Published 21 July 2026 · Available now on Amazon in Kindle and paperback
Elite Lloyd’s of London kidnap and ransom negotiator Timo Glock has spent his career protecting the world’s wealthiest people, until he decides to become the predator instead. Using a stolen list of the world’s most heavily insured individuals, encoded inside the film reels of a Hollywood blockbuster shooting on remote Adak Island, Timo sets a global conspiracy in motion, one that reaches from a Los Angeles visual effects studio to a secretive data vault in Valletta.
Follow the story of producer Marcus Riley, who becomes the last link to a murdered colleague’s final warning and is pulled into a web of blackmail, kidnapping and betrayal alongside his partner Mako. Racing through Malta’s underground tunnels, they fight to stop a stolen fortune, and a stolen list, from falling into the wrong hands.
Marcus and Mako reflect on the fragile line between trust and treachery, privacy and exposure, in an era where secrets are currency and betrayal is only ever a password away.
The Bastion by Mark Grenside is published by Sharpe Books.
www.sharpebooks.com
Where Truth Meets Fiction
Bibliography and References
Prologue
Risk Control Management
A security company headquartered in London, serving as the inspiration for “Risk Management & Control” in the narrative.
Part One: Heat and Cold
Chapter I
Alaskan Ice Wine
Denali Winery, Gold Rush, and Bear Creek are examples of popular brands.
Game Engine and LiDAR
An industry standard used in creating 3D environments. The explanations that follow are technically correct, as is the reference to 300. As in many movies since the Spartan epic, 300 through to the Avatar series, Tasmin’s new vehicle, Counting Thunder was to be shot in a virtual studio. All the backgrounds and nearly all the sets were to be digitally created in 3D from shots of various real locations or specifically made miniatures. A simple photo is flat and cannot really be used to create a 3D world. Instead, this is achieved by using a small box about the size of a box of cigars, called a LiDAR. This machine essentially uses mirrors and lasers to shoot 360° and build up a complete 3D image of whatever it is pointed at. These images would be given to the special effects editor, who would work his magic and blend them seamlessly with actors filmed against a green screen. The director chooses what he wants to shoot and the LiDAR does the job.
Hasselblad H6D-400C
A camera capable of producing high-resolution images, noted for its 400-megapixel capability.
hasselblad.com/h6d-400c-multi-shot
Iridium Extreme 9575
A rugged, GPS-enabled satellite phone providing global voice and data coverage. Manufactured by Iridium Communications Inc.
… a movie Marcus was producing that stopped shooting mid-way through production… See Fall Out, the first book in the Marcus and Mako series.
CHAPTER 2
Pumpkin seeds
Top 11 Health Benefits and how to Eat, by Tatiana Zanin, Registered Dietitian.
Los Angeles Film School
Located at 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Founded in 1999, it offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in entertainment industry fields.
DaVinci Resolve
A proprietary video editing application for macOS, Windows, and Linux, developed by Blackmagic Design. Includes tools for editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production.
Thermite
Extracted from “High Density Thermite Mixture for Shaped Charge Ordnance Disposal,” by Tamer Elshenawy, published in Defence Technology (October 2017).
CHAPTER 3
Tour de Force
Loosely based on The Grand Tour Car Rally and Treasure Hunt hosted by GTO Events in the UK. I have personally participated over a dozen times.
Chocolat
The movie, shot in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, France.
lifeinruralfrance.com/where-was-chocolat-filmed
The Taser 7
This is the latest model of conducted energy weapon designed for law enforcement use. It is more accurate and compact than previous models, aiming to better protect both the public and police officers. Source: Home Office Media Blog (2020). Factsheet: Taser 7 Q&A. Retrieved from homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/08/26/factsheet-taser-7-qa
CHAPTER 7
Data wrangler
A professional who ensures data quality and usefulness within a company by transforming raw data into more appropriate and valuable forms for various purposes, such as analytics.
