Текст книги "Jack Taggart Mysteries 7 - Book Bundle"

Автор книги: Don Easton

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Текущая страница: 129 (всего у книги 141 страниц)

Chapter Eighteen

Virgil answered his phone and immediately recognized Jack’s voice.

“What did you find out about your brother’s criteria for hiring his next victim?” asked Jack, gruffly.

“Fuck, you woke me up,” complained Virgil. “I spent the weekend partying with him on his boat. Caught the last ferry home last night.”

“Quit complaining. What did Oskar tell you?”

“He wants somebody from Victoria or Vancouver Island. He is only going to use the professional head-hunter recruitment type agencies in Victoria.”

“You told me before he uses different regions to diversify his victims. Big deal. I thought you said you were a smart guy. Is that all you know?”

“No, but give me a chance to wake up. He said they plan on doing the next guy in Asia.”

“That’s a big continent. Can you narrow it down?”

“He said they have legitimate business to do in a few places like China, Thailand, Malaysia … maybe Myanmar. He is hoping to get someone who has some knowledge of that part of the world to do the legit work first, before … you know, terminating his employment. He won’t be advertising that, but it is something he would prefer.”

“And the legit work would be?”

“Looking at different companies in regard to workplace safety, fair trade … ethical-type crap. Also someone who knows a bit about accounting and can look at books.”

“Is that it?”

“Yeah, except for schmoozing. He says he needs someone who is friendly and good with people because of all the corporate clients they need to suck up to.”

“If you hear or think of anything else, call me.”

“I expect he’ll be collecting applications this week.”

Jack cringed. He knew he didn’t have much time.

“You going to keep a close eye on who they hire?” asked Virgil.

“Yes.”

“Is it going to be you?”

“What do you mean?” asked Jack.

“Come on, I’m not stupid. You wouldn’t be all that interested in the criteria for hiring if you were only going to watch whoever he hires. You wouldn’t care. It’s you, isn’t it?”

“It might be,” admitted Jack.

“Might be?” laughed Virgil.

“I’ll be applying, but it doesn’t mean I’ll be picked.”

“Yeah, well I hope you are picked.”

“Put it this way, if something happens to me and your brother isn’t caught, you’re going to jail.”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I didn’t mean it that way. I just want it all to be over.”

“Good.”

“Maybe you should use the team of people you have following me around to follow you instead.”

“Oh, uh, they are not following you at the moment because of other priorities. You are all on your own for a couple of weeks at least.”

Virgil hung up and gave a sarcastic laugh. He went to the kitchen and pulled up the blind to peer out the window. Like hell I’m not being watched. He wants to see if I’m going to go out and be naughty …

Virgil felt the sash cord around his fingers and smiled. It gave him an idea.

Go ahead and watch. You’ll see what a good boy I am. All in good time, my lovelies, all in good time …

“How did he respond?” asked Laura, when Jack hung up.

“He’ll figure I lied to him about saying there was no surveillance. I think it will keep him on the straight and narrow for today.”

“You think?”

“He’s tired and paranoid, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to go sit on his car and make sure he’s behaving himself. If he comes out, I don’t mind if you heat him up from a distance. He’ll think Special ‘O’ are doing their thing.”

“What are you going to do?” asked Laura.

“This afternoon I’ll pick up the electronic hardware and meet you at midnight to slap it on his car. I’m told these trackers are good for fifty hours of car movement before you have to change batteries. We’ll take turns monitoring the laptop.”

“First time for everything. I have to say, it sure sounds a lot easier than the old days.”

“For sure. The laptop will even sound an alarm. Every time he moves, we’ll know. Then you can watch the map on the laptop to see where he’s going. It will even time his stops.”

“If he goes to a playground, can I shoot him?” asked Laura.

“Thought you wanted to castrate him with his knife?”

“You gave that back to him. Completely ruined my fantasy.”

“Sorry about that.”

“All kidding aside,” said Laura seriously, “if he is arrested, it could seriously jeopardize any chance of catching Oskar.”

Jack brooded as he picked up his phone and started to dial. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. As long as he thinks he is being watched, he should behave.”

“Guess if he does end up watching some playground, I could have uniform check him out. That might scare him off until you’re done the UC.”

“Too risky. If he goes into predatory mode, he will do a lot of counter-surveillance. If he doesn’t spot anyone following him, but ends up getting checked near a playground, he’s liable to clue in.”

“So what do we do?”

