Whether itt a human kidney, oversized artwork or a six-tier wedding cake, Rapid Trak has been delivering the undeliverable for more than 30 years. To emphasise the point, the accompanying picture was of a white-coated doctor vaccinating a baby, while a pretty nurse stood in the background holding a red and yellow Rapid Trak package.
The next document James came to was a map of Wales. It was folded, but he could see parts of a detailed route that had been marked across it with a highlighter pen. Next he came to a large envelope with Read Me!!! written on it.
He peeled back the gummed flap, slid out four identical sets of stapled paperwork and handed one to Kyle and Tom before he started reading:
Hello Boys!
Today marks the launch of a new animal rights group. Yours is one of three synchronised actions that will be carried out under the banner of the Animal Freedom Army. This document gives you all the details you need to carry out your operation successfully. You will find the equipment you require in the rear of the van.
Over the last three years, pressure has been put on all of the major international courier firms and all have agreed to stop delivering to Malarek Research premises within the UK. However, Rapid Trak has refused even to meet with members of the Zebra Alliance and continues to make deliveries, which include the transportation of live mice and birds to be used in experiments.
In March 2006, Rapid Trak even took delivery of a special unmarked van so that it could continue its lucrative trade with Malarek. It is the last reliable courier service available to Malarek Research and one of the core companies that enables it to continue to do business. This operation will make it clear to the Rapid Trak management that profiting from animal experiments is unacceptable.
Please read the rest of this document carefully, paying particular attention to the sections on leaving behind DNA, fingerprints and other biometric evidence at the scene, and on the safe destruction of your vehicle.
Good Luck,
The AFA Team
26. NAPALM
The VW van juddered over a bump as it cruised a badly lit section of dual carriageway. James and Tom sat in the back, sweating into Balaclavas and disposable gloves. Just to make them even less comfortable, pungent kerosene vapour seeped out of the highly explosive napalm drum welded into the rear of the vehicle.
Ever seen Apocalypse Now??Tom asked.
Don't think so,?James said.
They blast all these Vietnamese with massive napalm bombs, and afterwards this nutty colonel takes this giant sniff and goes, I love the smell of napalm in the morning.?
James smiled, though Tom couldn't see it through the Balaclava. Ts it a good movie??
Tom nodded. Tre got the DVD. If we don't blow ourselves up tonight, you can borrow it.?
Cheers,?James nodded. TEl have loads of time to kill now itt summer holidays.?
James felt like he was getting on well with Tom, so it seemed a good moment to ask a more probing question.
Eo where do you reckon the AFA got hold of napalm??
DIY I expect,?Tom said. 慥iv got this recipe for napalm off the Internet one time and we looked into making a batch ourselves. Itt only petrol or kerosene, with a gelling agent dissolved into the mix.?
T didn't know that,?James lied.
Tf you want to burn something down, napalm is the dogs,?Tom explained. Betrol combusts so fast that it burns itself out before anything else catches light. Napalm sticks to everything and it burns hot and slow.?
James had learned about napalm and a variety of other common terrorist weapons in training, but he made an effort to sound suitably impressed at the older boyt knowledge.
Eo how come you and Viv never made any??
Tom grinned. Mirst off itt seriously explosive. It would only take a spark to set that whole drum off. Second, the idea of my brother running around with napalm doesn't bear thinking about.?
慥ivt a nut,?James giggled. So offence 厭
Sone taken. He is a nut, but het also the best brother. Our family is a freak show, but me and Viv have stuck up for each other, right from when we were toddlers.?
James and Tom turned to look as Kyle slid back the little flap between the cab and the rear compartment.
Time to cut the banter,?Kyle said. T can see the Rapid Trak depot over the hill.?
慠ight,?James nodded.
Aood luck, dude,?Tom added. Keep calm.?
Kyle felt like her been driving the van for ever. The journey from the outskirts of Bristol to the Rapid Trak