An Element of Risk

by Don Easton

  “Not immediately.”

  “Damn it, Jack.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Out with it. What did you do?”

  “I discovered someone who was acting as a lookout for Graves when he sold guns to Satans Wrath last week. I pulled a quick UC on him and last night he called his connection in the States and arranged for me to meet him.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “I wouldn’t be this … chipper, as you put it, if I wasn’t.”

  “That’s … I … How?”

  Jack told her how he’d identified Vath as Graves’s colleague and then used his informant to arrange an introduction. Then he told her about his meeting with Vath and the arrangements that were made for him to go the States.

  Rose shook her head, seemingly irate. “I should’ve known you’d be up to something. Why didn’t you tell me what was going on? You also should’ve had a proper UC plan in place with someone to cover you.”

  “Laura’s on holidays.” He paused. “I wasn’t worried. I was packing my piece last night when I went to meet him.”

  “I’m not on holidays. I would’ve covered you.”

  “I was afraid you’d give me hell for not going home right away. I was too tired and upset to deal with you. Having Vath on my plate was enough.”

  “What makes you think I won’t give you hell anyway?”

  Jack grinned. “Don’t give me that malarkey. I bet you’re thrilled with what happened.”

  Rose tried to look stern, but then capitulated and flashed a smile.

  “I thought so,” Jack said, feeling smug.

  “You still should’ve called me out last night.”

  “You’re right. Not having cover wasn’t a smart move.” He paused. “Next time I will.”

  “Good.”

  “Can we get back to talking about the bad guys?”

  Rose nodded.

  “I contacted the lead investigator with the ATF in Seattle a few minutes ago — Special Agent Wayne Dawson. They’ll provide a cover team for when I cross the border. Basically, all I have to do is see the weapons and then leave. The U.S. team has agreed not to identify me or arrest Vath, so when they scoop in and make the arrests the bad guys won’t know who to blame.”

  “You don’t think your evidence will be needed in court?”

  “I’m sure once we find the vehicle that hit Ferg, his DNA will be all over it. Not to mention that more than one bad guy was involved. One of ’em will probably flip for a lighter sentence.” Jack thought for a moment. “If my evidence is needed in court, they might still be able to keep my real identity secret. Either that, or I’d find a way to put the heat on Vath.”

  “Your informant go along with that?”

  “He acknowledged that there’s an element of risk, but nothing he can’t handle.”

  “Good, then except for not keeping me in the loop, congrats’ on what I think is a job well done.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s almost time to meet with Lexton. Let’s hope she agrees.”

  “She’ll have to go along with it,” Jack stated.

  “She doesn’t have to go along with anything,” Rose stated.

  * * *

  Jack was conscious that Lexton was studying his face closely as he and Rose took a seat across from her at her desk. He gave her a polite smile.

  No smile back … avoiding eye contact … she looks grim. She’s planning on dumping me.

  “Corporal Taggart has come up with an important lead within the last two days concerning the murder investigation in the States,” Rose said. “I’ll let him explain.”

  Jack caught Lexton’s look.

  Okay, maybe you have a right to be suspicious.…

  He told her what had transpired while attempting to read her face for a reaction as he spoke. He learned that she’d be a great poker player.

  When he finished, Lexton eyed him long enough to make him feel uncomfortable, then asked, “After you left my office Monday morning, did you hasten to arrange this because I was considering removing you from the investigation?”

  “It was after I left that I discovered Vath was a link to Graves. My primary objective then was to catch whoever murdered Special Agent Ferguson. I knew that my informant wouldn’t have trusted anyone else to do what followed next, so I took action on my own accord. Yes … I was conscious of the fact that you were contemplating removing me from the case, but I felt that was incidental compared to actually solving the murder.”

  “So you went ahead with your plan and assumed that I’d be so impressed with your abilities that I’d simply allow you to continue?”

  That sounds a little nasty. He felt Rose nudge his foot with hers. No, Rose, I won’t give her the tone, but it is time to go on the offence.