CHAPTER 9
Unanga
Bentwood hat making is a traditional Aleutian craft. The closed or open conical hats are worn by chiefs, whalers and high-ranking seal hunters.
Naval Air Facility Adak Base
The base was established in 1943 during WWII and was decommissioned in 1997. It served as a key military installation in the Aleutian Islands for over five decades.
Seal stew, sea lion meatballs and salted seal flippers
These are traditional foods in the Aleutian Islands. Such meats are rich in iron and healthy fats, making them nutritious options for local communities.
Chaayu tea
A tea that was introduced to Alaska by the Russians, who had a significant influence on the region’s culture during their ownership.
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Located at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Cut is a Michelin-starred steakhouse offering a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse experience.
wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/cut-beverly-hills
Fred Segal
Located at 8500 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069. A renowned clothing and accessories retailer known for its eclectic mix of high-end fashion, serving as a cultural landmark in Los Angeles.
melroseavenue-shop.com/stores/fred-segal
CHAPTER 13
Black Hat Conventions
Now a frequent part of the digital universe calendar, Black Hat is an annual computer security conference that has been active for 27 years, since its inauguration on July 9, 1997. It is held regularly in Las Vegas, Barcelona, London, and Riyadh, bringing together a variety of people interested in information security.
CHAPTER 14
Go
The Rules and History of Go by Andre Sevenius Nilsen. Go, also known as Baduk or Weiqi, is one of humanity’s oldest board games, originating in China over 4,000 years ago and still played worldwide today.
sevenius-nilsen.medium.com/the-rules-and-history-of-go
Special vision contact lenses used by Timo
The clear lens had two gold rings on the outer circumference with a wireless communication processing unit, lens, and storage unit making up a tiny chip just off the center.
History of Kidnap and Ransom Insurance
K&R insurance emerged in the 1930s, originally targeting high-profile individuals and corporations operating in high-risk areas. In the 1970s it became more popular, especially among large companies with significant international presence. Lloyd’s of London has a long tradition of providing K&R policies. The industry evolved to include insurers in the ransoming process, as early policies left families and employers to negotiate with kidnappers directly.
CHAPTER 15
Money, Money, Money
Lyrics © Universal/Union Songs Musikforlag AB. Written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Released in 1976 as part of ABBA’s album “Arrival”.
CHAPTER 17
Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune
A 14th-century château in Burgundy, France, that houses unique museums and collections, including fighter planes, Abarth racing cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, and more. The château is open to the public year-round and offers wine tasting in its 17th-century pavilion.
CHAPTER 20
Point Roberts
A five-square-mile exclave of the United States located on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen peninsula, south of Vancouver, Canada. It is separated from the rest of Washington state by British Columbia, requiring travelers to cross the Canadian border twice to reach it by land from the U.S. mainland.
Point Roberts Backstory, by Mark Swenson
A book that tells the story of Point Roberts, describing it as a unique American enclave with a fascinating history, including smugglers, pirates, and Icelandic-speaking settlers, all within its small five-square-mile area.
Cirrus Vision
A personal jet aircraft manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft. It is described as the world’s best-selling personal jet, offering jet speed, comfort, and convenience.
CHAPTER 21
Cessna Citation Jet
A series of business jets manufactured by Textron Aviation, widely used for private and corporate travel. NetJets operates one of the world’s largest Citation fleets.
The Observatory
Located at 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9. Situated atop Grouse Mountain, The Observatory Restaurant offers West Coast dining with panoramic views of Vancouver.
Pirate Gold of Adak Island
A Netflix documentary series following a team of treasure hunters searching for buried gold amid the harsh Alaskan wilderness on Adak Island.
Hamburgers
In British Columbia, hamburgers must be cooked thoroughly by law and cannot be served rare. The Food Premises Regulation under the Public Health Act requires that food be processed in a manner that makes it safe to eat. According to food safety guidelines, ground beef must be cooked to an internal temperature of 71 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill off harmful bacteria, particularly E. coli.