“Have to decide at the time. It makes it all the more urgent to get the UC underway and finished.” Jack gestured to his phone. “I’m hoping Comical Crime can help with that.”

Laura grinned at Jack’s way of mocking the section.

Jack’s call to Commercial Crime received the urgency he was hoping for. After a flurry of phone calls back and forth throughout the day, Jack received a call from Inspector Penn at Commercial Crime.

“You’ve kept half our office pretty busy today,” said Penn.

“Sorry about that, sir. It is urgent.”

“No problem. We don’t usually get involved in these things. It’s got everyone’s adrenaline pumping. I think it’s been a good break from the usual routine.”

“Glad to hear that.”

“We have a resumé prepared for you that I think you will like. Also the right people are in place to verify it if someone checks.”

“What’s my cover story?”

“You used to work with the Ministry of Labour investigating best practices for employment and safety. I have someone you can contact to coach you on the basics of what you need to know.”

“Much appreciated,” said Jack.

“I’m not done. After the Ministry of Labour, you went to your current position working for EICG, which specializes in ethical investments. Their head office is in Vancouver, but they do hire people who work on contract out of their homes. Victoria would make sense. I have a contact person for you there, as well.”

“Sounds perfect, but who or what is EICG?”

“It stands for Equitable Investment Consulting Group. A retired member from our office is a CEO there. He is willing to meet you, as well.”

“This is really fantastic. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.”

“I’ll email you the resumé for your perusal, along with the contact numbers. The one thing we are missing is an accounting background, but that is not something you could muddle through without getting caught.”

“A few years ago I took a basic accounting course to help me with a drug-money-laundering investigation. This guy isn’t looking for a chartered accountant. I think what you did for me is the best we can do.”

“You mentioned he might want someone with a knowledge of Asia?”

“I’ve been to Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan before. Once I went across a river into Myanmar, as well, so I do know some of the basic customs and culture of those countries. That part I can pull off.”

“With the type of background he is looking for, I would be surprised if there is anyone in Victoria that could match this resumé. This should get you an interview, the rest will be up to you.”

“I owe you one.”

“Maybe you’ll quit referring to us as Comical Crime,” said Penn.

“That’s a promise,” Jack said, smiling.

“You’re home early,” said Natasha, as she followed Mike and Steve to the door to greet Jack. “It’s only four o’clock.”

Jack gave the boys a hug and then kissed Natasha before saying, “I have to go back to work tonight at midnight.”

“An all-nighter?”

“No, only a couple of hours. But I do have a UC assignment that will keep me tied up for a while.”

“UC. Shhh,” said Mike, putting his finger up to his lip and looking at Steve. “Undercover,” Mike whispered.

“Undercover,” whispered Steve back, then made a loud “Shhh,” splattering bubbles at Mike.

“Local?” asked Natasha.

“No, but not far. I have to go to Victoria tomorrow. I’m applying for a job with a bad guy over there and have to make it look like I’m from Victoria. I should know by the end of the month if I’m hired.”

“Will you be gone until the end of the month?”

“No. I need to get a local cellphone and make it look like I live there. I’ll befriend a few waitresses and check out the regular haunts that I would be expected to know. If I’m hired, I will also need an apartment. I expect the operation to be short-term. Maybe a month or two, although it will likely include some foreign travel.”

Natasha let out a loud sigh and nodded.

“Do have some good news, however,” added Jack. “I called Bill and Marlene. If I am stuck working over there for a while, they are more than happy for you guys to stay with them so we can see each other.”

“We can do that?” asked Natasha, looking pleased.

“If by some remote chance a bad guy sees us together, I’ll use a cover story that you’re my ex-wife bringing the kids over from Vancouver to visit me.”

“Sounds good.”

Jack looked at Mike and Steve who were both listening carefully. “Going undercover with daddy, do you two think you can remember the cover story?”

“That you and Mommy are divorced and we are visiting you,” said Mikey in a serious voice.

“That’s right,” said Jack, before looking at Natasha and asking, “Where did he learn the word divorce? He’s not even four yet.”

“Half the kids he plays with in the park come from single-family units,” noted Natasha. She saw a distant look on Jack’s face and quickly said, “I’m sorry, didn’t mean to bring up the park thing.”

“It’s okay,” replied Jack, as an image of Virgil came to his mind.

“Will Laura be with you?” asked Natasha.

“No, I’ll be solo. I’ll have a cover team, but Laura won’t be involved. She will have to stay and keep an eye on our informant.”

