Текст книги "Jack Taggart Mysteries 7 - Book Bundle"

Автор книги: Don Easton

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Текущая страница: 131 (всего у книги 141 страниц)

No kidding. Like letting a serial rapist off to catch a murderer …

“Let me give you an example,” continued Barfoot, “if a company in a third world has potential, but … say there is a minor problem, such as child labour, what would you do?”

“You consider child labour a mild problem?” replied Jack. “I would think that would be a huge problem. I would report it back to the companies who are thinking of investing and hope they don’t invest.”

Barfoot smiled and said, “I used to think that way myself, but if you look deeper, in some developing countries, if that child was not working in a factory, their only alternative would be prostitution. Which would you rather see a child in?”

Jack grimaced. “Tough choices.”

“My strategy is to promote change through dialogue with the company. Perhaps ensure that enough financial benefit is passed down from the executives to the person on the factory floor, so that their children do not need to work.”

“You could do that by talking with them?”

“Not quite. I would have a couple of investment companies slowly buy up enough shares so that we would have a powerful voice and be able to reflect the changes we want through shareholder resolutions and proxy voting.”

“Sounds sneaky, but I like what the outcome could represent,” replied Jack, raising his glass.

After they each took a sip of beer, Jack said, “The idea of buying up company shares to gain control is something I have discussed with Oskar, but I wasn’t thinking about doing that when you mentioned child labour. I automatically wanted to shun such a company.”

“But you do understand what I mean?”

“Definitely. You’ve helped me see what I call the big picture. You would be providing fair trade to people who would otherwise never get it.”

“Exactly,” smiled Barfoot, clinking his beer mug with Jack’s.

Jack took another sip of beer and put his mug down. “I can see why you are a valued client.”

“Actually, I may become more than a client,” said Barfoot. “Oskar has approached me to join his company and take it over completely when he retires.”

Oh, crap! You’re the second guy Oskar plans to kill before he retires… Jack felt a lump in his throat, but did his best to smile as if delighted.

“I haven’t decided yet,” continued Barfoot. “I should be retiring myself, but like I said, you need something to keep busy. Oskar talks of sitting on a beach under a palm tree, but that’s not for me.”

“If Oskar is retiring soon, I would expect he’ll be wanting an answer from you soon?” probed Jack.

“Yes, talking to him about it is the primary reason I came to Victoria.”

Jack tried to think of a reason, other than being murdered, as to why Barfoot shouldn’t join the company.

“You seem troubled?” asked Barfoot.

Jack shrugged and said, “With you having your own company, wouldn’t it be better if there was an apparent independence when it comes to buying up shares to gain control of a company?”

“You do have a point there,” conceded Barfoot. “If two companies discreetly work together to buy up shares, the collusion could work to an advantage for the AGM.”

“It would provide you with better leverage to direct the company in the right direction.”

“That it would.” Barfoot studied Jack for a moment and said, “You know, I am really impressed with you. I will definitely be passing on favourable comments to Oskar.”

“Thank you. After yesterday, I will need it.”

“It didn’t go well with Stein?”

“You hadn’t heard?”

“No. I’ve met Stein before. He is not someone whose personal company I prefer.”

“Yesterday he made it clear that he doesn’t like my company, either.”

“That is unfortunate. If I owned the company, you are the type of man I would like to have working for me.”

“Thank you.”

Debby came by and Barfoot ordered a second beer. She looked at Jack and said, “You too, Jack?”

Jack shook his head and said, “I’m still okay. Maybe in another ten.”

“Oh, you’ve got that three-legged table again,” said Debby as she left.

“Three-legged table?” asked Barfoot, glancing under the table.

“Her expression means we are never done our beer at the same time,” smiled Jack, “which causes her to have to make more trips.”

Barfoot grinned, but then eyed Jack for a moment before saying, “A moment ago, I had the feeling you were trying to talk me out of joining the company.”

“I thought it made better business sense to be in a position to apply more leverage.”

“Is that the real reason you are trying to dissuade me, or is there something else?”

“Something else?” The smart old codger picked up on my concern …

“Is it that you wouldn’t want me as your boss?” asked Barfoot seriously. Before Jack could reply, Barfoot could not hide the fact that he was joking and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I hardly ever use the cat-o’-nine tails on my crew.”

Jack smiled and raised his glass. “I think I would be happy to work for a man like yourself.” If you live long enough …

Chapter Twenty-Three

On Sunday night, after dropping Barfoot off at The Empress, Jack drove to Beacon Hill Park where he met with his cover team and told them of Barfoot’s intention to join the company.

