by Easton, Don
“I’ve thought of that. If there hasn’t been a move made to kill me by the end of this trip, I could hurry things along by telling Oskar that my previous company has offered me a large incentive to go back with them. If Pike the Spike or Killer Rabbit are already there, I think Oskar would decide to terminate my employment abruptly.”
“I’m sure you could convince Oskar to want to kill you,” said Rose. “The more I think about what you are doing, the more I feel like killing you myself. How the hell can we protect you over there?”
“Rose, I’m not suicidal. Our base of operation will be mostly in Thailand. I have worked with the Thai police before. As long as I have a cover team from Canada to work with them, I feel pretty comfortable.”
“You might feel comfortable, I don’t,” replied Rose. “How many members do you want with you? Bearing in mind that we are under tight budget restraints.”
“Foreign police, probably Thai, will be handling things, but I would still like a least one trained operator from Canada to liaison with them. I would also like someone with their equipment in hand should we get permission for wiretap. From what I know of a lot of developing countries, their bugging equipment isn’t much better than two cans connected with a string.”
“Are you thinking of getting a wiretap there?” asked Dyck.
“If someone tries to kill me, I am hoping it would be enough to convince a judge in Canada to authorize it,” said Jack. “If that happens, I am hoping that wiretap used in a foreign country would be admissible in Canada.”
“Your plan is to arrest whoever tries to kill you and get them to wear a wire to implicate who they work for,” said Dyck.”
“Exactly, but we would still need a judge’s order to wiretap the phones or install room and car bugs. Without that, we may never find out who Oskar’s boss is, let alone get evidence against him.” Jack looked at Connie and said, “What do you think? If a judge in Canada approves a wiretap, would using it in a foreign country be admissible in B.C.?”
“Providing that authorization was given prior to any bugs being planted for you over there.”
“Those guys go by the book,” said Jack. “No worries there.”
“I wonder how you know that,” mused Rose. “Sounds like you have tried to corrupt them before.” Before Jack could respond she held up her hand and said, “Don’t even go there. Instead of two people going with you, I will see that you have a three-man cover team, plus someone who knows their electronics.”
“I’d like to pick my team.”
“It’s your neck, I think you should have a say in who you want,” said Dyck.
“I want a trained cover man in charge of security, along with two trained UC operators to assist.”
“UC is something I know little about,” admitted Dyck. “Is there a difference between a cover man versus a UC operator?”
“A cover man has been trained not only in surveillance, but also to monitor the undercover operative’s psychological well-being, as well as to provide physical protection when possible. Not to mention looking after administrative duties and reports connected to the investigation. The UC operator, of course, has a completely different role.”
“So once in the field, who would be in charge?” asked Dyck. “Is it the cover man, the UC operator, or do you go by seniority or rank?”
“Matters relating to security are usually the responsibility of the senior member of the cover team, although it is usally done in agreement with the operator who might be in a better position to know if the presence of a cover team might do more harm than good. That being said, if the cover man figures the UC operative is getting out of line, he has the power to quickly pull the plug on the entire investigation. Often, an experienced UC operative can fill in as a cover man, but never the reverse.”
“In this case, I would expect it to be a joint decision when it comes to who is in charge in the field,” said Rose. “Jack would be directing the course of the investigation, but if the cover man feels Jack’s decision puts him at too much risk, then the cover man would have the power to veto Jack’s decision.”
“I see,” replied Dyck. “Continue.”
“My top pick for a cover man is a fellow who has provided me with protection on several UC operations. His name is Randy Hundt and he is currently a corporal in Kelowna Drug Section.”
“Randy Hundt?” said Dyck. “Have you talked to him recently?”
“A few days ago. He and his wife, Donna, are some of our closest friends, why? Do you know him?”
“No, but his name crossed my desk this morning. He has just been promoted to sergeant and is being transferred down here to MCU. He’ll be working for me.”
“That’s great news. You’ll be lucky to have him. The guy is a hard worker and the type to call a spade a spade.”
“Not a yes-man, I take it?” replied Dyck.
“No and he is not afraid to stand by what he says and put his name to paper. If he isn’t happy with something, you can expect a few memos to be landing on your desk.”
“Are there any reasons for picking him other than the fact that he is your friend?” asked Rose. “This is not some holiday you’re going on. I want the best people we have available —”
“He is the best,” said Jack.
“Why?” demanded Rose.
“Because he genuinely cares about doing the best job possible. He cares about the people he protects and has a terrific sense of humour that helps diffuse stressful situations. If that is not enough, there is one other thing.”
“That being?” asked Rose.
“The four of us are close friends. He would never be able to look Natasha in the eye if he were to let something happen to me. I’d trust him to make the right call more than anyone else.” Jack stared at Rose for a moment. “Enough said?”
“Enough said,” she replied. “What about the two operators you want to work for him?”
“Normally my first choice would be Laura, but she is looking after my neck in another matter.”
Laura nodded silently in response and subconsciously glanced at her laptop.
“So instead, given a choice, one of my top picks would be Willy Mineault from Victoria Drug Section. He and I have worked together in the past.”
