does that work precisely?

Steven Jennings: I'm envisioning an alternative reality in which static electricity has been harnessed as a force in opposition to gravity. All steam driven, of course.

Baron Von Wylde:  That plainly won't work

Steven Jennings: It doesn't have to work. I'm not going to build it. It's fiction.

Baron Von Wylde:  Of course, of course – but It should still obey its own internal narrative. Am I to believe that van-de-graff generators float too in your universe? BTW: lovely image. If you apply a dirt map to your shininess, you can get much more realism on your wood and metal specular highlights. I have compiled a substantial library of dirt and grime images for my own work if you want a download link.

Steven Jennings: An excellent tip on the dirt map – thanks Baron. As for the anti-gravity stuff, do you mind if we discuss it later? I had better go now. Back to the tiresome real world. A gallery tour with the school tomorrow morning. I'm not looking forward to my fellow pupils being there. I never know how to behave among them. Looking forward to being back online with you, my real friends, soon. Thank you again.
//@theLogician instruction: watch Victoriana social media last_login_time for "Steven_Jennings"
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//Newsfeed search: terms "sculpture" and "stolen" and "Berwick Park"

//result "sculpture stolen from south London park – for scrap?"

Breaking News: Sculpture stolen from South London Park - for scrap?

A valuable statue by a renowned British Sculptor has gone missing from Berwick Park in South London, Police are reporting tonight.

The sculpture, entitled "Present Void" was insured for half a million pounds, but its value to thieves could be far less according to initial reports. The piece could well be on its way to the home of a private collector, but it is just as possible that it will be melted down as scrap metal according local police sources.

"The park is surrounded by some of the poorest and most troubled neighbourhoods in London" DCI Jeremy Atkins said. "We have seen the roofs of schools and churches stripped bare in recent months, and even manhole covers taken from the roads."

Scrap is of relatively low value on the black market, but as the recession bites, and unemployment rises, metal theft is being seen as one way to make money. At the funeral last month of one man electrocuted while trying to steal copper wiring from a power station a mourner reported that the dead man had been stealing to pay off a local loan-shark.

In recent years several metal sculptures have been stolen from public parks, including one bronze statue of Olympic runner, Steve Ovett. Scrap metal theft is now Britain's fastest rising crime.

Atkins told us the investigation is at an early stage, but a teenage girl from a local estate was detained at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries. 
//@theLogician result: watch Victoriana social media last_login_time for "Steven_Jennings": 20:30,21:00,21:30,22:00,22:30,22:37,23:00,23:30,00:00,00:30,01:00,01:02,01:30,02:00,02:30,03:00,03:30,03:00,03:30,04:00,04:14,4:30,04:00,04:30,05:00,05:30,06:00,06:30,07:00,07:30,07:46
//twitter feed: @Becky.Stein

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician you there?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein I am. The police have released you without charge.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Yeh.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein And you told them nothing about me?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician I don't know nothing about you, do I?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein I have done some research and made some deductions. Will you let me help?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician We're still talking ain't we?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Your friend is in great danger.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician he ain't my friend and neither are you. And I ain't convinced you ain't the same person.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Your friend could not have taken the statue.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician I guess.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein Then if I can find the statue for you, you'll trust me?

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Maybe.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein fine. Tell me everything that happened at the police station. Leave nothing out.

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician in 140 characters? Lol.

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein No. Twitter is an open forum. Email me: 1205_@theLogician.aq

@Becky.Stein: @theLogician Where's dot AQ?

@theLogician: @Becky.Stein I move around a lot.
//email using Facebook

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Police interview

Hi

OK, so I'm standing talking to you and wiping the blood off my hands when suddenly there's two cops running across at me. I turn round to run off and there's another two coming through the path. The only other way's the lake and I don't fancy that much. I'm thinking if I run, and they catch me, it's going to be a lot worse. They're gonna assume I done something anyway, so I might as well stop and have a chat.

The first one catches up. It's a WPC, and as soon as she sees I'm a kid she grabs me arm and I'm locked in the car. Not a word to me – just straight to the car and in. From where I'm sat I can watch them standing round where the statue was. They looked right stupid – like it's supposed to be there, but it's not there – and that's all they've got. They're just shrugging at each other for about half an hour and standing around looking like they lost their mums.

None of them go near the bench, so none of them notice the blood.

Eventually they put some tape round the statue and wander back to the car and take me in.

So I'm in this dirty white room. Nothing breakable except a digital voice recorder. That's new, I guess. The WPC is interviewing me with a couple of others standing at the back, and you can tell like, that her heart's not in it. From the out, she don't really think I got anything to do with it. I'm like five foot and it's a big lump of metal and what does she think I'm gonna do with it? She goes through the motions.

She asks me name and I tell her. She says she can't hear me so I say it louder and she tells me there's no need to have a go at her, she's just doing her job. I hate that. When people make me talk loud it comes out like I'm angry. I weren't angry with her I just didn't want to be there. I just stare at this desk. There's about a hundred rings from coffee cups on it, and at one side the wood is peeling away in bits – so it ain't wood, it's plastic. But under the plastic is broken up little bits of real wood so it's pretending to be what it really is anyway.

She asks what I'm doing in the park and I just shrug. Then she asks me where I go to school and I say the academy. She sort of rolls her eyes like she knows what I am now. She wants to know where I live and that just sews it all up for her. She just looks at her cold coffee for ages. We both know we're wasting each other's time. In the end I ask her if her shift's finished or something and she laughs. I reckon she had a date and now she's sat talking to me and he's gone home.

But then suddenly this Atkins bloke comes in and it all changes. He's a right one – he's sharp, but he's like rushing all the time like his shoes are hot or something. Like he's real busy and it'd be great for him if he could tie up ten crimes into one. He knows I been in a police station before. He knows I've moved to the Dane's estate from down Traxden and he's got these print-outs waving them at me.

They're just pictures of this arm – I seen it in all the papers, but these ones haven't been blurred out at the end. These ones are clear as clear. You can see all the cuts and torn bits where it's come off. They want me to look at the rings, the tattoos but I can't even look at them. I just keep looking at that end all ripped up.

"Did you know Stewart Dixon?" he keeps asking.

I'd seen him about, met him a couple of times probably. He was a bit of a player – or thought he was. It was mostly hype like everyone. He ran errands.

I said I'd never heard of him.

"Where did he fit in Traxden?" Like it's some kind of army or something! They know nothing. They think there's some organisation out on the estates. Like the gangs are part of something. But there's nothing. Just bunches of kids and bunches of older kids and maybe once or twice a year there's face who drops in when it all gets too hectic to tell everyone to shut up and sit down. DCI Atkins can't have that of cause, 'cos it's a waste of manpower following everything up unless he can make it all connected to something bigger.

Still they want to know what happened to Dixon – I dunno, do I? Some nothing beef. Fight over nothing. That's not what they gotta worry about. What they gotta worry about is what his mates think happened – and who they want to blame – and what they do to them. And then what that starts off.

While they're still trying to work out what happened to Stewart Dixon, somebody somewhere will have made their mind up what happened they'll be mouthing off about what they're gonna do to get back. Maybe they did already. Maybe that's what the blood on the seat was about. Maybe Steven was caught in the middle. I dunno.

What I do know is I don't need no police car dropping me off home. So when they decided I didn't know nothing – or at least that I wasn't gonna say nothing, I told them to leave me in town to get back home on me own.

So I walk back. Not a good place to be at 4am, but a lot safer for me than being seen in a squad car turning up at me mum's flat.

So that's it. Here I am.

You want any more, you're going to have to show me the statue.

Becky.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: Police interview

The sculpture theft is odd. It does not fit well into any of the patterns.

I assume your friend arranged to meet you by means of an email. Please forward it to me.

I will be in touch later when I have located the sculpture.

What did you mean by " ...He knows I been in a police station before..."?
//email forwarded to 1205_@theLogician.aq

//From: Steven.Jennings

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: If I might crave your indulgence

I attached the message from Steven.

You don't ask nothing about me. I won't ask nothing about you.

Becky.
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//satellite view: Berwick park sculpture– search local businesses scrap merchants

// result:

//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: Police interview

Please obtain the following objects and return to the park:

a strong fridge magnet

an unopened pack of cotton wool buds

a freezer bag

a ball of gardening twine or similar

A padded envelope
//email

//from 1205_@theLogician.aq

//to derek@speedycourierssoutheast.co.uk

I would like to book a motorcycle courier to arrive at midday exactly at the lake in Berwick park SE London. Your employee will be given a small package to be taken to the address enclosed.

Thank you

@theLogician
//email

//from 1205_@theLogician.aq

//to: sales@forensic_worx.com

I understand from your website that your firm carries out "fast and accurate blood and DNA analysis online".

Please accept my order for a blood test analysis. The sample will be couriered to you within three hours. Special requirements for the scope of the test are attached.

Please respond with full test results ASAP.

Thank you.

@theLogician
//email using Facebook

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: At the park

Hi

OK, I'm at the park. The police tape is still around the sculpture.

Just understand - I'm only doing this because sooner or later the police will find out Steven's missing. Then they'll be on his emails and then they'll be around me for real. I get through living where I live because I'm quiet. Get it? Nobody notices me. Nobody's bothered enough about me to make trouble. If Steven don't get back to school on Monday, I ain't gonna be in the background no more – and that is dangerous. Get it?

So tell me what you want me to do – and you better convince me you ain't playing no game with me.

Becky
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

About 5 meters from where the statue used to stand is a path. On the other side of that is the boating lake with an island in the middle covered in trees. That's what I can see from google earth. The fence around the lake is low enough to step over, and I'm going to assume if there are boats on there that the lake is quite deep even at the edge. Is that right?
//email using Facebook

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: At the park

hi

yeh. That's right. It's muddy though. Can't see the bottom.

Becky.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

I want you to stand at the edge and tie the twine around the fridge magnet. The sculpture is made of iron. Throw the magnet in and drag it around under the water. If it locks onto something metal then you'll know you've found the sculpture.

Once you do, you have a decision to make. You can walk away, delete my emails and say nothing. Keep quiet and go on with your life. Your friend will turn up – maybe alive. Maybe dead. You'll have to sit through a couple of police interviews then you can go back to being quiet and unnoticed.

Or you can find out how I knew. You can join my investigation, I can tell you what I know about your friend's disappearance – and we can start trying to find him before it is too late.
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

... Ok. It's there. I believe you. The magnet stuck right on and I chucked it in 3 or 4 times and pulled it back. I chucked it in different places so I know there's something big and flat down there. I even chucked it in the middle – so I know there's a hole in the middle. It's got to be the sculpture.

Alright, I'll bite - how d'you know?

Becky.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

Are you a team player, Becky?
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

what?
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

Are you a team player?
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

I don't play no team games unless they force me to, and if they do, we usually loose and they usually blame me and it's usually my fault and I don't give a toss.

So I guess I would have to say, no. I ain't a team player. Sorry.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

Good Humans are naturally team animals. They follow their teams. Whether their team is stealing, or murdering or waiting to be executed, humans are programmed to just follow along.

I don't need team players. I need people who know how to act alone. 
/email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

Whatever. I'm in.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

Even if the team is against them.
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

I said I'm in.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

I need to be clear. The next part of your life will not be easy.
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

I ain't seen "easy" for 5 years. Bring it on.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

I'm sending a link. This is my phone app. Download it and install it. 
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

It's installing now. What does it do?
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

Space Invaders.
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

You're right. This game sucks. It ain't even decent. Ain't even 3d. 
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

It's supposed to be boring just in case anyone downloads it by accident. You have to let yourself die twice at the very right of the screen, then shoot the first, third and fifth aliens in the bottom row. That unlocks the full install. Now when you re-open it, the game will be gone and you're in.
//email

//From: Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: Re: at the park

Woa!. This is mad! What's it do?
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: Re: at the park

Nothing out of the ordinary. It lets us instant message – like Twitter but secure. And it sends me your GPS so I know where you are. I can turn the camera on and off if I need to take pictures or record from your phone.... and it does a few other things. Nothing CSI.
//@Logician mobile app startup

//instant messaging initiated

Becky.Stein: I thought you didn't know what CSI was

Logician: I googled it. As I said. You do not need to know anything – just how to find out. The ap has speech recognition. Try it.

Becky.Stein: You mean I can just torture my phone? I mean talk to my phone.

Logician: OK, it is not perfect. The recognition will improve as it learns. But there may be times when you would rather talk than type.

Becky.Stein: For example?

Logician: For example when you are operating machinery. Or running.

Becky.Stein: Am I likely two bee running or operating machinery?

Logician: Yes.

Becky.Stein: Ok, come on, then. How dew find the sculpture?

Logician: The news reports offered two possible theories for the missing sculpture. Either it was stolen by art thieves for a private collector, or it was stolen by opportunists to be melted down for scrap.

Becky.Stein: well?

Logician: If it was the first, then the sculpture was of great value to the thieves, and the theft would have been careful planned. If your friend got in the way, or saw something, then it was possible they might have wanted to shut him up. But there is a problem with that theory, is there not?

Becky.Stein: Is there?

Logician: You said the sculpture was hacked away from its mounting "...like with an axe or something" If you were stealing a work of art "...insured for half a million pounds", you would probably take a little more care of it.

Becky.Stein: I suppose so. So it's scrap metal thieves.

Logician: But I have ascertained that "Scrap is of relatively low value on the black market". The sculpture is worth a couple of hundred pounds maximum as scrap. So, if your friend spotted the thieves, they would most likely just run away.

Becky.Stein: Or knife him. You ain't from round here, are you?

Logician: No, I am not. They might run or they might kill him. What they almost certainly would not do is attempt to take him prisoner.

Becky.Stein: attempt to?

Logician: Oh, yes. They failed. He escaped The point is, if it was not a scrap metal theft and it was not an art theft, then what was it?

Becky.Stein: Dinner....

Logician: Please repeat.

Becky.Stein: I mean I dunno.

Logician: Well, if we assume that your friend was correct in believing that someone had tried to kidnap him, then he would have to be very unlucky to be kidnapped on the same day by two different sets of criminals – so it is likely that having failed to kidnap him on the street, they tried again when he was alone in the park.

Becky.Stein: well, dur! That ain't rocket science is it? I got that far.

Logician: so then the sculpture is incidental. They never planned to steal the sculpture.

Becky.Stein: And they didn't. They just chucked it in the lake.

Logician: Exactly. By taking the sculpture, they could send the police investigation in the wrong direction. As long as the police were looking for a bungled art-theft or a bunch of amateur scrap metal dealers, they would be able to do whatever they were going to do and cover their tracks. But, of course, they hadn't come prepared to take the statue, so they had to dump it as soon as they could.

Becky.Stein: And the closures plaice was alike.

Logician: The closest place was the lake. Precisely.

Becky.Stein: but they tried to take him before, didn't they? And they didn't need no distraction then.

Logician: Well done. You are starting to think.

Becky.Stein: Shut up. I ain't dumb.

Logician: When they tried to grab him before, it was on a street. If they had managed it, nobody would have known where or when it happened. But at the statue, he had arranged to meet you. So once he went missing, the police would be able to say exactly when and where it happened. He would not be just another troubled teenager on the run. They would have to investigate properly – and that would lead them to his social media posts and his email to you, and suddenly there are clues.

Becky.Stein: clues to what?

Logician: I do not know yet. Clues to something. But you are still missing the point.

Becky.Stein: witches?

Logician: Which is.... if we assume that after he ran, he was as careful as he says he was, and he made sure he was not followed, then how did they find him? How did they know he would be at the statue?

Becky.Stein: my email.

Logician: Your email. They must have had access to his account on the Victoriana Social Media Forum.

Becky.Stein: The what?

Logician: The Victoriana social media forum – it is where he posted his email to you from. It is a web forum for steampunk fanatics.

Becky.Stein: His dorkyness never ends, does it?

Logician: So whoever was following him had access to his password, and read his email to you.

Becky.Stein: That's a bit of a stretch. They might just have seen him standing about in the park or something.

Logician: The Victoriana Social Media Forum has an open timeline so anyone can read his posts. You cannot read emails sent from it unless you are logged in, but there is a counter at the top of the screen displaying the individual's most recent previous login time. Now, as soon as you were taken to the police station, I began monitoring Steven's last login time .

Becky.Stein: And?

Logician: Your friend's account was logged into last night at the following times: 20:30,21:00,21:30,22:00,22:30,22:37,23:00,23:30,00:00,00:30,01:00,01:02,01:30,02:00,02:30,03:00,03:30,03:00,03:30,04:00,04:14,4:30,04:00,04:30,05:00,05:30,06:00,06:30,07:00,07:30,07:46 You see the significance?

Becky.Stein: So lots of logins overnight. So they've got his password. They could've got it off him once they took him. Though God knows why!

Logician: I told you. The kidnap was unsuccessful. Look at the login times. What do they suggest to you?

Becky.Stein: Dinner.

Logician: Look at them.

Becky.Stein: sigh - Ok – every half hour. There's a login every half hour right through the night. And then some other times too. I don't get it. Someone's really keen to know some nerdy crap about steam engines?

Logician: OK. There is a login at 1am, and another at 1:02. Now why would you log into your account and then log in again just two minutes later?

Becky.Stein: You wouldn't.

Logician: Exactly. You wouldn't. So?

Becky.Stein: So there are two people logging in separately!

Logician: Right! One is logging in every half hour on the half hour. Exactly on time. Never changing. The other is logging in sporadically – once at 22:37 then again at two minutes past one then again at 7:46.

Becky.Stein: OK.. maybe - But why?

Logician: You are right. It makes no sense. If they have caught your friend, then it makes no sense at all. He would not be doing any logging in – and presumably neither would they. The only way it makes sense is if the kidnapping failed. If they caught him, then while they were disposing of the sculpture, he somehow got away, then it starts to make sense.

Becky.Stein: So one set of logins is the kidnappers?

Logician: Right – they have lost him, but they know he uses the website to send emails, so if he is going to turn up anywhere it is on that site.

Becky.Stein: and so they keep logging in to check. Every half hour they check his entrails.... His emails.

Logician: But your friend is getting clever. He knows there is someone after him. And remember he said "I left my phone hidden at home, and took with me my old mobile. It was a previous generation, and temperamental. It's battery only lasting a few hours now,"? He can only connect erratically, and he suspects that his emails are being read. He logs in when he can to see what he can find out about his pursuers. In the meantime, he hides. Probably somewhere in or around the park. He cannot go home. If he goes to the police he fears they will send him home. Sooner or later, he will have to break cover. And when he does, it will be a race between us and the kidnappers to find him.

Becky.Stein: You got all that from a series of login times?

Logician: Do you have a better theory?

Becky.Stein: No.

Logician: Then we have two lines of inquiry we need to pursue before the race begins. One will make things more complicated. The other will make them simpler.

