Jack Taggart Mysteries 7-Book Bundle

by Easton, Don

  “I said, drop it! Now!” the man screamed again.

  From the bed, Constable Sue McCormick stared at him and smiled. “Very good, but he wasn’t talking about your erection, asshole. Drop the knife!”

  Minutes later, while handcuffed in the back of a police car heading for the Major Crime Unit office, Virgil had regained enough of his composure and snarled, “I was set up. Taggart set me up!”

  “I didn’t even know your name until after you started eyeballing me in the park this afternoon,” replied McCormick, truthfully.

  “Bullshit! He set me up! He broke his word and if I’m not released right fucking now, I’ll be on the phone to my brother. Tell him that!”

  McCormick glanced back over the seat and asked, “What does your brother have to do with anything?”

  “You really don’t know?” replied Virgil incredulously.

  “What? Is he a lawyer? Go ahead and phone him, I don’t care.”

  “You really don’t know, do you,” Virgil sneered. “I would suggest you give the bitch he works with, Laura Secord, a call. She might be interested.”

  McCormick thought briefly about what she knew. Jack had told her before he left that he might be able to set it up for the rapist to come after her. He even offered to use his young sons to make the undercover scenario look real, providing they were not there at night when the attack would likely take place.

  Later, Laura told her that it was Jack’s idea to put two trackers on the rapist’s car, but other than that, she had not been informed of his name. She had been told he would likely be looking for his victim at the park and Laura had arranged an apartment for her to pretend to use. She had not been told anything about the rapist’s brother.

  “I understand that Corporal Taggart had met you before,” said McCormick. “He wouldn’t give me your name because of some deal between the two of you. He also said he told you that if you attempted to attack another woman he would have you arrested. You did, and here you are. You have nobody to blame but yourself.”

  “Fuck you. I got a right to a phone call. Gee, I wonder who I should call?” he added sarcastically.

  “You may wish to talk to Constable Secord first,” replied McCormick. “She will be meeting you when we get to the office.”

  “I’m not talking to her without my lawyer,” replied Virgil. “That bitch attacked me before. I’m thinking of charging her with assault. In fact, come to think of it, she may have given me whiplash.”

  “You won’t be needing much money where you’re going,” replied McCormick. “I’ll allow you to call your lawyer when we get to the office, but that is it.”

  An hour later, Basil Westmount showed up at MCU to say he was representing Virgil.

  “For the moment, he is being held incommunicado,” said McCormick, who had been fully debriefed by Laura moments before.

  “And why is that?” demanded Westmount.

  “A temporary measure, due to an investigation that is in the process of being wrapped up. We will be watching you through the glass. If he attempts to make a phone call, your meeting with him will come to an abrupt end.”

  “Really?” mused Westmount. “More business coming my way?”

  McCormick shrugged in response. “As far as your client goes, we have a solid case. I’ll let him fill you in on the details, but something he doesn’t realize is that we got his DNA from another victim, along with identifiable knife marks left at the scene.”

  “And you have this knife?” asked Westmount.

  “No, but we found evidence that the same knife was used in the sexual assault of five women. I am confident that Virgil’s DNA will match and the knife marks then link him to the other victims.”

  “Perhaps I better talk to my client.”

  Half an hour later, Westmount waved McCormick in to join him with Virgil.

  “This is clearly a case of entrapment,” said Westmount, as soon as McCormick was seated. “My client told me how provocatively you dressed this afternoon, basically trying to seduce him. From your actions, he may have concluded that you knew he was watching you and you were wanting him to help you fulfill some sort of sexual fantasy of being attacked.”

  “That’s absurd.”

  “Come, come, Officer. Surely you are familiar with things like bondage or other sex games that people like to indulge in. Perhaps even yourself … well we won’t go there now, but you can hardly deny that you purposely led him to your apartment. If you hadn’t behaved in such a manner, no crime would have been committed.”