“Of course.” She glanced curiously at Jack and said, “This UC … high-end or low-end?”

“High-end. Suit and tie … clean-shaven.”

“Yes!” exclaimed Natasha excitedly. “Whoopee! My good-lookin’ guy is coming back!”

Jack grinned in response.

“So when does that thing come off?” Natasha asked, giving Jack’s goatee a tug.

“How about now?” suggested Jack.

“Perfect,” smiled Natasha, turning her attention to the boys. “Mikey, do you want to take your brother and watch TV? I think an old re-run of The A-Team is on. Daddy and I are going to have a nap after he shaves,” she said, with a wink at Jack.

“Isn’t The A-Team a little old for them?” asked Jack.

“You would rather they watch us?” replied Natasha.

“Enjoy The A-Team, boys,” said Jack over his shoulder as he hustled down the hall.

Jack met Laura at midnight, where she was parked down the street from Virgil’s house. He got into her car and handed her a laptop computer.

“Hey, you clean up good,” she said.

“Thanks. It does appear to have its benefits.”

“You certainly do look less stressed,” Laura said with a smile.

Jack decided to ignore her comment. “How long have his lights been out?”

“Over an hour ago,” replied Laura.

“Good. This seems almost too easy.”

“Too easy? We’re dealing with a serial rapist. I’m not finding it easy at all.”

“I’m talking about the new technology,” replied Jack. “Slap a magnetic car tracker under some bad guy’s car and what used to be an eight-man surveillance can be done by one person sitting at home.”

“If you don’t mind curling up in bed with a laptop waiting for the alarm to sound,” said Laura.

“Would you rather spend your shift out here twenty-four seven?”

“No, I’ve done enough of that, too.” Laura looked at Jack. “I’m not complaining. This is great.”

Jack returned to his own car and stuck a radio earpiece into his ear. After a radio check with Laura, he strolled down the sidewalk towards Virgil’s carport while Laura watched with binoculars.

Laura watched closely as Jack ducked into the carport. The house remained in darkness and within minutes Jack had accomplished the task and met her back in her car.

“Do me a big favour and make sure the batteries never run down … including the laptop,” said Jack.

“Is the laptop waterproof? Do I need to take it in the shower with me?” asked Laura with a grin.

Jack didn’t reply, but looked sombre as he stared out at Virgil’s house.

“You okay?” asked Laura.

Jack nodded. “I’m okay, but there is something I haven’t told you yet.” He turned in the seat to face her. “I told Isaac that I will hand in my resignation if this guy succeeds in attacking another woman.”

“What? You’re kidding, right?”

“No,” said Jack curtly.

Laura looked at the laptop and thought about all the past experiences she had with electronic equipment that had gone faulty, or momentarily failed to work at a crucial time. “It happens, Jack,” she said softly. “Stuff like this breaks down all the time. This whole situation is not your fault.”

“Isn’t it?” he snapped. “I’ve met Amanda and Megan and didn’t even have the guts to tell them what I was doing. I sure as hell don’t feel I have the right to pack a badge if I let Virgil rape someone else.”

Chapter Nineteen

The next few days saw Jack busy in Victoria, where he obtained a local cellphone and dropped off resumés at various recruitment agencies. One agency took particular interest and said they had a company in mind that was looking for someone with Jack’s qualifications. It gave Jack hope.

Potential living arrangements were also obtained. The mother of one of the RCMP members in Victoria managed an apartment complex. She agreed to allow Jack to use it as a mailing address. If Jack was hired, she had an apartment available at the end of the month that he could rent.

On Friday morning, Jack took a stroll past the marina on the inner harbour across from The Empress Hotel in downtown Victoria to see if he could see Oskar’s boat.

The marina was packed with many boats and people who were arriving for the Swiftsure Yacht Race scheduled to start in another ten days. Jack decided against going down to the actual docks in the event he bumped into Oskar.

On Friday afternoon, Laura was at her desk when she heard the alarm go off on the laptop, advising that Virgil was on the move. She was becoming used to his regular pattern and stared at the map.

For the last couple of days, Virgil had only made short trips to a store or periodically gone to the home of a man who Laura discovered had a criminal record for trafficking methamphetamines.

On one occasion, Virgil had gone from the man’s house to a casino before returning to the man’s house again. It was obvious they were friends and Laura guessed that the man was part of Virgil’s drug-trafficking ring.