“What makes him special?” asked Rose.
“The guy is a lousy poker player, so he’s always good for a few extra dollars in my pocket on a road trip,” replied Jack.
“Anything other than that?” smiled Rose, upon seeing a brief flash of shock cross Dyck’s face.
Jack became serious and said, “He has proven himself trustworthy to me. On one occasion, our cover was blown. It was a low-level operation, but the bad guys had their own telephone tap going, which we hadn’t anticipated at their level.”
“The bad guys were bugging phones?” exclaimed Dyck.
“More common that you might think,” replied Jack. “Anyway, they heard enough to clue in. We didn’t know we had been burned and met them at a bar. It was a set-up. A bad guy came up behind me and tried to smash a pool cue through the side of my temple. Willy saw it at the last second and yelled. He probably saved my life. Then the action really started. As I recall, Willy had a sleeve torn off a new leather jacket he was wearing, but took it all in stride. He never lost his cool and we traded jokes about the lousy service as we fought our way to the door. That investigation also included Randy Hundt, so we are familiar with each other’s personalities and get along well together, which can be critical under tense times.”
“Good enough,” said Rose.
“The next operator I would like would be Tina Chan from Vancouver Drug Section.”
“The Asian Heat,” Laura said with a smile.
“That’s her. We haven’t really worked on any UCs together, but I know she has a good sense of humour, which is critical to keeping the stress level down. More importantly, her Chineese heritage will allow her to fit in better over there.”
“Sounds like a good choice,�
�� replied Rose. “Tech support?”
“As far as the bug planter goes, the best I know in the business is a guy by the name of Jim Purney.”
“How well do you know him?” asked Rose. “Have you actually seen him work in the field? The countries you’re going to be working in will be a lot more stressful and likely more technically challenging than hooking up a simple wiretap around here.”
How well do I know him? Jack smiled. Jim and his wife, Cathy, are also a couple of our closest friends … but he really is the best at what he does.
“I’m waiting,” prodded Rose. “Do you actually know how good this guy is or not?”
Jack decided not to mention the friendship. “I’ve watched him work before and the guy is amazing. I think he could plant a bug up your nose when you’re sleeping without even waking you up. He’s quiet by nature and has an analytical mind, yet he is also a big guy and one you could count on if things got rough.”
“Sounds like another good choice then,” said Rose. “If these people are available, I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you,” replied Jack.
“What about China and Myanmar?” asked Rose. “Will the police in those countries co-operate?”
“Actually, come to think of it, Jim Purney once told me he did some work in China before. He said it was good.”
“And Myanmar?” asked Rose. “I’m sure corruption there is a big issue. They’re a poor country.”
“I’ll contact the Australian or British Embassies to see what help or advice they can give. In the Golden Triangle region, I suspect we will rely on the Thai police. I’m sure they will have contacts in Myanmar. I’m told you could hit a golf ball across the river between the two countries at that point.”
“This whole scenario really gives me the creeps,” said Rose. “Just because we don’t have a wiretap, it doesn’t prohibit you from wearing a wire. I want one on you at all times.”
Jack tried to mollify Rose’s worry and said, “I won’t risk entering a situation if I don’t feel it is safe.”
“Like hell you wouldn’t,” said Rose, “so don’t try and pacify me with that bullshit. I’ve spent too many sleepless nights worrying about you during other investigations to know that isn’t true.” She turned to Laura and added, “And you, too, for that matter.”
“Sorry, Mom,” replied Jack.
Rose glared at Jack. “Did you hear me about wearing a wire? I mean it! If I am going to support this operation, you bloody well better be wearing one!”
Jack was going to protest and say half the time the wires broke down when they were most needed, or tell her about the number of times he had been searched or patted down, but decided against it.
“Are you listening to me?” demanded Rose.
“I’m listening,” said Jack quietly. “I will take every safety precaution I can.”
“I’ve heard that before,” said Rose sarcastically.
“I mean it,” said Jack earnestly. “Things have changed for me a lot on the home front. There is no way I want my wife to be a widow or my sons to be without a father.”
Rose grimaced at the thought.
“But as far as doing the UC, do we really have a choice?”
Rose felt the stress bring tears to her eyes and she clenched her jaw to control her emotions … then nodded in agreement.
Chapter Twenty-five
Over the next week, Jack received assistance from the Australian Embassy in Myanmar. They checked out the rice-exporting company and the names that Jack had been given by Oskar.
They reported that the company appeared to be legitimate. The Australians also recommended a hotel for Jack to use that was deemed appropriate for his entertaining needs. More importantly, they said they would also assist with looking after his personal security.
Jack then contacted the rice exporters in Myanmar. They were pleased that he wished to meet them and treat them and their wives to a dinner. It was agreed that everyone would meet at the Chatrium Hotel in Yangon on the evening of June 18.
The RCMP Liaison Officer stationed in Bangkok was also notified. Although the LO was unavailable to assist personally, he did arrange for a four-person Thai police security team to assist Jack in the Golden Triangle. Coupled with the four-person team from Canada, it was thought to be enough. Another RCMP LO in Beijing would also arrange security for Jack, should he be required to enter China.