  He looked Lexton in the eyes. “I was confident you’d allow me to continue because you recently proved to me that you also have a strong desire to see justice.”

  “A strong desire to see justice?” Lexton paused. “On what basis did you form that idea?”

  “The immediate action you took when you found out my performance evaluation was being held up in Staffing.” He then turned to Rose, gesturing openly with the palms of his hands as if to say it was time to come clean. He turned back to Lexton. “Personally, I think it’s better if you know I’m aware of what you did so I can express my gratitude.”

  Lexton looked at Rose. “So you went and told him,” she said, sounding irritated, presuming Jack’s gesture and comment indicated that Rose had told him.

  “I didn’t tell him anything about our talk,” Rose replied, sounding peeved.

  Surprise registered on Lexton’s face. “Oh,” she said, upon realizing she’d been duped.

  Hope that didn’t piss you off, but I’d rather risk that than have you think I’m a fool for not figuring it out.

  Jack cleared his throat to catch Lexton’s attention. “I want to thank you for intervening in the manner you did,” he said in a tone that conveyed his sincerity. “I appreciate and respect how you protected the person who confided in me.”

  Lexton paused, seemingly to contemplate the situation. “You’re welcome.”

  “May we get back to the … proposed undercover investigation with Vath? If I am allowed to continue, there’s little time to get everything in order. I already have fake identification on file with the undercover coordinator, but I’d still need to arrange for cover teams and authorization from Ottawa. As it stands now, I’m to meet the bad guys Saturday night and plan for a two-day trip.”

  “Yes, about that,” Lexton said. “I didn’t see an operational plan for your initial undercover meeting with Vath — let alone any approval for it.”

  You’re throwing policy in my face over that! We’re dealing with a murdered cop! He felt a kick on his leg and glared at Rose. Yeah, Rose, don’t do that again or I will explode.

  Lexton continued. “I take it no plan was submitted because your informant arranged the meeting unexpectedly and you were caught off guard. Considering the gravity of the investigation, you felt forced to step outside the bounds of policy to take advantage of an opportunity that may not have presented itself later on.”

  “My informant introduced me, but he did so on —”

  “His own initiative. Yes. Thank you, Corporal Taggart. As you noted, time is of the essence. There’s no reason to waste it by being … overly candid about every little detail.”

  Overly candid? Jack saw the hint of a smile in Lexton’s eyes. Okay, lady. I’m beginning to like you.

  “I understand,” he replied.

  “I’m sure you do.” Lexton paused. “I think the actions you took were admirable in response to what was an unexpected situation and I will certainly inform Ottawa of that should there be any negative feedback.”

  Thank you for having my back.…

  Lexton’s face then hardened. She momentarily pointed her finger at him and warned, “That being said, the circumstances of this case are unusual and involve a murdered law enforcement
officer from another country. You might not find much sympathy or understanding with any opportunistic episodes that might arise in the future.”

  “I understand.” Message received loud and clear.

  Lexton turned to Rose. “Is there anything else?”

  “I’ve nothing further,” Rose stated.

  “Then I suggest you get on with it. If there’s anything I can do to assist your office or speed up the process, feel free to contact me.”

  After leaving Lexton’s office, Jack saw Rose giving him furtive glances as they walked down the hall toward their respective offices.

  Eventually she couldn’t contain herself. “When did you figure it out?”

  “That you’d told Lexton about Quaile holding up my chance for a promotion?” he replied innocently.

  “Yes. That.”

  “I was suspicious when you returned from talking with her after I was dismissed. My suspicions were confirmed the next day after I heard what Lexton did and Laura and I came in to tell you.”

  Rose sighed. “I felt awful. I figured you were suspicious.”

  “Is that why you felt awful? Not for betraying my trust but out of fear you’d be found out?”

  Rose looked appalled. “No! Not that. It was because I went against my promise.”

  She doesn’t realize I’m toying with her.

