by Easton, Don
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!”
21
The RCMP laboratory opened Monday morning. Jack was the first in line. The lab still had the other plastic bag provided to them by CC.
Later that afternoon, Jack received the call from CC that he had been waiting for.
“Jack, the lab says it’s a match,” said CC. Her voice sounded hollow and empty. “Guess you were right about Goldie. I can forget about my kids theory.”
“That’s great it matched,” replied Jack. “The bastard did bring Melvin to the park. We’re on the right track. Now we have to find out who The Enabler is and the guy in the suit described as having dead eyes.”
“There’s a problem … huge,” mumbled CC. She spoke like she was in pain, as if someone had beaten her stomach and ribcage with a hockey stick.
Jack realized that CC was fighting back tears. “CC? What is it? What’s wrong?”
“I fucked up,” she cried. “Tree of the poisoned fruit or something. No, that’s not it.”
“What? You’re not making sense.”
“Fruit of the poisonous tree. That’s it. That’s what the prosecutor just told me. The garbage bag, we can’t —”
“I know. We can’t use it in evidence. We knew that. It’s too bad but at least we know we’re on the right trail. We’ll get other proof.”
“No, it’s much worse,” sniffled CC. “The prosecutor was screaming at me she was so fucking mad. She said that we might as well have given Goldie permanent immunity from prosecution for it.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” asked Jack, feeling a sense of dread ooze through his body like a parasitic disease.
“Because we stole the garbage bag, not only can’t it be used, but she says any evidence we gather on Goldie from here on in is tainted because we’re using illegally obtained evidence as the catalyst to further our investigation. If we didn’t know about the garbage bag in his garage as being literally connected to the one at the murder scene, we wouldn’t have continued to pursue the investigation on Goldie.”
“Bullshit!” yelled Jack angrily. “I was working on the premise from what Goldie said in Wang’s car that he was involved. Not to mention, the trail of the gun that Laura and I followed. Even if the garbage bag hadn’t matched, I wouldn’t have given up!”
“I know. That’s how I perceived it. The prosecutor says different … or at least says a judge would say different. The evidence leading up to stealing the bag is admissible. What was said in the car was under a legal wiretap.”
“Yeah, which means squat,” replied Jack. “Even you weren’t convinced they were talking about the same incident. Jesus! Now you’ve got me saying it.”
“Saying what?”
“Incident. Like, oh, well, guess we have to let this incident slide and work on some other incident. These incidents are murder! Now the murderers walk because I stole a garbage bag?”
“It’s not your fault. I’m the primary investigator and I was the one who told you to do it.”
“Yeah, with me prodding you and putting you on the spot saying we didn’t have much time. I knew it was wrong. I just didn’t realize how wrong.”
“I should have known better.”
“What about this Enabler, The Shaman character, or the guy with dead eyes? What if we find out who they are?”
“The angle I think you need to pursue is that you’re investigating Goldie for drugs and these others are his bosses. But as far as nailing Goldie for his part in the murder, I think you better forget about it.”
“I am investigating them for drugs. By coincidence, Melvin is a priority above and beyond that.”
“You don’t need to convince me. Save all that for the courts,” said CC. “Won’t take a defence lawyer long to bring up reasonable doubt to some juror.”
Jack stared briefly at the phone in his hand. So if all goes well, maybe Goldie could get a one- or two-year stint in jail for drug trafficking? How do I explain that to Natasha?
“What’s going on?” asked Laura, once Jack hung up.
“No use explaining it twice,” said Jack. “Come on, I better tell Rose how I screwed up.”
Both Rose and Laura looked as sick as Jack felt once he finished explaining the situation.
“I’ll back you if any complaints come from Department of Justice,” sighed Rose.
“I don’t give a damn about DOJ,” said Jack. “Once I stop to think about it, it’s not like Goldie would have received any real time in jail even if we did have a warrant. Defence would have tabled it as a prank gone awry. He really might spend more time in jail on drugs. Will our budget allow Laura and me to continue in that regard?”
“Maybe if you would quit dropping fifty-dollar tips, it might,” replied Rose. “No, wait, it seems to me the one you claimed Saturday night was a hundred.”
“That was an exception,” said Jack. “A young woman by the name of Patty. I think it was her last shift. Besides, we didn’t claim any drinks that night, so it balances out.”