CHAPTER 22
Vegetation, flora and fauna and road map, Point Roberts
Information on the natural environment, plant and animal life, and detailed maps of Point Roberts can be found at: naturalatlas.com
CHAPTER 23
Alabama State adoption rule
heartgalleryalabama.com/process-to-adopt
Ichthyosis
A rare genetic skin disease characterized by very dry, rough skin with significant flaking and hyperkeratosis (skin thickening).
National Organization for Rare Disorders – rarediseases.org
Fear City: New York vs The Mafia
A Netflix true crime docuseries (2020) about New York’s Five Mafia families; Gambino, Colombo, Bonanno, Lucchese, and Genovese, who ruled the city in the 1970s and 1980s. The series follows the FBI’s efforts to take them down using wiretaps and surveillance, culmination in the Mafia Commission Trial.
The Mafia Commission: A History of the Board of Directors of La Cosa Nostra, by Andy Petepiece
Well-researched book on the nearly 100-year history of the Mafia’s Board of Directors. Publisher: Tellwell Talent, 2018. ISBN: 9780228806707
Part Two: The Golden Child and the Taken
CHAPTER 26
Maltese History
The Great Siege: Malta 1565, by Ernle Bradford
A noted British historian specializing in Mediterranean and naval topics. First published in 1961, it recounts the dramatic events of the Siege of Malta in 1565, when the forces of the Ottoman Empire attempted to capture the island from the Knights of St. John. Publisher: Pen & Sword Military (multiple editions). ISBN: 9781844154672
Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege 1940-1943, by James Holland
An account of Malta’s crucial role during World War II. The book details the island’s strategic importance in the Mediterranean and its relentless bombardment by Axis powers.
The PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital)
Brazil’s largest and most sophisticated criminal organization. Founded on August 31, 1993, by eight prisoners in São Paulo’s Taubaté Penitentiary, the PCC has evolved from a prison-based group to a powerful criminal syndicate with international reach with over 20,000 members of which approx. 6,000 are in prison.
The Rise of the PCC: How South America’s Most Powerful Prison Gang is Spreading in Brazil and Beyond by Matthew Taylor and Steven Dudley
A comprehensive report produced in collaboration between InSight Crime and the American University’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS). This report offers an in-depth analysis of the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Brazil’s largest and most sophisticated criminal organization.
The Killing Consensus: Police, Organized Crime, and the Regulation of Life and Death in Urban Brazil, by Graham Denyer Willis
Based on three years of ethnographic fieldwork in São Paulo, this book explores how both police and the PCC regulate killing and social order in the city. Willis details how the PCC’s centralized control and strict internal code have routinized violence, ironically making the city feel safer for many residents, and examines the “consensus” between state and criminal actors over who can die, where, and by whom.
CHAPTER 27
Shutters on the Beach Hotel
Located at 1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Luxury hotel on the beach.
santamonica.com/hotels/shutters-on-the-beach
CHAPTER 29
War Eagle
The battle cry, a greeting, and a symbol of Auburn University’s tradition and spirit. “War Eagle” is deeply ingrained in Auburn culture. The university’s fight song, introduced in 1955, is titled “War Eagle” and is played during football games. Before each home game at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a live eagle, often accompanied by a bald eagle named Spirit, performs a pre-game flight, known as the War Eagle Flight.
Roll Tide
The rallying cry and slogan for the University of Alabama, particularly associated with its athletic programs, most notably the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. The phrase serves as a celebratory cheer, greeting, or expression of pride among fans and alumni. It embodies school spirit, camaraderie, and a sense of community.
CHAPTER 31
The Mulholland Experience, by Chris Banning and Dan Magee.
A two-fold story which opens with the recounting of the history about the original Highway, how it was conceived, what its original purpose was, and the man William Mulholland who was the inspiration for the famous road.
CHAPTER 33
‘Ndrangheta: The History of Italy’s Most Powerful Organized Crime Syndicate, by Charles River Editors
A book that explores the origins, development, and operations of one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations.
