by Easton, Don
“The small footprint still bugs me. I’m not completely convinced that it is.”
“I am,” replied Jack confidently. “So what’s up? What did you want to talk to me about?”
CC took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I have a confession to make. I spoke to Rose about you the other day.”
“You what? What about?”
CC glanced around and said, “You and I — well, you know what’s happened in previous murder investigations I’ve had. You’ve got to admit, you tend to stick your nose into investigations that you have no right to be involved in.”
“It’s not like they didn’t turn out well.”
“No, and I’m sure whoever the Coroners Service hired to keep up with the extra workload appreciates the work.”
“It wasn’t my fault.”
CC put her hand up and said, “Stop. Don’t even go there.”
“What did you tell Rose?”
“I told her my concerns and gave her my honest opinion.”
“Which is?”
“I feel you get too emotionally involved with the victims. I could see it on your face when we listened to Goldie and Wang on the car bug. I understood when it was your niece and nephew. Even when those guys came after your last partner’s family, I understood. But with you, it doesn’t stop there. This file is just about some homeless guy —”
“That homeless guy has a name. It’s Melvin Montgomery.”
“See? That proves my point. You’re becoming emotional just talking about it. You should stick to whatever it is you do on Intelligence and leave the homicides to me.”
“This is organized crime,” replied Jack adamantly. “Big time.”
“Yeah, maybe we are into that now, but you didn’t know that when you first butted in.”
Jack silently reflected on his thoughts for a moment. “Okay,” he said, quietly. “Melvin was Natasha’s patient. She liked him and was afraid the investigation would get swept under the carpet.”
“I would never do that.”
“I know. I told her so. As far as me being emotionally attached to the victims, you’re probably right. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I’ll try to make sure it doesn’t affect my judgment.”
CC paused as she looked at Jack before saying, “Fuck you. Don’t bullshit me. What do you think I am? Internal?”
“I’m not bullshitting. I’m married. My world has changed.”
“Yeah? Well, anyway, I wanted to apologize. I told Rose she should keep an eye on you. You’re a good cop. I don’t want to see you get in shit.”
Jack grinned momentarily, then said, “Don’t worry about it. I understand your point of view. We’re both trying to do the right thing.”
“Yeah, I know that. There is one more thing. When I was talking to Rose, I had the distinct impression she knew everything about your previous … uh, episodes. I think somebody else may have already spoken with her. You might want to keep your head up. Or is it down? Whatever. You know what I mean.”
“Thanks, CC. Appreciate it.”
On their way back to their office, Laura turned to Jack and asked, “What did CC want?”
“She apologized for speaking to Rose the other day. Feels guilty.”
“Good,” replied Laura.
“Rose said she probably would apologize. She could tell how guilty CC felt.”
At 8:30 Friday night, Jack and Laura sat in their usual spot in Goldie Locks. They were barely seated when Jack received a call from Sammy.
“I’ll be there any second,” said Sammy, speaking rapidly. “Our operator is with Jojo and heading your way. They’re only about two blocks behind me. Jojo is going to make our operator wait outside in his car while he goes in to talk with the man. Jojo is really pissed off and doesn’t want to do it, but our guy said for the amount he is buying, he wants to make sure he is guaranteed a better price next time and wants to be able to score if Jojo isn’t around. Jojo said he would ask, but I bet he doesn’t.”
“Good luck,” said Jack, hanging up his phone. He quickly relayed the information to Laura as Patty approached to take their order.
“Three-olive martini and a Bellini?” Patty asked, with a smile.
“Sounds good to start,” replied Jack.
“Uh, Mister Goldie said if I see you to let him know,” said Patty.
“Fine,” replied Jack. “Tell him we’re here.”
When Patty placed their order with Purvis and disappeared into the back of the club, Jack saw Sammy saunter in and take a seat on the opposite side of the club. It was a good spot. Between them, they would be able to watch everyone without having to leave their seats.
Moments later, Patty returned with their drinks and said, “Jack, Mister Goldie asked if you would meet him in his office for a moment. I think he is expecting an important call and doesn’t want to miss it.”
Jack looked at Laura and she said, “That’s okay, honey. I’ll wait.”
As Jack followed Patty he caught a glimpse of Jojo entering the club. He knew that Laura also saw him and continued to follow the waitress down a short hallway to Goldie’s office.
“Come on in,” said Goldie, looking up over the screen on his laptop and eyeing Jack carefully.
Any warmth Jack had detected in Goldie’s voice the last time they met was gone.
“Thanks, Patty,” said Goldie. “That is all. Close the door after you.”
