“Hope I didn’t catch you in the middle of anything?” asked Gabriel.

“I’m not busy,” replied Jack. “What can I help you with? Is it Faith?”

“Faith is doing okay. Too sick to do much, but at least she’s home now. No, the reason I called is because of Noah. I would like your opinion on something.”

“My opinions are free. What is it?”

“Lately he’s been wanting to dress all in black like he is a vampire or something pagan. I simply won’t allow it. Now he’s bugging me to allow him to get a ring put through his eyebrow. It’s like he’s trying to make himself ugly. I know some of the kids at his school pierce their faces with jewellery, but Noah is only thirteen. What do you think?”

“He’s been through a lot for such a young guy. I realize he is still a child, but he is also reaching the age where he wants to show his independence. You need to talk to him. Maybe you could compromise a little. Perhaps allow him to wear certain clothing, but hold off on the face jewellery.”

“I try to be a good mother,” replied Gabriel, as her voice cracked.

“You’re a great mom. I admire you. Considering what has happened in your life … the stress you must be under … I’ve seen people fold under a lot less.”

“Well … thank you. I do find comfort in God. I pray that the man who killed Father Brown will turn to God and beg forgiveness.”

Jack thought about her comment after he hung up. Glad she didn’t ask for my opinion on that …

Jack met with Sy and told him that Sammy had a good spot already rented for a lab.

“Where at?” asked Sy.

“Somewhere out in Langley. An old house. It used to be a chicken farm. The owner is retired and is travelling around the world. Sammy is anxious to get started.”

“That’s great. Finding the right place is the hardest part. Chicken farm, eh? Cocktail will like that.”

Oh, I thought he would have preferred a daycare … “How soon before we can get started?” asked Jack.

“I gotta clear it with the bikers first. You staying upstairs tonight?”

“I’m not sure. Princess is afraid someone will come looking for you and start shooting up the place.”

“They didn’t get all my guys. I’ve got people guarding the place twenty-four-seven. I hate using phones. Why don’t you at least stay and I’ll come up and see you in a couple of hours. I might know somethin’ by then.”

An hour after Sy met with Jack, he took another stroll down the apartment hallway with two prospects from Satans Wrath, Chugger and Hamburger. Sy quickly told them about his new friends, Jay and Princess.

Hamburger did not tell Sy that Cocktail had given him the names earlier that morning.

“Jay is really connected,” said Sy. “He could make us a lot of money if I can convince him to partner up with me. He wants to set up a lab for a buddy of his. Good chance to impress him.”

“Yeah?” replied Hamburger. “You trust them both?”

“Fuckin’ A. They’re rock solid. Stake my life on it.”

“You will be,” said Chugger.

“Not a problem,” replied Sy. “They’re ready to go. Got an old farmhouse already.”

“We’ll front you what you need to get started,” said Hamburger. “First payment is seven days after delivery. If anything goes wrong …”

“I know.”

“How long have you known them?”

“Not long, but we’ve already done a lot of shit together. They came recommended to me by Rodine. They’re cousins. He’s known them all his life.”

“Tell ’em we’ll do it tomorrow. Take them both on a little trip while we check them out. If they’re not okay, you won’t be bringing them back.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Later that night, Sy met with Jack and told him that things were set for the following morning. Jack left the apartment complex immediately and he and Laura had another brief meeting with Connie and Sammy.

“Sounds like everything is a go,” said Connie.

“My team will supply some of the cover out at the farm,” said Sammy.

“Make sure it is only your team that does,” said Jack.

“Still no word on the dirty narc?” asked Connie.

Sammy shook his head.

“Nothing unusual has come over the monitors from our UC apartment,” said Laura.

“Not yet,” said Jack. “It would really surprise me if Satans Wrath doesn’t check us out before tomorrow. Maybe tonight we will get lucky. I mentioned to Sy that I would be staying in our other apartment tonight. I know he has a pass key.”

The following morning, Jack and Laura rented a van and drove to Sy’s apartment complex and parked in the underground lot. They went to Sy’s apartment and saw a note on the door telling them he was next door at Brewski’s. Moments later they were let inside by Lorraine and saw Sy and Brewski slurping coffee at the kitchen table. The apartment was covered with empty beer and liquor bottles.

“Good to see that you got out,” said Jack, giving Brewski a friendly pat on his back. “Looks like we missed a good party.”

“You did,” said Sy. “I went back to get you last night, but you were already gone.”

“I got sprung yesterday afternoon,” said Brewski. “Gotta appear in court next week to enter a plea. Should be able to drag it out for a couple of years. My lawyer says the cops aren’t saying why they searched us. Could be because of a wiretap or somethin’. He thinks we have a good chance of getting it tossed under a charter argument.”

“That’s great,” replied Jack.

“Same goes for the two in the Mustang,” said Sy. “It hadn’t been reported stolen yet so the cops had no legal reason to search it.”

“Excellent,” replied Jack.

“So, I hear you’re introducing Sy to someone to go into business with us,” said Brewski.

Jack nodded and said, “A buddy of mine by the name of Sammy.”

“And what business would Sammy be in?” smirked Lorraine.

“It’s called none of your business,” replied Jack.

Lorraine mouthed the words “fuck you” and smirked again.

“Speaking of which,” said Sy, “You both ready to go?”

“Both of us?” replied Jack. “I was thinking we didn’t need Princess.”

“Hey, I don’t want to be stuck sitting in the apartment by myself,” protested Laura.

“Not really any choice,” said Sy. “You have to come. My friends said they wanted to meet the both of you. You get a van to use?”

“Got one from Budget. It’s in the underground lot. You better duck down when we leave.”

“You don’t have to tell me. I’m doing a lot of ducking these days. Give me a minute to go back to my place and use the can. I’ll meet you both downstairs.”

When Jack and Laura left Brewski’s to go to the van, Laura grabbed Jack by the sleeve and said, “You try to cut me out of the action again and I’ll kick you in the nuts.”

“It just occurred to me, why should we risk the both of us if there’s no need?”

“That’s bull. You thought of it before and waited until we were in front of Sy, hoping he would agree with you.”

Jack frowned and said, “Okay, you’re right, but think about it. Why risk your life if we don’t need to?”

“Because I’m your partner. That’s why.”

Balvinder received his second call that morning and passed it on to Fateh. After that he sent the second text that morning to his contact with Satans Wrath, asking to meet. He received a text message back saying: “Like before. I’m busy. Meet this afternoon.”

Balvinder shrugged. He had done what was asked. Besides, by this afternoon the war might be over …