“Goddamn it,” said Willy. “Always peaks and valleys in this business.

“And right now we’re in a valley,” replied Jack. “Death Valley.”

“It does sounds like Barfoot is going to rate you highly,” noted Willy.

“Yes, but we could still be in trouble,” said Jack. “I really blew it on Saturday with Stein. My only hope is Oskar understands the situation and goes with what Barfoot says.”

“What about Mr. Yu?” asked Willy.

“I doubt that his assessment of Stew or myself will be much different. Neither of us had much time to try and impress him.”

“What do we do if you’re not hired?”

“I think we have to risk telling Stew immediately. He strikes me as a really nice guy. I am sure he would quietly withdraw, but Oskar would find it odd.”

“And John Barfoot?” asked Willy. “What if he joins? There’s no way we could not tell him. It’s not like we could protect him if he lives in Malaysia.”

“I know,” sighed Jack. “Stew Pot is bad enough. If Barfoot gets kinky, Oskar will know that something is up. We don’t even know who his boss is yet.”

“Speaking of that,” said Willy. “I’ve had the race entries, licence plates, and hotel registries checked out. There wasn’t anybody with the name of Merlin or Marlin. Like you said before, if Oskar gets spooked and decides to quit, who’s to say that his boss won’t continue?”

“I know, I know,” said Jack in frustration. “We need to find out who he is. Guess it is one step at a time. Let’s see what tomorrow morning brings. Maybe we’re worrying for no reason. Oskar said he would make his decision then.”

At nine o’clock Monday morning, Jack boarded the Corporate Asset and sat with Oskar in the galley.

“Do you have the receipts?” asked Oskar.

Jack handed him the envelope and Oskar looked through it. “Most of the cash is still here! Are you telling me you spent just over a hundred dollars?”

“Game of golf and a burger,” said Jack. “Didn’t cost much. I’m sure you heard what happened with Len Stein. I only bought him a lunch.”

“I heard,” replied Oskar, gruffly. “You took off on him and someone drugged his drink and he was robbed.”

“I left at his request after I refused to get him some cocaine,” said Jack.

“I told you he was an important client.”

“Yes, you did.”

“It is too bad, because you really impressed John, but I need someone who is consistent in dealing with people. Someone I can rely on. Your ratings were not consistent.”

“My ratings?”

“I asked the three of them to rate you on a scale from one to six. Mr. Yu gave both you and Stew a three, so count his out. John rated you a six and Len gave you a zero. Stew received a three from John and a five from Len.”

“From what I understand, Stew only brought him some Tylenol and left him in his room. That rates a five?”

Oskar gave a sympathetic smile and said, “I am sorry, but that’s the way the ball bounces. I’ll keep your resumé on file, should something come up.”

Should something come up? Yeah, like a body …

Jack left the boat and was walking up the ramp from the marina when he saw Barfoot wave to him, near the top of a stairway overlooking the marina.

Jack waved back and met up with him.

“How did it go?” asked Barfoot.

“Not well,” replied Jack. “I really appreciate your support, though. Oskar told me that you rated me six out of six.”

“Are you saying you didn’t get the position?” said Oskar, sounding incredulous.

“Stein rated me a zero,” explained Jack.

“A zero! That is utter bullshit,” growled Barfoot. “Come with me! I am going to have a word with Oskar.”

Jack hesitated, wondering if Barfoot’s intervention would make the situation worse. Then again, how much worse could it get?

A moment later, Barfoot and Jack met with Oskar in his galley.

“What’s this bullshit that you’re not hiring Jack?” said Barfoot. “You know what I think of him,” he said, patting Jack on the shoulder.

“That was obvious from your assessment,” replied Oskar. “But I need someone who is consistent. Someone who can get along with everyone, not only you.”

“I know Stein,” said Barfoot. “He has the moral scruples of a snake. He is a womanizer, uses illegal drugs, and, in my opinion, is a complete ass.”

“That may be your opinion, but he is also an important client,” said Oskar, defensively.

Barfoot waved his finger in Oskar’s face. “Your company is suppose to uphold moral integrity when it comes to investment. Is Stein the image you want to portray as your poster boy for who you do business with?”

Oskar’s face reddened. Jack could not tell if it was from embarrassment or anger.

“The only reason Stein is where he is,” said Barfoot in disgust, “is because he came from money. He is nothing more than a spoiled, immature brat.”