Becky.Stein: Wait. They're somewhere near!

Logician: How do you know?

Becky.Stein: No. I said wait there's someone here. You need to get this speech recognition thing sorted.

Logician: describe them.

Becky.Stein: He's wearing black. All black. Black leather. And a black crash helmet. He's just walking across the park directly towards me. What do I do?

Logician: Relax. He is part of our first line of inquiry. He is a motorcycle courier I ordered to take some evidence.

Becky.Stein: You nearly give me a heart attack.

Logician: before he arrives, open the cotton wool buds, and take one out. Use it to swab the blood on the bench.

Becky.Stein: OK, doing it now. Not much left, you wouldn't even notice it now.

Logician: Now without touching it, put the bud in the freezer bag and put that in the envelope.

Becky.Stein: you want me to give it to the courier right?

Logician: yes.

Becky.Stein: Ok. Done. He's gone. What's with you? You with the government or something?

Logician: Anyone can book a courier. Try not to make assumptions.

Becky.Stein: What was that about?

Logician: I am having the blood analysed. It is something anyone can do. I just have to fill in an online form. It does not make me into a CSI.

Becky.Stein: Ok, so what's the other line of inquiry?

Logician: You know what it is.

Becky.Stein: What?

Logician: We have to interview a suspect.

Becky.Stein: who... No. No. I am not gonna talk to Razor. You don't know him.

Logician: Then I will contact him.

Becky.Stein: You won't get nothing out of him.

Logician: I will have to attempt it.

Becky.Stein: Trust me. You ain't gonna get nowhere. He's gonna think you're the police. You gotta be careful with this. He's scary. He's an idiot but he'll do anything. Back off or you're gonna mess me up big time.

Logician: I told you "the next part of your life will not be easy",

Becky.Stein: Look – Ok – Ok I'll talk to him. But I gotta be careful Ok? This ain't no game now. Not for me no more. This is dangerous for me now. You get me?
//Whatsapp chat: Becky Stein, Razor

Hi, you there?

Yeh? Knew it was just a matter of time, babe.

what?

I see you looking at me.

Steven Jennings has gone missing

I not a clue who, darling

the pratt in the cape

oh yeh, right. So? People go missing all the time. Dangerous world in it?

I ain't asking or nothing..

sounds like you are. Sounds like you asking big loud questions. Why you care?

I don't. But I got picked up for something else – and he emailed me

you bin naughty?

and he talked about you on Twitter. You get me?

Then I'll kill him if he ain't dead yet!

Ok, It's just a heads up, that's all. Nobody knows he's missing right now, and I ain't sayin' nothing.

Good. I ain't done nothing to him. He ain't that significant in my life.

But you could be.

Thing is, if he don't come back, the cops are just gonna google his name then they'll be right round your house poking about in your stuff. I ain't asking what your stuff is, you understand. But they'll be picking me up too once they get the email he sent me and I don't want attention neither.

I ain't done him.

No, but how much mess will they make finding that out?

What you gonna do?

Might be able to find him tonight if you tell me what you know. Then it'll all go away.

Don't know nothing. Do I?

You wanted his phone, he said. He said you had a gun.

There you go with the questions again, babe.

Ok. it's nothing to me. I got something.

What?

Some guy at the gallery offered me 200 to get his phone off him. That's all.

Was gonna get it off him tomorrow, but I guess the guy's got it now.

You know him?

No, he just saw us messing with him at lunch and I guess he saw I was the man.

And that's all?

He didn't leave a forwarding address. He was bald, I think. He gave me fifty quid. That was it.

For what?

I'd already seen the geek putting his password into his dumb chatroom – I gave the guy the password and he gave me fifty quid.

ok. what was it?

What?

The password

Elemental

what's that?

I dunno. Some crap. Tell you what, we'll talk it over. You meet me in the park later. We'll have a couple drinks.

I ain't here for that

you like to stay out of it. I get that.

I just mind my business

and I respect that. But girl can't grow up on Dane's without protection. You starting to attract some attention, girl.

I don't want attention. Just a quiet life.

one day. One day soon, babe. You gonna have to say who you running with.

Anyway. Better go now. You reckon I'll have visitors.

I'd better go clean my room like a good boy.

//user: Becky.Stein

//command: select all chat

//forward chat to: 1205_@theLogician.aq 
//email

//From: sales@forensic_worx.com

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: sample analysis

Hi

Thanks for your recent enquiry for analysis of the sample delivered to us by your courier this morning, and thank you for using our express service.

For a complete breakdown of DNA and blood analysis, please see the enclosed document. In brief, the sample appears to be from a man. It indicates high blood alcohol levels, and a possible Tuberculosis infection. However, the sample was heavily contaminated with apparently feline material (possibly saliva). The most likely explanation would be that your blood sample was recovered from a place where domestic cats might have attempted to feed from it.

If you could provide a wider set of samples it might be possible to isolate or at least compensate for the contamination and provide more information. However, with the sample we have, I am afraid we can do little more for you.

Thank you for using our service

Caroline Foreshaw

Forensic Workx
//@Logician mobile ap startup

//instant messaging initiated

Becky.Stein: You got the chat?

Logician: Yes. I received it. "I ain't asking or nothing" is an interesting interview technique.

Becky.Stein: I was being kabol. - Careful. I was being careful.

Logician: Does his response appear credible?

Becky.Stein: Do I believe him? Yeh, sound's about right. He's too dumb to make stuff up on the spot. And what would he do with a mobile? He could sell it for £30 maybe, but that's not enough to make it worth taking a gun to school.

Logician: You know the street price of a stolen mobile?

Becky.Stein: You don't?

Logician: I have received the results of our test.

Becky.Stein: That was quick. And?

Logician: a little useful information. The blood had high alcohol levels and signs of tuberculosis – indicating it probably did not come from your friend.

Becky.Stein: again. Not my friend.

Logician: please hold.
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms: "what is tuberculosis?"

// result (abridged):

TB is an infection caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most commonly it affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body such as the lymph glands, bones or the brain.

TB usually begins as a small inflamed area in one lung. This inflamed area then becomes a hole. If it is not stopped in time the bacteria then spreads to the other lung and the holes become bigger.

If left untreated TB can sometimes be fatal. However, TB treatment is very effective and few now die of the disease.

Research suggests that 10 per cent of TB patients had a history of homelessness and 4 per cent were currently sleeping rough. It also shows that street and hostel homeless were more likely to be diagnosed late, take treatment intermittently and be lost to treatment follow up. These factors increase the risk of TB outbreaks and the emergence of drug resistant TB.

A number of factors increase the risk of TB among homeless people. These are:

  * the increased number of undetected cases among homeless people

  * delayed diagnosis caused by problems accessing health care and the reluctance of some homeless people to consult health services

  * generally poor nutrition and weakened immunity which increases the risk of initial infection and progression to active disease

  * high alcohol intake has a direct effect on immunity and can be linked with poor nutrition

  * hard drug use, especially smoking crack cocaine, can mask TB as it produces similar symptoms

  * overcrowding - crowded or poorly ventilated accommodation with little natural light makes the spread infection more likely

  * taking TB treatment for a minimum of six months is often very difficult for homeless people due to other priorities, low self-esteem, lack of knowledge about TB, alcohol misuse, mental illness or living on the streets or in unsuitable accommodation

  * the prevalence of drug resistant TB among homeless people. This form of the disease is much harder to treat and is likely to be infectious for longer periods of time.

//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms: "uk pet populations"

// result (abridged):

Top Ten Pets (based on running totals over two years)

1. Fish kept in tanks: 20 - 25 million (9% of households)

2. Fish kept in ponds: 20 - 25 million (6% of households)

3. Dogs: 8.5 million (25% of households)

4. Cats: 8.5 million (19% of households)

5. Rabbits: 1 million (3% of households)

6. Caged birds: 1 million (1.9% of households)

7. Domestic fowl: 1 million (0.9% of households)

8. Guinea Pigs: Half a million (0.6% of households)

9. Hamsters: Half a million (1.5% of households)

10. Horses and ponies: 400,000 (1.1% of households)
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: where are you?

Logician: I am here. I was just doing a search

Becky.Stein: and?

Logician: It is most likely that the blood came from a homeless man sleeping rough in the park. However, there is a difficulty in timing.

Becky.Stein: What difficulty?

Logician: There was a lot of blood when you arrived, yes?

Becky.Stein: Yes. I put my hand in it.

Logician: And yet by the time we took the sample it had almost soaked away. You said "Not much left, you wouldn't even notice it now."

Becky.Stein: Well, it was raining. Washed away, didn't it?

Logician: But it was still there when you arrived.

Becky.Stein:... which means whatever happened, happened just before I got there? So, what, maybe homeless guy took Steven and he got cut in the process?

Logician: And then threw the statue in the lake on his own? And then ran off? And what about the previous kidnapping attempt?

Becky.Stein: Ok

Logician: No. this man was sick and drunk, and he was badly injured. He would have had trouble getting off the bench, let alone attacking a fit teenager.

Becky.Stein: Take it from me. He ain't fit.

Logician: The point is, if the blood was being washed away that fast then it had to have been left just before you got there. But it cannot have been.

Becky.Stein: why not?

Logician: The sample was contaminated by cats. Cats were licking up the blood.

Becky.Stein: Gross.

Logician: It is what I would have expected. 19% of households own a cat. There are roughly 500 households close to the park. That is potentially 95 cats within range of your park bench. Although I would have to do more research to gain accurate figures...

Becky.Stein: Get to the point.

Logician: The point is that in order for the cats to have found the blood, it must have been there for a few hours. But in order for it still to be there when you arrived, it must have been fresh. Do you see?

Becky.Stein: Maybe the guy died, or was killed, or whatever, but his body was left there, so the rain couldn't wash the blood away. Then the cats did their cat thing.

Logician: Maybe.

Becky.Stein: But then where's the body?

Logician: Where indeed.

Becky.Stein: So there's a guy dead on a park bench with blood all over him all day and nobody notices?

Logician: As I said. "there is a difficulty in timing".

Becky.Stein: What now?

Logician: We have Steven's password. Please hold.

Becky.Stein: Not again.
//User: @theLogician

//victoriana social networking logon

//name: Steven.Jennings

//password: Elemental

//PASSWORD ACCEPTED

// search: emails sent since 8pm

//result: NONE

// search: emails received since 8pm

//result: NONE

// search: online activity in last 7 days

//result log:

image uploaded: airship.jpg

image posted on timeline: airship_3j4k63362j.jpg

conversation started: And here she is. The final render of my steam-powered airship...

image uploaded: gallery_2004300e5th4X.jpg

image posted on timeline: gallery_2004300e5th4X.jpg

conversation started: Just had to do a quick post. At lunch at the art gallery...

conversation started: On the train home now. In a much worse mood...

image uploaded: gallery2_2004300e5th4X.jpg

image replaced on timeline: gallery_2004300e5th4X.jpg with gallery2_2004300e5th4X.jpg

conversation started: This is getting out of control. Razor threatened me with a gun today...

conversation started: I need help! Someone just tried to kidnap me...
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: You back?

Logician: I have ascertained that at some point after razor gave Steven's password to the bald man (who I think we can assume is the same man who tried to kidnap him), somebody logged into Steven's account and uploaded this picture:

Becky.Stein: So? Maybe he did it himself.

Logician: I do not believe so. He used it to replace a picture which was already there in his timeline under which he had commented the following:

Just had to do a quick post. At lunch at the art gallery, and feeling ecstatic. It's a joy to be looking at real paintings by real artists. I'm taking reams of pictures here, although I know they won't do the works any justice. Here's one:

Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov

You may perceive it as nothing but a smudge – light on dark. I have looked at these pictures online before my visit and they seemed nothing much to me. In reality, here, I see colours and brush-strokes dancing within, marks and changes showing the artist at work, and the whole piece jumps out, glowing before me. But perhaps that is what digital reproduction does? On a screen, we see only light. The real world is full of texture... shadow.

Becky.Stein: it's a photo of a picture and it's a description of a picture, ain't it?

Logician: yes. And it appears to be the same picture being described.

Becky.Stein: I guess. So he uploaded a photo, then on the way home he – what – found a better shot of it or something?

Logician:

Maybe. But look at this section of the image

Becky.Stein: looks like its smudged.

Logician: No. That's the result of using the clone brush in an image editor to copy and paste a portion of the background.

Becky.Stein: It's been photo-shopped?

Logician: Yes

Becky.Stein: It could be, I guess. Could be just a crap photo.

Logician: Image editing is something I have experience of. This image has been edited.

Becky.Stein: So somebody's tried to nick his phone, got his password, hacked his account, changed a photo of some painting and then tried to kidnap him?

Logician: Exactly.

Becky.Stein: Then that's it. Something in the photo is important. Or something that was in the photo.

Logician: And remember, he said: "I'm taking reams of pictures here, although I know they won't do the works any justice."

Becky.Stein: Which is why they need his phone – they're scared that he's got something more photos of something. We're getting there. This is fun.

Logician: It will become less fun. There is blood and there are guns. There is also, I believe, a severed arm.

Becky.Stein: You think they're connected?

Logician: The severed arm is not connected to anything. That is the definition of "severed".

Becky.Stein: Was that a joke? Do you do jokes?

Logician: I am not certain what connection the events have with each other. They appear to be different in character. The attacks seem indiscriminate and careless while the attempts to kidnap Steven appear measured and focussed.

Becky.Stein: Well, at least it's obvious what it's about

Logician: What?

Becky.Stein: It's a photo of a painting.

Logician: Yes?

Becky.Stein: In an art gallery.

Logician: Well?

Becky.Stein: And someone wanted the pictures.

Logician: I don't understand

Becky.Stein: Really? You don't watch many films do you?

Logician: No.

Becky.Stein: Someone was planning to steal the painting and while they were checking it out, this geek started taking photos.

Logician: Perhaps I should google whether the picture has been stolen.

Becky.Stein: oh, I don't know, do you think?

Logician: Please hold.
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms: "Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov"

// result: extract from "CFX online news"

Dolgorukov painting stolen

Thieves broke into Edwards Picture gallery in South East London yesterday and stole a painting worth an estimated £25,000,000.

The painting, Motya Dolgorukov's "Pink Light" was on loan from the Guggenheim in New York as part of an exchange programme. Thieves managed to avoid CCTV and make off with the picture last night, but it is not known what other security measures were in place. Loss adjusters representing the painting's owners have described security at the site as "absurdly lax" but the gallery has denied that cuts to the arts budget have had any effect on the protection of rare artworks.

DCI Jeremy Atkins investigating the theft said "we're following up several lines of enquiry" but declined to comment on what leads he had, saying only that "everything possible" was being done to secure the painting's safe return.

As one of only three DCIs policing a borough of 280,000 people DCI Atkins is also heading up investigations into gang-related violence in the borough, but police have denied that government cuts have lead to resources being stretched in the Met, saying recent austerity measures do not affect front line policing. 
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: You were correct. The painting was stolen last night. It was an error.

Becky.Stein: What? You mean they stole it by accident?

Logician: No. It was an error that I failed to spot that connection.

Becky.Stein: I guess.

Logician: I should have made that connection.

Becky.Stein: don't feel bad about it.

Logician: I do not feel bad. Should I watch more films?

Becky.Stein: I dunno. We need the old version of the photo, don't we?

Logician: It may be recoverable.

Becky.Stein: How?

Logician: Changes to websites leave echoes. Particularly public posts. Search engines constantly index the web to make searching faster. But they also download whole sections of the internet and store them in a cache for faster access. They continually update – anything from every couple of hours to weeks depending on how fast the sites change.

Becky.Stein:  So we might find an old version of the photo if it ain't been updated?

Logician:  I simply have to search for cached images. Please hold. 
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms "Just had to do a quick post. At lunch at the art gallery, and feeling ecstatic"

//result:

Just had to do a quick post. At lunch at the art gallery, and feeling ecstatic. It's a joy to be looking at real paintings by real artists. I'm taking reams of pictures here, although I know they won't do the works any justice. Here's one:

Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov

You may perceive it as nothing but a smudge – light on dark. I have looked at these pictures online before my visit and they seemed nothing much to me. In reality, here, I see colours and brush-strokes dancing within, marks and changes showing the artist at work, and the whole piece jumps out, glowing before me. But perhaps that is what digital reproduction does? On a screen, we see only light. The real world is full of texture... shadow. 
//repeat search using cached pages

//result:

This is a snapshot of the page as it appeared 3 days ago. Its contents may have changed in the meantime

Just had to do a quick post. At lunch at the art gallery, and feeling ecstatic. It's a joy to be looking at real paintings by real artists. I'm taking reams of pictures here, although I know they won't do the works any justice. Here's one:

Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov

You may perceive it as nothing but a smudge – light on dark. I have looked at these pictures online before my visit and they seemed nothing much to me. In reality, here, I see colours and brush-strokes dancing within, marks and changes showing the artist at work, and the whole piece jumps out, glowing before me. But perhaps that is what digital reproduction does? On a screen, we see only light. The real world is full of texture... shadow. 
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: You should now be able to see the old version of the image.

Becky.Stein: OK. There's two blokes. You can't see much, can you?

Logician: No. but you were correct. That is important.

Becky.Stein: Alright. Don't go on about it.

Logician: You cannot see their faces. And yet they still went to the trouble of removing themselves from the image.

Becky.Stein: They'd still be on the cctv at the gallery.

Logician: True. However being on the cctv in a crowded gallery days before a robbery would not cause suspicion unless you were already a suspect. Why would the CCTV for that day even be checked? Clearly these two did not consider that a risk.

Becky.Stein: But they still thought it was worth kidnapping someone who might have taken a photo. That don't make no sense. Anyway loads of people could have taken photos.

Logician:  I have already checked the museum's rules. Photography was strictly prohibited in the exhibit. Your friend was breaking the rules. He would have only got away with it because he was in a large crowd.

Becky.Stein: Ain't he the rebel!

Logician: That still leaves the question of why the thieves thought it unacceptable to be photographed simply talking in a gallery.

Becky.Stein: Dunno.

Logician: The first attempt to take the phone was the clumsy opportunism of the pickpocket. The more concerted effort made later implies that the thieves felt the threat had escalated.

Becky.Stein: He posted it. Put it online. They must have been watching him in the canteen.

Logician: Which is interesting.

Becky.Stein: Why?

Logician: It implies they thought the risk of being spotted in a small gallery on a week-day was low, but that a photo on a public forum standing next to the painting they intended to steal was a greater threat.

Becky.Stein: Yeh?

Logician: Once online, news organisations, or anyone talking about the theft would be searching for photos of the picture – particularly in that gallery where it was only on loan – and of course the photography ban would have meant there were only very few - so potentially they might have found it and used it. But that still wouldn't have mattered to the thieves – it only shows the back of their heads. Unless one of them had some kind of public profile – then they might be recognised, and if he was supposed to be somewhere else...

