Murder on the Docks
Page 16
“We’re his golden boys right now,” I said with a smile.
Pete chuckled.
I reached Lieutenant Commander Parks, who agreed to a meeting with him and Mulroney in an hour.
Later that afternoon, I was sitting in Parks’ office with Phil Mulroney. I had just given them a complete rundown on where we were at with regards to our investigation of the Slaunwhite murder and subsequent thieving operations on the docks.
“Most impressive work, Robie,” Parks said. “Well done. We are especially grateful for everything you’ve provided us with on the thefts. Phil will be able to clean up that problem quickly, I think.”
“Yes sir,” Phil said. “In fact, we’ve already had some results based on earlier information Robie passed on. This new information will definitely eliminate the problem.”
“I was wondering, “ I asked, “where are you on that other murder, you know, the one up in the railyard? We haven’t looked any further into that matter since passin’ it over to you.”
“We think we got the killer,” Phil said, after looking at Parks, who nodded his okay.
“Really? Was he what we suspected? Another agent?”
“Yes, looks that way,” Phil said, nodding.
“How’d you get ‘im?”
“We didn’t get him, exactly. The stupid son-of-a-bitch actually took another try at spying on the ships in the Basin. After you alerted us to the murder, we stepped up patrols with the army providing two-man patrols on a twenty-four-hour basis. It was one of those patrols that caught him. Unfortunately, it cost us one of the men.”
“Oh? How so?”
“They caught him up near Rockhead. When they challenged him, he shot one of the soldiers. The other soldier was quick enough and got off a shot of his own. Caught the agent in the shoulder. We have him in the VG now under heavy guard. We’re hoping to begin interrogation in a day or two.”
“You said one of the soldiers was shot. How’s he doin’?”
“Didn’t make it, I’m afraid. Took the shot in the gut area. Too much organ damage.”
“Sorry to hear that,” I said.
“Yeah. Who was it said war is...”
“Hell,” I finished. “So, this turning out to be a very good week all ‘round.”
“Yes,” Parks said. “But I suspect that our celebrations will be short lived. This war is likely to carry on for some time yet, and the evil men do never sleeps.”
We sat there with our thoughts for a moment before Parks stood up and said, “Well, gentlemen. Enough gloom and doom. We will do our jobs to same degree of excellence as has been demonstrated, yes! So, may I invite both of you to accompany me to my mess for a well-deserved dinner and some good Scotch.”
Mulroney and I stood up and said in one voice, “Yes sir.”
Epilogue
In weeks following the arrests of Ed Kline, Maurice Laurier, Jules Gagnon, Shirley Halliday and James Coopers, trials were set for everyone, except for Coopers, who was taken to a secret interrogation facility in Ontario. The good thing about wartime, the justice system moved very quickly, particularly when dealing with crimes affecting the war effort.
Ed Kline was sentenced to hang for the murder of Louis Slaunwhite. Maurice was also sentenced to hang for his crimes against the war effort, while Jules Gagnon was transferred back to Montreal where he was convicted on various charges, including murder. He was due to meet the hangman a month later. As for Shirley Halliday, she received a three-year sentence for operating a bawdy house, which was miraculously reduced to a five hundred dollar fine.
Phil Mulroney received a commendation on his record for the capture of Coopers and continued working with ‘Robie’ on several minor matters.
Detectives John Robichaud and Peter Duncan returned to their routine duties dealing with the mundane crimes and misdemeanors all policemen deal with daily.
But it would not be long before the prophetic words stated that day in Parks’ office would come back to ruin their days...’this war is likely to carry on for some time yet, and the evil men do never sleeps.’
The End
Author Notes
Disclaimer
The place names and references to the convoy operations
are drawn the historical records from the period. Any other
reference to the names of person alive or dead and the murder
at the center of this story at that time are entirely fictious and
a product of the Author’s imagination.
Sources
Halifax Regional Archives
Nova Scotia Public Archives
Military Museums at CFB Stadacona
and Royal Artillery Park.
About the Author
I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1948. I left home at age 16 and, after a brief stint in the army, I began a career as a merchant seaman (12 years). This took to many places in the world. Following that, I entered into a professional career as a transportation/logistics specialist. Somewhere in there I took a few years off and ‘thumbed’ my way across North America and Mexico as part of the ‘Hippie’ counterculture movement. I was also active in the civil rights and anti-war movements. I have lived and worked in many countries over the course of my life and have gained a knowledge and appreciation for the differences we share as humans. I like to think that this life experience has enabled me to apply a certain perspective to my characters and stories.