  “And for the other women who were attacked?” said McCormick. “Were they all dressed provocatively? Somehow I doubt it, but even if they were, it doesn’t justify being raped,” she said, returning Virgil’s glare. “And as far as living out a sexual fantasy, I would be happy to let a judge or jury decide if that theory would carry any weight.”

  “It is my understanding that your evidence in relation to these other women hinges on identifying my client as a result of your seductive performance. If today’s case is tossed out, the rest is like fruit from the poisonous tree. Evidence deemed to have been obtained illegally tonight, could result in all other charges being dismissed.”

  “Guess we’ll have to let a judge decide,” replied McCormick.

  “I see. Well, there is one other issue to consider as well. It is my understanding that a Corporal Taggart made a deal with my client, which he then broke. I also understand that my client was not to inform certain parties that Corporal Taggart was currently working undercover. Considering the circumstances, one could hardly expect my client to hold up his end of the bargain if you do not hold up your end.”

  “I was just apprised as to what you are talking about,” replied McCormick. She smirked as she looked at Virgil. “What are you going to do, Virgil? Call your brother and tell him that you set him up? I think not.”

  “I set him up?” replied Virgil, feigning surprise. “What if my brother hears I overheard a conversation after my arrest? Perhaps some officer saying that the other brother is about to be arrested by an undercover cop by the name of Jack?”

  McCormick stared at Virgil and did not reply.

  “Or perhaps you offered me a deal to help catch him, which I obviously declined?”

  “The long and the short of it,” said Westmount, “is you may want to think very carefully about whether or not you wish to proceed with a tenuous charge stemming from entrapment, or one that I understand, involves multiple murders.”

  “I, uh, would like a few minutes to confer with a colleague,” said McCormick.

  “Do hurry, will you?” Westmount said with a smile. “It is getting rather late and I would like to get back to bed.”

  “Me, too.” Virgil grinned.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Before answering Laura’s call, Jack turned to Oskar and said, “Excuse me, it’s my ex. Unusual for her to call this time of night from where she is. I better answer.”

  Jack answered his phone while climbing up the stairwells and returning to the bow area in front of the fly bridge. “We’re clear,” he said, talking in a hushed tone.

  “Good news, bad news,” said Laura.

  “Peaks and valleys,” replied Jack. “What’s the good?”

  “I’m in the MCU office. Guess who’s been arrested.”

  “You got him?”

  “He made his move tonight. We nailed him. Used Mike and Steve earlier in the day. Talk about two little operators, they played their parts perfectly.”

  Jack smiled to himself and took a moment to savour the pride he felt.

  “Still there?” asked Laura.

  “Still here,” replied Jack. “Did you catch him cold?”

  “You might say that. He was naked and standing beside the bed with a knife in one hand and a garrot in the other. Not to mention a hard-on.”

  “A garrot?”

  “He made it out of a piece of broom handle and sash cord. McCormick is convinced from his profile that he intended
to kill her.”

  “Bet she’s right. Is the bad news what I think it is?”

  “Yup. He’s got a lawyer. We’re told if we don’t let him go, Oskar will be notified.”

  “Who’s the lawyer?”

  “Basil Westmount. Remember him?”

  “Yes. Two years ago he defended the guy with the speed lab. He brought the accused’s girlfriend to court with a pillow under her blouse as a ploy to get sympathy from the jury.”

  “It worked. He got off.”

  “I don’t think his client will get off this time,” replied Jack.

  “Never be too sure. He’s already claiming entrapment.”

  “They claim that with every undercover operation. Let a judge or jury decide.”

  “How long do you need on your end?” asked Laura.

  “Tomorrow is when Oskar meets the boss. At the same time I’m supposed to check out a company in a place called Hat Yai. I don’t think they figure I’ll be coming back from there.”

  “There is no way we can hold Virgil incommunicado that long,” said Laura.

  “It wouldn’t matter if you did. Westmount knows. You can’t stop him from making a call.”