On June 14, one day before Jack and the team were to depart, Rose called him into her office. When he was comfortable, she glared across the table at him and asked, “Did you ever happen to check Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s website about travelling to certain parts of Myanmar?”
“I did. I noticed that they don’t particularly recommend some areas.”
“Don’t recommend?” said Rose, sarcastically. “Their recommendation is to avoid all travel in certain areas. Let me read it to you,” she said, turning her attention to a page she had printed out.
It advises against all travel to areas along the border with Thailand, China, and Laos due to clashes between the military and armed groups, ethnic conflict, banditry, and unmarked landmines in these areas which pose risks to the security of travellers. Sporadic fighting between military forces and non-state armed groups is occurring in Kachin, Shan, and Karen states bordering China and Thailand. Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced internally and to neighbouring countries.
Rose looked up at Jack. “And tell me, what state borders the Golden Triangle?”
“Shan State, but you already knew that.”
“I wanted to make sure you knew,” replied Rose, briefly closing her eyes while she massaged her temples with her fingertips.
“I’ll be careful,” Jack assured her. “I’ll wear a wire and have backup. Oskar thinks I have asthma and am not athletic. Between me and the calvary I have for protection, if someone tries to stage an accident with me, they are in for a big surprise.”
“I don’t like it,” said Rose. “I’m tempted to cancel the whole deal.”
“So Oskar, or whoever pulls his strings, can send some other poor sap into a place like that? Someone who has no protection?”
Rose stared hard at Jack, but didn’t speak. A moment later he got up and returned to his office.
On the night of June 15, Jack checked in at the Vancouver International Airport for a red-eye flight to Bangkok. Travelling on the same plane with him was his cover team, comprized of Randy Hundt, Willy Mineault, and Tina Chan. The electronics specialist, Jim Purney, was also on board and would be part of the cover team when the situation called for it.
After an eighteen-hour flight, including a short stopover to change planes in Hong Kong, they landed in Bangkok and took a cab to the Miracle Hotel, which was located near the airport.
With the time difference, it was noon on June 17 in Bangkok when they checked into their rooms. Jack made a quick trip to a corner store and then returned to Randy’s room where everyone met to go over the plan again.
It had been decided that Jim, who was conscious of the electronic eavesdropping equipment he was carrying, would not enter Myanmar. Jim had previously received permission to have the equipment in Thailand and China, but had not sought permission for Myanmar out of fear of corrupting the integrity of the investigation.
It was not known what potentially corrupt contacts Oskar had in Myanmar, or if not him, then that of his taskmaster. Instead it was planned that on the following day Jim and Willy would fly to Chiang Rai in Thailand. Once there, they would rent a car to drive up to the Golden Triangle. This would give them a chance to check out the area prior to Jack’s arrival. Meanwhile, Randy and Tina would go to Myanmar on the same flight as Jack.
“Everyone clear?” asked Jack.
“An all-expense-paid holiday to Myanmar? What more could we ask for?” said Tina.
“Another shot of that,” said Willy, gesturing to the bottle of Thai Sangsom rum that Jack had brought to the meeting.
“You prefer that over my martinis?” said Jack, trying to sound hurt as he passed the bottle.
“Hey, you know I’m only learning to acquire a taste for this awful liquid so I’ll blend in like the locals.” Willy grinned. “Above and beyond the call of duty, actually.”
“Willy, I appreciate your dedication,” said Randy. “Remind me to recommend you for commendation when we get back to Canada.”
“Think I can claim the rum as a necessary expense when I get back?” asked Jack.
“I don’t know,” replied Randy. “They’re still looking at me sideways for approving that jar of olives you once claimed.”
“Seems to me, you had a few of those yourself,” replied Jack.
“Marinated, I presume?” said Tina.
“Oh yeah,” replied Randy, Willy, and Jack in unison.
Tina looked at Jim and he said, “Don’t look at me. I know all about Jack’s olive soup.” He took a swig from a can of Singha beer that he had scrounged from the minibar and said, “This is plenty potent enough for me.”
“So, Willy,” said Randy, “I brought a deck of cards with me. Anyone up for a little game of one-armed anaconda?”
“What the heck is that?” asked Tina.
Jack chuckled. “Randy tends to invent his own poker games. I don’t recommend you play.”
“Yeah,” grumbled Willy. “Like if it’s Thursday, then the four of clubs is wild, otherwise it is something else.”
“Like the guy with the axe,” said Jack. “Which translates to certain face cards.”
“Just thought I would try to give you a chance to get your money back,” replied Randy, sounding offended.
“No, thanks,” chimed Jack and Willy.
One hour later, when the bottle was empty, they all went to their rooms and slept.
It was ten o’clock in the morning on June 18 when the Bangkok Airways flight touched down on the runway in Yangon, Myanmar. As Jack waited to retrieve his luggage, he received a text message from Natasha. She wished him a happy birthday and sent him Mike and Steve’s love. He had forgotten that it was his birthday and felt a twinge of sadness that he wasn’t home to share it with those he loved.