Becky.Stein: Like a celebrity? I don't recognise neither of them. You?

Logician: I do not study celebrity.

Becky.Stein: I could ask Deborah Green she reads all them magazines.

Logician: If they were internationally famous, they would think it a risk to visit the gallery. We are looking for someone with a public profile. Someone who would be known in his own sphere of influence, but not followed by paparazzi or recognised in the street.

Becky.Stein: He said he took loads of pics. We need to get his phone.

Logician: Indeed. And we are not the only ones who will be looking for it.
//Extract from "The Daily news and Sport" online.

//reader: @theLogician

New "Jack The Ripper" stalks South London

Another frenzied attack in Berwick Park in South London tonight has baffled police and lead to claims that a "Jack the Ripper" style killer is at large in the capital.

Two people are known to have died, already, the first, a suspected youth gang member, and the second an unidentified man believed to have been sleeping rough in the park. But rumours that there are many more victims refuse to go away.

DCI Atkins, heading up the chase told our reporter that he was examining the cases of "several" people missing in the area and urged members of the public to come forward with any information.

Forensic examination of the severed arm of the Ripper's first victim, Stewart Dixon (19) indicates that the arm was hacked off using a small blade or blades, but the attack was so savage that even identifying the weapon has proved difficult.

Blood stains have been found at several points inside and close to the park, but experts suggest that the killer is choosing his victims carefully - perhaps in a perverse attempt to "clean up" London's streets, ridding them of drug-addicts, vagrants and juvenile delinquents - Posing the question: could these crimes have been avoided if police themselves had taken a tougher line against petty crime in the past?

We think it could.
//email using Victoriana social networking site

//From: Steven.Jennings

//To: Becky.Stein

//Subject: I'd be jolly glad if you'd drop me a line.

Dear Ms. Stein

I ascertain from twitter that you did, in fact come to the park, and for that I thank you. I read with interest mention of your encounter with the police, and I can only apologise for the part I must have played in it.

For my own part, as I waited for you, I was surprised, caught by that same man I described to you, and another and bundled into that same van. My hands and feet were taped, and my mouth, and the van door sealed. I listened to them talking outside, straining for any clue to the reason for my kidnapping, but all I heard was a practical discussion of how to make the kidnapping seem to the police to be something other than it was. The villains settled quickly on faking the theft of the statue as a solution.

In case the mysterious gentleman or lady introducing themselves to you as the Logician has not managed to furnish you with the location of that statue, I can reveal that it has been thrown into the lake. The bald man opened the van and grabbed an axe from an array of tools lying beside me. He momentarily threatened me with it, and I wriggled away from him, feigning fear (not a difficult pretence to make in the circumstance). However, I used the opportunity of my movement to flick the corner of my cape unnoticed into the doorway so that when he leaped out and slammed the back, the door appeared to close but did not in truth fully lock.

I listened until the two men had gone to chop the statue from its mountings and while they were occupied, I inched over to the toolbox and freed my hands using the blade of a hacksaw. It was then simple enough to loose the rest of my bonds and kick open the door.

For the second time that day, I found myself running for my life into the trees from which I could watch their actions.

I witnessed them dragging the statue into the water, and then returning to the van. After a moment they came running back, searching for me, and the night became a game of hide and seek. Me shifting from one piece of cover to the next, watching their efforts to find me. Dodging back to hide for a few minutes in places they had already searched, then being forced to move again as they returned to the same searches, or spotted my movements and gave chase.

I witnessed a good few other events too last night – most of which I will not burden you with. The night-life of a London park is like a trawl through the darkest parts of the human soul. In the shadows of the trees, deals are struck, unions are made, and differences are settled in the most brutal ways, whilst on the benches, lives are drowned or wasted or drifted through.

And all of it hidden, separated in pockets, each secret from each other. And only I, hidden and running am party to it all. That place, at night is where those go who have no other place to take their business – who the rest of the city shuns and casts out. I suppose, for that reason, I should feel comfortable hiding there, but I do assuredly not.

I have had not a moment's rest, and my imagination has begun to play tricks on me. In the darkest hours of night just before the dawn, I began to feel as though my pursuers were not the only malevolence in the park. Long after all life had left the park and even the foxes had vanished, I fancied that eyes were on me, and once I felt sure I saw a shadow darker than the rest slip down to the edge of the lake, and sink into it in a silence born of stealthy practice.

Whenever I got a signal on my phone, I checked this site, but I have kept silent for I suspect that my pursuers have somehow gained access to it. I know – this must appear paranoid, but how else would they know where I was to be?

I therefore will not reveal where I am. I believe I am safe here for at least a couple of hours, but I will have to leave at midday. I do not know what to do. Please find a way to help if you can.

Yours in hope,

Steven Jennings
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Steven.Jennings, Becky.Stein

//subject: Re: I'd be jolly glad if you'd drop me a line.

Please do not reveal your location. Your email account has been compromised and this email is certainly being monitored.

I have deduced your location and I believe that you are quite right. You are currently safe. However, if you leave you will be in danger. Please remain where you are and download and install the ap in the enclosed link.

Play the game. Let yourself die twice at the very right of the screen, then shoot the first, third and fifth aliens in the bottom row. That unlocks the full install. Now when you re-open it, the game will be gone and you will have access.

we will then be able to communicate securely.

The Logician 
//@theLogician mobile ap startup

// additional security level command instigated by @theLogician

//engage remote phone camera. Capture image face_photo_security.jpg
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//subject: security verification

//enclosed: face_photo_security.jpg

Please look at the enclosed photo, and confirm that it is Steven Jennings. We need to protect the security of our communications.
//From:  Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Re: security verification

hi

yeh. That's him. He looks like he needs to get some sleep, but it's him alright.

You really know where he is? How?

Becky 
//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Becky.Stein

//subject: Re: security verification

He has to be close to the park. The email is too long to have been written on a phone. He cannot stay beyond midday. There are two internet cafés in the local area. Both are open all day. Google street view tells me that there is also a public library and its website indicates that it closes at 12 today. Therefore, he is in the library using their internet connection.

The thieves are unlikely to find him there, and even if they did, they would not be able to get him out without causing suspicion.

He is safe until 12.

Logician
//From:  Becky.Stein

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Re: security verification

hi

you're good.

Becky 
//@theLogician mobile ap

// instant messaging initiated

Steven.Jennings: hello?

Becky.Stein: I'm gonna smack you when I see you – and I ain't joking.

Logician: hello. You can type to communicate, or use speech recognition.

Becky.Stein: Are you in the library?

Steven.Jennings: how in the world did you know?

Becky.Stein: Elementary, in'it? :)

Logician: I do not understand.

Becky.Stein: Never mind.

Steven.Jennings: Who are you? And what on Earth is going on?

Logician: You will need to leave when the library closes at 12. It is not safe to return home, or to go to school, and we will not be involving the police at this stage.

Steven.Jennings: why not?

Logician: They would not have the resources or the intelligence to sufficiently investigate this case. At present you have very little to offer the police apart from a kidnapping which did not happen. In addition, I will not allow you to reveal my contact with you. I make that a condition of our continued conversations. Is that understood?

Steven.Jennings: Then what would you have me do?

Logician: Our first priority is to find a safe-house for you. I will begin work on this immediately. You know how to use 3d modelling software do you not? I refer to your post on the victoriana social media site entitled : "And here she is. The final render of my steam-powered airship. All my own artwork. I'm beginning to master this 3d package I do believe."

Steven.Jennings: Well, I pride myself I have a certain artistic skill...

Logician: I have ordered a laptop and internet dongle for you. A courier will arrive at the library with it in 30 minutes.

Becky.Stein: He does this stuff

Logician: or she. I have not revealed my sex.

Becky.Stein you're a bloke. I bet you are.

Logician: Indeed? When the laptop arrives go to www.blender.org and download and install the free 3d modelling package you find there. You will need to model a basic shape for me this afternoon. In the meantime, a link will appear on your phone in 10 seconds allowing you to read all the correspondence between me and your friend over the past few hours. Please read it and familiarise yourself with the current state of our investigation.

Becky.Stein: Why do you keep calling it "our investigation"? He's back now. It's over ain't it?

Logician: It is our investigation because you are both in danger and will continue to be in danger until this matter is solved. If you do not wish for my help you may turn off your apps at any time.

Logician: I take it from your lack of response that you wish to continue. Be warned. Your lives are about to become more difficult.

Becky.Stein: I ain't saying I'm in. What do you want me to do?

Logician: Steven, we require your other phone – the one of which you said "I left my phone hidden at home, and took with me my old mobile.".

Becky.Stein: the one with the photos from the gallery.

Steven.Jennings: I can't go and get it. What if they see me?

Becky.Stein: Wuss.

Logician: He is correct. The risk is too great. Our adversaries already have your address probably harvested from your social media profile. Becky, you must fetch the phone.

Becky.Stein: Thanks a lot

Logician: However, you cannot do it now. You must wait until tonight when his parents are asleep, break in using his key, and retrieve the phone.

Becky.Stein: You're kidding, right? You want me to break into his house while his parents are there?

Logician: Yes. I believe the assignment will be comparatively safe.

Becky.Stein: Comparatively in comparison to what?

Logician: In comparison to what you will be doing for the rest of the night.

Becky.Stein: Which is?

Logician: I do not yet know.

Becky.Stein: Great!
//@theLogician mobile ap startup

// additional security level command instigated by @theLogician

//engage remote phone camera. Capture image face_photo_security.jpg
// instant messaging initiated

Logician: Please look at the photograph now appearing on your screen. Do you recognise this person?

Steven.Jennings: That's him! That is the cad who tried to capture me.

Logician:  It also appears to be the man in the photograph you took at the gallery.

Steven.Jennings: Where did you get it?

Logician: He intercepted our emails and downloaded the ap. The software triggered his phone's camera as part of my security protocol. I will not allow him access
//@theLogician mobile ap

//additional command instigated by @theLogician

//ap reject user

//ap erase from mobile phone

//ap delete
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: We need to act. Steven, keep a lookout at the door of the library. As soon as you see a courier arrive, intercept him, give him your name and he will give you the laptop. Once you have installed the software, go directly to the address I will send you once I have procured a safe-house. I will give further instructions with the address. Becky. Do you still have the cotton wool buds?

Becky.Stein: Yes

Logician:  I need you to tour the circumference of the park, and take samples of any further bloodstains you discover, and photographs of the area. There will be at least one. There was another murder last night. The area will be cordoned off, so you will need to be careful in taking a sample. I suspect there will be more blood samples around the park. Place each sample in a plastic bag and meet the courier at the park entrance at 1pm. Go now.
//user @theLogician

//www.zoopla.com

//search: "Berwick park" "within ½ km" "rental properties" "furnished"

//results: more than 100 properties found

//search within results: "1 bed flat" "listed for more than 3 months" "vacant possession"

// results (abridged – selection by user):

1 bedroom flat to rent in Vestry Court

£1475 pcm

This stunning one bedroom apartment is located close to Berwick park and within easy reach of local amenities. It is spacious and airy and comes fully furnished with vacant possession.

To arrange a viewing contact: info@propertymatchrentals.com
MOBILE TEXT MESSAGE EXCHANGE

Steven JENNINGS:

Becky?

Becky STEIN

how U git my mob number? i ain't yor m8

Steven JENNINGS

It's on your facebook profile. Forgive me, I do not normally use texts. I dislike the abuse of the language. However, I thought this line of communication might be private.

Becky STEIN

problE

Steven JENNINGS

Do you have any idea who this Logician fellow is? He appears to wish only to help, but I cannot imagine where his interest lies.

Becky STEIN

1 of yor LUG M8s off yor websIt problE. i thawt he wz U 2 begin w

Steven JENNINGS

Do you trust him?

Becky STEIN

n bt I don't trust nobody. he's clever tho. bt he's a bit weird.

Steven JENNINGS

Wierd in what way?

Becky STEIN

He knows bout DNA tstn bt he's nevr hErd of CSI. It's lIk he wanders round d net l%kin 4 trouble - bt he nevr gets in2 NE himsLf. I tink he's smart, bt he ain't az smrt az he thinks he iz. Tell U wat tho

Steven JENNINGS

What?

Becky STEIN

wen DIS iz Ovr I'm gna kill U 4 getin me in2 DIS

Steven JENNINGS

Touche. Simply know that it was not my choice.

Becky STEIN

ain't U got n m8s 2 call?

Steven JENNINGS

No.

Becky STEIN

Sorry. I didn't mean Nuttin

Steven JENNINGS

Neither have you.
//email

//From:  1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: info@propertymatchrentals.com

//Subject: 1 bedroom flat in Vestry Court

Hi

I saw the above property listed on a rental site, and I'd very much like my son to come and take a look around the flat at 12;15pm today if possible.

Thanks.

John Smith
//email

//From:  info@propertymatchrentals.com

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: 1 bedroom flat in Vestry Court

hi

Thank you, that would be fine, if you could meet me outside number 12 at 12:15pm, I'll arrange for you to view.

Thanks again

Julia Wardson

Property Agent
//@Logician mobile ap startup

//instant messaging initiated

Logician: Has the laptop arrived?

Steven.Jennings: Yes! A gentleman in black leather wearing a motorcycle helmet arrived at the library bearing a package with my name on it. He didn't know who you were.

Logician: Why would he? He is just a motorcycle courier. I have no connection with him. Have you installed the software and familiarised yourself with it?

Steven.Jennings: yes. It's a freeware 3d modelling package. I use it all the time at home.

Logician: Good.

Steven.Jennings: But the library is closing – I've got to leave. Where do I go?

Becky.Stein: This is weird. The more I look, the more there is.

Logician: More what?

Becky.Stein: Blood. There's patches of blood all round the park. Like bits of churned up grass, and then bits of blood soaked into the mud. You have to look to see them. But once you do look there's like – well, I've found five in different bits of the park. It's like there's been a battle here and nobody's noticed.

Logician: We have noticed.

Steven.Jennings: Well, there wasn't last night. I witnessed a couple of arguments and even a fight, but nothing like you describe, and I would have seen something, wouldn't I?

Logician: Indeed. But the killing of Stewart Dixon whose arm was discovered took place several days ago. Is it possible that these events have been going on for some time?

Becky.Stein: Well, they don't all look fresh, if that's what you mean.

Logician: So, the newspaper's description of "the new Jack the ripper" is not entirely without foundation. We have a killer striking throughout the park, randomly, it would appear, but with considerable violence, and removing the bodies without making a sound. The killer's choice of victim may, as the news websites suggest, have a moral objection to certain aspects of society – However I suspect there may be another explanation. We must proceed carefully. Please tap on the map now displaying on your screen to add crosses indicating the positions of each sample.

Becky.Stein: Get out of it!

Logician: Get out of what?

Becky Stein: Not talking to you – just the parrots trying to nick me phone.

Logician: Parrots? Is the speech recognition working correctly?

Becky.Stein: Yes – parrots. The park's full of parrots.

Logician: Describe the parrots.

Becky.Stein: What? Well these two are big blue ones with yellow necks and they're trying to steal my phone.

Steven.Jennings: Forgive me, but the parrots are a red herring if you will pardon the mixing of metaphors. Wild rose-ringed parakeets have frequented the park for years. I have drawn them on several occasions.

Becky.Stein: of course you have.

Steven.Jennings: They're probably just attracted to your phone because it is shiny - What is more urgent is that they're closing the library! Where do I go now?

Logician: Becky. Have you investigated the scene of last night's killing?

Steven.Jennings: Please - I'm leaving now – they're closing – WHERE DO I GO?

Becky.Stein: I'm heading there now. It's near the park entrance.

Logician: Steven, head immediately to number 12 Vestry court. Proceed with care. Remember, they are still looking for you.

Steven.Jennings: What am I to do there?

Logician: I am sending a detailed set of instructions for what you are to do. Please follow them exactly, then set up a new email address using your laptop, and send the 3d model to me.

Steven.Jennings: What 3d model?

Logician: Please read the instructions. They will tell you what to do.

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging initiated

Becky.Stein: Don't ever ask me to do nothing like that again.

Logicican: Did you get the sample from the murder scene?

Becky.Stein: so I get to the gates and there's like a hundred people there. Razor and half of Dane's estate are mouthing off at the cops – and there's like twenty cops or something. They've got police tape round where the body was like normal, but now they're trying to keep them back out the crime scene – there's nothing there but a bit of blood now, but the Dane's Crew are like "he was my brother" and stuff and they're all pushing through the tape. So I'm like, how am I gonna get in there with a cotton wool bud. It just ain't happening. Then Razor's looking around and I think he's gonna spot me, so I duck into the crowd, and suddenly everyone pushes at the police - and now I'm pinned in there - I ain't going nowhere. I'm thinking this is bad. DCI Atkins from last night is right there at the front and he already half thinks I'm involved, and Razor's pushing through and if he spots me he's gonna do Christ knows what. So I'm trying to keep my head down when suddenly this shout goes up half way down the street and I know what 20 angry guys running at you sounds like. I can't see them over everyone else, but I know who it is - It's The Traxden Man Dem. They're laughing and chanting like a football crowd. Right about now I wanna kill you, but I just duck down. I'm like proper scared now. This could go any which way. Traxden just wants to have a laugh that one of Danes is dead. They're chanting "we did it! We did it!" It's all hype I reckon but Razor and the rest are up for it. I can see knives coming out of pockets all round me. Suddenly everyone's moving towards the sound and pushing me with them. That's when I hear Atkins. He's got his stuff together and he knows the front line's shifted. He shouts, and the crowd breaks looser, the police are running round to get between us and the Traxden lot and I get a chance to slip out the back. Now there's this stand off going on half way down the road and it's just me and a few bits of police tape flapping in the wind. I'm shaking but I grab the sample and just run. I look round and see the cops in the middle and they're just about stopping a fight, and that's where I run straight into the Stig!

Logician: The Stig?

Becky.Stein: Your stupid courier guy. Keep up.

Logician: So you got the sample?

Becky.Stein: I said I'd get it so I got it. Don't ever ask me to do nothing like that again though.

Logician: I cannot promise that. As I said -

Becky.Stein: Yeh, I know. "the next part of my life will not be easy"

Logician: And there is a riot going on now?

Becky.Stein: A riot? Nah. That's what you'd call youthful high spirits. You ain't seen a riot. But one's coming. The temperature's going up round here. You can feel it.

Logicain: Explain.

Becky.Stein: The longer this goes on the more people are hyping it up. One more murder and it's gonna get real bad. We better sort this quick, or it's gonna kick off round here, big time.

Logician; Understood. Please hold.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To:  sales@forensic_worx.com

//Subject: analysis

hi

Further to our previous correspondence, I am sending you another set of samples. These are likely to be contaminated in a similar way to the previous sample. I am not interested in the individual DNA of the subjects, only in commonalities between the samples. If there is a single individual linking the samples, then please tell me as much as possible about that individual.

