Текст книги "Jack Taggart Mysteries 7 - Book Bundle"

Автор книги: Don Easton

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Текущая страница: 70 (всего у книги 141 страниц)

19

Jack returned to where Laura was sitting as Jojo stood up from a bar stool and pulled out his wallet to pay for his drink. Sammy was still seated in the same place.

“What happened?” asked Jack.

“Think Jojo was jerking the operator around, or maybe killing time. He came in, sat at the bar, and ordered a drink. Kept looking at his watch and now it looks like he’s leaving. Didn’t talk to anyone else. How did it go with you?’

“Goldie took the bait. Had Woo check me out.”

“How did that go?”

“Really well.”

“Is Woo dead?”

“Didn’t go that well, but he is in hospital. Goldie is going to join us for a drink in a few minutes. I’ve got to talk with Sammy before he goes. Sit tight.”

A moment later, Jack met Sammy inside the washroom.

“Laura tell you?” asked Sammy.

Jack nodded.

“The bastard didn’t meet with anyone.”

“Use his phone?”

“Nope. Just sat at the bar and had a drink. You find out anything? Where did you go?”

“Chatting with Goldie in his office. Nothing that helps you.”

Sammy answered his cell and said, “I gotta go. Jojo is back in his car and the surveillance teams are on the move. Sounds like they’re going to another fast food joint.”

“The operator is wired?”

“Yeah. With this much cash, we’re not taking any chances.”

“Let me know as soon as any arrests are made. There is something I want you to do right after.”

“Sure, what?”

Jack showed Sammy a picture he had saved on his cellphone.

“What the fuck! That’s my ID photo from work,” said Sammy.

“I know. After the arrest, I want you to come back and meet with the bartender. His name is Purvis. Say you’re a friend of Jojo and warn him that Jojo got arrested.”

“Purvis is the man?”

“Has to be. The only guy Jojo talked to was Purvis. I’ve seen how Purvis dresses. He’s got bigger diamond rings on his fingers and more jewellery than a Hollywood mistress. His tips aren’t that good.”

“Son of a bitch.”

“I want you to say that the heat came down as Jojo was talking to you on your cell. Tell Purvis that Jojo sent you back to warn him.”

“Purvis will never fall for that.”

“I know. Besides, I’m going to burn you with Goldie before you arrive.”

“You’re what?”

“Come on, it’ll help me out. Busting Jojo will make people a little paranoid, especially when it comes out that you were doing surveillance in here. Do this for me and I’ll be able to story it in a way to take the heat off of this place. I don’t need Goldie thinking he is under the magnifying glass.”

Sammy thought about it momentarily and sighed. “Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll call you on your cell. Guess I better dig my Kevlar out of the trunk,” he mumbled.

“Good idea,” said Jack, “but let me tell you how I hope it will go down.”

Jack and Laura smiled as Goldie joined them for a drink.

“This round is on me,” said Goldie. “Consider it an apology for having overly inquisitive friends.”

“Jack told me,” said Laura. “It sounds like Mister Woo was lucky.”

“Lucky?” replied Goldie.

“His body is intact, is it not?” replied Laura. She turned to Jack and said, “They didn’t! Tell me poor wee Woo still has his winky!”

“Oh, honey,” said Jack, smiling. “The boys didn’t do that. They only roughed him up a little for fun. Don’t be giving Arthur the wrong impression!”

“For fun?” Arthur noted admonishingly.

Jack’s face instantly hardened and his tone became serious as he looked at Goldie and said, “I dislike violence. I’m not a violent man by nature.”

The abrupt change in Jack’s demeanour caught Goldie off guard. You may dislike violence, but there is no doubt that you have no qualms about using it …

Jack’s face softened and a whimsical smile appeared. “I suppose I should apologize,” he said. “Maybe send him some candy. Perhaps some toffee to chew on while he reflects upon his nosy ways.”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” said Goldie, unsure whether he was supposed to laugh or not. He glanced quickly at Laura before looking at Jack and whispering, “I suppose I should not have made that comment in front of Laura about having overly inquisitive friends.”

“It’s okay,” replied Jack. “Laura is not kept in the dark on such matters. Anything you say to me can be said in front of her.”