Beretta Pico Pistol
A subcompact semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry.
beretta.com/en-us/pico-pistols
Leonardo AW09 Helicopter
A next-generation, high-performance single-engine helicopter designed for multiple missions.
helicopters.leonardo.com/en/products/aw09
CHAPTER 34
La Camorra: The Notorious History and Legacy of the Neapolitan Mafia, by Charles River Editors
A comprehensive book that explores the origins, development, and operations of one of Italy’s most notorious criminal organizations. Publisher: Charles River Editors, 2019. ISBN: 9781094223452
CHAPTER 37
Gulfstream G650
An ultra-long-range, large-cabin business jet that stands as a pinnacle of aviation engineering.
CHAPTER 42
Matsuhisa
Renowned Japanese restaurant founded by the celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Located at 129 North La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium
Small bronze statue located in Brussels, Belgium, depicting a naked boy urinating into a fountain basin. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and has become a symbol of Brussels’ spirit.
CHAPTER 44
Upper Barrakka Gardens Gun Salute
The Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta, are famous not only for their stunning views of the Grand Harbour but also for the daily gun salute ceremony conducted at the Saluting Battery located below the gardens. It has a long history dating back to the Knights of St. John.
CHAPTER 49
Subterranean Valletta, by Edward Said
A comprehensive book that explores the hidden underground world beneath Malta’s capital city, Valletta. Published in 2012.
Secret History of Valletta’s Underground, by Lisa Borain
An article published on GuideMeMalta.com that explores the hidden subterranean world beneath Malta’s capital city, Valletta.
Underground Valletta, Facebook
A Facebook community and resource dedicated to sharing news, photos, and events related to Valletta’s underground heritage. Includes updates on tours, talks, and discoveries, often featuring contributions from Edward Said and the Valletta Underground NGO.
8,000 Years of Water: A Maltese Story of Sustainability, by Daniel Cilia
A groundbreaking book by photographer Daniel Cilia, offering an unprecedented look at Malta’s water infrastructure and history.
CHAPTER 50
Nobu Malibu
Renowned Japanese restaurant located at 22706 E Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265.
Part Three: Neptune’s Fountain and the GawGaw
CHAPTER 52
Guinness Book of Records Most Expensive Prop
At the time, this was the most expensive prop from a film: the Spanish galleon from the Roman Polanski film Pirates, which cost US $10,271,100.
The Maltese Bestiary: An illustrated guide to the mythical flora and fauna of the Maltese Islands, by Stephan D. Mifsud
CHAPTER 54
Sunseeker 88
Luxurious motor yacht.
sunseeker.com/yachts-and-boats/yacht/88-yacht
The Most Dangerous Gangs in America, by Sam Becker
A journalistic overview of the most violent and influential gangs in the United States, including MS-13, the Crips, the Bloods, and the Aryan Brotherhood. The article explores gang origins, activities, and their impact on American society.
Introduction to Gangs in America, by Ronald M. Holmes, Richard Tewksbury and George E. Higgins
A comprehensive guide to understanding gangs and their role in contemporary American society. Published in 2011, this book provides an in-depth analysis of the structure, activities, and cultural significance of gangs. Publisher: Taylor & Francis, 2011. ISBN: 9781439869451
The Yakuza, The Japanese Mafia, by A. Bruno
A detailed exploration of the Yakuza, Japan’s infamous organized crime syndicates.
Yakuza: Japan’s Criminal Underworld, David E. Kaplan and Alec Dubro
Widely regarded as the definitive English-language book on the Yakuza, Japan’s organized crime syndicates. Originally published in 1986 and updated in later editions, this work traces the Yakuza’s evolution from medieval outlaw bands to modern billion-dollar enterprises. Publisher: University of California Press, 2012 (25th Anniversary Edition). ISBN: 9780520274907
CHAPTER 55
The Phoenicia Malta
An iconic luxury hotel located in Floriana, Malta, just outside the capital city of Valletta.
phoeniciamalta.com
CHAPTER 56
Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Luxury hotel is located at 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.
ritzcarlton.com — Marina del Rey
Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence, by Ken Auletta
A detailed biography that examines the rise and fall of Harvey Weinstein, one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures, and the systemic culture that enabled his predatory behavior. Published on July 12, 2022.
Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich
The Netflix documentary (November 2022) focuses on Ghislaine Maxwell, the socialite and accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein, and her sex-trafficking trial.
The Fall of Armie Hammer: A Family Saga of Sex, Money, Drugs, and Betrayal Comprehensive exposé published by Vanity Fair in March 2021.
Roseanne Barr’s Explosive Tweet, Washington Post
Netflix is done with Kevin Spacey, Vanity Fair
What is “kompromat” and how does it work
“Kompromat” is a Russian term meaning “compromising material” and refers to damaging information about public figures that can be used for blackmail, intimidation, or discrediting opponents. According to Richard Maher’s article in the New Statesman.
CHAPTER 57
FN 509 MRD LE
Sidearm that was selected to replace the Smith and Wesson sidearm for the LAPD in August 2021.
fnamerica.com — FN 509 MRD LE press release
CHAPTER 59
Jurassic World: Dominion
Third installment in the Jurassic World trilogy and the sixth film in the Jurassic Park franchise. Filmed in Malta in August 2020. When it was released in 2022, statues from the movie were put on display in August.
CHAPTER 60
Caffè Cordina
A renowned and historic café located in the heart of Valletta, 244 Republic Street, VLT 1114.
Aperol
An Italian apéritif known for its distinctive orange color and bittersweet flavor, often used in the popular cocktail Aperol Spritz.
Georgia Film Tax Incentives
The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act grants a 20 percent base transferable tax credit to all qualifying productions with an additional 10 percent uplift by including a Georgia logo and a link to ExploreGeorgia.org/Film on the production’s landing page.
georgia.org
CHAPTER 63
The problem of vacant properties, Times of Malta
CHAPTER 68
112
Emergency telephone number in Malta used for police, ambulance and fire brigade.
CHAPTER 70
Neptune’s Fountain
Built in 1615. The statue was originally sited at the center of the fish market, a beacon easily seen by the ships in Grand Harbour. It had a marble cannon-shaped spout at the base of the fountain to supply fresh water to vessels in the Grand Harbour. The spout was engraved, “Small boats do not be afraid to come close. Instead of fire you will find water”. The statue was removed to the Grand Master’s Palace in 1858 and the base moved to Argotti Gardens in Floriana. The base is now at the Malta Maritime Museum.
Rod of Asclepius
An ancient Greek symbol associated with medicine, featuring a single snake coiled around a staff. It is named after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine.
CHAPTER 73
The Pinewood Story: The Authorised History of the World’s Most Famous Film Studio, by Gareth Owen with Brian Burford
Published by Reynolds & Hearn, Ltd., 2000, this authoritative volume chronicles the history of Pinewood Studios, one of the world’s most iconic film studios.
Pinewood: The Story of an Iconic Studio, by Bob McCabe
Le Colombier
A French brasserie located at 145 Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LB.
Part Four: One By Land, Two by Sea
CHAPTER 75
Swan 65
Large sailing yacht designed by German Frers and manufactured by Nautor’s Swan.
CHAPTER 81
The Panama Papers: Breaking the Story of How the Rich and Powerful Hide Their Money, by Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier
An investigative account of the largest data leak in history, revealing how the global elite use offshore structures to hide wealth, evade taxes, and launder money.
CHAPTER 82
Crimine-Infinito: The Complex Structure of the Calabrian Mob, by Roberto Saviano
CHAPTER 91
The Legend of Sisyphus
A Greek myth that has become a powerful metaphor for the human condition and the pursuit of meaning in life. In Homer’s “The Iliad,” Sisyphus is briefly mentioned as a legendary figure known for his cunning and cleverness.
Mírate
Modern Mexican restaurant located at 1712 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027.