“Who brings in a lot of money for my company,” said Oskar.

“You would attract more clients if you didn’t have the likes of Stein,” said Barfoot.

Oskar shrugged in response.

Barfoot tapped Oskar on the chest with his finger and said, “You were wanting me to come on board with your company?”

Oskar silently stared back.

“Well, I’ll tell you what would make me do that,” said Barfoot. “Just two things.”

“Those being?” asked Oskar.

“Hire this young man immediately and sever your relationship with Stein completely.”

“Are you serious?” asked Oskar.

“You’re damned right I am,” said Barfoot, evenly.

“Could be losing a lot of money by getting rid of Stein,” said Oskar.

“What do you care? You’ll be retiring soon,” said Barfoot.

Oskar looked at Jack for a reaction.

“It’s okay, he knows,” said Barfoot. “I told him last night.”

Oskar nodded, then took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and smiled. “Agreed,” he said, sticking out his hand.

Jack watched the two men shake hands. His emotions were mixed. Elated that he had been hired … and sickened that the man who stood up for him could soon be targeted for murder.

“Welcome aboard,” said Oskar, turning to shake Jack’s hand. “The company and the Corporate Asset,” he added, with a smile.

“There is a question of timing,” said Barfoot. “I will need a couple of months to get my affairs in order.”

Jack breathed a sigh of relief. A couple of months might be all he needed.

Oskar nodded and looked at Jack. “I have several companies in Asia that need scouting out.”

“I’m your man,” said Jack enthusiastically.

“A couple are high-priority,” continued Oskar. “I’ll be flying over there myself to check out a company in China that Mr. Yu has a vested interest in. Two other companies are in Myanmar, two are in Thailand, and one is in Malaysia.”

“I understood there were trade sanctions with Myanmar,” said Jack. “Due to the human-rights violations.” Thank you Commercial Crime for your help …

“There are, but Myanmar recently held their first democratic election in over twenty years. If things do get moving again, it could be an economic opportunity.”

“I see,” replied Jack.

“I presume, however, that you will need to give at least thirty days’ notice before coming over?” asked Oskar.

“I have a lot of holiday time coming to me,” said Jack. “I could give my notice, use my holiday time and start working for you in two weeks.”

“Told you he was eager,” smiled Barfoot.

“Yes, I am,” replied Jack. Eager to save your life … and my own.

Chapter Twenty-Four

That afternoon, Jack got off the ferry from Victoria and drove directly to a meeting being held at the Major Crime Unit in Inspector Dyck’s office.

Rose, Laura, and Connie Crane were present when Jack arrived. He had already called Rose to let her know he had been hired, but now he gave a detailed account of what had happened over the weekend, including his meeting with Barfoot and Oskar on the boat that morning.

“China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia,” said Rose. “That is going to be a lot of countries to liase with. With his real office in L.A., I expect the U.S. will be involved as well.”

“I know, but it wasn’t like I had a choice in the matter,” replied Jack.

“So where does it stand now?” asked Dyck.

“As of the fifteenth of June, I will be officially working for Oskar,” replied Jack.

“The fifteenth?” said Dyck. “For what’s required in preparation, isn’t that rushing things a little?”

“I agree, it is. I could have easily delayed being hired until the end of June, but I want to have the investigation wrapped up before Barfoot joins the company. I didn’t feel that we had the time to stall.”

“Good point,” said Dyck. “Are you expected to be working out of his office in L.A., then?”

“No, that is one good thing. He said he anticipated I would be going to L.A. a couple of times a year, but other than that, I could work from home. According to him, I will be on the road most of the time.”

“Hopefully not under the tires of some semi-truck,” said Connie.

“That’s a cheery thought,” replied Jack. “I’ve already signed the NDA and —”

“What’s an NDA?” asked Connie.

“Sorry, I’m already starting to sound corporate,” smiled Jack. “An NDA stands for a non-disclosure agreement. It is to ensure that I won’t be spilling any company secrets to other corporations.”

“Think murder is one of those secrets?” said Laura sarcastically.

“Oskar also informed me, as nonchalantly as he could, that he would carry the standard corporate-owned life insurance policy on me.”

“Did you say anything when he told you that?” asked Dyck.

“I acted a little surprised and he said the COLI was simply a matter of routine. He explained that in the unlikely event something happened to me, it was to compensate the company for the costs incurred in recruiting and training someone of my high calibre.”

“High calibre?” snorted Rose.