“I see,” said Goldie. “No insult was intended,” he added, looking at Laura.

“Just don’t refer to me as madam,” said Laura.

Goldie looked puzzled. “I’m not sure what you —”

“On the matter of you checking me out,” said Jack firmly, changing the subject.

“I wasn’t really,” replied Goldie. “I happened to mention you to —”

“Listen,” said Jack coldly. “There is an old Irish expression that says it is better to have fifty enemies outside your house than one in it.”

The comment caught Goldie off guard and he hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

“I understand the need to check people out,” continued Jack, sounding matter-of-fact. “I do so myself on occasion. But there are enough troubles in the world without insulting each other’s intelligence. If you and I are to become better acquainted, I suggest we start by being honest from the beginning. Agreed?”

Goldie stared silently at his glass. After a moment he looked at Jack and said, “Agreed.”

“Good,” said Jack, raising his martini. “Then with that I will propose a toast to new friendships.”

After the three of them clinked glasses, Jack smiled and raised his glass in Goldie’s direction again and said, “May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother’s teeth.”

Goldie chuckled and sat back and smiled.

Jack smiled back. The hook is in, you bastard. Wonder if you would mind if I drove you to a park? Let you run around awhile …

The next forty-five minutes passed with the three of them making idle conversation before Sammy called Jack.

“You free to talk?” asked Sammy.

“No, not at all. Just sitting with Laura and … a friend, having a drink.”

“Okay if I talk?” asked Sammy.

“You’re not interfering at all.”

“We just took Jojo down in a restaurant bathroom,” said Sammy. “He was showing the operator the kilo. Went like last time except it was a Tim Hortons. Surveillance saw him pick the kilo up from under a bush outside the restaurant. The restaurant is crowded. I’m sure whoever laid it down is probably watching and will soon see Jojo leave in cuffs. Your end will know Jojo was busted soon enough. Still want me to come back there?”

“Of course.”

“Be there in ten minutes. If I get shot, I’m not going down without shooting you, too,” said Sammy as he hung up.

Jack still pretended to talk on his cell and said, “The chat room? I think so, hang on.” Jack looked at Goldie and asked, “Could I borrow the laptop in your office for a moment? Are you hooked up to the Internet?”

“Sure. I’ll bring it out. We’re on wireless.”

“That won’t be necessary. Actually it would be better for you to come with me and talk about something in private,” said Jack, glancing around at some patrons sitting nearby. He spoke back into his phone and said, “Two minutes. Get online.”

Moments later, Jack used Goldie’s laptop while Goldie watched him patiently from his sofa. When Jack was finished, he turned the computer off, shook his head, and snickered.

“Everything okay?” asked Goldie.

“I just found out why the RCMP decided to talk to you about me the other night,” said Jack. “Turns out it was a coincidence.”

“A coincidence?”

“Yes. They’re working on some heroin dealer associated with your club. Guess they started running licence plates in the vicinity and discovered I was a customer. Typical. They jumped to the wrong conclusion and thought I was involved.”

“Heroin dealer … in my club?” said Goldie, looking concerned.

“Nickel-and-dime stuff. Some street urchin dealing a pound or two.”

“You call a pound or two nickel and dime?”

Jack continued as if he didn’t hear him. “Rather insulting that they would think I would stoop to that level.”

“Did your friend say who it was the police were working on?”

“Yes. Some punk. The police realize that my being here was a coincidence. Apparently there was an undercover cop in earlier tonight watching this dealer.”

“Did you get the … uh, punk’s name?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t remember. I deleted everything, including the trash bin. It was an odd name. Something like Mojo. Not really important. My friend also sent me a photo of the undercover officer … hang on, my phone vibrated. Probably it.”

Goldie looked at the photo of Sammy on Jack’s phone and asked, “Would you mind if I show this to my bartender. Just to see if he’s been in?”

“Sorry, no,” replied Jack, deleting the photo. “Purvis seems like a nice guy, but I don’t want word getting out that I have access to cop photos. It could cause a huge problem for the person who is helping me.”

“I trust Purvis,” said Goldie. “He wouldn’t tell anyone about the photo.”