Please be as detailed as you can in your interpretation of the data.

Thank you
//email

//From:  Steven.Jennings

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: 3d model

//enclosed: 3d.obj

Dear Sir,

I enclose the three dimensional models as promised. I have included both models in a single file, and am very interested to see what you intend to do with them, and can only hope that you do it quickly as I am currently hiding behind a set of garages and am not very secure.

The first was easiest to reproduce, a simple cylinder with an extruded cut-out rectangular shape at one end and a loop at the other. I am relatively confident that the dimensions are accurate.

The second shape was more complex. Multiple irregular teeth combined with the ridge along the length of the shape made it difficult to model and hard to visualise. I cannot be certain that the ridge is of the right depth – the photographs I took were a little hurried as I'm sure you will understand when I explain my adventure in obtaining them.

I arrived, as instructed at 12 Vestry Rise, and had no trouble in finding Ms Wardson. I introduced myself as you instructed me and she proceeded to unlock the flat and take me on an exhaustive guided tour.

The flat is large, and decorated to a very high standard. The walls are magnolia and the carpet is beige in the bedrooms and there are bare, laminate floorboards in the lounge and hall. Ms Wardson did not believe the landlord would be willing to accept a lower offer on the rent and I believe she is a little frustrated with this as it has meant the property has been left unoccupied for some time (she did not, of course, reveal this overtly but it was clear to me that she felt the price was too high to attract viewings).

I suppose you chose the flat for me specifically because it was overpriced, and because there is a back door through which I will be able to make my escape should anyone unexpectedly want to view the property while I am there.

While I listened to Ms Wardson, I was mindful of the task you had assigned me and kept my phone turned on with the camera app loaded (and the flash and sound effect turned off, of course) should the opportunity occur.

I had hoped that she would carelessly leave the keys on the kitchen surface while she showed me around the flat so that I could surreptitiously photograph them as you instructed. However, I noted with dismay that Ms Wardson kept a tight hold of the keys throughout.

As the viewing went on, it became clear that I was going to get no opportunity to get the photographs I needed in order to create a 3d model of both the chubb and yale keys. Ms Wardson began to check the time on her phone more frequently, as I ran out of questions to ask her about the flat and its environs.

Finally, hopping from one foot to another as if she wanted to go to the toilet, she confessed that she had another appointment for which I was making her late, and that she really needed to lock up. It seemed that I would fail in my task.

Then suddenly I noticed the tape measure in her other hand and inspiration struck. I asked if we could measure the height of the ceiling – with the apparent intention of discerning whether our wardrobes would fit. Of course, she could not do that while holding her phone and the keys so she had to put them down and climb on a chair.

While she did that I made a show of dialling my home to check the height of the cupboards with my mother – although what I was actually doing was casually aiming my phone at the keys laid out on the table and snapping randomly away.

What I came a way with was a selection of blurry and poorly composed shots of both keys, but there was, I think enough detail for me to overlay and construct 3d models of both (renders are enclosed below for your information)

As I say, I am not certain whether the second key, the yale key will be accurate enough to work. And further, I cannot imagine how you think I am going to open a real door with a virtual model of a key.

Yours faithfully,

Steven Jennings
//email

//From:  1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: Steven.Jennings

//Subject: 3d model

Thank you. You will have to return to the flat this evening. When you see a courier pull up, go to the flat door, and pretend you are just leaving. The courier will have a package for you at that address, and will assume you live there. Sign for the package, open it and make use of the contents.

In the meantime, please hold. I need to action your above email and there are several pieces of information which I need to collate from previous exchanges before I can determine further investigation.
//www.3dprintingstereolighography.com

//user @theLogician

//extract from website (abridged)

Welcome to the world of 3d printing. Simply create an account and upload your 3d models, then sit back and wait for your 3d creations to arrive. You can choose to have your designs realised using our selection of plastics, ceramics and even metals.

New: we now offer a fast-track same day delivery on certain materials.

Simply upload and see your imagination come to life!

//upload file: 3d.obj

//select material: stainless steel

//select delivery: courier, fast-track same day service

//address: 12 Vestry Court, London

//name of contact at delivery address: Steven Jennings

//checkout @theLogician

Thank you for your order, it will be processed immediately. As you have selected our fast-track courier service, please ensure that the contact is ready to receive delivery this evening.
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms Parrot, "south london"

//results (abridged):

There are estimated to be over 30,000 parrots living wild in South London and their numbers have exploded in recent years, with populations growing by an estimated 30% per year.

Various stories have circulated about the origins of these small, bright green birds in London and the South East including that they escaped from the set of the film "The African Queen" and that they were released by the guitarist, Jimi Hendrix in an effort to bring colour to the capital. Whatever the truth, parrots have been spotted in London since 1855, and the reason for their success appears to be related to the increasingly warm climate.

Competition for food from these foreign visitors may now be causing problems for native British birds...
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms Parrot, large, blue, yellow neck

//result (abridged):

The hyacinth Macaw is the largest of all macaws, and requires special care if kept as a pet. Smuggling for the pet trade has lead to such a decline in numbers that the bird is now classified as endangered. Individual specimens can fetch $15,000 on the black market. 
//email

//From: sales@forensic_worx.com

//subject analysis

hi

Thanks for your recent enquiry for analysis of the samples delivered to us by your courier, and thank you for using our express service.

For a complete breakdown of DNA and blood analysis, please see the enclosed documents. You were particularly interested in commonalities between the samples. However, I can tell you that there was no individual human traces found common to more than one sample. The only common traces found between all the samples was feline, indicating that the same cat or cats were present at the site Sorry not to have been of more help.

If we can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Caroline Foreshaw

Forensic Workx
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To:  sales@forensic_worx.com

//Subject: analysis

hi

Thank you for this information. It is very instructive. Can you give me any further detail on the feline DNA common at all sites? The samples cover large area relative to the teratology of most single cats. 
//image: satellite image of Berwick park annotated by Becky.Stein

//@theLogician notes:

Manual visual examination of the park satellite images indicate that the park contains several small areas of tree cover. However, the largest area likely to be left undisturbed is the island in the centre of the boating lake.
// search: highlight housing bordering park

//refine search: detached housing

// zoom

//@theLogician notes: additional

Several large detached dwellings border the park. However, this one , 81 Park Avenue, features additional outbuildings of a type consistent with the suspected usage. Garden is large, but untidily kept but unusually large fences indicate the inhabitant's extreme concern for security. The position of trees indicates garden is not overlooked by any other house.

This dwelling requires investigation.
//@Logician mobile ap startup

//instant messaging initiated

Logician: Where are you now?

Becky.Stein: I'm still in the park.

Steven.Jennings: I'm buying chocolate.

Logician: I told you to keep hidden.

Steven.Jennings: I haven't eaten a thing since yesterday morning.

Logician: I need you to meet in the park behind 81 Park Avenue. We need to investigate this house. You will need to break in.

Becky.Stein: No way! I ain't breaking into nobody's house.

Steven.Jennings: you were ready to break into mine.

Becky.Stein: You're giving me the key. That ain't breaking in.

Logician: If I am right, there will be a secure fence, but it will have been in some way compromised. You should not have to break in.

Becky.Stein: What's going on?

Steven.Jennings: Yes, please at least furnish us with some explanation of what we are being asked to do.

Logician: I am afraid it is conjecture at the moment. I cannot be at all certain what, if anything, you will find. However, I would advise extreme caution. Please leave now and meet at the back of the house. You will find a tall fence beside a group of mature trees at the edge of the park. Turn on the app when you arrive and I will be able to hear your conversation.

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging initiated

Steven.Jennings: I am here, but I feel very exposed. He saw me on the way back to the park and gave chase. I managed to loose him, but he is still hanging around. I can see him from here.

Logician: Can you see the fence? Where is your friend?

Becky.Stein: How many times? He ain't no friend.

Steven.Jennings: Oh, hello – thank you for coming and thanks for-

Becky.Stein: shut up! I'm only here because you've got me in this -

Steven.Jennings: Steady on.

Becky.Stein: You think this crap makes you sound clever? It don't. You got me arrested – and your mate with the courier – what's he about?

Steven.Jennings: I assure you he has nothing to do with me.

Logician: Can we accept that none of us are friends and simply continue with the investigation? Please describe the fence behind you.

Steven.Jennings: What? Well, it is about three meters tall, there is barbed wire at the top. I can't see through -

Becky.Stein: Is that your mate?

Logician: I have told you, this is not about friendship, it is about a balance of interests. We are working together in our own interests.

Becky.Stein: No – I didn't mean that – I meant him! That bald bloke – he's walking this way.

Steven.Jennings: Yes that's him – we've got to run!

Logician: No – look at the fence. It is likely there is a way through it.

Becky.Stein: You're right – look behind this bush -it's been like smashed out at the bottom.

Steven.Jennings: climb through.

Becky.Stein:  I don't know who's in there.

Logician: There will be nobody there, I do not think.

Becky.Stein: You don't think? What does that mean?

Steven.Jennings: We have no choice. He's coming – quick.

Logician: It means I have deduced there is likely to be nobody in the house. However, please exercise extreme caution.

Becky.Stein: Deduced how? What's in there?

Logician: Deduced from the parrots.

Steven.Jennings: quickly – climb through.

Becky.Stein: Ok – I'm in.

Steven.Jennings: me too.

Becky.Stein: stinks in here!

Logician: Tell me what you see.

Becky.Stein: Cages – loads of animal cages. Big, like for dogs or something. And it stinks.

Steven.Jennings: What is this place? It's like a zoo – the whole garden is like a zoo – except it's empty.

Logician: Is there a bird cage?

Becky.Stein: Yeh – but the door's all mangled.

Logician: The parrots you saw in the park were a rare breed. The fact that there were two of them suggested they had been smuggled rather than simply escaped from their owner.

Becky.Stein: Sso this is some kind of animal smuggler's house?

Logician: Indeed – illegally bringing in rare creatures to sell on the black market. However, I am looking for a larger cage.

Steven.Jennings: Roughly two meters by six, with solid iron bars and straw on the floor?

Logician: Yes. Please exercise caution.

Steven.Jennings: It is Ok. The cage is empty. The door is open.

Becky.Stein: That doesn't make it OK. That just means that whatever was inside has got out.

Steven.Jennings: Good point.

Becky.Stein: And whatever it was has broken open the bird-cage and then got through the fence into the park.

Logician: Indeed.

Becky.Stein: What is it? What have you sent us in here looking for? And what is that smell?

Steven.Jennings: It's coming from the house. Let's go in.

Logician: Please Hold.
//email

//From: sales@forensic_worx.com

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject analysis

hi

Thanks for your recent enquiry about the feline DNA present in your samples. I can confirm the Sub-species present is Panthera Tigris altaica . Full details are enclosed.

Caroline Foreshaw

Forensic Workx
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms: "panthera tigris

// result: Tiger Wikipedia entry (abridged)

Panthera tigris altaica , the Siberian or Amur tiger.

The largest member of the cat family, wild tigers can reach a total body length of up to 3.38m and weigh up to 388.7kg. They are characterised by a pattern of dark vertical stripes on an orange coat with a lighter underside. The tiger is a top predator in all the environments in which it is found, primarily preying on deer, cattle and other large herbivores. The Siberian or Amur tiger is the largest of all tiger sub-species.

They are generally solitary and territorial animals, requiring a large habitat and this has caused significant conflicts with human populations, with tigers being responsible for more human deaths than any other wild mammal.

Hunting:

Tigers are extremely secretive animals, rarely seen even when living in close proximity to humans. Their main hunting strategy is by stealth, stalking their prey, usually at night, then striking suddenly, from behind, often crushing the windpipe and severing the spinal cord with its teeth. Once they prey is dead, the tiger will often drag it away to be consumed somewhere out of sight of other predators. Tigers are fast, agile and powerful, and can easily kill and drag away prey many times their own size.

Unlike domestic cats, tigers are strong swimmers and actively seek out bodies of water.

Attacks on humans are rare however, they are often fatal when they do occur and once it has killed a human, an individual may change its hunting behaviour, staying close to, but out of sight of human settlements to pick of anyone venturing alone into its territory at night.

Threats:

Hunting, poaching and human encroachment on their habitats have seen tiger numbers drop from around 100,000 to an estimated 3,948 over the last 100 years. Remaining populations are limited to small isolated pockets. Conservation organisations and zoos are working hard to breed this endangered species in captivity in an attempt to increase numbers and preserve the gene pool.
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: I am afraid I may have misjudged the extent of the threat. Please leave the house immediately.

Steven.Jennings: Oh my god!

Becky.Stein: What the hell is – Oh. Oh, no!

Logician: Please leave the house immediately.

Steven.Jennings: Oh my god! It's -

Becky.Stein: Shut up! - just calm down.

Steven.Jennings: Calm down? What do you mean calm down? Look – look at it!

Logician: Is the door closed?

Becky.Stein: I said, calm down. It's just a body.

Steven.Jennings: Just a body? What kind of - ? look at it – he's been torn apart! Calm down! What are you talking about?

Becky.Stein: Listen. Steven, listen to me. You need to cool it. Ok? I said OK?

Steven.Jennings: but -

Becky.Stein: but nothing. You're no good like this. Cool it. It's just a dead bloke.

Logician: Is the door closed? Did you close the door on the way in? Please report.

Becky.Stein: yeh – door's closed. Cool it both of you. And Steven, stop crying! Now what gives? This body is a real mess. He looks like he's been eaten.

Logician: If the door is closed then you should be safe for now. The man is likely to be a smuggler of rare animals.

Becky.Stein: yeh, I think we got that far. And you guessed that the parrots must have escaped from here.

Logician: I deduced that since the murders were random and violent and the bodies had been removed, it was likely that there should be traces of the killer at the murder scenes. However, it appeared that despite evidence of a struggle, there was no human DNA connecting the scenes. The only connecting DNA was feline. This, and the parrots lead me to look for a property large enough and close enough to have contained unregistered large animals without arousing suspicion. I now know that the DNA belonged to a Siberian tiger.

Steven.Jennings: What? A tiger?

Logician: A Siberian tiger. It is an exceptionally rare species.

Becky.Stein: You sent us in here knowing there was a tiger? We could have died.

Steven.Jennings: We still could. It could be anywhere in this house.

Logician: You are not currently dead. The animal is most likely to have left the house and be living in an area of deep cover in the park.

Steven.Jennings: What kind of answer is that, man?

Becky.Stein: You said we'd be safe with you!

Logician: I have never made that claim. My investigation of tiger behaviour and the positions of the killings indicate that it is most likely to be living on the island in the middle of the boating lake. By nature it would be avoiding human contact except when hunting and it would drag the bodies back to its lair to feed. This is why it has not been found until now.

Steven.Jennings: This is a fairly poor show, I have to say.

Logician: Is there a computer there?

Becky.Stein: What? There's a body here! There's a half eaten body. Or is that not enough for you?

Logician: Is there a computer there?

Steven.Jennings: I think our way is clear. We must call the police and tell them everything we know.

Logician: No. I cannot be involved with the police.

Steven.Jennings: I am not speaking to you. This has gone far enough. Becky, we must contact the police now.

Becky.Stein: we can't. He's got us - We're stuffed.

Logician: Listen to her. You are, indeed stuffed.

Steven.Jennings: I'm going to call them right now.

Becky.Stein: And tell them what? That you were kidnapped but there's no evidence – and you already told your parents you were going away for a couple of days? That you've got photos on your phone of a bloke looking at pictures in a gallery? That you know there's a statue in the lake but you didn't put it there? That you've broke into someone's house and now you're standing over their body? Or maybe tell them there's a tiger in the park. How about that?

Logician: Even if you convince them you are not involved, you will still be under threat from a man who knows your home address.

Steven.Jennings: Are you saying we have to trust this – whoever he is?

Becky.Stein: This is messed up.

Logician: Is there a computer there?

Becky.Stein: Yes, there's a laptop open.

Logician: Can you access his email?

Steven.Jennings: Are you just going to accept this?

Becky.Stein: Well, unlike you I – yeh, I can get into his email – Unlike you I don't live in no fantasy world. You ain't stupid. I know that. But you need to start being smart too if we're gonna get through this.

Logician: Steven. You will need to leave now and go to 12 Vestry Court. I have had a key produced from your model. Watch the flat until the courier arrives and then pick up the key. Let yourself in and stay there.

Steven.Jennings: What about Becky?

Becky.Stein: It's fine. I'll stay here with the body. I guess you want to check his email to see who's buying the tiger, right?

Logician: Indeed. Please forward any emails to my account.

Steven.Jennings: Ok – but If there really is a tiger in the park, then we need to tell someone.

Logician: I am considering this problem.

Becky.Stein: But we can't tell no-one about this place without getting arrested and without it, ain't nobody gonna believe us.

Steven.Jennings: I will go if that's what you want, but consider quickly - I will be considering as well. And if I can't think of another way to stop the killing then I will go to the police regardless of your feelings.

Logician: Use the front door, and leave your home keys with Becky.

Steven.Jennings: Ok. I'm going.

Becky.Stein: I'm forwarding emails now.

Logician: Please stay in the house, Becky. Be careful not to disturb anything, but once you have forwarded the email box, try to rest. Tonight I will need you to fetch the camera from Steven's home. I may also have another, more difficult task for you.

Becky.Stein: What task?

Logician: Please hold.
//email: read by @theLogician

//from: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//To: thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//subject: Your item

I am pleased to say your item has arrived and is in good condition. It is 3.5m in length, weighs just over 300kg and is a beautiful adult female specimen.

I await your instructions for delivery.
//from:  thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//To: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//subject: re: your item

Thank you.

My client will be in London at the time we agreed previously, but I cannot give details now of location. Please confirm the details of your transportation vehicle so that we can arrange a discreet opportunity for the client to check the shipment.
//from:  thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//To: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//subject: re: your item

I have not heard from you. Please respond. My client is anxious to arrange details.
//from:  thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//To: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//subject: re: your item

Where are you? I have not had a response in two days. I am beginning to suspect that you are not reliable. My client quickly looses patience with unreliable employees. I do not need to remind you what will happen to you if your fail to fulfil your contract.
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: giles@stoneybrook_hansons_farm.co.uk

//subject: large black sow

hi

I write in response to your advertisement on the website www.farmingads.co.uk in which you offer for sale a "large black sow, 3 years old, healthy and in good condition for £150.".

I would like to purchase the animal, I will take up your offer to pay by paypal and will send a courier today to transport the animal to my address at 81 Berwick park rise, London.

Thank you for your assistance.
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: I'm in the flat. Your courier arrived, and presented a box containing an exact duplicate of the two keys I photographed. I presume you used some kind of 3d printer. Very clever, I must confess.

