by Easton, Don
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 potentia
l 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.
Willy had a head of curly hair sticking out from under a woollen cap and a moustache that grew to the bottom of his chin. He was dressed in jeans and wore a T-shirt with a pattern of nautical rope knots displayed across the chest.
Jack had seen him on the pier a short distance from Oskar’s boat chatting with people who were excited about their entry in the race. Willy’s appearance allowed him to fit in perfectly.
Jack outlined the good news that he had passed the first stage of the interview and explained what was to follow. The bad news, he told them, was that there was one other applicant by the name of Stewart Potter being considered.
“Maybe we could break his leg,” suggested Willy.
Jack grinned. “Wrong, Willy … wrong!” He chuckled for a moment before becoming serious again and continuing, “It would be a serious problem if Potter was hired. I think we would have to risk telling him, even though it could jeopardize the operation.”
“At least it sounds like you would then be hired next,” said Willy.
“Oskar is offering a really good salary. I think if Potter backed out, it would most certainly draw suspicion. Oskar is already talking about retiring. Suspicion now might convince him to retire immediately. If he did, we would probably never get him for murder, let alone find out who orchestrates the murders.”
“And if we don’t tell Potter, he could get murdered,” noted Willy.
“Exactly. Another problem is identifying whoever it is that Oskar works for. Mr. Merlin or Marlin. Even if Oskar retires, who is to say that the other guy won’t go right on killing people?”
“Better hope you’re hired and not Potter,” said Willy, solemnly. “I’ll do a background check on him and see what I can discover about the guy in case we do need to approach him.”
“My hope is that I impress the clients more than he does,” said Jack.
“You should have that going for you,” said Willy. “Didn’t you say that Oskar is looking for someone who is really friendly and outgoing?”
“According to my source, he is,” replied Jack.