“I had a tough time deciding on whether or not to tell you.” Jack paused, as if deciding upon a course of action. “Tell you what, give Purvis a description of what you remember in the photo, but don’t tell him you actually saw a photo. Ask him if he knows this Mojo character. Okay?”

“Okay,” agreed Goldie.

“I’ll wait. If there are any other concerns you might wish me to help you with, I may need to borrow your computer again.”

Laura saw Goldie come out from the back of the club and hurry over to speak with Purvis. Seconds later, Purvis used his cellphone, but quickly hung up and slammed his fist onto the counter. Goldie said something to him and then retreated back to his office while Purvis paced back and forth behind the bar.

“Did Purvis know Mojo?” asked Jack when Goldie returned to his office.

“Yes. His name is actually Jojo.”

“Jojo! Yes, that was it. If he and Purvis are friends, I would suggest he warn him somehow. But keep in mind that Jojo’s phone could be tapped.”

“He already tried to call him. Someone else answered.”

“Not a good sign,” replied Jack.

Goldie eyed Jack carefully and said, “Remember when you said we should be honest with each other?”

“Of course.”

Goldie nodded and said, “Let’s step out back in the alley for some fresh air. There is something I want to tell you.”

“Your office isn’t bugged,” said Jack.

“You know that? How can you be sure?”

“I’m positive. Otherwise I would not have borrowed your laptop, let alone used this room to tell you what I did.”

Goldie eyed Jack curiously and said, “I take it you have a very good friend to keep you so well informed?”

“Blood is thicker than water and easier to see,” shrugged Jack. “Kinship is important.”

Goldie smiled. “I think you and I will become good friends.”

“Oh?”

“You see, I also have an entrepreneurial spirit. We have things in common, not to mention that I also use chat rooms for communication. We should get to know each other better.”

“If Jojo was arrested, does it affect you?” asked Jack, sounding surprised.

“No, not at all. We’ve never met. As you say, he is a nickel-and-dime operator. Hardly worth —”

Purvis burst into the room. “He’s here! He just walked in!”

“Who?” asked Goldie.

“The … uh,” Purvis stopped talking when he saw Jack.

“It’s okay,” said Goldie. “Jack is my new friend. He knows you and Jojo are acquainted.”

“The guy you described,” said Purvis. “The undercover cop. He just came in and beelined straight for me. Says his name is Sammy.”

“He didn’t try to arrest you?” asked Goldie.

“Not yet. He told me he is in business with Jojo and that Jojo just got busted with a key of smack. He said Jojo got word to him to come and warn me! What the fuck? What should we do?”

“What did you say to him?” asked Goldie.

“Told him my boss wanted something and I’d be back in a second. What the hell should I do? He obviously suspects me from when he was in earlier and saw Jojo meet with me. It could be my neck on the line.”

“Perfect,” snickered Jack. “Sammy the narc is trying to incriminate you or set you up.”

“No shit,” replied Purvis.

“Want to get rid of him for good?” asked Jack. “Nice and clean with no heat on you or the club?”

Sammy was surprised when Purvis came back to the bar and smiled at him and said, “You say you’re Jojo’s partner and he got busted with a kilo of heroin?”

“Yeah,” replied Sammy.

Purvis looked nervously around and said, “Give me a minute to look after some other customers. I want to talk to you about it. Would you like a drink on the house?”

“Thanks,” replied Sammy, trying to keep his suspicion from showing. “Canadian Club on ice with Coke on the side.”

“Sure thing. CC on the rocks with a side of Coke.”

Sammy watched carefully as Purvis prepared the drink and passed it to him. He was not taking any chances on being drugged.

Purvis smiled. “I’ll be back as soon as I’ve taken care of the other customers.

Sammy watched as Purvis puttered around at the far end of the bar.

“Come on, Purv’, you’re slower than hell tonight,” complained one of the waitresses.

Sammy’s attention was concentrated on Purvis and he did not see the arrival of two newcomers into the club. He was taking a sip when he felt the muzzle of a pistol on his back.

20

It was quarter to three in the morning. Jack and Laura sat with Goldie as one of the bouncers let the last of the other customers out the door before relocking it. Jack saw Patty cashing out at the register while Purvis put away some clean glasses behind the bar.