Once Patty had left, Goldie arose from his desk and gestured for Jack to take a seat in a sitting area in his office that was composed of an overstuffed black-and-white cowhide patterned leather sofa and two matching leather chairs.
A glass coffee table in the centre contained a moss-filled, black clay pot sprouting a cluster of white orchids.
Jack selected a chair and Goldie sat across the table from him on the sofa.
“What is it, Arthur? You seem a little distraught?”
Goldie glared silently at Jack for a moment, his eyes studying Jack’s face for a response.
Ah, the psychological games we play, thought Jack. You bring me into your lair, close the door, and adopt an alpha-male attitude … Jack eyed the plant on the coffee table and smiled. He leaned forward, slightly turning the clay pot. “Beautiful. The moth orchid. They’re such an exotic flower. One of my favourites. A common variety perhaps, but beautiful, nonetheless.”
“Yes, it is.”
“So,” said Jack harshly, pointing his finger at Goldie. “We’re not here to discuss flowers. What’s on your mind?”
The change in Jack’s demeanour caught Goldie off guard and he automatically leaned back on the sofa. “Well … I received some rather disturbing news this morning. Rather upsetting. It concerns you.”
“Concerns me?” replied Jack. His tone was friendly again. His face showed surprise, as he turned the pot back to its original position.
Goldie felt a little confused. How will he respond? Admire my damned plant and smile … or reach in his pocket for a jackknife? Goldie took a deep breath, subconsciously crossed his legs and said, “It’s about an incident that happened in Montreal two nights ago. You didn’t hear about it?”
“I’ve been out boating for the last few days,” said Jack casually. “Haven’t stayed in touch with the news. I do have a few calls to return, but no indication of anything urgent. Why? I can’t imagine anything that would have any affect on you. Has the RCMP been around again making their usual vociferous and blasphemous accusations? I understood they had finished prodding into my affairs.”
“No, it’s nothing like that. Well, sort of. It was because of the visit I received from them that —”
“That what?” said Jack coldly.
“That, uh, tweaked my curiosity at little. I happened to mention the incident to a friend. Turns out he knew someone who happened to move to Montreal recently. A Mister Woo. Apparently your name came up in conversation between the two of them. Mister Woo and a friend of his happened to find themselves in an Irish pub two nights ago an
d Mister Woo took it upon himself to ask about you.”
“Mister Woo sounds like a very nosy person,” replied Jack. His voice was monotone and he showed no emotion.
“Anyone he spoke to said they had never heard of you.”
That’s hard to believe. He wouldn’t have bothered to call me in if that’s all there was to it. “See? It is as I said,” replied Jack. “The RCMP are completely wrong in their assumption that I am some type of gangster.”
“Later, when they left to go to their car, Mister Woo was attacked by several men and severely beaten with a baseball bat. His friend was told to stay out of the fracas or he would get the same.”
“Sounds unfortunate,” said Jack. “What with the economy the way it is, many poor people become desperate for money.”
“It wasn’t robbery,” said Goldie with determination. “They didn’t steal anything. As they were putting the boots to Mister Woo, their remarks indicated it was because he was rude to be asking questions, let alone insinuating that one of their friends was a drunk. By their accents, he knew they were all Irish.”
“He told one of them they were a drunk?”
Goldie shrugged and said, “He was being beaten so badly, plus English is a second language to them, they probably didn’t understand.”
“What an unfortunate incident,” said Jack, lightly. “Perhaps my people thought he was a cop or a reporter or something.”
“Your people?”
“Uh … I mean the Irish. Generally speaking. What with the problems over the years with the IRA, the British … you must understand what it was like. Old habits don’t go away so easily. Asking too many questions in an Irish pub can be detrimental to your health. I wouldn’t advise it, personally. How is the poor fellow? This Mister Woo?”
“He is out of intensive care, but he has two broken arms, a broken collarbone, and his jaw is wired shut. Some of his ribs are cracked, and on top of that, he will be in traction for the next six weeks.”
“Sounds like a most unfortunate misunderstanding.”
“Misunderstanding! Who are you kidding? It was your people.”
Jack leaned forward, sticking one finger into the moss at the base of the orchid. “This orchid is far too dry,” he said. “It needs a wee touch. Keep this up and you’ll have to borrow an intravenous tube from nosy wee Woo to rescue it.”
“Did you listen when I told you what they did to him? The poor bastard can’t even wipe his own ass!”
“Well,” said Jack, calmly, “with his jaw wired shut, it isn’t like he is going to be eating much, anyway.”
Goldie’s mouth gaped open in surprise. He thought about Jack’s comment and started laughing.
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.”