by Don Easton
“I’m familiar with the show,” said Isaac.
“Because of the show, she was really impressed with how smart the American police were. She said they were like scientists and was afraid they would catch her and send her back to Vietnam. Tommy said he laughed and told her that not all the police were like that. He told her the scientists only worked on dead people.”
Isaac briefly tilted his head back and closed his eyes as the true reason for Hang’s action was realized. He sighed, before leaning forward and asking, “So what do you surmise happened the night Linh escaped?”
“From what Linh told us, it would appear that Dúc parked in the alley behind Pops’s house. An altercation took place because we found traces of Dúc’s blood in his car, as well as his bloody handprint on the rear door to the house. He died of a broken neck, but had received a superficial wound under his chin first.”
“Did you find the pervert’s fingerprints in the car as well?”
“No,” Connie replied. She glanced at Randy and added, “The passenger side of the car was clean. No prints at all.”
“None?” asked Isaac.
“Almost as if it had been wiped down,” replied Connie.
“Was it?” asked Isaac.
“I don’t know, sir. That was just an observation. Maybe he hadn’t had a passenger since he last cleaned his car.”
Or was Taggart his passenger? wondered Isaac.
“A theory is, if we go by what Linh told us,” said Connie, “Dúc chained Pops to the floor and then disconnected the propane tank and went around the room lighting candles. The propane would sink to the floor so he would have had plenty of time to leave before the gas reached the height of the candles. His body was next to Pops and we found a complete candle under his body. He may have gotten too close to Pops, who grabbed him. Dúc may have stabbed him, but Pops was a big man and a body builder. He could still have snapped Dúc’s neck before he died.”
“Did he die from the knife wound or the fire and the explosion?”
“That is inconclusive. The autopsy indicates only minute quantities of soot in his lungs. He may have been on his last breath.”
“Hell of a way to die,” said Randy. “Being chained there with a knife stuck in your liver and watching the candles flicker while the gas fills the room.”
“You seem to have some reservation about what the child told you?” noted Isaac.
“She just didn’t strike me as being totally honest,” said Connie, “but it was pretty traumatic. Her father wants to take her back to Vietnam, but I’m holding his documentation. There are still a couple of loose ends I would like to clear up. I’d like to interview Linh again in a couple of days. The psychologist feels she is doing well, all things considered.”
“You think she is hiding something?” asked Isaac.
“She seemed really straightforward about everything leading up to her escape. After that I felt everything she said had been coached and rehearsed.”
“Can’t you verify her story?”
“We checked the pay phone she used. A call was placed to her grandmother in Hanoi. Also found the coins with her prints—but only her prints. We know she made the call.”
Randy cleared his throat and said, “Tell him what else you found, Connie.”
“There is a gas station across the street from the payphone. We managed to review some film footage and it showed Linh making the call in the background.”
“Good work. So you have confirmed she was telling the truth.”
“About that. Yes, sir. She told us that she borrowed some money from a man. That is on film, too. Unfortunately, the guy never looked toward the camera and he can’t be identified.”
“Do we need to identify the man?” asked Isaac.
Connie and Randy looked at each other and Randy turned to Isaac and said, “He appeared to favour his right arm ... or wrist, sir.”
Isaac looked sharply at Connie and said, “Corporal Taggart has a cast on his right arm. Just out of curiosity, do you happen to know how long he’s had it?”
Connie glanced at Randy and said, “Yes, sir. He was getting the cast put on right after he and Constable Secord dropped Linh and her father off at the hospital. He said he broke his wrist when he fell off a chair cleaning the leaves out of his gutter.”
“You said there were no other prints on the coins that Linh used?”
“In the gas station film, you can see where the man retrieved a small pouch from his pocket, like someone would keep parking change in. He handed it to Linh, who placed the call before giving it back.”
Isaac nodded knowingly. I bet there were no prints on any of the coins in that pouch. He looked at Connie and said, “You mentioned a couple of loose ends. What else is there?”
“Just speculation, sir. Trying to prove, or disprove, any other possible theories. If, for whatever reason, Linh did not escape on her own that night, then the question remains as to who helped her and how did that person—or persons—find out where she was?”
“Don’t beat around the bush, Corporal. Do you suspect Corporal Taggart or Constable Secord of somehow being involved?”
Connie’s face blushed and she looked at Randy for support.
“Sir,” Randy said, “when it comes to murder cases, I have to admit that anything that arises as happening by coincidence is automatically suspect. The man on the film favoured his wrist ... Corporal Taggart gets a cast on his wrist right after. It would be negligent of us if we didn’t investigate that matter a little further.”
Investigate a little further, mused Isaac. Good luck. Many before you have tried
“If that theory was actually true,” said Isaac, “is it also your theory that Corporal Coincidence set the explosion to—sorry, did I say coincidence? I meant Taggart.”
“It certainly destroyed most evidence of fingerprints or DNA in the room,” said Connie, “but there’s more.”
“More?”