Logician: Good. Now, I have looked at the emails from the smuggler to his client and I am drafting a response posing as the dead smuggler in the hope that we can learn a little more.

Steven.Jennings: Now that I have had a cup of tea, and am, for now at least in a place of relative safety, I have had time to steady my nerves and think more clearly about my position. That there is a tiger living wild in the park is incredible. However I cannot deny the evidence. It does seem the only explanation to fit the facts. If, as you have said, we cannot report this to the police without risking ourselves, we must find a way to allow them to discover it for themselves.

Logician: Indeed.

Becky.Stein: Meanwhile I'm stuck in a house with a dead body.

Steven.Jennings: I am so sorry for dragging you into this.

Becky.Stein: Well you did, didn't you? So I'm in it.

Steven.Jennings: What if you used the smuggler's phone to call the emergency services. They would then discover the body and realise what had happened.

Logician: I have thought of this. However, it would take them time to come to the correct conclusion, and they would first treat the death as suspicious, and set up a forensic examination. This would have two risks. First, it would risk the discovery of DNA linking you to the scene. Secondly, it would cause a cordon to be set up around the house, with a 24 hour police guard. The press would then attempt to take pictures over the park fence. All night, there would be police and photographers in the park. There would certainly be casualties. It is imperative that the police do not discover the body until they know the threat they face.

Steven.Jennings: What about if somebody else saw the tiger?

Logician: My research indicates that tigers are very cautious hunters. It is likely to pick only on isolated individuals, and will take care not to be seen. It will only hunt at night, and will quickly drag the body back to its lair which I suspect is on the island. It might eventually be seen or caught on camera, but we cannot wait for that.

Steven.Jennings: But if it was spotted – or photographed. If photos of it appeared on the Internet, then the police would have to search.

Logician: Yes! I have anonymous twitter and youtube accounts through which I could distribute images. Are you suggesting you try to photograph the animal?

Steven.Jennings: Yes – no. I could fake photographs on the laptop. If we use the photos Becky took in the park as a background, I could put a tiger into them.

Logician: A fake would not convince the police. They see faked images all the time.

Becky.Stein: It don't need to. If the press printed them, DCI Atkins would have to look like he were doing something. As it is there's a fight waiting to happen on the estates and all the police can do is put tape round stuff. It's making them look like they're idiots.

Steven.Jennings: Ok – I'll get on with it – I can find some tiger pictures on google, and composite them into your images with a photo editing package. There's a free one I can download.

Logician: I can distribute the images in a way to hide our identity. However, we will still need to implement my backup plan to give this strategy time to work.

Becky.Stein: what?

Logician: The tiger seems to be hunting every night. If we are to stop it from taking another victim tonight, you will have to feed it.

Becky.Stein: Wait a minute. I ain't going into the park after dark not now.

Logician: I will order a pig.

Becky.Stein: What you talking about? No way. This is messed up.

Logician: All you need to do is take it to the island after dark and release it there.

Becky.Stein: release it? You are kidding – right? A live pig? You are absolutely kidding!

Steven.Jennings: you can't ask her to do that.

Logician: You have a choice. However, if you do not feed the animal, it will kill again.

Becky.Stein: so you want me to feed a pig to a tiger?

Logician: You will have to use one of the rowing boats on the lake.

Becky.Stein: I do not believe this. You want me to steal a boat and take a live pig to a live tiger?

Logician: Its instinct is to hunt. We must offer it live prey if we want to stop it attacking people.

Becky.Stein: Great.

Steven.Jennings: You're not seriously going to do this are you?

Logician: Well?

Becky.Stein: Yeh. Yeh, I guess I am.

Steven.Jennings: No!

Becky.Stein: I live on Dane's Estate. Before then I lived down Traxden. You reckon feeding a pig to a tiger is the worst thing I've had to do?

Logician: The pig will be delivered to your current address in 45 minutes. I assumed your co-operation and have already ordered the animal.

Becky.Stein: Great – I'll just hang about here with the dead body and wait for the pig, then shall I?

Logician: Yes, please. And transfer your photos of the park to Steven so he can composite the tiger into them.

Becky.Stein: Ok. Doing it now.

Steven.Jennings: When are your parents expecting you home?

Becky.Stein: Me mum won't notice if I ain't there tonight.

Steven.Jennings: Really? I've had to tell mine I'm on a trip. How can she not notice?

Becky.Stein: She don't notice nothing. Are we doing this or what?

Steven.Jennings: OK. I was simply enquiring.

Becky.Stein: Well, don't.
//Logician: replace return email address. Pose as:furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//email

//from: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//To: thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//subject: re: your item

I'm sorry, I wasn't able to get back to you in the last couple of days. I had a small local issue to deal with here. Escaped parrots – nothing to worry about. Everything is fine now. I have the item, and await your delivery instructions.

In answer to your question, the delivery transport will be a plain, unmarked white van. Your item will be in a cage in the back and your client will be able to check the shipment. When and where will it be needed, and where is the final delivery address?
//from:  thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//To: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//subject: re: your item

I am glad to hear everything is on track. Please do not fail to contact us again. My client will give instructions on the final delivery once he has confirmed his satisfaction with the shipment.

We have already discussed the time of our meeting with you. The location will be sent to you very soon.
//Instruction from: Steven.Jennings

//save images folder from Becky.Stein

//Instruction from: Steven.Jennings

//google search "tigers" images. High resolution

//download images

//Instruction from: Steven.Jennings

//download and install: GNU Image Manipulation Program

//open program 
//resume instant messaging

Steven.Jennings: Here are my images I have endeavoured to capture the essence of a hastily shot photograph which shows distinctly the animal but indicates fear and panic in its framing.

L

ogician: Good. I will start publicising immediately.
//twitter feed: #tigerinthepark

@hitchkinsons_vines (account administered by @theLogician):Hey – look, I just got sent this photo. This is amazing. There's a tiger in Berwick park in south east London! #tigerinthepark

@stewart.fasir(account administered by @theLogician): What the hell's this? Look everyone! #tigerinthepark

@235newtime(account administered by @theLogician): Look what I just got sent. Is this for real? #tigerinthepark

@lightmike1985(account administered by @theLogician): there's been like a tone of murders in this park – it's got to be this guy #tigerinthepark

@twitterpulsenewsrrs: Multiple sources are now claiming that deaths in South London's Berwick Park are the result of tiger attacks. Pictures just in #tigerinthepark

@gjeiw44(account administered by @theLogician): my m8 lives down that way. He says he's seen it! #tigerinthepark
//Extract from "The Daily News and Sport" online.

//reader: @theLogician

The Tiger in the park?

Is this a photograph of the murderer dubbed "jack the ripper" who has been terrorising the Berwick Park area of South East London and baffling police? The photograph appearing to show a tiger loose in the park has been trending on Twitter this evening.

Police are saying the photograph could be a hoax but all lines of enquiry remain open tonight.

Meanwhile, local residents are demanding action from the police as tensions continue to rise. More on this story as it unfolds...

What do you think? Enter our reader's poll.

//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Ok, this is surreal. I'm in a pedalo with a pig. Guy turned up at the door with it on like a lead. I had to sign. He looked a bit suspicious, but he didn't say nothing. I give it a last meal of some cornflakes from the kitchen and took it through into the park. It ain't late, but there's nobody here tonight. I think you might have got people scared off for now, but they'll be out with cameras later I reckon.

Logician: Is everything going according to plan?

Becky.Stein: This ain't a plan. This is just me in a nicked boat with a pig. The pig just follows on the rope like a dog, she doesn't know where she's going I guess. The boat was easy too. It's only tied up at the side of the lake. I cut it free easy enough. Hang on, I'm nearly at the island.

Steven.Jennings: Be careful. Remember what's out there.

Becky.Stein: Oh, right yeh. Like, I'd forgotten. Idiot!

Steven.Jennings: Can you get the pig onto the island without getting off the boat?

Becky.Stein: I'm – huh – I'm trying. Go on! Go on – get out! It won't budge off the boat. I'm gonna need to get out and pull it onto the land. It's Ok, I can't see nothing around – it's all trees.

Logician: The tiger will almost certainly know you are on the island by now.

Becky.Stein: Thanks for that. Makes me feel a whole lot better. Come on you, out! Ok, it's coming, it's getting off the boat. There.

Steven.Jennings: Good, now, get back in the boat and get away from there.

Becky.Stein: I can't.

Steven.Jennings: Why not?

Logician: Just get back into the boat.

Becky.Stein: It's here. The tiger. It's right here in front of me. It's huge. It's just staring at me. What do I do?

Logician: Please hold.

Becky.Stein: What?

Logician: Please hold.
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms: "surviving a tiger attack"

// result (abridged):

Tigers are responsible for more human deaths than any other big cat (an estimated 373,000 between 1800 and 2009). They are immensely powerful predators and can cover 30 feet (9.1m) in a single leap.

Your best chance of survival is to be aware of threats before they happen. Understand the terrain tigers like to hunt in, and avoid entering any environment where you might be attacked at all costs.

If you are entering tiger country, make sure your gun is loaded and with you at all times. Stay close to your vehicle and if you see an animal, do not approach. Return to your vehicle immediately. If a tiger decides to attack, you will have virtually no chance of survival, so do everything you can to avoid being caught in the open with it. 
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Come on! what do I do? It's circling me. Please.

Logician: My research is not complete. Please hold.
//search

//instigated by @theLogician

//terms: "what to do when faced with a tiger"

// result (abridged):

Yogo answers: what to do when faced with a tiger attack

Best answer: 1 vote;

Top tips for you get tiger attacks

  1. Yo is best not been there at all right? Tiger is real bad news and and don't like human except in food.

  2. Don't run away. Just if you faster than yo brother and sister, forget about it. Tiger fast like he catch you b4 you like 3 steps or something.

  3. Be still like stone. Breath is quiet, slow like no move jump and wave or nothing like that.

  4. Look tiger at eyes and be you big. Tiger like an easy mealtimes. He not know what you are, so you make him think you predetrer like what him is. He go get then something like easy eat.

  5. You now go back out. Slow like a snail. Keep look eyes tiger. But careful feet. You be like stumble or fall you over. He kill you then.

  6. Or if he gonna jump you - just shout yell or something scare him away. Might work too.

//instant messaging resumed

Logician: Are you still there?

Becky.Stein: Yes. Its just watching. It's got it's head down, like it's ready to jump. But I don't know if it wants me or the pig. I've got hold of the rope. What do I do?

Logician: Stay calm. Don't move. And keep looking at it.

Becky.Stein: I'm as calm as I'm gonna get right now, and I ain't got nowhere else to look. What else?

Logician: Keep staring it straight in the eye, and slowly let go of the rope. It is going to go for whichever of you it thinks is the easiest kill. That will be whichever of you runs first. Now drop the rope.

Becky.Stein: Ok. The pig ain't moving. It's like frozen with fear. The tiger ain't moving neither. Maybe I could make it to the boat?

Logician: No! Do not run.

Becky.Stein: I reckon I could.

Logician: My research indicates you would fail. You need to find a way to make the pig run first. Only don't move

Becky.Stein: How can I?

Steven.Jennings:  Wait. you're holding your phone are you not?

Becky.Stein: Yeh. so?

Steven.Jennings: Drop the phone as close to the pig as you can get it. your ringtone is some disastrous goth racket is it not?

Becky.Stein: You wanna talk about music now?

Steven.Jennings: I'm going to call you in 10 seconds. If the pig runs, go. 5 4 3 2 1

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: Are you there?

Steven.Jennings: Becky?

Becky.Stein: Ok, I'm in the boat and pedalling. She's fast. so fast.

Logician: she?

Becky.Stein: The tiger. the second. I mean the second that pig started to move, she was on it. Like she knew what it was thinking. it was just... beautiful. I just grabbed the phone and jumped for the boat. The thing is the pig was dead before I could get off the island, and I could see her. she just looked up, and looked right at me. And she just stood there. then she just dragged the pig off into the bushes like it was nothing. Thing is I could see her checking me as I peddled out. she could've got to me easy. It's like she was just letting me go.

Logician: Do not anthropomorphise

Becky.Stein: Aye?

Logician: Do not convince yourself it has human attributes. It is simply a hunting animal.

Steven.Jennings: But what are we going to do? the twitter campaign is working, but it's only going to make more people want to come to the park in the end, and even if the police search, they don't really believe there's anything there. sooner or later, somebody else is going to get killed.

Logician: I have considered this. now that we have established that the animal will take the food we offer, the next meal will need to be poisoned. I will schedule deliveries for tomorrow.

Becky.Stein: No.

Logician: What do you mean, No?

Becky.Stein: I mean no. we can't kill her.

Steven.Jennings: What? she's killing people!

Becky.Stein: I don't care. we ain't killing her.

Logician: If we don't then the police will when they eventually search the island. and we cannot say how many people it will kill before they get to it.

Becky.Stein: No. find another way.

Steven.Jennings: You almost died back there!

Becky.Stein: So? We're not poisoning her. I ain't telling you again.

Steven.Jennings: Why?

Becky.Stein: Because she's me.

Logician: I do not understand. What does that mean? It is a wild animal. it does not care whether you're trying to save it. It is not your friend. it is not anyone's friend. it will kill you if you get in its way.

Becky.Stein: At the start of this you asked me if I were a team player. well, I ain't. None of us are. The pig's a team player. It follows whoever holds its lead. The tiger ain't. And I ain't.

Logician: Do not anthropomorphise

Becky.Stein: I ain't. I ain't sayin' she's human. I'm sayin' everyone wants her dead and she don't care. she just does what she has to do to survive.

Logician: And that is you?

Steven.Jennings: I get it Becky.

Becky.Stein: I ain't asking you to get it.

Logician: This will make things very difficult.

Steven.Jennings: You won't change the lady's mind. we have to save the tiger.

Logician: I will consider this. Please move onto the next phase of this evening's investigation. Go to Steven's house. break in and retrieve the phone.

Becky.Stein: Ok. let me dump this pedalo.

Logician: Be careful. The house is likely to be being watched. and keep talking so that I know what is happening.
//BBC news online headlines

Police are advising the public to avoid Berwick Park in South London tonight amidst rumours that a big cat is living wild in the local area. Photographs surfaced earlier tonight proportioning to show a tiger in the park. However the source of the photographs is unclear and the police are warning that they will take action against anyone found to be creating hoaxes which might obstruct their ongoing murder investigations in the area.

Investigations into a series of murders in and around the park appear to have made little progress in recent days and a riot was narrowly avoided as rival gang members massed at one of the murder scenes this afternoon.

In a separate incident, a valuable statue vanished from the park early last night.

All this comes within days of the theft of the painting, Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov from a gallery close to the park and police have so far released no details of suspects for any of these crimes

There have already been calls from community groups for the resignation of DCI Atkins, the detective chief inspector in charge of all these investigations, but the metropolitan police have denied that government budget cuts have lead to the same inspector being forced to cove too many high profile cases at the same time. 
// instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Ok, I'm walking past the door. The lights are all off. Looks like your parents are in bed.

Steven.Jennings: They will certainly be asleep by now. I cannot understand why you won't let me do this. It would be far less suspicious.

Logician: Your address is known to the kidnappers. we must assume that they are watching the house waiting for you to return.

Becky.Stein: Great.

Steven.Jennings: You'd better go in through the back. You can get over the garage if you go down the alley behind the street. unlock the door quietly. The floorboard under the mat creaks. Step over it.

Becky.Stein: I'm in. it's all quiet.

Steven.Jennings:  Ok, go up the stairs. The first door on the left is my parents' The next one is the bathroom. My room is the door at the end.

Becky.Stein: Ok, got it. I'm there. Oh my God!

Steven.Jennings: What? what is it?

Becky.Stein: You really are a massive nerd, aren't you? Look at this place.

Steven.Jennings: The phone is in my bedside draw. There's a copy of Journey to the Centre of the Earth. it's under that.

Becky.Stein: Got it. Ok, I'm getting out. wait. what was that?

Steven.Jennings: What's happening?

Becky.Stein: There's someone in the garden.

Steven.Jennings: Who?

Becky.Stein: It's him. it's bald guy!

Steven.Jennings: Get out of there!

Becky.Stein: I can't. I just heard the window break. He's in the house!

Logician: He is after the phone. He has the same idea as us.

Becky.Stein: Well, I can't get out. I can hear him on the stairs. I'm going out the window.

Steven.Jennings:  You can't get out. it's double glazed.

Becky.Stein: he's at the door. wait. maybe...

Steven.Jennings: What?

Steven.Jennings: Becky?

Logician: Are you there?

//Becky.Stein phone offline. Connection lost

Logician: I am afraid we have to assume our investigation is compromised. this will complicate things.

Steven.Jennings: I'm leaving the flat. I'm on my way home now!

Logician: Stop. there's nothing you can do.

Steven.Jennings: I don't care. I have to try.

Logician: Wait. Something is happening...
//mobile app startup

//instant messaging initiated

Becky.Stein: Did you miss me?

Steven.Jennings: Are you safe?

Becky.Stein: Yeh, I reckon.

Steven.Jennings: I was on my way over.

Becky.Stein: How sweet. What were you gonna do?

Logician: You are not using your phone. You have downloaded the ap onto another device.

Becky.Stein: Well, I'm smart, ain't I? I hid in the wardrobe and left my phone for the guy to find. he nicked mine thinking it was Dork-boy's and left with it. then I got out. No problem.

Logician: Then he has all your personal data and access to this ap.

Becky.Stein: Keep your hair on. it's got a password. he can't access nothing. but I do want it back!

Steven.Jennings: Well done that woman!

Logician: This may be very helpful.

Steven.Jennings: We've got the pictures. That's all. What can they tell us?

Logician: Please upload them. If they were worth the lengths our opponents have gone to in retrieving them, there must be something useful in them. However I also have an additional line of enquiry now.

Becky.Stein: What?

Logician: Your phone. My app includes some additional software functions. Please hold.
//command

//from: Logician

//to: mobile device. Becky.Stein

//command: wake up

//command: stream GPS signal

//plot: GPS signal. overlay google maps

//final position search google street view
//Instant messaging resumed

Logician: I have used your mobile phone's GPS to track its position. it has now stopped moving. map enclosed.

Becky.Stein: That's a row of storage garages round the back of the railway arches of Traxden Road. People rent them in cash. A load of dodgy crap goes on down there.

Steven.Jennings: How do you know?

Becky.Stein: I thought everyone knew.

Steven.Jennings: Forgive me. I don't exactly have my finger on the pulse of this city.

Logician: I am now accessing the phone's camera.
//command

//from: Logician

//to: mobile device Becky.Stein

//command load camera

//command download image
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: That's it. That's the painting! brilliant. all we need to do now is tell the police, and this is over.

Becky.Stein: Tell the police. That's your answer to everything, ain't it?

