CHAPTER TWO.

"Right that's settled then. So now to put the plan in action. Brains; you have the blue prints drawn up?"

"Erm; er y-yes sir. The-they're in my o-office."

"You haven't made it too easy for him?"

"Oh….er no sir. Th-they're in my s-safe." Brains replied, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Excellent. Okay Scott; John you know what you have to do?"

Both chorused affirmatives.

 "If all goes to plan he should take the bait. It's just a matter of timing.  I make it," he flicked a glance at his watch, "16:33 hours," before addressing his artistic son, "Virgil; it's your job to inform your brothers the minute Gordon leaves the pool."

"Sure thing Dad."

"The rest of you take up your positions and keep in contact; the first part of 'Operation Payback' begins now."

"And what do you want me to do dear?"

Jeff had quite overlooked his mother who was now favouring him with an expectant stare.

This was the last thing he'd anticipated.

"Er; why…. mother; you could try and persuade us to sample one of those delicious coconut pies I saw you make earlier."

"Is that it?"

"Weeell; another cup of that marvellous coffee wouldn't go amiss."

This earned him some good natured grumbling at being deliberately misunderstood, though from Mrs. Tracy's expression it was clear to see she wasn't altogether put out.

The distinguished head of International Rescue adopted a pose of relaxed indifference as he leaned against the balcony of his lounge watching his auburn haired son cut a swathe through the full sized pool. He observed the signal from Tin-Tin with a nod of his head and spoke into his watch.

"Virgil; he's on his way."

"Okay Dad, I'll let the others know…..John? Scott? Have you taken up your positions? He's on his way."

"Sure thing."

"How long have we got?"

"About………." From his vantage point near the porch Virgil craned his neck just in time to see a water-logged Gordon flick his hair back and sling a towel around his neck as he made for the house….. "a minute."

"Thanks Virg'."

The two remaining Tracys took up their positions, out of sight, in the corridor next to Thunderbird one's workshop, knowing their brother would have to pass close by them on his way to his bedroom. John's ears were primed for the sounds of footsteps on the tiled floor.

"Now we've got to make this sound believable; you ready bro'?" he whispered, his eyes locked on the second counter of his watch.

Chapter three: follows shortly. 'Operation Payback' is going to plan and Gordon has taken the bait.