  “What do we do? If we don’t cut him loose, it will blow your case out of the water.”

  “Tell Westmount that Oskar is about to go into a meeting where it is anticipated that he will be arrested immediately after.” Jack paused as he saw Barfoot, Oskar, and Pike enter the wheelhouse, then said, “Make it abundantly clear to Westmount that there is no way we will cut Virgil loose.”

  “He’ll call Oskar immediately.”

  “I know,” replied Jack.

  Jack shut off his phone and went back to the wheelhouse where Barfoot was navigating the yacht away from the pier, while Oskar and Pike looked on.

  “Everything okay?” asked Barfoot.

  “I’m not sure,” replied Jack. “My ex called to say my little guy got up in the night for whatever reason and fell down the stairs. She thinks his leg is broken.”

  “My God, the poor little guy,” replied Barfoot. “Is he at the hospital?”

  “I don’t know,” replied Jack. “My phone died when we were talking. Guess I forgot to charge the battery. Oskar, could I borrow yours for a few minutes?”

  “Sure,” replied Oskar, handing Jack his phone.

  “Jack, give me your phone,” said Barfoot. “I have the same type. I’ll charge it up for you.”

  Jack nodded and passed his phone to Barfoot, while pretending to make a quick call on Oskar’s phone. “I got voicemail, so she must be on the line,” he said, “I’ll try again in a minute.”

  “Maybe she’s calling an ambulance,” offered Barfoot.

  “Maybe,” replied Jack. “Or a neighbour to babysit. I’m going to go back out on the deck. It might take some time to calm her down and get things looked after.”

  Jack didn’t have to wait long for the call.

  “Hello. Oskar Cruickshank?”

  “Speaking,” replied Jack.

  “My name is Basil Westmount. I’m a lawyer representing your brother, Virgil.”

  “Oh? Well whatever he is involved with, it has nothing to do with me.”

  “Actually you’ll want to listen to what I have to say,” said Westmount. “First of all, let me caution you about what you say. I suspect it may be very buggy where you are in southeast Asia.”

  “Really?” said Jack.

  “At this very moment, I am walking out of the RCMP Major Crime office in Surrey. Your name came up tonight as being under investigation.”

  “Me? That’s absurd,” replied Jack. “I’m not involved in anything illegal.”

  “No, of course not and I, uh, understand your need to be prudent, but I am calling as a favour for Virgil.”

  “Virgil doing me a favour? That’s a laugh. Let me guess, you’re charging him some outrageous amount and he needs money. What was he caught with, running dope across the line?”

  “No. For your information, he is being charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. He is not requesting money, he —”

  “Rape! Well that doesn’t surprise me. What a piece of degenerate shit. Wish somebody would lob his balls off and feed them to the dogs.”

  “He is doing you a favour,” said Westmount, letting the irritation show in his voice. “He found out that somebody you recently hired, a man who goes by the first name of Jack, is actually an undercover RCMP officer.”

  Jack did not reply.

  “Did you hear me.”

  “I heard you.”

  “I understand you are about to go into a meeting.”

  “How did you know that?”

  “The RCMP informed me. They are holding your brother incommunicado so he can’t call and warn you.”

  “How did he know?”

  “He told me he overheard them talking. Laughing that they were about to catch both brothers. You and him. Once they discovered he knew, they tried to cut a deal, but Virgil wouldn’t go for it.”

  “That has to be bullshit,” growled Jack. “I know Virgil. He’d sell our own mother to make a buck. He only has one guy he looks out for, and that’s him. More likely he already told them about me and is reneging and trying to cut another deal.”

  “Uh, well —”

  “You tell that piece of shit if I ever see or hear from him again, I’ll be taking out an insurance policy on him!”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “He will.”

  “Well, uh, I’ll pass the message along, but your brother aside, if you are in legal difficulties and are being brought back to Canada, I would be glad to handle —”

  “Did you say your name was Westmount?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve heard about you.”

