“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 head. “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.

“No, I want to —” The sound of more horns convinced Jack to quickly squeeze into the back seat. “What are your names?” he asked.

“Hi, I’m Steven Thomas —”

“And I’m Kelly McMahon,” said the young woman excitedly. “Who are we following?”

“We? Okay … Steven, keep going straight.”

“If I have to run a red light, will you pay my ticket?” he asked.

“Only if I tell you to do it. Hang on. I need to speak to my partner.”

“Jack!” said Laura. “What the heck is going on? He went past me going the other way. I don’t think I can get turned around in this traffic in time to catch him. Sounds like you grabbed someone’s car?”

“He bought a new sports car. Says it runs great. Why is he driving a red Taurus?” Jack peered out the back window and saw Laura cutting into the centre lane as she looked for an opening to turn around.

“The red car ahead that just made a left turn?” asked Steven.

“What? Yeah, that one,” said Jack. “See if you can follow him, but drive carefully. It’s not worth anybody getting hurt.”

“Must be worth something for you to do this,” said Steven.

“Laura, he turned northbound on Burrard,” said Jack.

“So why is he driving this car instead of his other one?” asked Kelly.

“His other one is much fancier. Stands out,” said Jack.

“So he’s doing something he shouldn’t be and doesn’t want to get noticed,” said Steven.