“Yes, sir. The father, Bien, had a mark on his forehead. It looked exactly like some of the marks we found on Hang’s body. They were made by the pervert shooting at her with a CO2 pistol. We found the pistol in the room after the fire. That was how Hang was blinded in one eye. The pathologist found a pellet—it was hold-back information.”
“Did you ask the father about the mark on his head?”
“Yes, sir. He said he fell on some bushes.”
“Well, well, well,” said Isaac. “Corporal Taggart and the father both happen to fall and hurt themselves on the same night.”
“Another coincidence, sir?” said Randy, glancing at Connie as she grabbed her ringing cellphone.
“Sorry, sir,” she said. “This could be relevant, I better take it.”
“Go ahead,” said Isaac. “Use the outer office.”
After Connie left, Isaac clasped his hands under his chin while resting his elbows on the table. “Tell me,” he said.
“Sir?” replied Randy.
“How did Corporal Taggart find her? Compared to him—even if you include Constable Secord—your office has abundantly more investigators and resources.”
“Sir, all this is just a theory that we are trying to prove or disprove.”
“I know. Just to tie up loose ends. But as you are well aware, this isn’t exactly the first time that some criminals, albeit very evil criminals, connected to Corporal Taggart ended up dead while he is still walking around above ground with the word coincidence stamped all over him.”
“Sir ... everyone in my office is extremely dedicated. I would personally vouch for every one of them. Everyone follows procedure and everyone works very, very hard to bring every case to a successful conclusion.”
“I’m not implying that you or anyone in your office is negligent or lazy,” said Isaac. “In fact, it is the complete opposite. It is my respect for you personally, that allows me to ask you the question. This discussion is just between the two of us.”
“I see,” replied Randy.
“I’
m not blaming you. If anyone is to blame, it was me who cancelled his transfer out of the section and brought him back into the case.”
“Understood,” replied Randy.
“So how did he do it?”
Randy took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Well, the truth is, sir, we are half expecting to find two more bodies. If we do, I suspect that they may show signs of having been tortured.”
“Who?” asked Isaac coldly.
“This morning I learned that the two Russians have both been missing ever since this happened,” replied Randy. “We think they knew who Pops was and where he lived. Most of their belongings are still at their apartment.”
Isaac slammed his fist on the desk and said, “I want everyone involved in this put on the polygraph! Taggart, Secord—the father, too! Take his daughter and put her with Social Services. I’m not accepting a theory that Taggart may have tortured and killed two people! I want the truth!”
“Yes, sir,” replied Randy. “I know that Constable Secord had to fly to Toronto today for a court case, but is due back the day after tomorrow. Corporal Taggart is around and both Bien and his daughter are ...” Randy paused as Connie returned and bent over beside him.
“I just found the two Russians,” she whispered in his ear, before taking her seat again.
“What was that?” asked Isaac. “What did you just say?”
“I just explained that they were missing,” said Randy, looking at Connie.
“Not anymore,” said Connie. “I just took a call from a Doctor Son, who works with Interpol in Vietnam. He said both Russians flew back to Hanoi.”
“They just came back from there three days ago,” said Randy. “This means they would have had to have turned around and gone back almost immediately. It doesn’t make sense.”
“There’s no doubt it’s them,” said Connie. “Whatever the reason, Doctor Son said the timing was perfect. The Vietnamese police had just raided and detained the ship in port that the Russians were using to smuggle people. The captain rolled and gave up the Russians. They’ve both been arrested. Doctor Son thinks with the sentences they will get, they’ll spend the rest of their lives in prison over there.”
“How did Doctor Son get your number?” asked Randy curiously.
“Uh ... apparently Jack gave it to him.” Connie looked at both Isaac and Randy and added, “The call was legit.”
“How do you know?” asked Isaac.
“I already called the airport and verified the Russians’ flight itinerary,” admitted Connie.
For a moment, silence descended upon the room. Eventually Randy said, “I guess that one theory I had has proven to be wrong.”
Isaac didn’t answer and leaned back in his chair as his eyes drifted toward the ceiling. His lips moved slightly before he leaned forward and absentmindedly straightened a picture and a Bible on his desk.
“Sir?” asked Randy, after what seemed an awkward silence.
Isaac looked up and said, “Corporal Crane, see to it that Bien and his daughter receive the necessary documentation to travel forthwith. Should you deem it absolutely necessary, you can request that Doctor Son follow up on any other questions you might have.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Connie.
“Good. Now, Corporal Crane, would you please leave. I have another matter to discuss with Staff Otto.”
Isaac waited until Connie left the room before saying, “It would appear that we both may have been jumping to conclusions. A real shame if we had levelled false and serious allegations over what turned out to be a simple coincidence. Don’t you agree?”
“Yes, sir.”
“False conclusions about the torture, that is.”
“Yes, sir. That would have been awful.”
Isaac nodded thoughtfully, stared at Randy and said, “Regarding the death of Pops and Dúc—and the girl’s escape. With the Russians being arrested, do you now believe it happened as we were told?”
“No, sir. I don’t,” replied Randy nervously, looking at Isaac for a response.