“His words, not mine,” said Jack, returning Rose’s smile.

“I’m surprised he told you about it,” said Connie.

“In the U.S. they are required by law to do so. I had to sign a written consent and acknowledge that Oskar would be the sole beneficiary. For your info, effective June 15, I will be worth one million U.S. dollars to Oskar if I die.”

“You really better look both ways when you cross the street,” said Rose. “I don’t want Oskar to be able to collect on it.”

“That would tick me off, too,” said Jack, frowning. “And I would take it real personal if my murder wasn’t proven and he got to collect.”

“Talk about laughing all the way to the bank,” said Dyck, bitterly.

“I also received some background information from the Americans on Ben Pike while you were gone,” said Laura, gravely. “Turns out he was a former U.S. Marine, but to make matters worse, he is an expert in martial arts and used to instruct the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program in hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat. Incidentally, the MCMAP logo is one mind, any weapon.”

“Wonderful,” said Jack lamely.

“There is little doubt that he can kill quickly and silently with his bare hands,” noted Laura.

“Like breaking a guy’s neck and tossing him over a balcony in Moscow,” said Rose.

Jack thought about Max Romanov’s response when he had asked him if anyone had heard any yelling or fighting before the alleged suicide. Nobody hear nothing until big splat …

“There is still no indication of who Pike’s friend is,” said Rose. “The one you referred to as Killer Rabbit.”

“You nicknamed someone Killer Rabbit?” asked Dyck.

“It wasn’t me who first came up with that,” explained Jack. “It was a friend of the first victim. A guy by the name of Tom Donald met them at a Christmas party with his buddy the night before his buddy had his jugular slashed on a windowpane. Tom told me he had heard that the two security guys were trained killers.”

“I think Pike has already proved that,” said Laura.

“Tom referred to them as Pike the Spike and Killer Rabbit,” added Jack.

“Killer Rabbit?” said Connie. “Sounds comedic.”

“The guy apparently tends to bounce as he walks,” replied Jack. There is nothing comedic about it. If I go up against either of these guys in hand-to-hand, I’m dead.

“I don’t suppose you noticed any so-called security types when you were in Victoria?” asked Rose.

“No.”

“When this starts, I’m going to want a cover team with you at all times,” said Rose. “Twenty-four-seven.”

“Sounds good, but it could be problematic,” replied Jack. “To start with, it is expected that I will be travelling alone, or if not, with someone connected to the company. My first assignment is to go to Myanmar to check out a rice-export company.”

“Rice paddies … don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent,” said Laura.

Jack nodded. “I have already been given the contact names, phone numbers, and email addresses. There are lots of tourists in Thailand, so blending in there is not a big problem, but Myanmar could be a problem if I were to end up in the countryside. I doubt that many Caucasians go there.”

“Then you’ll have to stay out of the countryside,” said Rose, firmly. “There is no way you’re going anywhere without protection.”

“The place I am suppose to go to is a city called Yangon.”

“Yangon? I’ve never heard of it,” said Dyck.

“It is also known as Rangoon,” said Jack. “The military junta changed the name when they took over. The same for the country. They tried to change the name from Burma to Myanmar, but outside of Myanmar it goes by both names. Yangon used to be the capital and has over four million people. I’m sure they get enough tourists there that a cover team could be utilized. It is only if they want me to go look at the rice fields that we would run into a problem.”

“I don’t even think we have an embassy in Myanmar,” said Rose.

“We don’t. I did some checking while on the ferry on the way back. There are resources there we can use. Both the Australians and the British have embassies there. When we’re done here, I’ll provide them with the contact names and information that Oskar gave me. Maybe they can do some checking for us.”

“And if you are expected to go to the countryside? What then?” said Rose.

“I’ll refuse. Maybe say I’m paranoid of malaria or something, although I do believe that my assignment in Yangon is legit.”

“Why do you say that?” asked Dyck.

“I didn’t get any bad vibes from Oskar over it. Everything he said made sense. He told me there was a rumour that Myanmar is dropping their export tax this year. He also said they are selling rice to North Korea and speculated that now might not be a good time to invest, but is thinking a little further down the road.”

“What are you expected to be doing there?” asked Rose.

“Oskar wants me to check in with the head honchos of the rice-exporting company and take them out for dinner. Simply schmooze with them to make contact. I think it will be safe, but I’ll avoid the rice paddies.”

“You will do more than avoid it,” said Rose. “I am telling you that you will not be going to the countryside.”