“I’ll be right back,” said Goldie. “There is something I would like to talk to you about before you go.”

Jack saw Laura’s raised eyebrows as she gave him an optimistic grin.

He shrugged in response and said, “I’m going to drop a twenty for Purvis before he goes.”

As Jack approached the bar, he heard Goldie say to Patty, “I’m having a party at my house next Saturday night. How would you like to be my date?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mister Goldie, but I have a boyfriend,” she replied. “Thank you, anyway.”

“Not a problem,” replied Goldie.

Jack walked to the end of the bar where Purvis was working and reached over to place twenty dollars in a tip glass.

“No, Jack,” said Purvis smiling. “Please, I appreciate it, but I feel I owe you tonight.”

“Ah, it’s nothing,” replied Jack.

“Your bill is on the house tonight,” said Goldie, as he walked over.

“Hardly necessary,” replied Jack.

“Look at it as part of my apology for having nosy friends.”

Jack smiled and said, “Apology accepted.”

“Now,” said Goldie, “may I have Purvis mix us one more round?”

“You’re asking an Irishman if he wants a free drink?” chuckled Jack.

“I’ll have Patty bring them over. I’ll join you in a sec.”

As Jack turned to leave, he heard Goldie say to Purvis, “Find a reason to fire Patty. I want her gone within the week.”

Minutes later, both Jack and Laura masked their feelings with a smile as Goldie sat across from them and said, “Wow! That was quite a night.”

“Hope the action didn’t scare off any customers,” said Jack.

“Are you kidding?” replied Goldie. “Everyone thought it was hilarious! I bet it will bring us more business.”

“That undercover officer must have had the shock of his life,” said Laura.

Goldie laughed and said, “I came out just as it happened. Too bad you couldn’t see his face! I almost pissed my pants trying not to laugh. Same for Purv’. Damned hard to keep a straight face.”

“I don’t think he saw it coming,” said Jack.

“Those uniformed cops weren’t taking any chances,” said Goldie. “When they found his gun they had him handcuffed behind his back so fast and face-first down on the bar – I thought he would break his nose.”

“Made Purvis look good, calling it in,” said Jack.

“It was perfect. Makes the club look good, too. Excuse me, nine-one-one,” said Goldie, sounding officious while holding his hand up by his ear to simulate a telephone. “I have a drug trafficker in my club saying he and his partner sold a kilo of heroin a few minutes ago. He said the police showed up and arrested his partner, but he escaped. Perhaps you would like to pick him up?” Goldie then broke down laughing. “Oh, Jack. You’re the best. The absolute best!” said Goldie, raising a glass of Tyrconnell on ice in a toast to Jack.

“It must have been embarrassing for the undercover officer to apologize to Purvis,” said Laura.

“Oh, that was fantastic,” said Goldie. “Telling him he was guessing that Purvis was somehow connected and was only doing his job to find out. His face was the colour of the cherries that Purvis keeps behind the bar. He couldn’t apologize enough for all the trouble he caused.”

“Enough of that,” said Jack, not wanting to be reminded any further of the favour he owed Sammy. “You mentioned that there was something you wished to talk to us about?”

“Yes,” replied Sammy. “I’m throwing myself a birthday party next Saturday at my house. I was hoping you both could come?”

“We’d be delighted to,” said Jack.

“We should exchange phone numbers,” suggested Goldie.

“Good idea,” replied Jack.

“Your birthday is next Saturday?” asked Laura.

“Well, actually on the following Thursday, but I thought Saturday would be better for the party. And please, no gifts.”

Jack smiled. Maybe play a party game. You can dress as a piñata and I’ll bring Patty along to beat you with a stick.

“I’ve traded in my Aston Martin for a new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti,” bragged Goldie. “It should arrive this week. That will be plenty gift enough.”

“Turning forty?” asked Laura, with a smile.

Goldie smiled back. “Actually, I’ll be forty-four. And I know what you’re both thinking. I am not having a mid-life crisis. At least, I don’t think I am.”

Laura smiled. Actually I was thinking you are likely compensating for having a small penis.