Steven.Jennings: What? I don't see the problem.

Becky.Stein: Well, there's my phone for a start. We gotta explain how that got there then there's the fact we've got nothing tying the thief to the lockup or the picture apart from your pictures which don't show nothing except him looking at it which ain't a crime. Oh, and guess what. there's still a man eating tiger on the loose.

Logician: Well done. you're thinking it through.

Becky.Stein: And you can shut up and all.

Steven.Jennings: So we're no further forward.

Logician: We are a little further forward.

Becky.Stein: You might be. I'm in as deep as you are now! Deeper! I'm connected to two art robberies. Plus the only thing I can say to clear meself is that I know where both the stolen things are. don't look good, do it?

Logician: You forgot the tiger.

Becky.Stein: I didn't forget the damn tiger. It just nearly ate me.

Logician: I have looked through the photos you uploaded from Steven's Phone.

Steven.Jennings: And?

Logician: Most of them are of no value.

Steven.Jennings: Thanks.

Logician: It would appear the thieves had little to worry about. However, there is one clear image of the man who the kidnapper was talking to. here:

Becky.Stein: Dunno who it is.

Steven.Jennings: I don't recognise the man either. His suit looks well tailored though.

Becky.Stein: What about you? you know him?

Logician: As I have previously said, it is not necessary to know anything. Simply to know how to find out.

Steven.Jennings: How can you do that?

Logician: There is a facial recognition search engine I can use. The technology is pretty basic so it currently only works with people whose images appear many times online.

Steven.Jennings: You mean you can find someone's name from just a photo of their face?

Logician: Currently it only works with some faces.

Steven.Jennings: I confess I find that somewhat worrying.

Logician: You will need to get used to it. soon every image posted of you on any online forum will be indexed with your personal details.

Becky.Stein: Creepy stuff.

Logician: Please hold.

Steven.Jennings: I wish he wouldn't keep doing that.
//BBC online news

Breaking news: The BBC has learned that Police in the Berwick Park area of South East London are to instigate a fingertip search of the park.

The area has been cordoned off already and the search is expected to begin tomorrow evening. The move follows hours of intense speculation after photographs appearing to show a tiger appeared on social media sources. Several murders and disappearances have taken place in the area over the last few days and although police have denied the search has anything to do with the photographs, DCI Atkins, in charge of the operation has been under extreme pressure to take some action. 
//Whatsapp chat: Becky Stein, Razor

Becky girl? you there darling?

what you want?

you found your boyfriend yet?

he ain't my boyfriend, and neither are you.

he dead?

no he ain't. what you want?

just a friendly warning, girl. you be stayin in Saturday nite.

what you mean? why?

it's going down big time darling.

what?

Never you mind you pretty head. All us on Dane's gettin tooled up.

Them Traxden done it now. Them killed one of ours, and it ain't gonna be pretty now. Time to finish this.

But ain't you seen the pictures?

yeh, right, it's a tiger. Believe that crap do ya?

Not even the cops think that, but they gotta search ain't they 'cos otherwise Atkins looks like he ain't done nothin' which he ain't but he wants to keep his job.

so what you gonna do?

As I said, you just keep out of it now.

Them Traxden been hypin it up all day so we gonna take 'em down. We gonna wait till all the cops be in da park playin' tiger hunts and then we' goin' down Traxden. ain't nobody stop us. just be out the way you don't wanna be in da middle.

Ok.
//instant messaging resumed

//Becky.Stein copy and paste whatsapp chat feed

Becky.Stein: Just had a nice chat with Razor – here's a copy. It don't look good.

Logician: The BBC is reporting that the Police will start their search tomorrow evening. This additional news complicates things.

Steven.Jennings: I don't understand. Why wait until Saturday evening? Surely that is the worst possible time to search the park.

Logician: I would guess that DCI Atkins has already established that the photographs are fake. He has to conduct the search because he cannot afford to ignore public opinion. He does not believe for a moment that he will find anything, and is therefore seeking to reduce the cost of the search by doing it at the time when all his officers would otherwise be on duty but policing minor offences like drunkenness - hence, Saturday night is the ideal time for him. It also means that his officers will be all together and ready to respond any major event like the gang battle which he must be predicting. From his point of view, it is a very clever move.

Becky.Stein: Also very stupid. There'll be a massacre.

Logician: Incorrect. There will be two massacres. One in the park. On in the estate. We must act quickly. Please Hold. 
//from:  thefixer2200356@outlook.com

//To: furandfeathersaquisitions1965@gmail.com

//subject: re: your item

I can confirm that our meeting will take place at the time previously arranged. Please bring the item in a plain white van as previously discussed to the address below.

The client wants to inspect the shipment in private, so you will leave the van and we will take the shipment to its final destination.

To ensure complete privacy for the client, you will leave the van and keys in a parking space, and not have any contact with me or the client.

For address see google map link enclosed.
//facial recognition search by theLogician

//upload image

//results: similar image. Source: TopBusiness magazine online News (extract):

Nigel Redcant.

...Nigel Redcant, CEO and founder of Datasirus Enterprises, the company whose data trawling technology allows companies to collect personal information from millions of social media profiles and use it to provide personally targeted advertising. Datasirius has risen to become one of the top US companies in just four years, and its jet setting founder is in the middle of a tour of Europe promoting his company's latest upgrade.

Redcant, who some have described as a "risk obsessed thrill seeker" is also a well known art collector, and is currently on a buying spree paying millions for artworks to furnish his new mansion in the south east of England where he is rumoured to be building his own private zoo.
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: Things have become simpler. It would appear our two investigations are linked. The tiger is to be delivered to the same lockup in which the painting is stored. The man in the picture is Nigel Redcant, an internet millionaire. He is building an art collection and a zoo at his new mansion. He appears to be the client for both the stolen painting and the smuggled tiger. The bald man is some kind of fixer, organising his acquisitions on his behalf.

Becky.Stein: It's all right for some.

Steven.Jennings: And he's expecting the tiger to be delivered?

Logician: I have lead him to believe it will be.

Steven.Jennings: When?

Logician: I do not know. soon.

Steven.Jennings: Then how can we stop him?

Logician: I do not know.

Becky.Stein: They still got my phone. they're bound to work out they've been had. How do we get it back?

Logician: I do not know.

Steven.Jennings: And they're still after me. I've got to go back home sometime. what are we going to do?

Logician: I do not know.

Becky.Stein: You dunno much, do you?

Logician: I have said before. it is not necessary to know anything, simply how to find out.

Steven.Jennings: You keep saying that. What are you going to do?

Logician: I do not know.

Becky.Stein: Great.

Logician: What you are asking me to do is retrieve your phone.

Becky.Stein: Yeh.

Logician: Then give the police enough evidence to get them arrested so they can't come after you.

Steven.Jennings: Yes.

Logician: But do it without letting anyone know any of us were involved.

Becky.Stein: Yeh.

Logician: And stop the tiger killing people.

Becky.Stein: Yeh.

Logician: But without killing it. and rescue it from the police.

Becky.Stein: Yeh.

Logician: And stop the gangs fighting.

Becky.Stein: Yeh.

Logician: And get the painting back to its owners.

Becky.Stein: I ain't bothered about the painting.

Logician: I see.

Steven.Jennings: I am.

Logician: I need to think.

Becky.Stein: Damn right you do.

Logician: Please hold.
//Logician status: Thinking

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//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: Thinking

//Logician status: available
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: I have an idea.

Becky.Stein: What is it?

Logician: Please hold.
//website: datasirius.com

//search: "press events" upcoming

//results (abridged):

Nigel is currently on a hectic tour of major cities flying his own private jet from country to country, personally showcasing the exciting possibilities of Datasirius' latest "artistic marketing" software upgrade. If you are an accredited member of the press, please contact our press office for complimentary tickets to any of the events below. Mr. Redcant is on an exceptionally tight schedule, so interviews will not be possible during this tour, but senior members of our press and development teams will be available throughout:

21st: Guggenheim museum, New York 10:30 - 12:45

22nd Maxxi Museum of Art, Rome 9am-12pm

22nd: Picasso Museum, Barcelona - evening reception 4pm - late

24th: Contemporary Fine Arts gallery, Berlin : 9am-11am

24th: Louvre gallery, Paris evening reception 2pm-6pm

25th: Moderna Museet, Stockholm 9am-12pm

25th: Moscow museum of modern art, evening reception 4pm - late
//website: http://www.airplanemanager.com/FlightCalculator.aspx

//calculate terms: light jet, travel from airport code EGLC to London City airport

//result: approximate travel time 1 hour 33 mins

//google search

//terms: journey time London City Airport to Traxden Road by car, using MAPS

//result: approximate travel time 45 mins

//Logician Notes: approximate time at lockup: 9pm-11pm 24th
//website: www.makersmarketplace.com

Connect instantly with manufacturers and sales agents globally to buy and sell anything wholesale. Find suppliers and buyers anywhere any time. Simply post details of your job, and wait. Wholesale suppliers will contact you to fulfil it within minutes!

//job details posted by theLogician

//details:

I need 1000 custom printed mobile phone cases printed with a design I will supply to you tonight. I require them delivered at 9pm tomorrow in South London. Can anyone help?
//email

//from: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//to: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

Subject: white van

I need to hire a luton style delivery van of approximately two tonnes and a driver to pick up and deliver a series of packages around South East London beginning at 8am tomorrow morning and finishing at approximately 9pm. The van must have a hydraulic tail lift.

thank you
//email

//from: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//to:  giles@stoneybrook_hansons_farm.co.uk

//subject: pig

Thank you for your delivery of a sow today. I am delighted with the animal. Please supply me with another similar animal immediately.

Thank you
//website: Pcsuppliesmedia.co.uk

//order: 16gb memory card

//delivery immediately to 12 vestry court South East London 
//google search

//terms: zoos, local to south east London

//results:

London zoo

distance: 10.5 miles

address: Regent's Park, London

email: info@zsl.org

Farstail Foundation safari park,

distance: 15 miles

address: Eftir Rd, Carshalton

email: info@farstailfoundation.co.uk 
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Where you been?

Logician: I have a plan.

Steven.Jennings: Well, please elucidate.

Becky.Stein: What?

Steven.Jennings: Tell us what your plan is, if you would be so kind, since I assume it entails our co-operation in something dangerous.

Logician: I am afraid that it does, yes.

Steven.Jennings: Well?

Logician: Once the artwork and the phone are at Mr. Redcant's home, they will be easy for him to hide, and almost impossible to recover. However, Mr.Redcant is currently on a tour of European cities, hosting press events in major art galleries and is flying himself between them on a small private jet. His schedule is highly publicised and he is not scheduled to be in Lonon at any point.

Becky.Stein: So he ain't coming?

Steven.Jennings: But we know he is coming.

Logician: Exactly. He is not scheduled to visit London, and his well publicised schedule gives him an excellent alibi. However, the flight times of his aircraft are simple to calculate using online tools, as are the travel times between the lockup and the airport. It would appear that there is just one gap in Mr.Redcant's schedule during which he could make the trip. He is leaving the Louvre gallery in Paris at 6pm tomorrow, and is due to host an event in Stockholm at 9am the following morning. Factoring in flight times, gives a slot of two hours between 9pm and 11pm tomorrow night during which he could be at the lockup. He could then be out of the country again by 2am and in Stockholm by 9am.

Steven.Jennings: Well done, sir. But it isn't enough to know where he is.

Becky.Stein: We need to get my phone back before he gets here.

Logician: Indeed. Then our plan is simple. We need to hold Mr.Redcant at the Lockup with the artwork and create a situation in which the police can discover both together, and provide evidence of his connection with the thief. We then need to simply remove the phone and take the tiger to a place of safety.

Becky.Stein: How?

Steven.Jennings: Precisely. Your use of the word "simply" does not appear warranted in this context.

Logician:  I have ordered a driver with a van large enough to house the tiger cage from the garden of 81 Park Avenue tomorrow evening. Becky, it will be your job to entice the tiger into the cage on the lorry, so that it can be transported to the lockup. You will need to make certain the driver is unaware of the nature of his cargo.

Becky.Stein: How the hell am I supposed to do that?

Logician: Meanwhile you, Steven will hide at the lockup, and photograph Mr.Redcant viewing the tiger and the painting. You will load those photographs along with the others taken at the gallery onto a memory card which I am having delivered to you this morning.

Steven.Jennings: I can probably do that. My job seems a little easier than yours, Becky.

Logician: You will then need to remove the card from your phone, steal back Becky's phone and find a way to attach the memory card to the back of the painting.

Steven.Jennings: How on Earth can I do that?

Logician: I would suggest blu-tack.

Steven.Jennings: That wasn't what I meant.

Logician: I will create a diversion which will stop the criminals from leaving the scene, distract their attention from the painting, prevent the gangs from fighting, and bring the police to the area so that they can discover the theft. All we will have to do then is get the tiger to a place of safety and you can return to your lives.

Steven.Jennings: What kind of diversion?

Logician: I need you to design the world's coolest mobile phone.

Becky.Stein: Wait - this don't sound like a plan. This sounds mad.

Logician: Nevertheless, it is all you have. You have presented me with a difficult set of problems. This plan represents our best chance of solving them.

Becky.Stein: and we just get to - what? trust you?

Logician: Yes. please hold.
//email

//from: sales@chinchaimouldings.cn

//to: 1205_@theLogician.aq

subject: your order requirement

hi

Thank you for your interest in mobile phone cases. We can certainly supply your order. However, the time frame is short. Please upload your design as soon as possible and we will print your items tonight for air-freight for arrival first thing tomorrow morning your time. To save time, our invoice is enclosed.

Thank you again.
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: In order for my diversion to work, I need you to design and upload to me an image to be printed onto a mobile phone cover. You will need to incorporate the logo of datasirius, and make it look at first glance as though this is not a case, but a brand new design of phone.

Steven.Jennings: what are you going to do with it?

Logician: I need it as soon as possible. Please upload the picture within the hour. I will contact you both at 18:45 tomorrow. Be at the smuggler's house, and ready to begin. From then on, we will need to stay in contact at all times.

// laptop screengrab: Steven.Jennings

//save image

//upload to @theLogician
//email

//from: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//to: sales@chinchaimouldings.cn

//subject: Re: your order requirement

I enclose the design as promised. please arrange for the finished cases to be delivered to Traxden Rd at exactly 9:30pm tomorrow evening, UK time. My agent will be standing by to receive them.

Thank you.
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: Everything is prepared. Are you ready?

Becky.Stein: yeh, sure, I guess.

Steven.Jennings: we're ready.

Becky.Stein: Piggy arrived at lunchtime. She's in the back garden eating her last cornflakes. I been lurking on the Dane's and Traxden's IM most of the day. They're both hyping tonight up bigtime. I hope you know what you're doing. There's gonna be some big fight in about two hours.

Logician: I have that in hand.

Becky.Stein: Yeh, 'course you have. We gotta go get this tiger now?

Logician: Not yet.

Steven.Jennings: what then?

Logician: Answer the door.

Steven.Jennings: I beg your pardon?

Logician: Answer the door.

Becky.Stein: There ain't no one at.... wait, the doorbell just went!

Steven.Jennings: How do you do that?

Logician: It is a van driver I have hired for the day. He should be parked in the drive. He is here to pick up the empty tiger cage. Help him carry it round and load it onto his van. Make sure the doorway is facing the door of the van.

Steven.Jennings: OK.

Logician: He will then ask you where the nearest cafe is.

Steven.Jennings: How can you know that?

Logician: Because he will be very tired and hungry.

Steven.Jennings: Why?

Logician: Because I have spent the day sending him on a series of deliveries around London. I have carefully scheduled his pickups so that he has had no opportunity to stop for food since 8am.

Becky.Stein: Ok, better let him in the side then - there's a body in the office.

Logician: I had forgotten that. Direct him to the cafe on Terrance Street.

Steven.Jennings: Because they're far enough away to keep him busy while we catch the tiger?

Logician: Because they have good reviews on tripadvisor.

Steven.Jennings: I'll get the door.... Please hold!

Becky.Stein: ha!

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: He don't like you much, do he? He reckons you been messaging him every five minutes all day. giving him the right run-around.

Steven.Jennings: And you were right. he did ask where he could find a cafe. That cage is mightily heavy though. It took all three of us to get it onto the van.

Logician: You will not have to move it again. The driver will have worked out that he does not have to deliver the cage until 8:45, so he will not be back for at least an hour. Our job now is to capture the tiger.

Steven.Jennings: Our job? what precisely are you going to be doing to help?

Logician: I will be co-ordinating your efforts.

Becky.Stein: Yeh, from some cosy office somewhere or something.

Logician: Please try not to make assumptions about my situation.

Becky.Stein: Whatever. You're somewhere you ain't gonna get eaten by a tiger tonight, ain't you?

Logician: Correct. You may be eaten by a tiger tonight. You may also be arrested, kidnapped, shot, or stabbed by any of several people. Your best route to reducing the risk of these events is to focus your mind on the tasks I give you, and follow my instructions.

Steven.Jennings: You have a charming manner, sir.

Logician: Becky, you are to take the pig to the side of the lake. Steven, you should hide in the trees a little way away and watch the island. When the tiger sees the bait, it will swim across. As soon as that happens let Becky know, and she will start walking back to the house.

Steven.Jennings: What if it's not on the island. what if it's already out hunting?

Logician: Then it will kill one of you.

Becky.Stein: And what if the cops are there? They're already starting to line up at the far end of the park.

Logician: Then you will need to avoid them as well. They will find it difficult to understand why you have a pig on a lead.

Steven.Jennings: We'd best get a move on then.

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: Right, I'm in position. The park is empty. The police have had it cordoned off all day. Of course they know nothing of our secret entrance through the fence into the house. But the night is a still one and so quiet. Luckily there is enough moonlight for me to see the lake clearly and I can see Becky standing on the shoreline with her sacrifice. She looks so vulnerable.

Becky.Stein: I ain't so vulnerable I can't belt you one if you don't shut up.

Steven.Jennings: Nothing yet. Wait! I can see it! it's in the water already! I didn't see it go in. Run, Becky!

Logciain: No! Do not run. Turn and walk slowly back towards the house. If you run, it will chase you. If you walk, it will hunt you.

Becky.Stein: great. I'm walking away. This is bad. This is real bad.

Steven.Jennings: It's out of the water. It's just in the bushes, creeping forward. It's looking right at you with its head low, and it's creeping forward.

Becky.Stein: We're heading for the fence. It looks a real long way away.

Steven.Jennings: It's getting closer, Becky. It's running!

Becky.Stein: What?

Steven.Jennings: No, it's stopped again. it's hiding in the grass to your left.

Logician: It's trying to get close enough to pounce.

Becky.Stein: Thanks! Thanks a bloody lot for that. I'm nearly at the fence now. The pig's pulling on the lead.