“No problem. I am only expected to be there for one or two nights. I have seen rice paddies before, so it is not like it would be a big deal.”

“Still, what makes you think that your trip there will be safe?” asked Rose. “The business could still be legit and Oskar may plan on having you killed after you send him your report.”

“I’m not finished. Oskar also didn’t care where I stayed or when I arrived. He said it was an easy assignment and that I would be going on my own. I am to fly from Vancouver to Bangkok and then catch a flight from there to Yangon. He suggested I spend one night partying with the people in Yangon, but also said I would likely need a day or two to recover from jet lag.”

“He never directed you to a specific hotel?” asked Rose.

“No. He left the hotel in Yangon and the flight details up to my own discretion. What he was explicit about, was what I was to do after. He wants me to be at the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort in northern Thailand on June 20. It is located in a small town called Chiang Saen. At that point he mentioned that I would be meeting up with someone from corporate security to assist me.”

“There we go,” said Laura. “Let the games begin.”

“Pike the Spike or Killer Rabbit?” asked Rose.

“I don’t know. The Imperial hotel will be our base of operation for a few days. He has booked me a room for five days, but says the timelines may change, depending upon how things go. I am only to book a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and keep the return open. From Chiang Rai it is about an hour’s drive north to the Golden Triangle. He said I could arrange for the resort to pick me up at the airport.”

“Maybe he wants to leave your ticket open in case they have to exchange the seat for a casket in the cargo hold?” Laura said ruefully.

“Thanks for the thought,” said Jack, frowning.

“The Golden Triangle … where have I heard that before?” asked Dyck. “Didn’t it used to be a famous for drugs?”

Jack nodded. “It was notorious in the old days for being the main route to smuggle heroin for most of the world’s addict population. It is where two rivers meet, forming a triangle. On one side is Thailand, across one river is Myanmar, and across the other is Laos. Also, by river it is an easy trip into China. It is still a smuggling route, but currently plays second fiddle to Afghanistan.”

“Still dangerous, then,” noted Dyck.

“The Thailand part is not bad,” said Jack. “It has even become a tourist destination, so a cover team could blend in.”

“What is Oskar’s reason, or should I say his excuse for getting you to go there?” asked Rose.

“I am sure that some stuff is legit. He is meeting Mr. Yu to check out a company in a nearby city in China, but he also wants me to check out a clothing factory across the river in Myanmar and a jade-exporting company in Thailand that is also close by. He was more vague on those and said he didn’t have any details for me at this time.”

“Being vague could mean that is where he plans to have you killed,” said Rose.

“Possibly, but he also mentioned that another company in the south of Thailand would later be checked, as well as one across the border in Malaysia.”

“Maybe your whole trip is legit,” said Dyck. “All this could be a waste of time and it might be some other trip when he plans to kill you.”

“I’ve thought of that. If there hasn’t been a move made to kill me by the end of this trip, I could hurry things along by telling Oskar that my previous company has offered me a large incentive to go back with them. If Pike the Spike or Killer Rabbit are already there, I think Oskar would decide to terminate my employment abruptly.”

“I’m sure you could convince Oskar to want to kill you,” said Rose. “The more I think about what you are doing, the more I feel like killing you myself. How the hell can we protect you over there?”

“Rose, I’m not suicidal. Our base of operation will be mostly in Thailand. I have worked with the Thai police before. As long as I have a cover team from Canada to work with them, I feel pretty comfortable.”

“You might feel comfortable, I don’t,” replied Rose. “How many members do you want with you? Bearing in mind that we are under tight budget restraints.”

“Foreign police, probably Thai, will be handling things, but I would still like a least one trained operator from Canada to liaison with them. I would also like someone with their equipment in hand should we get permission for wiretap. From what I know of a lot of developing countries, their bugging equipment isn’t much better than two cans connected with a string.”

“Are you thinking of getting a wiretap there?” asked Dyck.

“If someone tries to kill me, I am hoping it would be enough to convince a judge in Canada to authorize it,” said Jack. “If that happens, I am hoping that wiretap used in a foreign country would be admissible in Canada.”

“Your plan is to arrest whoever tries to kill you and get them to wear a wire to implicate who they work for,” said Dyck.”

“Exactly, but we would still need a judge’s order to wiretap the phones or install room and car bugs. Without that, we may never find out who Oskar’s boss is, let alone get evidence against him.” Jack looked at Connie and said, “What do you think? If a judge in Canada approves a wiretap, would using it in a foreign country be admissible in B.C.?”

