Chapter 26
Trenchard continued his analysis of the Brownling residence. Twice divorced, Ken Brownling used his wealth and power to attract a steady stream of girlfriends. The exes had custody of the children, so periodic visits to the father were scheduled and predictable.
Like Damon Fields, Brownling wanted to move up in the world. Ken favored stand-alone residences that did not share walls with other tenants. Accordingly, his palatial home was two stories and 2,400 square feet. Set on a half-acre, there was plenty of room for fruit trees and other high-end landscaping.
The stand-alone architecture was both a blessing and a curse, thought Sam. On the one hand, the neighbors were not close enough to hear explosives or other means of breaking into the safe. But there was also no stream of guests or workmen to camouflage his entry onto the premises. It would have to be a clandestine B&E through a vulnerable point.
Many thieves favor roof entry. Carve a hole and drop down into the target area. Ceilings are lighter than structural walls and easier to drill/cut through. Furthermore, you don’t have to grope your way in the dark through sections of the house to get where you’re going.
On the other hand, rooftops can be well lit and exposed to searchlights. They also require extra climbing gear, and there is always a limited amount of tools and equipment one can carry to a heist job, particularly when working alone, as Trenchard preferred to do.
There are usually plenty of bushes, shrubs, and trees to conceal a side wall approach and penetration. Architectural research showed both the main bedroom and office were on the same outer wall. Entry would be into one of the likely locations for the owner’s safe. Doors and windows were likely hooked to a security system, so Trenchard decided to drill through the master bedroom wall. Residential walls tend to be thinner than commercial ones, since homes are not generally rated for heavy equipment or sophisticated fire protection systems, nor do they have to comply with disability or other employee regulations.
Selecting a weekend when Ken was away with his current girlfriend, the professional approached stealthily and punched through the wall. A search of the master bedroom did not find the safe, so he quickly proceeded to the office. He struck pay dirt behind the computer hutch and blew the safe open with practiced ease. As he carried away the loot, he reflected that this was one of the easiest B&E jobs in his experience.
A few days later, he arrived for his scheduled meeting with the boss. Like Stevens before him, Vandenburg kept Trenchard waiting for 20 minutes before striding archly into the room.
Sam waited while Arthur examined the package. With disappointment, he asked, “No pictures or electronics?”
“This is all that was in the safe.”
“How unfortunate. How about on the desk?”
“My assignment covered the safe. I didn’t know you wanted all the computers searched. That would take more time to scan hard drives in any case.”
“True enough. How about a compromise proposal going forward? Make a quick search for external USB/thumb drives lying about or plugged into computer ports. That should not add too much time and risk but will collect any useful electronic information that could be lying about. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Good first job. You may leave now and wait for the next assignment.”
Arthur watched the thief leave in quiet satisfaction. He was not in the habit of giving out compliments, but new employees needed encouragement.
The next day, he met with his colleagues. They were suitably grateful that the robbery process had resumed efficiently with the new professional carrying out the jobs.
He sensed that something else was afoot and waited for their leader to speak.
“There’s an issue with the Star Candy club.”
“That’s to be expected after the trial and publicity. What is it?”
“Leon’s replacement is not up to snuff. Revenue and profits are way down.”
“Are you considering closing down the business?”
“It’s a consideration. However, a badly run business is preferable to none at all. We only have so many establishments, so if we close it down, a replacement should be considered.”
“Do you have a replacement in mind?”
“Not yet. At this time, our preference is to fix the existing business rather than replace it.”
“Very well. New leadership then.”
“Yes, but since Pace’s replacement failed to get the ball rolling, we feel a house cleaning is in order. That means widespread employee layoffs, a temporary closure for remodelling, and a grand reopening with hopes for future success.”
“Ok. What is the first step?”
“We feel the remodeling is an opportunity not to be missed. It occurs to us that an unfortunate fire and robbery could result in an insurance payout that would provide seed money for the remodel.”
“And you think our new employee is up to that task?”
“With assistance. Robbery is a one-man job, but setting the fire will require more personnel and expertise.”
“Do you have resources in mind?”
“Yes. The names will be given to you. After review, please coordinate the project.”
“Understood.”