  After a few steps where neither talked, Rose broke the silence. “Are, are you really angry with me?” she asked hesitantly.

  Jack stopped and turned to face her. “No … not angry. Perhaps a little disappointed. You were someone I trusted and respected.”

  “At the time I felt like I was supporting you,” she pleaded. “Lexton was furious with you for not showing enough respect for the commissioned rank. I wanted her to know that you had your reasons.”

  Her eyes had watered and Jack realized that his comment affected her more than he thought it would. “Oh, hell, I won’t do this.”

  “Do what?” she asked.

  “Make you feel bad so that you’ll suck up to me and maybe owe me one for down the road.”

  Her face registered shock. “You were doing that?”

  “Yes. I’m neither angry nor disappointed. From what I’ve seen, I think your trust in Lexton is warranted … at least to a certain degree.”

  Rose’s face darkened. “You can be a real asshole sometimes,” she fumed and started walking again.

  Jack fell in step. “Is that your clinical diagnosis? All those years to get your masters in psychology and that’s what you come up with?” he chided.

  “It sure is! That label was made for you,” she replied adamantly.

  “Would an olive soup after work cause you to reconsider your diagnosis?”

  Rose stopped and took a deep breath, then gave him a perturbed look.

  “Come on, Rose, let’s put it behind us.”

  She made a face. “Okay … sure. I think today a martini would go down good.”

  “You’re buying, of course,” Jack stated.

  “Me?”

  “To help make up for the emotional trauma you’ve caused me. It’s like I don’t know who to trust anymore. I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. It’s affected my sex —”

  “Can it, asshole.”

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  By Saturday officers from the Major Crimes Unit had been arranged to supply cover for Jack north of the border while a team of ATF agents led by Wayne Dawson were detailed to take over on the U.S. side.

  Once Jack crossed into the U.S., two MCU investigators by the names of Corporal Geoff Frisby and Constable Kate Willisko had then been authorized to accompany the ATF agents in their vehicles.

  It was 3:45 p.m. and Jack was on his way to the MCU office for a last minute debriefing when he received a call from Vath.

  “There’s been a slight change of plans,” Vath said.

  Jack groaned inwardly. “What the fuck?” he said angrily. I’ve already got my bag packed and my ol’ lady’s made plans for after she drops me off.”

  “No, no. Everything’s still like we talked about, but instead of you coming to my place we, uh, need to meet at a restaurant.”

  Need to meet at a restaurant? Sounds like you were given orders.

  “Sure, I know a good spot not all that far from —”

  “No, we need to meet at the Eagle’s Perch Restaurant out in White Rock. It’s, uh, close to where we have to go and less chance we’ll be late crossing the border in case there’s lineups.”

  Yup, you were given orders.

  “Same time?” Jack asked.

  “Yeah, yeah. Everything else is the same.”

  Okay, let the games begin.…

  * * *

  Jack arrived at the Eagle’s Perch at precisely 6:00 p.m. after being driven there in a car by Corporal Tina Chan, who was an undercover operative borrowed from Drug Section. When they arrived, she double-parked near the entrance.

  For an hour prior to Jack’s arrival, two members from MCU had been watching from inside a surveillance van parked in the restaurant lot. Their objective was to see if they could spot anyone doing counter-surveillance. None had been spotted, but it didn’t mean they weren’t there.

  Two other MCU vehicles, one containing Corporal Frisby as a passenger and the other Constable Willisko, were positioned a couple of blocks away to conduct a loose surveillance on Jack when he was taken to the border. At that time Frisby and Willisko would then join the ATF agents in their vehicles.

  Jack eyed the parking lot. “No sign of Vath’s white Hyundai,” he noted. He then reached over the back seat and grabbed the backpack he’d stuffed with two days’ worth of clothing and toiletries.

  “Forgetting something?” Tina prodded, leaning toward him.