“Providing that authorization was given prior to any bugs being planted for you over there.”

“Those guys go by the book,” said Jack. “No worries there.”

“I wonder how you know that,” mused Rose. “Sounds like you have tried to corrupt them before.” Before Jack could respond she held up her hand and said, “Don’t even go there. Instead of two people going with you, I will see that you have a three-man cover team, plus someone who knows their electronics.”

“I’d like to pick my team.”

“It’s your neck, I think you should have a say in who you want,” said Dyck.

“I want a trained cover man in charge of security, along with two trained UC operators to assist.”

“UC is something I know little about,” admitted Dyck. “Is there a difference between a cover man versus a UC operator?”

“A cover man has been trained not only in surveillance, but also to monitor the undercover operative’s psychological well-being, as well as to provide physical protection when possible. Not to mention looking after administrative duties and reports connected to the investigation. The UC operator, of course, has a completely different role.”

“So once in the field, who would be in charge?” asked Dyck. “Is it the cover man, the UC operator, or do you go by seniority or rank?”

“Matters relating to security are usually the responsibility of the senior member of the cover team, although it is usally done in agreement with the operator who might be in a better position to know if the presence of a cover team might do more harm than good. That being said, if the cover man figures the UC operative is getting out of line, he has the power to quickly pull the plug on the entire investigation. Often, an experienced UC operative can fill in as a cover man, but never the reverse.”

“In this case, I would expect it to be a joint decision when it comes to who is in charge in the field,” said Rose. “Jack would be directing the course of the investigation, but if the cover man feels Jack’s decision puts him at too much risk, then the cover man would have the power to veto Jack’s decision.”

“I see,” replied Dyck. “Continue.”

“My top pick for a cover man is a fellow who has provided me with protection on several UC operations. His name is Randy Hundt and he is currently a corporal in Kelowna Drug Section.”

“Randy Hundt?” said Dyck. “Have you talked to him recently?”

“A few days ago. He and his wife, Donna, are some of our closest friends, why? Do you know him?”

“No, but his name crossed my desk this morning. He has just been promoted to sergeant and is being transferred down here to MCU. He’ll be working for me.”

“That’s great news. You’ll be lucky to have him. The guy is a hard worker and the type to call a spade a spade.”

“Not a yes-man, I take it?” replied Dyck.

“No and he is not afraid to stand by what he says and put his name to paper. If he isn’t happy with something, you can expect a few memos to be landing on your desk.”

“Are there any reasons for picking him other than the fact that he is your friend?” asked Rose. “This is not some holiday you’re going on. I want the best people we have available —”

“He is the best,” said Jack.

“Why?” demanded Rose.

“Because he genuinely cares about doing the best job possible. He cares about the people he protects and has a terrific sense of humour that helps diffuse stressful situations. If that is not enough, there is one other thing.”

“That being?” asked Rose.

“The four of us are close friends. He would never be able to look Natasha in the eye if he were to let something happen to me. I’d trust him to make the right call more than anyone else.” Jack stared at Rose for a moment. “Enough said?”

“Enough said,” she replied. “What about the two operators you want to work for him?”

“Normally my first choice would be Laura, but she is looking after my neck in another matter.”

Laura nodded silently in response and subconsciously glanced at her laptop.

“So instead, given a choice, one of my top picks would be Willy Mineault from Victoria Drug Section. He and I have worked together in the past.”

“What makes him special?” asked Rose.

“The guy is a lousy poker player, so he’s always good for a few extra dollars in my pocket on a road trip,” replied Jack.

“Anything other than that?” smiled Rose, upon seeing a brief flash of shock cross Dyck’s face.

Jack became serious and said, “He has proven himself trustworthy to me. On one occasion, our cover was blown. It was a low-level operation, but the bad guys had their own telephone tap going, which we hadn’t anticipated at their level.”

“The bad guys were bugging phones?” exclaimed Dyck.

“More common that you might think,” replied Jack. “Anyway, they heard enough to clue in. We didn’t know we had been burned and met them at a bar. It was a set-up. A bad guy came up behind me and tried to smash a pool cue through the side of my temple. Willy saw it at the last second and yelled. He probably saved my life. Then the action really started. As I recall, Willy had a sleeve torn off a new leather jacket he was wearing, but took it all in stride. He never lost his cool and we traded jokes about the lousy service as we fought our way to the door. That investigation also included Randy Hundt, so we are familiar with each other’s personalities and get along well together, which can be critical under tense times.”