Jack didn’t smile as he thought, Buddy, believe me, you are far past “mid” life.

“I’m heading home,” said Purvis as he approached the table. “Wish to thank you again Jack, for a fun night.”

“No problem.”

“Purvis,” said Goldie seriously, “You will be a very good boy for the next few months, correct?”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry,” said Purvis, before leaving.

Jack raised his glass to Goldie and said, “Sláinte!”

“Sláinte?” asked Goldie.

“Irish for ‘cheers,’” replied Laura.

“God, you’re a fun group, you Irish,” said Goldie.

“You’ve got no idea,” replied Jack.

Another mid-week meeting with Jack, Laura, Sammy, and CC went about as well as Jack expected.

“I ran everything past the prosecutor,” said CC. “She reviewed all your notes. There is nothing to confirm that Goldie is personally involved with anything criminal.” She looked at Jack and added, “And I didn’t raise the small footprint issue. She did, but said regardless, even if it had been an adult-sized print, there are no grounds to substantiate a wiretap application.”

“Too bad,” said Jack. “He trusts me enough to think his office is free from bugs. It could be good. He told me he uses chat rooms to communicate. I’d love to have spyware on his laptop. You can bet that is how he keeps in touch with The Enabler.”

“Sorry,” said CC, “unless you come up with something more, warrants and bugs are out.”

“Same for drugs,” said Sammy. “We never got anything on Jojo’s phone to indicate Goldie was involved. In fact, we never even had him call Purvis. Although, from what you said, it sounds like he’ll be clean for awhile to ensure there’s no heat.”

“Maybe The Enabler will be invited to his birthday party,” said CC.

“I doubt it,” said Laura. “If he and Wang are afraid to even mention his real name when they talk, I doubt they would invite him to a party.”

“I agree,” said Jack, “but CC, if you’re available it might be nice to scoop some plates and see who does show up.”

“I’ll make myself available,” she replied. “So where does that leave you two?”

“Guess it leaves us time to party,” said Jack.

Goldie’s waterfront home on Lower Bellevue Avenue in West Vancouver afforded a view of Burrard Inlet from the rear. A towering hedge along the front of the property ensured privacy to anyone passing. An interlocking brick driveway wound its way up to the two-storey Tudor-style home.

It was ten o’clock at night when Jack and Laura were let in by one of the caterers, and the house was crowded. They were late, but Jack wanted to ensure that none of the two dozen licence plate numbers obtained by CC belonged to anyone he or Laura knew from their past. None did, although many of the owners were known in police intelligence reports as either suspected drug importers or financial backers for those who did.

“Hey! My Irish rogue!” shouted Goldie gleefully as he pushed his way through the crowd, slopping champagne onto his pants leg as he walked over.

“Looks like he started the party at noon,” whispered Laura.

Goldie embraced Jack like he was a missing relative and then leered at Laura and said, “A birthday kiss for an old gentleman, my lady?”

“Certainly,” replied Laura, sidestepping away as Goldie lurched forward. “But that will be next Thursday, so you will have to wait.”

“Ooow, wicked you are to make me wait,” said Goldie, “but I’ll hold you to it. Come on in and make yourself at home. I’ve hired a bartender who you’ll find set up in the dining room, and there’s plenty of food.”

The next two hours went by without incident and Jack and Laura mingled with the crowd, making small talk, while Goldie spent the time draped over a young woman.

“Notice our Chinese friend from the restaurant isn’t here,” observed Jack, quietly.

“Yes, I noticed dear Mister Wang is conspicuous by his absence.”

“I suspect their affiliation is strictly business. Between them and The Enabler,” replied Jack.

“Making The Enabler a rather interesting character if he controls two completely different drug syndicates.”

“Exactly.” Jack nodded toward the young woman who was receiving Goldie’s attention. “Any idea who she is?”

“Told me her name is Candy,” replied Laura. “Coke slut, I think. She offered me some earlier on the way to the washroom. Her sister is with one of the other guests.”

Jack saw Candy giggle as Goldie peeked in the top of her blouse before pretending to slap his hand away.

“Nice,” commented Laura. “I was with her for about a minute and she mentioned twice about how rich Goldie must be. Coke slut or hooker. Take your pick.”