This time Virgil’s route from home took him on a different path and she watched with interest as he left his home in Richmond and took the Oak Street Bridge into Vancouver. There he doglegged over to Granville Street and turned off on 66th Avenue before doubling back.

He’s checking for heat …

Laura grabbed the laptop and ran from the office. Virgil’s location was only minutes from her office and she kept her eye on the screen as she drove.

Virgil had turned his car around and was slowly driving around a block. The block was highlighted on her map in green and was labelled RIVERVIEW PARK.

You bastard …

Minutes later, Laura located Virgil’s BMW parked on Angus Drive, which led to the park. The car was empty and parked one block away from the park. Laura drove back to the park and was relieved not to see any moms playing with their children. She also didn’t see Virgil.

Jack answered his cellphone and held it away from his ear as Laura shouted, “Jack, where are you?”

“Driving off the ferry from Victoria. What’s up?”

“Our friend, the bastard. He’s parked about a block away from a city park.”

“Is he watching somebody?”

“I don’t know. He’s not in his car and I don’t know where he is. I drove past the park and there’s nobody in it that I could see.”

“You sure he’s not in the car? He could have ducked down.”

“I don’t think he would have seen me in time to do that, but I’ll drive past it again and check.”

“How long has he been there?”

“A couple of minutes.”

“His usual MO would be to conduct surveillance and come back at night, where he probably does more surveillance. Is this his first time to that area?”

“As far as I know, but he could have been here before we caught him. What if he already had someone staked out?”

“I don’t see him doing that if he thinks he is being followed. He’s not that stupid. He knows that he’s dead meat if there is an assault in the area where his car is.”

Jack waited a moment and heard Laura curse under her breath before saying, “I spotted him. He’s coming out of a house with some guy and they’re chatting up on the steps.”

Jack breathed a sigh of relief before asking, “Did he see you?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

“I want him to think that Special ‘O’ is on him. He’d know that you and I couldn’t physically do it on our own all the time.”

“Oh, man,” muttered Laura. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. Next time I talk to him, I’ll mention that Special ‘O’ wondered who he was visiting and called you to come take a look.”

“Might work.” Laura paused, then muttered, “I really hate this bastard.”

“You never used to swear when we first started working together.”

“I know. You’ve driven me to it.”

Jack chuckled, but heard his Victoria cellphone ring. Jack quickly said goodbye and answered. It was Oskar Cruickshank.

Chapter Twenty

The next Friday, at exactly ten o’clock in the morning, Jack walked along one of the fingers of piers on the inner harbour in Victoria and approached a sailboat called Corporate Asset.

Oskar had told Jack that if the interview went well, that he would be assessed further over the weekend, with a final decision being made on Monday.

Jack was dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt and blue tie for the interview, but felt out of place as he walked past clusters of people who were dressed in shorts and T-shirts. Despite his appearance, few paid him any attention. Their conversations seemed focused on discussing the wind and weather forecasts for the upcoming yacht race scheduled to start in three days.

Those who weren’t gathered on the piers sat on either the bows or the sterns of their boats sipping coffee. Everyone appeared to be in a friendly and festive mood.

Oskar appeared out of the stairwell leading to the cabin on the Corporate Asset and Jack eyed him as he approached. Oskar’s driver’s licence had already revealed his age as being forty-eight years old. He was Jack’s height and had a slim build.

Jack saw that Oskar was wearing an open fleece jacket over cargo shorts and running shoes. It made Jack feel more conspicuous and now wished he had thought to question what he should have worn for an interview on a sailboat.

Oskar was clean-shaven and his dark brown hair was cut short, but had turned grey above his ears. Jack saw him check his watch before looking at Jack.

“Permission to come aboard, Captain?” said Jack with a smile.

“Permission granted,” replied Oskar, with the slightest hint of a smile in return.

Jack stepped on board and they formally introduced themselves and shook hands.

“It would have been appropriate for you to dress casual,” said Oskar. “When I told you the interview was on my boat, I thought you would take it for granted.”

“I never like to take anything for granted,” replied Jack. “Also was hoping to make a good appearance,” he admitted.

“Take your shoes off, please,” said Oskar, as he turned and headed down the stairs into the cabin.

Jack did as instructed and followed. “Nice boat,” he said, as he entered the galley. “Are you entered in the race on Monday?”

“No, I’m more of an enthusiastic spectator,” replied Oskar. “Take a seat,” he said, gesturing to the table. “I like to make these things as painless and relaxed as possible. Coffee?”

“If you’re having one,” replied Jack, as he squeezed behind a horseshoe shaped table and sat down. “Otherwise I’m okay.”