“Me, neither,” said Isaac. He gave a wry smile and added, “I just wonder how the son of a bitch pulled it off.”
Jack walked into The Torn Twenty coffee shop with Bien and Linh. The tears flooded Jade’s eyes when Jack introduced her to them and she immediately gave them both a hug. Jack left the three of them at a table to talk in their native tongue while he went to the counter and talked with Holly.
“How is she making out?” he asked.
“Right after you called and told her what had happened, she started crying. She was really fond of that girl, Hang, who came with her on the ship.”
“I know. It took tremendous courage for her to agree to testify.”
“Will she have to go back to Vietnam as well?”
“No, I think they have a mountain of evidence against the people on that end. But with Jade’s help, we should be able to convict the remaining Tran brothers, along with other people in the gang ... including many of the men who raped her.”
“Any risk to her family?”
“The Vietnamese police say not. Their system is different than ours. The bad guys over there won’t be getting a slap on the wrist. Any retribution toward Jade’s family now would bring them even more severe repercussions. The bad guys know that.”
Jack watched Jade unconsciously massage Linh’s arm while talking to her. It was a common sign of affection amongst Asian people. “How is she doing as a nanny?” he asked.
Holly smiled. “Fantastic. She wanted to bring Jenny and Charlie to the restaurant, but I got a sitter. I thought this should be a private moment for the three of them.”
“So she’s working out okay?”
“The only complaint I could have is that she is too hard of a worker. It’s difficult trying to get her to take two days off and relax. She would rather play with Jenny and Charlie, or clean house. She’s really good with them. Acts like she’s their big sister.”
“I think she could use a family.”
“I like her. It’s also nice having another adult in the house. It makes me feel safer. She wrote a long letter to her mother telling her what happened and where she is working now. She hasn’t mailed it yet.”
“Why not?”
“She wants to ask your permission.”
“It’s a good idea. I think we should take some pictures of her with you and your family. It would be nice to include. People over there are too poor to have cameras. It would mean a lot.”
“She doesn’t know how her mother will respond when she finds out what happened.”
Jack reflected back on his own mother’s bitter response when she knew that Jack had discovered the “secret.” He sighed and said, “Jade has had a tough life, but if her mother is worthy of being a mother, she’ll respond the right way and not blame Jade. If she’s not worthy, she’s not worth worrying about.”
“I guess so,” replied Holly. “But my heart goes out to Jade. I hope it works out. She’s told me some things. I know life for her has been hell.”
“She’s still a good kid. It was her idea to meet Bien and Linh. They wanted to meet her, too. To thank her for having the courage to come forward and testify.”
Jack paused, wondering how many countless others would be saved by Jade having the courage to come forward.
“What will happen to Bien and Linh?” asked Holly, nodding her head toward their table.
“They’re heading back to Vietnam. Their flight leaves at around eleven tomorrow morning. I invited them to come over and meet Natasha and have dinner with us tonight. They declined and said they wanted to just be alone. They’re anxious to leave tomorrow.”
“Can’t say as I blame them.”
It was eight o’clock at night when Natasha heard Jack arrive home. She lit the candle on the dining room table just as he entered the room.
“What do you think?” she asked, doing a pirouette that allowed the silk fabric of her Vietnamese gown to flare out. “Last time I wor
e this, you went to sleep before seeing it,” she added.
Jack stared at her for a moment. Her hair flowed down to her shoulders and the snug-fitting gown revealed a figure that was absolutely stunning. Light from the candle flickered in her eyes.
“Believe me,” he said, “I won’t fall asleep tonight. You look incredible.”
“You like it?” she asked.
“It’s stunning. You’re beautiful ... and I really love you.”
“I love you, too. I feel like you’re back to your old self again. The guy I really love.”
“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Yes, you do. It’s okay. Just make sure you always come home to me. Promise you won’t get yourself killed, or end up on the wrong side of the bars.”
Jack felt his eyes water. “I promise. There is one more thing. A very nice man gave me a gift for you today,” he said, handing her a silver chain with a large pearl dangling from the centre.
“Jack! It’s lovely! Huge!”
“I’m told that if you look at it, you can imagine the moon. He said if you’re lucky, and you look at it closely, you might even see an angel looking back at you.”
epilogue
1. Petya Globenko and Styopa Ghukov were each sentenced to eighteen years in jail for smuggling and are currently serving their time at Thanh Hoa prison in Vietnam.
2. The owner of the Mekong Palace restaurant went out of business. He feared for his life but did have the courage to attend the trial for Xuân. Although he was the only witness to do so, of the many who had been summoned, Xuân changed his plea to guilty when the owner appeared and was subsequently sentenced to eighteen months of secure custody to be followed by nine months of probation.
After his release from jail, Xuân was the prime suspect in the stabbing death of three people in a Vancouver nightclub. The three victims had no known gang association and were simply believed to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Police had just obtained enough evidence and were on the verge of charging him for the murders when Xuân wounded and attempted to murder the leader of a rival gang with an automatic handgun. In an exchange of gunfire, Xuân was wounded and died a short time later.
