“What?” said the mailman. “What did you just say?”

Jack turned around and said, “Oh, uh … I probably shouldn’t be telling you, but what the hell, I think they’re gone, anyway. Have you ever heard of snuff films? Where people are sexually tortured and killed so the film can be sold to perverts to watch and get their kicks?”

“Is that what they’re doing in there?” roared the mailman.

Jack lowered his head and muttered, “I knew I shouldn’t have told you, but we couldn’t get a warrant.”

“Here, take it,” the mailman said, shoving the mail into Jack’s hand.

“Are you sure? I don’t want —”

“Take it!” he ordered.

Jack handed the mail to Adams, who took out his notebook and started writing.

“You all might like to know that three houses down the back alley from this house … on the other side of the alley, there is a policeman living there,” continued the mailman. “In case you need a place to watch it from or somethin’.”

“Thanks,” said Jack, “but we think the people in this house are moving someplace else, which is what we are hoping to find.”

“If they leave a forwarding address, I’ll give it to you all,” said the mailman. “Just swing by in a day or two about this time and I’ll be here.”

“Appreciate that,” replied Jack.

“I never would of thought,” said the mailman, looking at the house.

“Yeah, people make you sick sometimes,” said Jack. “We think they’re also into dope.”

“Oh yeah, for sure. I figured that, what with the cars they got.”

“Here,” said Adams holding out the mail. “Uh …” he then handed the mail back to Jack.

“Keep it,” said the mailman. “I don’t care if I never see it again!”

Jack glanced at Adams, who shook his head. “I guess we have what we need,” said Jack, handing the mail back.

The mailman reluctantly accepted it and Jack and Adams walked back to the car.

“God, that was something,” said Adams. “I never would have believed it.”

“I think most people are basically good,” replied Jack. “Sometimes the law screws up what should be common sense. Make sure you always protect that mailman. I feel crappy for giving him a line like that.”

“It worked.”

“Yes, but if word of it ever leaked, sometime someone will be working on snuff films and they’ll have a door slammed in their face. In this case I weighed what happened to your partner and decided that what I did was acceptable. Rotten, maybe, but acceptable enough for me to live with it.”

When they got back in the car, Adams hesitated before putting it in drive and said, “I think you and I would be good partners. Wish we were.”

“I’ve got a feeling we would be, too. Guess we are for a few days.”

“Mind if we skip lunch? I’d like to go back to the office and check out some of these names. On the way I’ll swing past a nightspot in El Paso that’s popular with both Mexicans and gringos. I could see you ending up there.”

“Good idea. Maybe grab a burger and eat as we drive.”

A short time later, between popping French fries in his mouth, Adams pointed out the nightspot he had spoken about. It was a huge building and was appropriately named The Old Warehouse. Adams said inside was a massive dance floor with a high platform built on each of the four corners of the dance floor. At night, they played country music and dance instructors were on each platform showing people the moves. The outside of the dance floor was surrounded by tables for the patrons to drink.

Adams told him that on some nights women from Juarez would come over to compete in a beauty pageant. He said the place often attracted a couple of thousand people at night.

“Perfect,” said Jack. “Let’s get to your office.” Jack liked The Old Warehouse. Not for being fun, although he was sure it would be, but if he had to use it as a ruse to lose a cover team it would be easy.

Adams and Jack entered the main office and Adams immediately went to his desk. Davidson was in his office talking to Weber and the other two bosses. He saw Jack and gave him a warm smile and waved him in. As Jack entered, Weber gave him a friendly pat on the back.

Conversation was light, with friendly bantering back and forth about the snow in Canada and what Jack must think of the spicy Mexican food.

When Jack noticed Adams stand up from his desk and give him a nod, he knew it was time to go.

“Anything you need, just ask,” said Davidson as Jack left.

Once Jack and Adams left the office, Davidson received a telephone call. “It’s the D.A,” he said to the others. “Close the door.”

Weber complied as Davidson talked to White.

“The profilers are hitting it right on,” said Davidson. “An hour ago the two of them were wishing they could be permanent partners. Adams was also telling the Mountie about some military operations.”

“Perfect,” replied White.

“I’ve kept the profilers apprised. They say what Adams has told the Mountie so far is like foreplay for what he really wants to talk about. The Mountie couldn’t have responded better than if he was working for us. They say Adams will definitely confess to him soon. Maybe even today.”

“Make sure he does it where we want him to do it.”

“We’re on top of it. Adams is an experienced investigator. He’ll do it when he feels there is nobody around but the two of them. Just like a Catholic going to confession.”

“You said building stress was the key. Putting them in a situation where they feel it is them against the world type of thing. Have you done that yet?”

“Not yet, but if Adams doesn’t spill his guts today, we can do it tomorrow when the Mountie goes undercover. Mind you, it may not be necessary. They’re putting enough stress on themselves by going into Mexico.”

“Going into Mexico?”

“Adams is taking him there right now to meet a CI. I think they are already under enough stress, but if need be, we’ll ramp up the pressure tomorrow. Delay allowing the Mountie to go to the Armadillo by saying we’re busy and can’t spare the backup team. Tell him he’ll have to wait an extra hour or so. Not a big deal, but with their personalities it will increase their stress load. If it doesn’t, we’ll come up with something else.”

“I wouldn’t have thought they would have clicked as partners so soon.”

“They really are birds of a feather. It will be a shame to break up their little partnership, but hey, they can become penpals,” said Davidson with a smile.

chapter twenty-six

Adams drove Jack across The Bridge of the Americas and they stopped at the Mexican Customs booth.

“Taking my amigo to show him how to drink tequila,” said Adams.

The customs officer grunted and waved them through.

It was quarter to three when Adams parked the car and the two of them cautiously made their way to an alley.

Jose Rubalcava arrived in the alley a moment later, approaching on foot from the other end. “I see you have brought a friend,” he said.

“He can be trusted,” said Adams.

“I know, otherwise you would not have brought him.” Rubalcava smiled. “And how have you been, John? I have been worried about you, amigo.”

Jack caught the subtle glance Rubalcava gave him when he spoke to Adams. There is something Rubalcava does not want to speak about in front of me. His face looks like there is serious justification for his concern …

“I’m okay,” Adams replied, giving Rubalcava a hard look. “Let me introduce you.”