“Relax,” said Rose. “I wa
sn’t really serious, although money is an issue. We’re no different than the narcs when it comes to that. Our budget isn’t going to let you go out and start buying kilos.”
“I’m hoping they think we’re above that level,” said Jack. “I think if we get an offer, it will be something far more substantial. These guys are definitely worth pursuing. I’m certain that Goldie is about to take me into his confidence. Our priority is to identify whoever is above him.”
“I agree,” said Rose. “Keep playing it as you have been and keep me in the loop. Once they’re identified, we can reassess the situation.”
“Will do,” said Jack. “I don’t think it will take very —” He paused to answer his cellphone and made a slash sign across his throat with one finger as he looked at Rose.
Rose took her desk phone off the hook as she and Laura watched.
“Arthur! Good to hear from you,” answered Jack.
22
“What’s the name of this spot again?” asked Laura as she drove along West Broadway.
“Regal Beagle,” replied Jack. “Keep driving, it’s up in the twenty-two-hundred block.
“You pick it, or Goldie?”
“It was my choice. Great spot. Small pub with an Asian restaurant attached to it. For pub food, it has some of the best. One of the owners makes his own pickled green beans that they put in a lot of the drinks.”
“Pickled green beans?” said Laura, wrinkling her nose.
“Calls them Blaze’s Beans. Beats a stick of celery in a Caesar. Try it sometime. You’ll like it.”
“I would if I was invited.”
“Sorry about that. He was adamant about talking to me in private first. He said once I heard what he had to say, if I still wanted to tell you it would be okay.”
“You want me to park out front and sit in the car? A little subservient if we want him to respect me.”
“Park a couple of blocks away. I’m not worried about my safety. He won’t be searching me in a place like this. I’m going to be packing my piece, so don’t fret. I’ll tell him you’re off shopping, but will be back by five o’clock for drinks and supper. Should be enough time for him to say what he has to say.”
“Great. While I’m waiting I think I’ll call Natasha and tell her you’re off drinking and getting your bean snapped.”
“My what? Where did you pick up that expression?” said Jack, chuckling.
It made Laura feel relieved. Jack’s mood since CC called him had not been good. He was taking the garbage bag fiasco personally. Too personally.
Jack entered the pub and spotted Goldie drinking a glass of white wine. Jack joined him and ordered a Caesar with two Blaze’s Beans. The waiter had barely left the table when Goldie outlined his real business to Jack, starting years earlier when he was arrested at a Burmese checkpoint near the border to Thailand and was saved by a man he called The Enabler. He told Jack his couriers, along with his shipment of heroin, were also detained, but later both the couriers and the heroin were once more on their way.
“And the man you call The Enabler saved you?” asked Jack.
“I probably owe him my life. Since then, life has been one big gravy train. I know you have the connections back east. Jump on the gravy train with me and we’ll both get rich together.”
“So, if I have it right,” said Jack, “The Enabler is a middle man. He knows everyone from the poppy growers up to the drug warlords to the police, customs officials … everyone.”
“You got it. At least as far as the Asian countries go. Specifically heroin. He enables everything to run smoothly and efficiently. All the buyers do is pay a small commission based on how much weight is being transported. Because of the volume involved around the world, he also gets the best price. Even with the commission, you still come out way ahead. Then every dealer down to the five-kilo level pays a commission that is distributed back up the ladder.”
“It’s a pyramid scheme,” said Jack. “The more dealers I would have working for me, the more commission everyone gets, and the more money we make.”
“Exactly.”
“So in a way, we’re all working for The Enabler.”
“We are for the one in Vancouver. I understand there are a few other Enablers spread around the globe.”
“So The Enabler isn’t the top boss?”
“No, there are a couple of people above that level. I’ve never met any of the other Enablers or the top boss. Only the Enablers know who it is. As things stand now, in a few months the organization wants me to take over The Enabler’s role in Vancouver. He is being promoted to the number two man in the organization.”
Jack didn’t respond as he slowly took his time to crunch through a pickled bean while Goldie leaned forward, waiting in anticipation for his response.
“Damn it, what do you think?” asked Goldie, no longer able to contain his emotion.
Jack stared at him blankly and said, “I’ll give you a shot.” And I mean that, literally …
“That’s great!”
