As they reached the pick up point, Melissa stopped to catch her breath; the jogging had of course been real with real physical effort extended.

"Guys", she said to the others, "I am pretty certain we have company round here. Three guys in that van and those people just leaving... I'm going to need to make a phone call to see if anyone else is working this case".

In reply to Melissa Messervy (msg # 61):

"Are we talking local, federal...or other?"

"Well the FBI are still on the case, although according to what Jack managed to find out, they're not aware of the connection to Mr Smith here. If it is them, it could be they're investigating something else, our intel says he's been involved in some shady deals."

"If they're feds we probably don't want to go charging in while they're watching. On the other hand, if they're competition, can we afford to wait?"

"Don't know. They could be the cast of the latest series of Big Brother for all I know", Melissa replied, "We could politely knock on the door of the van and find out..."

In reply to Melissa Messervy (msg # 65):

"I like your style...but perhaps there is another way.  Might I suggest some counter surveillance?  Unless we just want to rush the place now, perhaps we should leave someone nearby.  Watch and see who's watching?"

"You volunteering?"
How anyone could stay in the same place for very long and not be questioned currently escaped Karls comprehension. Besides the park they were currently in, the entire area was virtually one hundred percent residential.

OOC:  Did someone download a map of the area?  I can see if any place looks feasible for such an idea.

In reply to Robert MacIntyre (msg # 68):

There's at least one smart phone in the vehicle. I have no problem with you using google earth or some other mapping website to check the area out, in fact I actively encourage you to do it!
The target address is 22 Eastern Promenade, East End, Portland. Use any and all online resources you can find to scope out the property and the neighbourhood. It's unlikely you'll find a floorplan, but there is a walkthrough on one of the real estate sites that should give you a good feel for most of the property.

"We might well want to rush the place now", Melissa replied, "We do have a kidnap victim to find and time is of the essence after all. What does everyone think?"

"I was thinking that myself, but all our equipment is back at the hotel."
He wasn't keen on rushing in unarmed and with their faces uncovered. Most Americans could be counted on having at least a pistol in the house somewhere, even the typically left leaning lawyers.

"That's not impossible problem. We either drive back and collect, or Eric and Jack can taxi here with it."

"Ok, assuming we get our gear here soon, what's the plan?"

The three people in the minivan (two men and a tall, solid woman carrying a bag) you saw earlier drive past the runners get out and head back the way they came from - towards your target house!

"Umm, I think something's going down, right now!"

In reply to Antonio Arlotti (msg # 75):

Melissa swore loudly.

"We need to stop them or at the very least find out who they are! They could kill our lead!"

She started to walk towards them.

"Hey, sexy!" she called out loudly, hoping she would get their attention.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:03, Fri 16 Dec 2016.

There's about 50-60 metres from your location to the other three people.

"Shit!"

Motioning to whoever else is still in the car..."Let her, and whoever else is following, get there attention.  Drive the car down a few yards out of their sight and turn around.  We need to be ready to run, gun, or simply roll over them."

"Gun with what?" Karl asked, frantically rummaging through the back of the vehicle looking for something vaguely threatening.
"All the weapons are back with Jack and Eric!"

"Exactly...all we have is the car...", he lets his words hang in the air, instilling the sense of urgency.

One of the men turns around to look while the other appears to scan the opposite direction. The woman talks quietly while remaining alert to their surroundings.

"Tyre iron anyone?" he said offering up the mentioned tool.
"I'll stick with my weighted gloves."

Robert reaches into his boot and produces a small dagger...

"It ain't much, but it aerates the kidneys exquisitely."

The smallest of the trio (the one who'd turned around) says something to his companions, nods, then walks back towards Melissa, his hands in the pockets of his short coat.

FYI, your vehicle is a black Chevrolet Suburban with tinted windows - Jack seems to have chosen the most government looking vehicle he could get his hands on. Sick sense of humour perhaps...

Melissa saw the man approaching her and turned on the charm.

"Hey, handsome", she said, "You looking for a good time? I'm an off duty stripper and I'd love to give you a free lap dance... because I believe in sharing the love..."

She was well and truly winging it at this point.