Steven.Jennings: Damn!

Logician: What?

Steven.Jennings: It's seen me. it's looking right at me. It's like it can't make up its mind between me and you.

Becky.Stein: I'm at the fence. I'm going through. Ok, I'm in the garden.

Steven.Jennings: It's seen you go. it's after you! get to the van now!

Becky.Stein: I'm going, I'm going!

Steven.Jennings: It's running now. It's through the fence. run!

Logician: Update? What is happening?

Steven.Jennings: Becky? Becky?

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: She's gone. I've lost her.

Logician: Gone?

Steven.Jennings: By the time I got to the fence, the tiger had run through already into the garden. It is an immense creature, and yet seems to vanish into the air as soon as it is motionless. The garden was dark and filled with cages, stripes of light and shadow everywhere, as I crept through I felt as though it was watching from every corner. I feared its leap, it's teeth and claws tearing into me at every step, but there was nothing and I knew I had to press on. I made it to the front of the house, where we had planned to lure the monster somehow into the cage on the van, but I soon realised something had gone terribly wrong.

Logician: Wrong, in what way?

Steven.Jennings: It was gone. The van, the tiger, the pig, Becky. All vanished. I fear the worst.

Logician: Please keep calm. The tiger is unlikely to have eaten the van. There are only two possibilities. Please Hold
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

/subject: Deliveries

where are you now? Please respond immediately.
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Can you hear me? Can anybody hear me?

Steven.Jennings: Are you OK? where are you?

Becky.Stein: I'm looking at the tiger. It don't look happy.

Logician: where are you? what has happened?

Becky.Stein: I dunno where I am, do I? I'm in the back of the van. Tiger's eating the pig right now, but it keeps looking at me like I'm next.

Steven.Jennings: I'm coming to get you.

Becky.Stein: You don't know where I am, do you?

Logician: No. tell me what happened.

Becky.Stein: When you said it was through the fence, I just let go of the pig and ran straight through the house. The pig just bolted like it knew there was something coming and by the time I got to the front door, I didn't know where it had gone. I could hear the tiger behind running up the hall, and I just yanked the door open. The pig had like jumped up in the van and it was cowering at the back of the cage. I guess it thought it was safe there, but it weren't. I heard something behind me and I just dropped. It came right through the door, over my head and onto the pig in like one jump. It had it's claws in, and mouth round it's neck and it was shaking it about in the cage like it was nothing. this thing was screaming away. I just jumped up, and shut the cage. That was when the van started up. It just drove away with me in, and the doors open. I've just managed to shut them before we got seen by anyone. Now, it's real mad. it's taking chunks out of this pig, but then it's pacing about and pawing at the cage. It don't like this at all!

Logician: Don't worry. it can't get out.

Becky.Stein: Oh yeh? Did before though, didn't it? This is the cage it got out of to kill it's owner. And I can see how - the lock is like rusted away. It's only just staying shut. It could easy break out if it hit it right. easy!
//email

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Deliveries

hi

Keep your hair on, mate.

I thought I'd go get me a bite to eat from the cafe, but there was a burger van on the way, so I just had it in me cab. Reckon I'll get to the next job early.

cheers

Dave
//email

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Deliveries

I understand. However, I will now need you to park by the lockups just off Traxden RD, and leave the lorry until I instruct you to return. This is most important that you leave the van. Do you understand?
//email

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//subject Deliveries

Hi

This is my van. I don't want to be leaving it round there. The kind of crap that goes on at those lockups, It could get nicked or anything. I'll leave it in Parkour St. That ain't so bad and there's always parking.

anyway, what about this cage? where am I supposed to drop it? I can't get it off the van on me own you know. I hope you've laid on some help.

Dave
//email

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Deliveries

No.

I need you to park the van at the lockups and leave it until I tell you to return. I will advise you where to deliver the cage once I have the information for you.

I am able to offer you double-time wages in compensation for the inconvenience
//email

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//subject Deliveries

Hi

I don't know what crap you're involved in, and I don't want to know. I'll do what you say, but I ain't getting into nothing dodgy Ok? Just keep me out of it.

Dave
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: The driver returned early and drove away with you in the back.

Becky.Stein: Observant, ain't he? Didn't he hear the pig squealing?

Steven.Jennings: I noticed he had the radio on in the cab when we were loading the cage. He appears to favour music similar in style to yours.

Becky.Stein: It weren't - that was some 80's crap!

Steven.Jennings: Modern music all sounds the same to me.

Logician: This does not change our plan. It simply means you will be travelling to the lockup separately. Steven, take the bus. The number 442 stops 300 meters from the lockups. You will need to hurry. A bus will arrive at stop NP in 6 minutes according to tfl.gov.uk. You will need to be in place before our suspects arrive, and I am about to make it very difficult to travel in the area.

Steven.Jennings: Ok, I'm on my way.

Logician: Becky, try to keep the door of the cage shut.

Becky.Stein: Really? Oh, good job you said, I was just about to let it out so it could eat me. I hadn't thought of keeping it in the cage.

Logician: The next steps will be easier if the tiger remains in the cage.

Becky.Stein: No kidding.

Logician: Contact me when you arrive.

//instant messaging suspended
//twitter feed #freephones

@hitchkinsons_vines (account administered by @theLogician):Just got word there's going to be a publicity stunt by datasirius to publicise their new software upgrade. somewhere in South East London. #freephones

@bargainhuntingrules(account administered by @theLogician):Hearing something about a give away of mobile phones by datasirius in South East London. #freephones

@freestuff_firstz (account administered by @theLogician):Details still coming in about some kind of free phone give away this evening somewhere in south east London #freephones

@youheardithereearlydoors (account administered by @theLogician):Apparently Nigel Redcant is in London giving away phones - anyone know anything about this? #freephones

@denzil_Barry20: #freephones - what's up with this? Where is it?

@tudor_fishing: #freephones dunno, but I'm goin down there when I find out.

@Kempster56: #freephones me too - worth a punt. See you there.

@editor_londonforfree_network: Info coming in on a mass give away of mobile phones in South East London this evening. we'll announce the location on this # as soon as we get it #freephones

@daniellaws_bg: #freephones anybody going to this?

@marvin_truene: #freephones yeh - I put it on FB. there's a bunch of us going. what about you lot?

@daniellaws_bg: #freeephones you bet. I'm going. we'll see you there. better get there early. it'll be rammed, I reckon.

@dj_london_liveradio: #freephones just need the lowdown on where that giveaway is – going to put it out on the radio when I hear.
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Ok, we've stopped. I just heard the driver get out of the cab.

Steven.Jennings: I'm just running up. I'll be there in a couple of minutes.

Logician: I have instructed the driver to leave until I tell him to return.

Becky.Stein: Ain't he suspicious?

Logician: He is very suspicious. However, he will stay away as he does not wish to become involved in "the kind of crap that goes on".

Becky.Stein: Well, he's gonna be involved once he finds out he's carrying a tiger, ain't he?

Logician: Indeed.

Becky.Stein: She ain't happy, you know.

Logician: The tiger?

Becky.Stein: Yeh. she really ain't happy.

Logician: It must be the cage, or the journey.

Becky.Stein: No, it ain't that. It's like she's getting angrier or hurting or something.

Logician: Try to keep the cage door closed.

Becky.Stein: Thanks.

Logician: Can you see out of the van?

Becky.Stein: I pulled the door shut and there ain't no handle on the inside, so I can't get out, but there's a little window in the door.

Logician: Can you see the suspect?

Becky.Stein: Suspect, now is it? You sound like you're cops, but you ain't.

Logician: Is he there?

Becky.Stein: No. I can't see him.

Steven.Jennings: Ok, I can see you. There's nobody else here.

Logician: He will be there.

Steven.Jennings: How do you know?

Logician: I have assessed the evidence.

Steven.Jennings: You've guessed, in other words.

Logician: No. There is a margin of error.

Becky.Stein: Not in here there ain't.

Steven.Jennings: I'm coming to let you out. Just hold on.

Becky.Stein: How sweet of you.

Steven.Jennings: OK, I'm just.... damn!

Logician: What?

Steven.Jennings: There's a van coming. They've spotted me.

Becky.Stein: Run!

Steven.Jennings: There's nowhere to go. someone's getting out. They;re coming over.

Logician: Do you recognise them?

Steven.Jennings: No - wait - its. yeh, thanks. Ok... hey, look at that!

Logician: What? what is it?

Steven.Jennings: It was one of your courier guys. he just dropped off a load of boxes - they're full of my phone covers. They look great!

Logician: Excellent, I need you to open all but one of the boxes so that the contents can be seen and scatter them around the entrance to the parking area. The final box, you will need to take with you to a place where you can observe without being seen.

Steven.Jennings: Ok, just doing it.

Logician: Be quick.

Becky.Stein: You gonna let me out of this van or what?

Steven.Jennings: I'm so sorry - Just let me finish this - Ok I'm just coming.

Becky.Stein: Well, hurry up, she's getting meaner in here.

Steven.Jennings: Ok - I - wait there's another car. It's him! It's the bald guy He just drove right past me. I don't think he spotted me though. He's stopped.

Logician: You need to hide.

Steven.Jennings: I had gathered that imperative. I'm behind a pile of wooden pallets. I think I'm Ok here.

Becky.Stein: What about me?

Steven.Jennings: He's getting out of the car, and going over to one of the garages. he's opening it.

Logician: Use your camera to photograph him. Make sure the images are saved to the memory card, not to your phone's memory.

Steven.Jennings: He's inside. Maybe I can get to the van before he comes out.

Logician: No. Leave her.

Becky.Stein: Thanks.

Steven.Jennings: He's coming out. He's got it. He's got the painting.

Becky.Stein: He's got my phone and all. I can see him out the window. Not that you give a toss.

Logician: We will retrieve your phone. We must stick to the planned order.

Steven.Jennings: He's put the picture and the phone into the boot of his car.

Steven.Jennings: Hide. He's coming to the van.

Logician: He will want to check the tiger is there before his client arrives.

Becky.Stein: Ok, there's a load of old crap in the back here. I can get behind, but if he looks too hard -

Steven.Jennings: He's opening the door - wow!

Logician: What happened?

Steven.Jennings: He just jumped six feet in the air!

Becky.Stein: He stuck his head in and she just leaped at the front of the cage. I thought the door were going to give. He didn't stick around - Just slammed the door. Ha! maybe I should just let her out. She'd soon sort him.

Logician: Please do not.

Steven.Jennings: I believe she was joking. He's on his mobile phone now.

Logician: Excellent. He has checked the deliveries and now he is calling in the client. We must expect him very soon. We now need to prevent him from leaving. Becky, what is your whatsapp password?

Becky.Stein: I ain't telling you. Why you wanna know?

Logician: I need to speak to Razor as you.

Becky.Stein: No way.

Logician: It is necessary.

Becky.Stein: I ain't giving it you. I'll give you his though. That any good?

Logician: Yes. How do you know his password?

Becky.Stein: It's Razor1 - cos he can only remember one word. he tells everyone.

Logician: Good. Let me know as soon as the client arrives.

//instant messaging suspended
//twitter feed

trending list for area: London

#catsplayingmusicalinstruments

#soboredtoday

#freephones

#tigerinthepark

#xfactorfinals

//twitter feed: #freephones

@bargainhuntingrules(account administered by @theLogician): #freephones datasirius CEO Nigel Redcant will be giving away free phones to the first 1000 customers to spot him at this location: (//bitlink to google maps enclosed)

@denzil_Barry20: #freephones ok, guys we've got a location. (bitlink to google maps enclosed) I'm going down there

@tudor_fishing: #freephones i gonna get me some of that

@editor_londonforfree_network: #freephones you all heard about this?

@dj_london_liveradio: #freephones going on air after the next track. Better get there quick. They'll go fast.

//whatsapp login: Logician posing as razor

//name: razor

//password: razor1

//read conversation history. last 15 minutes:

time to finish this

we gonna get them real good

i just go down park road. Park's blocked off, but I can see the Traxden's crew down the other end. Looks like about 50 of them right now.

any police?

none yet - they all lookin for tigers i guess

they'll be here soon enough once we bring it. this gonna be sick

ok, we stick to the plan right? everyone keep apart. different streets, no groups more than four.

Ok

I ain't sure about dis - we don't even know it's them

you chicken?

no - it ain't that

don't sweat.

I ain't.

get to your places all round park street side streets. we'll all go at once when I give the word. they won't know nothin till we're all over them.

//takeover conversation. Logician posing as Razor

Wait. I've just heard that there's someone giving away new phones down at the old lock-ups

what?

That weren't me - I didn't say that.

yeh, I'm just gettin that. twitter's goin' crazy on it.

I'm getting it too - down at the lockups right?

we should get down there. the lockups are on Traxden ground anyway.

Yeh - they be like waiting for us while we're robbin' their phones

I ain't saying this - if one of you's hijacked my account I gonna stuff you.

I going down there - they can wait to get their asses kicked.

Yeh - we grab the phones and be back to this later.

they'll be like - what happened. ha!
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: I believe this is him. A black car just pulled up. it just skidded into the car park. The roof is down. It's some kind of sports car.

Logician: How many seats does it have?

Steven.Jennings: Four. Why?

Logician: That means he will probably plan to take the painting with him. Make and model?

Steven.Jennings: I beg your pardon

Logician: What is the make and model of the car? It may become important.

Steven.Jennings: They're talking. I'm getting loads of pictures. They're swapping the painting. It's in Redcant's car now. It's just got a sack over it. The car says Canterley Wasp 3000 on the back. Does that help?

Logician: It looks as though he is taking the painting himself. He will have the tiger delivered though, so the plan will be for the bald man to drive the van.

Becky.Stein: What about my phone?

Steven.Jennings: The bald gentleman is handing it over too. Redcant has it in his jacket pocket.

Logician: We must retrieve it. He will certainly have the resources to hack into it if he escapes.

Becky.Stein: What do you mean "if he escapes"? how we gonna get it back?

Logician: I do not know.

Becky.Stein: I thought you had a plan.

Logician: I do. It is to get the phone back.

Steven.Jennings: And you want me to plant the memory card with the photos on it to the painting. How do you expect you to do that?

Logician: I am not there. You will have to act when you see an opportunity.

Steven.Jennings: And you tell us this now? That this plan of yours is just half a plan - and you expect us to fill in the blanks!

Logician: I cannot be with you. That is why I need your resourcefulness and your skills.

Steven.Jennings: but I don't have any skills! I'm not cut out for this stuff.

Logician: I disagree.

Steven.Jennings: They're going over to the van.

Becky.Stein: Great. I'm trying to hide.

Steven.Jennings: I might be able to make it to the car while they're gone - the painting's on the back seat. I'm going to go for it.

Logician: It is vital that neither of you are seen.

Steven.Jennings: Ok, I'm running. I'm trying to keep behind the cars. They haven't spotted me yet.

Becky.Stein: I can hear them talking. They're opening the doors.

Steven.Jennings: I'm at the car. I've stuck the memory card to the back of the frame. Easy. Hey - I can see people. Loads of people running down towards the car park. There's a massive crowd all round the boxes I put out, and there's more coming into the street all the time.

Logician: This is our distraction. I have spread the rumour that our suspect will be giving away mobile phones. Once the crowd realise they are only cases, he will find it difficult to leave the scene.

Becky.Stein: He's cooking with a spider.

Logician: please repeat - your voice recognition is not working

Becky.Stein: That's because I'm trying to whisper. They're like sick feed away. they gonna see me if they look.

Steven.Jennings: Oh, no! it's razor! he's here with about thirty of his friends. They're pushing everyone else out of the way.

Logician: Excellent.

Steven.Jennings: What?

Logician: I invited them.

Becky.Stein: You bloody idiot!

Logician: While they are here, they cannot be fighting with the Traxden gang. And the police should be monitoring them closely, so they should be here very soon too.

Becky.Stein: This is your idea of a plan?

Logician: It is an elegant solution.

Steven.Jennings: I wouldn't be so sure - That's the Traxden lot on the other side of the car park. This is getting ugly.

Becky.Stein: You see what you've done? They're - damn! I've been seen! they're coming in!

Steven.Jennings: Hey! You two gentlemen over there! Leave the lady alone. I believe you were looking for me?

Logician: What are you doing?

Steven.Jennings: Running!

Becky.Stein: I'm with you on that!

//Becky.Stein phone offline. Connection lost

//Steven.Jennings phone offline. Connection lost

Logician: Report!

Logician: Please report. What is happening?
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: Get the driver back right now!

Logician: What is happening?

Becky.Stein: Just get him in the cab and tell him to drive!

Logician: where to?

Becky.Stein: I don't give a toss!

//instant messaging suspended
//email:

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//subject: deliveries

Please return to the van immediately. An issue has arisen. you need to deliver the cage as soon as possible.
//email:

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: deliveries

hi

What is it now? Your deal gone wrong - no wait, I don't want to know.

I'm five minutes away. There'd better be nothing up with my van.

Dave
//email:

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//subject: deliveries

Make it three minutes and there will be a bonus for you.
//email:

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: deliveries

I don't even know where I'm going, do I?
//email:

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: deliveries

That information is unavailable. Please head towards the South Circular.
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: The driver will be with you in three minutes. What is happening? Update me! I need an update!

//instant messaging suspended
//twitter feed #freephones

@denzil_Barry20: #freephones these aren't even real phones. what a waste of time.

@tudor_fishing: #freephones why's everyone round that car?

@Kempster56: #freephones just seen Nigel Redcant It's his company giving out this crap!

@marvin_truene: #freephones I just got pushed over. They're only phone cases!

@daniellaws_bg: #freephones I got out- there's guys in there with knives! don't come here!

@tudor_fishing: #freephones the guy in the sports car's mad. he's just driving at the crowd. where's the cops?

@denzil_Barry20: #freephones they're lining up in Prince's street. Looks like they're waiting for reinforcements or they're scared or something. This is crazy!

@tudor_fishing: #freephones Get out of here - everyone, if you can, get out. This has gone mental!
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: stp the cr

Logician: I do not understand. what is happening?

Steven.Jennings: cantspktpying yougottostophscar

Logician: Tou want me to stop the car? Redcant's car? How? where are you?

Steven.Jennings: dontknow

//instant messaging suspended
//search in maps instigated by @theLogician

//overlay mobile gps Steven.Jennings, Becky.Stein
//twitter feed #freephones, Recant

@Kempster56: #freephones just saw Redcant again. He's driving like a maniac on King's Wood.

@marvin_truene: #freephones I just nearly got hit by that Redcant – This PR stunt has gone real bad!

@denzil_Barry20: #freephones don't let Redcant get away. he's heading up King's wood
//whatsapp login: Logician posing as razor

//name: razor

//password: razor1

Guys - there's police on Sceptre street. looks like they're coming for us. if we all go down King's wood from the ELMS END and go up Princes we'll avoid them

I''m there - the guy in the sick car from the lockup - he's trying to get past us. No chance.