“Small to start with,” continued Jack. “Only one ton on the first transaction to make sure everything runs smoothly. And that is only if the price is right, the product good, and you can guarantee safe delivery to Vancouver.”
Surprise registered on Goldie’s face. “One ton is small to you? Christ, you’re tied into the New York markets, aren’t you?”
Jack countered with another question, “I’m from the east, aren’t you tied into the U.S. markets in the west?”
“Nothing like you are,” admitted Goldie. “Purvis has a contact in Seattle, but strictly low level by your standards. Five or ten kilos here and there. The quantity you talk about is huge.”
“Perhaps over The Enabler’s capabilities?” asked Jack.
“No, certainly not,” Goldie hastened to say. “As I said, he controls Asia. We can definitely accommodate that,” he added, while figuring out his commission based on a one-ton shipment.
“And the money transaction?” asked Jack.
“The Enabler is well connected to financial institutions. The organization even owns some banks in certain countries. I think we can come to an agreeable method of transferring the money, once we agree on price.”
“Before that happens,” said Jack, “I would have to meet The Enabler. With the millions we’re talking about, I want to know who I’m in bed with.”
Goldie’s face reflected his sorrow and fear that their intended business partnership could go awry. “Sorry, Jack. I already told The Enabler all about you. He is pleased, but at the same time, is adamant about not meeting you.”
“Well, I’m adamant about meeting him.”
Goldie shook his head and said, “They’re really paranoid about protecting their identities. He described it like protective layers on an onion. Something about it becoming more intense the closer you get to the core. Either way, it won’t really matter. In a few months I’ll be The Enabler and you and I already know each other.”
“So there is no way you could convince him to meet with me?”
“Not a chance. I already tried. I have to admit, I’m impressed with you. I was hoping to introduce you and show you off, but he rejected the idea immediately. Like I said, they are extremely cautious. Hell, do you know that before I become The Enabler they are going to make me take a lie detector?”
“You’re kidding?”
“No, I’m not. It was also made clear to me if I fail the test I’m dead. So I’m telling you, once you get in, you better get in all the way. There’s no fucking around with these people.”
“Well, count me in,” said Jack, cheerily.
Moments later, Goldie prepared to leave, but asked, “You mentioned Laura is meeting you for supper later?”
Jack nodded.
“Tell her she still owes me a birthday kiss on Thursday. See you both at the club then?”
“You will. Drive carefully. Don’t smack up that new Ferrari of yours.”
Goldie smiled and shook his hea
d. “You should feel it go,” he said. “Runs like a dream. You barely think of passing someone and the next thing you know it’s already happened.”
Jack nodded politely and as soon as Goldie left, he paid the bill and called Laura.
“He just left,” said Jack. “It went fabulously. He told me everything. Hurry and pick me up. I need to get back to the office. I’ve got a ton of notes to make.”
“Be there in a couple of minutes,” replied Laura. “Traffic is heavy. No place to park, so meet me on the curb.”
Jack stepped outside. The traffic was congested, but in a car across the street he spotted the familiar mop of brown hair that Laura had described as looking like a dead rat. Jack peered closer and saw Goldie edging forward in the traffic … driving a red Ford Taurus. Goldie was concentrating on the traffic and did not see Jack.
Jack swore under his breath and pushed redial. “Exactly where are you?”
“Curb lane westbound, a block and a half away. Hold your horses. You only called me less than a —”
“Goldie just left, going eastbound driving a red Ford Taurus. Follow him, but make damned certain he doesn’t see you! Lose him if you have to, rather than be burned.”
“Why? What is —”
“Talk to you in a sec. Don’t hang up. I’m going to commandeer somebody’s car!”
Jack waited for an opportunity before seeing a young couple driving a black Pontiac Grand Am stuck in traffic several car lengths behind Goldie. The Pontiac was tucked in tight behind a large truck and Jack knew that Goldie couldn’t see it from his position.
Jack used a passing transit bus for cover, darted across the street toward the Pontiac, and tapped on the driver’s window. The man driving looked startled, but rolled the window down enough to speak. “I’m an RCMP officer,” said Jack, quickly showing his badge. “My name is Jack Taggart and I need your car to follow somebody.”
Traffic started to move and someone in a car behind them started beeping their horn.
“Hop in,” said the young man, opening his door and leaning forward in the seat so Jack could get in the back of his car.