  “Hell, no.” Jack leaned over and embraced Tina before kissing her. “I knew there was something about working undercover that always attracted me,” he whispered, giving a husky tone to his voice.

  Tina snickered. “And a kiss and a hug is all you get,” she said, sitting back.

  Jack chuckled. “Obviously your nickname, Asian Heat, isn’t all that deserved.”

  “Well, I’ll tell you, Bubba, my husband sure thinks it is.”

  “Bubba?”

  Tina grinned. “With the guys you’ll probably be dealing with, that name sounds appropriate.”

  Jack gave her his usual lopsided smile. “You’re right. Come to think of it, if someone pulls out a banjo, I’ll run for the hills.” He reached for the door handle but Tina placed her hand on his arm.

  “Be careful down there.” Her eyes and her tone conveyed her worry.

  “Always.”

  “You sure I couldn’t come along as your ol’ lady?”

  “As much as I’d like you to, real bikers wouldn’t allow a woman along at this point. The bad guys might smell a rat.”

  Tina appeared to reflect on what he said, then replied, “Yeah … you’re right. They really are a chauvinist bunch of assholes.” She then kissed her fingertips and touched his lips. “Good luck.”

  Jack got out of the car, tossed his backpack over one shoulder, and entered the restaurant as Tina drove away. A quick look around confirmed that Vath wasn’t there. He took the only window seat available in the hope of remaining visible from the surveillance van, but the location did not afford that.

  Moments later, Jack saw Vath arrive in a taxi.

  We’re not taking a taxi into the U.S. What’s going on?

  He knew the observers in the van would be wondering the same thing.

  Vath entered the restaurant and quickly approached Jack, but he didn’t sit down. “You ready to go?” he asked.

  Jack lifted his backpack and said, “Ready whenever you are.”

  “Good, once you pay for your coffee we’re on our way.”

  “I saw you arrive in a taxi,” Jack noted as he remained seated. “How’re we going?”

  “I parked my wheels here earlier,” Vath replied, looking uncomfortable.

&n
bsp; “Oh? I didn’t see it. You drive a white Hyundai … right?

  “I traded that in yesterday and bought a Nissan Rogue. We’ll be taking it.”

  “So why’d you arrive in a taxi?

  “Yeah, uh, listen. Don’t get pissed off. I trust you, but my guys in the States … well, they’ve heard stories.”

  “Stories?”

  “Of guys being ripped off dealing with bikers. Not Satans Wrath, but I’m sure you understand. They’re nervous and want me to jump through a few hoops to make sure you’re alone.”

  “I’m alone,” Jack stated. “Also not carrying any weapons. If you want to search me, go ahead. We can go to the can.”

  “Naw, that’s okay.” He gestured toward the coffee mug. “You done?”

  Jack took the hint and went to the till. After he paid for his coffee he turned to head for the exit, but Vath tapped his arm.

  “No, this way,” Vath said. “Follow me.”

  So that’s your plan. Jack did as instructed and was led through the restaurant’s kitchen and out the rear door. By the surprised looks of the kitchen staff, he knew Vath wasn’t known to them.

  The Nissan Rogue was parked nearby and moments later they drove away via a back alley.

  Jack glanced at Vath.

  You’re not smart enough to pull a stunt like this. Obviously your source is.

  He took a long, slow breath.

  Too bad, I was hoping you’d all be dumb.

  Jack thought about his cover team still back by the restaurant, but told himself that within seconds the GPS in his phone would alert them to his movement.

  I’ve got nothing to worry about.

  Twenty minutes later they cleared U.S. Customs without incident. After that they were southbound on the I-5. It was then that he saw Willisko in the passenger seat of a car as it passed them. Thanks, Kate, for the reassurance. All is well, now make sure everyone backs off and gives us lots of space.

  Twenty-five minutes south of border Vath exited the I-5 into Ferndale.

  “Where we going?” Jack asked, feeling a sense of foreboding as Ferg’s murder came to mind.

  “This is where we’re to meet them.”