“Is there a difference?” asked Jack. “Either one will do anything for —”

“To Arthur!” yelled one of the guests. “Hope you have the best birthday ever!”

Goldie seemed to appreciate the applause and his head wobbled around looking at the crowd until he spotted Jack. “Hey, Jack, my buddy! You got one of them Irish toasts you could give me?”

The crowd fell silent as everyone turned to look at Jack. He nodded, raising his glass and said, “We drink to your coffin.”

Laura heard the gasp from several people. Oh, man …

After a pause, Jack continued, “May it be built from the wood of a hundred-year-old oak tree …” He looked around the room and added, “that I shall plant tomorrow.”

Goldie howled with laughter and made his way toward Jack.

Jack looked at Laura and whispered, “You have any idea how much I hated adding that last part?”

“Jack, Laura,” said Goldie. “Come with me. You gotta see this!”

Jack and Laura followed Goldie as he led them down a hall and through a door leading into his three-car attached garage.

One spot was empty, one was taken up by a speedboat, and in the third spot was a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti that reflected the overhead light like a shiny black emerald.

“What do ya think?” asked Goldie, beaming while groping inside his pants pockets with both hands at the same time. “Wanna, want … want me to take you both for a spin?” he said, pulling out a keychain and dangling it in the air.

“Not tonight,” replied Jack. “You’ve had too much to drink. This car is too beautiful to risk damaging.”

“Ah, my lucky rabbit’s foot will protect us,” said Goldie, indicating the white stump of animal hair dangling from his keychain.

It reminded Jack of a three-legged cat in an alley and he unconsciously clenched his fist. He glanced at Laura and saw a quick flash of disgust cross her face before she regained her composure. He knew she felt more compassionate about animals being killed than people. Or at least, some people. Now I’m starting to feel the same way …

“So what say? The cat got your tongue?” asked Goldie.

“No, not tonight,” Jack said. “It really is awesome. I’ve never seen a car like it.” Jack then approached the car and slowly walked around it, looking inside as he went.

“Take a look inside,” said Goldie opening the car door. “Go ahead, sit behind the wheel.”

Laura felt it might be an opportune time to let Jack talk in private with Goldie so she said, “It’s beautiful, but I’m not really into the car thing. I’ll see you when you come back inside.”

“Laura, wait!” ordered Jack. He glanced at Goldie and said, “Would you show her the car? She won’t appreciate it until she sees all the detail. I have to go to the bathroom, but I’ll be right back.”

“Sure thing,” replied Goldie, getting in to the driver’s seat. “Laura, hop in beside me,” he yelled.

Jack pretended to kiss Laura on the side of her neck as he was leaving. “Keep him busy,” he whispered. “Don’t let him out of the garage until I get back.”

“Not a problem. Did you see his keychain? I’m going to slap a sleeper hold on him, start his car and euthanize him. Why, what’s up?”

CC answered her phone and recognized Jack’s voice.

“I was just in Goldie’s garage. There’s a workbench there with a box of garbage bags on it. The clear plastic type. Same as what was over Melvin’s head.”

“It could be a coincidence,” replied CC.

“Yeah, it could be, but what if it isn’t? Are you sure we can’t get a warrant? If the next bag on the roll is sequential to the one used on Melvin, the lab can match it.”

“Goddamn it,” muttered CC. “I’m going to call the prosecutor at home. Can I call you back?”

“Hurry.”

The minutes ticked by and Jack hoped that Laura was keeping Goldie occupied. What am I thinking … Goldie is loving the moment. That’s if Laura hasn’t killed him. He answered his phone on the first ring.

“Sorry,” said CC. “No can do. Wrong foot size, all that bullshit.”

“What do you want me to do?” asked Jack.

“Without a warrant we could never get it admitted as evidence,” said CC.

“The bag could be used or gone soon. It has to be the next bag in sequence or there’s no use.”

“That’s if it is from that roll and if it’s not already gone,” said CC.

“Would you like to find out?”

The seconds ticked past as CC thought it over.

“There is a limited window of opportunity at the moment,” said Jack. “Has to be now or never. Going, going —”

“Okay, damn it. Do it!”