No, he's given up. he's gone down Princes. we're right behind him.

wait, there's cops up here and all!

we can take them!
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein; You there?

Logician: will somebody tell me what's going on? where are you?

Becky.Stein: Get the van to a zoo - Need a zoo vet now!

//instant messaging suspended
//email:

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//subject: deliveries

I have the delivery address. Please take the cage to

Farstail Foundation safari park, Eftir Rd, Carshalton

They are waiting for you, please take the shortest route, avoiding Prince's street.
//email

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: deliveries

Alright, mate. I have been doing this job for 15 years, you know. I know my way around London.

Dave
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: info@farstailfoundation.co.uk

//subject: URGENT

A white van will shortly enter your car park. it contains a female tiger needing urgent veterinary attention. Please have vets standing by.

You may keep the tiger.

Thank you
//email

//From: info@farstailfoundation.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Re:URGENT

Hi

Thank you for your inquiry. Is this a serious request? Please be more specific. What is wrong with the animal? Where did it come from? Who is the owner?

Yours,

Jaqui Tennison

Vetenary Dept , Farstail Foundation
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: info@farstailfoundation.co.uk

//Subject: Re:URGENT

I have no further information. 
//email

//From: info@farstailfoundation.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//subject: Re:URGENT

Hi

We are a zoo, not an animal sanctuary. We are not set up for this kind of situation. I cannot respond correctly to your request without further information.

yours,

Jaqui Tennison

Vetenary Dept , Farstail Foundation
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: info@farstailfoundation.co.uk

//Subject: Re:URGENT

A tiger will arrive at your location in approximately fifteen minutes. I suspect that you will find a way.
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: tHYyregoingtokillme hlp

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Becky.Stein: I'm covered in blood. no.., stop!

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: whichbuttonopenstheroof?

//instant messaging suspended
//search instigated by @theLogician

//terms: roof controls, Canterley wasp3000

//results (abridged):

...generating a bottom clenching 460 brake horsepower, and flat out this monster will top 196. On the inside, craftsmanship is utterly first rate, as though a Belgravia gentleman's club had somehow found its way onto the bridge of the starship Enterprise. But there are minor niggles, the roof control is tucked away at the back of the central console - and if, like me, you pull it too hard, it'll come off in your hand, jamming the top open. Not great for a car that crosses weather fronts this fast...
//instant messaging resumed

Logician: The roof control is tucked away at the back of the central console - and if you pull it too hard, it'll come off in your hand, jamming the top open.

Steven.Jennings: jklit

Logician: Please repeat. I can't understand you.

Logician: Are you there? Please respond.

Logician: Steven? Becky? One of you please respond. What is happening?

//instant messaging suspended
//instant messaging resumed

Steven.Jennings: I have returned home, and finally have a reliable connection. You are owed an explanation of the events of last night insofar as I can relate them, and therefore I commend them to you below. After that, I will give myself over to the sleep I so desperately need:

We broke contact when our suspects as you call them (although in my mind they have now moved well beyond that half-hearted term) discovered Becky in the van. I had placed the memory card with its photographic evidence on the painting, but had no plan of how the police could discover it. Indeed there were no police nearby - just a mob of mobile phone hunters swelling by the moment, and presently added to by the entire battalion of the Dane's and Traxden estate gangs, spoiling for a fight.

Out of instinct, I shouted to attract the attention of the two villains away from Becky, and instantly had it. There was a second of recognition and a long moment of silence in which I realised my plan had no next step. The bald man moved first, covering half of the thirty meters between us before I or his companion had a chance to react. I fled, but with the lock-ups to one side, and my way blocked by the mob to the other, my only recourse was a diagonal sprint to put my pursuer's car between he and I.

His eyes were terrifying, glaring at me as we dodged first one way, then another, me fighting to keep on the opposite side of the vehicle from him. But it was a doomed strategy. As soon as his companion understood the chase, he calmly moved to block my way, closing me in between the car and the garage doors.

I rushed headlong at him, judging that the slim, sharp suited man was likely a softer target than his thuggish friend, but rugby is not my sport and I realised I had misjudged. My shoulder met a solid wall of muscle. American businessmen, it would appear, are more active than their British counterparts, and between them the two men quickly caught me and bundled me into the sports car, closing the roof over me and locking me inside while they returned to hunt down Becky.

I had given her the time to leave the van, but at the cost of my own freedom. I could only watch as they ran - first without direction, and then in concerted pursuit as they spotted Becky, and gave chase. She dodged and weaved skilfully between the two men, but they were careful to cut off her only escape (along the side road through which the van had entered - the other way in being blocked by the advancing mob).

I could see she was tiring, and there appeared no way out for her. She was forced into a corner where I had been hiding to photograph proceedings and I saw her grab the remaining box of phone covers. I could not see what she was doing, but it was a master-stroke. She slowed her running pace as she approached the surging crowd, just enough to allow Redcant to come within grasping distance, and in a single, fluid movement, she dodged, spun on her heel and pushed the open box into his arms.

He was bought up short by the sight of his own company logo emblazoned across this box of unfamiliar products, and pulled out a handful of phone covers, staring at them in puzzlement. An instant later he was submerged under a tide of grasping hands, of a crowd at first desperate to get hold of one of the promised phones, and then quickly angry at being sold short of their expectations.

The scoundrel found himself trying to explain to an angry mob something he had no understanding of himself.

Becky, meanwhile was still running from her other pursuer and he showed no sign of giving up. Pretty soon, he had her cornered against the back of the van. The doors were open and I could see the front of the cage. She turned towards it - surely she could not be considering freeing the creature!

But, no, she had another plan. At that moment, the van started up and began to move. The driver must have returned, and climbed in, unaware for the second time today of what was happening behind the vehicle. As it accelerated, she leaped into the back. Her pursuer grabbed at the door, but she slammed it closed and the van sped away.

By now, Redcant had freed himself from the hordes and dived into the the car in which I was imprisoned. He hooted at the crowd running towards us, but it was meagre warning for in a second, he was jerking the vehicle forwards, paying scant regard as people dived this way and that in their attempt to escape the bonnet. As we sped towards where the van had been, fists and phone covers hammered against the side of the car. For a second, I saw Razor's furious face pressed against the window, and a knife punctured the leather roof, tearing a wide gash.

The crowd were still following as Redcant spun the car through ninety degrees, halting it's passenger door at the side of his compatriot in a move I had only previously experienced in the cinema. In real life, the motion is jarring and terrifying, especially when it is performed in order to allow a man who clearly wishes you dead to enter the vehicle.

The three of us then tore away, after the van with the two villains in the front alternating between arguing amongst themselves and demanding to know from me exactly whom I was working for. It was not a question I found I could readily answer even had I wished to. However, it was being made very clear to me that my life would be considerably shorter than I was expecting once we had

escaped the crowd and chased down the van.

While they were distracted, I managed to type a few messages to you, which may have come across a little emotionally charged. I do not know if it was your doing or not, but presently, just as we had the van right before us, and my captors were contemplating how to dispose of the bodies of the driver, Becky, and of course me, suddenly, from side streets on either side of us, crowds erupted. Razor and his lackeys were among them, but there were more, many more as though the whole crowd from the lock-ups had been directed to emerge in front of us.

Redcant quickly spun the car, and swerved off into Princes street. As we turned, the jacket of his suit flew open allowing me to reach in and grab Becky's phone without him noticing. In a second, we were bought up short against a wall of riot police. We were trapped, the police on one side, the gangs brandishing weapons on the other. Within the car, panic was brewing. The consensus seemed be that I would quickly give the game away if I got the chance (a view I thought was broadly fair) and the discussion centred around whether it would be better for me to be knocked unconscious in the hope that the police would allow them through their lines if they thought they were carrying an injured child, or whether stabbing me, and dumping my body into the crowd would provide enough of a distraction for the police to assume one of the gang members already waving their blades in the air was responsible.

As the car was surrounded, I managed to post a request to you and you provided a useful answer in describing the car's roof opening mechanism.

I loosed my seatbelt (a small crime which would have appalled me a week ago, but I executed it with casual efficiency now and right in front of a row of policemen - I believe I may have changed as a person) and yanked the control as hard as I could. It came away easily in my fingers and the roof folded neatly back, exposing us to police and gang members alike. In a single motion, I leapt onto the seat, grabbed the hessian sack from the painting and yanked it away, revealing it to the startled row of riot police. I threw the sack over my pursuers as they started to rise from their seats, and dived into and through the crowd, dodging and running until my lungs hurt and my heart pounded and the sounds of battle were distant behind me.

I found myself in empty streets and stumbled further until I could hide behind tall metal bins at the back of a take-away. I was finally able to check my phone and found it smashed somehow in my escape. I turned to Becky's, but the battery on that was dead. I feared the worst, having seen her last update which said nothing more than that she was covered in blood, but there was nothing I could do - I did not even know where the van was heading.

Logician: Have you heard from her since?

Steven.Jennings: Nothing.

Logician: Then we must assume the plan was only partially successful.

Steven.Jennings: Partially successful? what are you talking about? Do you even care what happened to her?

Becky.Stein: Yeh. If it was you, I'd at least want to come to your funeral.

Steven.Jennings: You're alive!

Becky.Stein: Yeh, no thanks to you two.

Logician: What happened?

Becky.Stein: Nothing much. we're all fine.

Steven.Jennings: Good. I thought - I don't know -

Logician: What do you mean by all?

Becky.Stein: I managed to creep back and watch from the bushes, didn't I?

Logician: Bushes?

Becky.Stein: At the side of the zoo car park.

Logician: Please explain. The last communication I got from you was "I'm covered in blood. no.., stop!" It did not appear that you had the situation under control.

Becky.Stein: You know me.

Steven.Jennings: Barely.

Becky.Stein: Ok - so I see them catch you, which was a bit rubbish - I mean I seen you run much faster than that when they're chasing you at school.

Steven.Jennings: I was trying to keep them away from you.

Becky.Stein: Yeh, right - that worked then. So I'm running from bald guy and he's got me cornered at the back of the van. I figure that's it for me, so I'm about to let the tiger out when I hear the cab door slam and I reckon the driver's back, so I just jump up on the van and we're off. He's like, "what the-" and I slam the door on him. I can see they're trying to get after us, but it's a right mess - there's people everywhere and I guess it was your bright idea to invite Razor to the party!

Logician: I prevented the organised gang fight.

Steven.Jennings: And instead, we got a disorganised one with me in the middle of it. That was your plan?

Logician: You survived.

Becky.Stein: So, by now, the tiger's not doing nothing. She's just lying on the floor of the cage and growling, only it's like panting. And I'm thinking it's like travel sickness, or something, but it ain't. This is much worse, it's like she's dying or something. I've got onto you to get us to a vet, but I don't reckon we're gonna get there. All the time I'm watching out the back window, and this car's getting closer and closer. Then suddenly, there's all these blokes in between us and he's gotta turn round. He looked right pissed off too.

Steven.Jennings: I can confirm that.

Becky.Stein: So I'm thinking this tiger's had it. She's just lying there now, and she looks so - pathetic. I put my hand through the bars and stroked her head.

Steven.Jennings: Becky!

Becky.Stein: Yeh, I know. Anyway, she doesn't even move. she just looks at me. and I think, this is it. She's dying. After all this, she's gonna die. But she ain't dying. I get it in, like a second. 'cos I seen that look before from this girl I knew back in Traxden when I found her in one of the empty flats in the basement. She weren't dying. She was pregnant.

Steven.Jennings: Pregnant?

Becky.Stein: And I could see it weren't going well. I looked in the hay and I could see it was stuck. half in, half out. And there was blood - too much of it. I reckoned there was no way she was gonna shift it. She was done. I mean she couldn't even move. So I got in the cage.

Steven.Jennings: You what?

Becky.Stein: I got in the cage. you should have seen her. I couldn't not. I had to get right up close, and she turned her head, and growled at me, but she didn't get up - I don't think she could. She certainly weren't thinking about food. Anyway, I get hold of the baby, and I just pull. I don't know what I'm doing and it obviously hurt 'cos she sticks her face in mine and roars at me. I jerk back, but I forget to let go, and the cub comes straight out. I've got blood all over my top, but she's not even looking at me now, she's looking down, and suddenly, just like that there's another one there too. I'm backing up to get out of there, but suddenly the van stops and I'm flung forward again and we're looking right at each other again. But then the van doors open and there's a lot of light, and I just leap out the doors - there's three blokes in white coats - the vets I guess - and I push through them and run! I think they're too shocked to even try to stop me, then they realise there's a tiger cage in there, so I'm less interesting and I run for the gates.

Last I saw from the bushes they're all Ok. Them vets don't know what's gone on, but they're looking after the cubs and it all looks good.

Logician: Then the plan has worked perfectly.

Becky.Stein: Weren't you listening?

Steven.Jennings: We were both nearly killed!

Logician: But nevertheless, a comparative success.

Becky.Stein: Comparative in comparison to what?

Logician: Do not concern yourself with that.

Steven.Jennings: Are we to assume you have other work which is usually less successful than this disaster?

Logician: You are not to assume anything. The painting is returned. You are alive and free. There is enough evidence for even the police to work out what happened. I saved the tiger as you instructed. I even prevented the gangs from fighting - or at least reduced the effect. I would say this counts as a very successful plan, and I am generally satisfied with the way you executed it.

Steven.Jennings: Nonsense! Everything went wrong with your plan.

Becky.Stein: Yeh. We saved your arse.

Logician: Any plan requires modification and improvisation as it proceeds. We work well together. You and your friend should be pleased with your performance.

Becky.Stein: He ain't my friend for the last bloody time! He's just some idiot at my school. If it were up to me I wouldn't have had nothing to do with neither of you. Now I'm gonna turn me phone off and try and forget all this ever happened. Goodbye!

Steven.Jennings: Becky? Becky?

Logician: She has disconnected.

Steven.Jennings: I am not surprised. I would probably feel the same in her position. I have imposed upon her good nature terribly and put her in a very difficult position.

Logician: Indeed you have. However, her indignation is not entirely consistent with her behaviour. There were several points at which she could have left the investigation, and yet she chose to continue. It seemed at times as though she secretly relished her involvement.

Steven.Jennings: I have been unfair to her and I fear she will have nothing more to do with me.

Logician: Our investigation is over. You do not need her to have anything more to do with you.

Steven.Jennings: Logician, you have proved yourself a very clever, and resourceful aide for me at a very difficult time. You have saved my life and you have untangled a complex web of events on my behalf and been willing to help me for reasons I cannot guess. You have also allowed me to discover in myself a depth of resource I did not know existed and I feel changed, stronger as a result and for that I must thank you.

Logician: You are welcome

Steven.Jennings: However, your world is dangerous and uncertain, and I have a life of my own. I cannot be a part of your world. I must ask that you please do not contact me again.

Goodbye.

//instant messaging disconnected
//email

//From: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//To: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//Subject: deliveries

What the hell is going on? you put a tiger in my van! A bloody tiger! 
//email

//From: 1205_@theLogician.aq

//To: driver17@whitevanmandeliveries.co.uk

//Subject: deliveries

//message failure: This email address has been blocked
//Extract from "The South London Echo" online edition.

//reader: @theLogician

Internet Entrepreneur arrested over art theft

Police chief Atkins job looks safe again following the sensational arrest of Internet entrepreneur Nigel Redcant and the recovery of Pink Light by Motya Dolgorukov stolen from a local gallery earlier this month. The commissioner told reporters at a press conference today that the arrest had followed an extensive police surveillance operation, and it is rumoured that the authorities will produce compelling photographs linking Redcant to the theft of the million pound artwork. When asked where the photographs came from, DCI Atkins refused to comment, saying that matters relating to inquiries were "an internal police matter".
//Extract from the Farstail Foundation website: "Save the Tigers campaign" news page

//reader: @theLogician

After an extensive campaign on Twitter, police today rescinded an order to have a tiger which was mysteriously dumped at our safari park last month put down. Police were suspicious that the animal was somehow involved in the disappearance and deaths of several people in the Berwick Park area. A search of the park did reveal a lair containing the remains of four victims, and a fifth (thought to be the animal's owner) was discovered in a house bordering on the park. However, after our campaign to save the endangered animal exploded onto Twitter and captured the nation's imagination, police have been forced to admit that although the timing and manner of its appearance is suspicious, there is no direct evidence linking the animal, to the killings.

DCI Jeremy Atkins told us today that he is convinced that with the species on the endangered list, the public good would not be served by pursuing the matter further.

The tiger and its cubs are all doing well.
//Three months later

//open instant messaging

Logician: Steven, Becky?

Steven.Jennings: You? You promised not to contact me again.

Logician: No. you said you did not want me to. I promised nothing.

Becky.Stein: Well?

Logician: I have considered it. You are both skilful and resourceful. I think we work well together

Becky.Stein: Maybe.

Logician: I also think you both gain from our connection.

Steven.Jennings: You've been working with someone else, haven't you?

Logician: I cannot comment.

Steven.Jennings: It didn't go so well, did it? Are they dead?

Logician: I value our connection. We are successful together.

Steven.Jennings: I'm sorry. I don't want to be involved with you.

Becky.Stein: Me neither.

Logician: At 2130 last night, a bomb exploded in a street near Deptford in South East London. Several people were injured.

Steven Jennings: I know – it was all over the news.

Logician: It smashed shop windows, and the blast was heard throughout the neighbourhood by hundreds of witnesses.

Becky.Stein: So what?

Logician: There is a mobile app used by joggers to record their running routes. It maps your time to the second using the GPS in your phone and then posts that information live for other joggers to see and compare.

Steven.Jennings: And?

Logician: And according to the data, a jogger ran through the scene at exactly the moment the bomb went off. And he saw nothing. And none of the witnesses saw him. Are you interested?

@theLogician will return in:

The Invisible Jogger

email logician@anachronistic.co.uk to be updated on where and when...

Also by Christian Darkin:

The Skull

Published by Bloomsbury

It seemed as though a dragon, for it could be nothing else, had reared out of the ground in the night . . . and then been turned to stone by the first rays of the dawn sun.  
Starting with the living beast, the Megalosaurus herself, over 144 million years ago, The Skull follows the Marchant family from generation to generation, exploring key moments in history shaped by radical philosophical and scientific change.  
Whether feeding in a frenzy, seen as evidence of the devil, kept as a token of scientific heritage or used an easy way to make a quick buck, the Megalosaurus skull continues to change lives over millennia, long after her untimely demise.  
In this superb fictional tale, scientific and historical fact is blended with drama, intrigue, and life-changing scientific discoveries that not only affect the Marchants, but science, philosophy and civilisation as we know it.

Search for "The Skull by Christian Darkin" in any online bookshop...