‘I’ve already had five cups,” said Oskar. “A bit of a party mood here last night.”

Jack nodded his understanding.

“You like to party?” asked Oskar, picking up a file folder and taking a seat at the table across from him.

“I like to mingle and meet with different people … so, yes, I do like to party sometimes.”

“Smoke?” Oskar asked, pushing an ashtray across the table toward Jack.

“No thanks, I don’t smoke.”

“Good. Neither do I.” Oskar stared momentarily at Jack, then abruptly said, “You look like you’re in good shape. I take it you work out?”

“Not really,” replied Jack. “I just watch what I eat. I’d like to be able to work out, but I have bad asthma.” He reached into his pocket and showed Oskar an inhaler he was carrying, before stuffing it back.

“Does that cause you problems at work?” asked Oskar.

“No, not at all,” replied Jack, “but I have to admit I’m no good at sports, other than a little golf. I couldn’t swim a stroke or run a city block to save my life.”

Oskar listened with interest and nodded slightly.

Jack gave a small fake cough to add credence to his story, before shrugging his shoulders and smiling lamely. That’s right asshole, I’m an easy target. Try to throw me out a window and you will find out how easy I am …

“Do you understand what my company is all about?” asked Oskar, as he skimmed over the questions he had written down on a sheet of paper in front of him.

“It is my understanding that you provide advice to companies so they can make more informed decisions about socially responsible and ethical investments,” replied Jack.

“That’s right. The goal is to do what is good for both the investors and society as a whole. Basically the same strategy as who you work for now, EICG. Do you mind if I ask your reason for wishing to leave EICG? They are highly respected.”

“Ethical Investment Consulting Group has been a great company,” said Jack, “but, uh, there were some personal problems.”

“Oh?”

“I may as well come clean on it,” said Jack. “I was divorced a couple of years ago. Guess I got lonely and made a bad decision.”

“A bad decision?”

“Yes,” frowned Jack. “I started dating someone in our head office, but then she broke up with me, too. I see her all the time through business and … well, it feels uncomfortable. I’ve learned my lesson on dating someone that you work with.”

“I see,” said Oskar, nodding his head. “I don’t expect you to disclose anything about EICG that you shouldn’t, but could you tell me more about what role you play with them?”

“I travel and personally check out companies around the world that have potential for investment. Generally I look at things like workplace safety or environmental impact on say, a mining company, as well as issues like social justice and proper corporate governance.”

“Are there specific companies you rule against?”

“Definitely. The idea is to keep away from companies that are engaged in things like adult entertainment, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, nuclear power, weapons, or military contracts. I look for opportunities to reap the most out of financial return while trying to maintain harmony with the good of society.”

“What example would you give for sustainable investment?”

“Currently, bamboo is a popular —”

“Answered appropriately,” smiled Oskar, giving a wave of his hand for Jack to stop. He eyed Jack for a moment, then said, “In many developing countries, work safety is not a priority and sometimes environmental concerns are totally unheard of.”

“Sadly, you are absolutely right,” replied Jack, before frowning.

“If you think such a company is perhaps borderline in being recommended as an investment opportunity, what process do you think should be taken?”

“That part of the process is not really my speciality, but I know that if problems are identified, they could be overcome by investment companies quietly buying up shares to get clout and then relying on dialogue, perhaps through the annual general meeting, to obtain the desired results.”

“Good. Any other suggestions on that issue?”

“Sometimes with EICG we use other like-minded organizations as leverage, such as environmental groups or labour standards, although like you said, many of the companies we look to invest in are developing countries and labour standards are basically unheard of.”

“Exactly,” nodded Oskar. “Do you have any background in accounting?”

“Only a rudimentary knowledge,” admitted Jack.

“I see.” Oskar leaned back in his seat and his eyes scanned the sheet of questions. He then glanced at Jack. “Do you have any questions so far?”

“Where do you imagine that I might fit in with your company?” asked Jack.

“Basically the same as you have been doing for EICG. Research of prospective companies to see if they have the criteria we are looking for. If they don’t, see if it would be possible, or economically feasible to change the company while maintaining or improving profitability once socially acceptable standards are adapted.”

“Which is what I like to get involved in. I bet you’re the same.” Jack smiled. “It feels good knowing you are making the world a better place … and making money doing it.”

Oskar smiled back. “With your background, I must say I am impressed. As it stands, I would definitely consider you to be shortlisted as a CEO.”