  “I have had good success with many high-profile cases,” replied Westmount optimistically.

  “That’s not what my friends say. They say you don’t have the brains that God gave a goat and you rip off your clients. If I need a lawyer, I’ll get one myself, you slimy weasel.”

  Jack hung up and glanced up at the wheelhouse and saw Oskar watching him. Jack gave a thumbs-up sign and turned his back while deleting the log of the incoming call before dialing Laura’s cellphone to make it look like he had called his ex. Moments later, Jack smiled as he headed back to the wheelhouse.

  That should hold Virgil and Westmount off for a day or two. Then what’s the worst that could happen? They plan on killing me tomorrow regardless …

  Jack was wrong on that count. They planned on killing him today.

  Chapter Forty

  Back in the wheelhouse, Jack handed Oskar back his phone.

  “Everything okay?” asked Barfoot.

  “I suspect it’s only a sprain, but she is taking him to get checked out at Emergency.”

  “Takes after his dad in the athletic department, I take it,” said Pike with a smile.

  “I guess so,” Jack replied, looking sheepish. “So, where are we going?”

  “I thought we would cruise around a few of the islands,” replied Barfoot. “Maybe do a little fishing and drinking. Perhaps some snorkelling and spearfishing, as well, if anyone wants. I have all the gear on board.”

  “Count me out of the snorkelling,” replied Jack. “But a cold beer sounds great.”

  “Not a problem,” replied Barfoot. “I have to use the head, so I’ll grab you one on the way back. In the meantime, how about taking over the wheel while I’m gone?”

  “You’ll trust me to handle this?” said Jack.

  Barfoot smiled and said, “You look like the trustworthy type. Try not to steer it into any islands or other boats. I’ll give you a quick course on some of the instruments if you like.”

  “I think you better,” Jack said with a laugh.

  “Actually, Ben is well-versed with the Princess,” added Barfoot. “He can keep an eye on you.”

  Yeah, that makes me feel better …

  The next hour slippe
d past with Jack and Barfoot at the helm, while Oskar and Pike sat below on the lower deck drinking beer. It was a moment when Jack wished Jim Purney was part of the crew.

  Barfoot pointed to an island to the east. “That’s Ko Tarutao. It’s a marine national park in Thailand.”

  “Thailand?” Jack asked. “I thought we were in Malaysia.”

  “We’re just over the border. Set a direction due west and we’ll come to some more Thai islands.”

  “Don’t we have to clear customs?”

  “They never bother me unless I stop at an island that’s inhabited,” replied Barfoot. “I feel safer here than to the south, where the pirates hang out.”

  During the next hour, Razak appeared and took over steering the yacht while Jack and Barfoot joined Oskar and Pike on the stern. The sky had a few clouds clinging to some of the islands they passed by, but for the most part, the weather was hot and even the breeze off the ocean felt warm.

  After passing a cluster of islands, Barfoot glanced at his watch, then stood up and used his hand to shield the sun from his eyes as he peered out at the last island Razak had circled. Then he stared at a piece of kelp floating in the water.

  “What’s up?” asked Jack.

  “See that island about half a mile away?” said Barfoot, pointing. “The closest one?”

  “Sure. That little one that we went around a few minutes ago,” replied Jack. “It looks deserted.”

  “That’s the one. Do you think the tide is going in, out, or neither right now?”

  “Can’t tell,” replied Jack. “The water is pretty choppy. Why?”

  Barfoot grinned. “The three of you pups might be young, strong, and full of vitality, but this old boy is going to teach you a thing or two about fishing. Hang tough while I tell Razak to lower the anchor.”

  When Barfoot left, Pike turned to Oskar and said, “I should teach him how to fish like I did in the marines. Toss a grenade in the water and pick ’em up when they float to the surface.”

  “I think John prefers to give the fish a sporting chance,” replied Oskar.

  “Sporting chances are for suckers,” replied Pike.