“Chief Executive Officer,” said Jack, smiling more. “I admit I do like the sound of that.”

“We deal with global economics. You would be expected to view prospective companies, both when they are expecting you … and at times when they don’t expect you.”

“Sounds a little scary when you put it that way,” said Jack.

“We’ve never had anyone hurt yet. For companies who are doing something they shouldn’t, it usually ends up with a verbal confrontation where they make excuses and deny access.”

“That’s good. The last time I got in a fight, I was seven years old and got a bloody nose and lost. I’m a talker, not a fighter.”

“Talkers are what we want,” replied Oskar. “As far as any rough stuff goes, if I think you are going into a rough area, corporate security is provided to escort you, more out of fear of being mugged by the locals than anything.”

“That’s a relief,” smiled Jack. “I was in Mexico two years ago and saw some pretty scary guys. Lucky for me, there was a taxi nearby and I high-tailed it back to the resort. The prospect of getting mugged scares the pants off of me.”

Oskar gave a fake, sympathetic smile and said, “Well … those kind of people are out there, which is why we hire professionals to protect our people.”

“That is really comforting to hear.”

“Personal safety comes first at all times. As a matter of routine and for all the work we do to find the suitable employees, we do take insurance policies out on our CEOs, but don’t worry, we have never had to collect on anyone being murdered yet,” added Oskar, giving a genuine smile.

“Goodness! I hope not!” exclaimed Jack.

“If you are hired, you would be travelling extensively, particularly in developing countries. Perhaps Africa, the Far East, China. Wherever needed.”

“I haven’t been to China or Africa, but I am fairly familiar with many of the cultures of the Far East. I’ve travelled in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and stepped foot into Myanmar, as well.”

“I see,” said Oskar, looking pleased. “So your asthma does not hinder you from travel?”

“Not at all. As long as I’m not expected to swim, run, or climb a mountain, I’m okay,” replied Jack. “As I said earlier, I even do a little golfing for exercise.”

“Nice to hear. Now, about salary. To start, you would be on probation for a six-month period and I am prepared to offer you seven-K a month. If you make it through the probationary period, you would receive a guaranteed ten-percent increase each year for the next three years.”

“So I would be in the six-figure bracket in three years,” said Jack. “That, uh, sounds reasonable,” he added, putting a controlled amount of excitement in his voice to make Oskar think he was thrilled with the offer. Too bad your CEOs don’t live long enough to collect it …

“I have what I hope is some potentially good news for you. Remember when I said to keep your schedule clear for the next three days?”

“Yes, you said if I passed the interview, I would be further assessed over the weekend with a final decision being made on Monday.”

“I can tell you that you are the last person I am interviewing for the position. Up until now, I have only selected one other potential candidate. You will be the second candidate.”

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to compete,” said Jack. I wonder if I could break the other guy’s leg …

“The other candidate’s name is Stewart Potter. His background is in forensic accounting.”

“I see,” said Jack. Maybe I should break both his legs …

“I have three corporate clients I wish to entertain this weekend. Mr. Yu arrived from Shanghai yesterday and the other two should be arriving on separate flights today.”

Jack nodded politely.

“They are here as my guests to take part in the festivities surrounding Swiftsure. I’ve put them all up at The Empress. Between you and Potter, I am going to give you a modest cash budget to entertain them over the weekend. I will then interview them and dependent upon what they say, it will form a major part of my decision as to which one of you I hire.”

“Guess I better be nice to them,” joked Jack. “Would myself and Mr. Potter entertain them together as a group?”

“No. All three have been invited to a cocktail party on my boat at four o’clock this afternoon. It will be a chance for everyone to meet. Mr. Yu speaks limited English. His culture would expect that I entertain him for the most part, however, I would still like you and Potter to try and get some one-on-one time with him tonight.”

“I understand.”

“The other two clients are both American. John Barfoot and Len Stein. I want you to look after Len tomorrow and John on Sunday. Potter will do the reverse.”

“By look after?”

“Entertainment, meals, whatever …”

“Sounds like an easy and fun assignment,” said Jack. “Do they need to be picked up at the airport?”

“That part has been arranged with The Empress. This afternoon we will have cocktails and go out for dinner later. Dress casual and have fun.”

Thirty minutes later, Jack went to a motel room and met with a cover team comprised of four members of the Victoria RCMP Drug Section. One member, Constable Willy Mineault, was a trained undercover operative whom Jack had worked with before and highly respected.