Jack nodded again.

“Sir,” interjected Dyck. “That investigation is under the control of Major Crimes.”

“Of course it is,” replied Isaac, while staring at Jack. “Let me say, however, that under the circumstances, I concur with the decision not to disclose the name of the informant.”

“Thank you, sir,” replied Jack.

“My opinion has also changed, sir,” said Dyck quietly, while continuing to stare at the photos. “I agree completely,” he mumbled.

“Good,” replied Isaac. He looked at the inspector and cleared his throat to get his attention. “I realize that you are in charge of the investigation concerning the serial rapist. That being said, I am sure you are not opposed if Corporal Taggart should decide, whether now, or in the future, that he may be able to assist you. Should that happen, I would expect that he be given full access to the file if need be.”

“I would be glad to accommodate any action that would bring positive results,” said Dyck.

“The lead investigator in MCU is Constable Sue McCormick,” said Jack. “I expect to liase with her when the time is right.”

“Actually, Corporal Taggart has already given us some information to indicate the rapist may select

his victims by watching playgrounds,” conceded Dyck. “The problem is coming up with the manpower required for the number of playgrounds to watch. It would be better if we knew who the suspect was and do surveillance on him.”

“Unfortunately, we can’t always get what we want,” said Isaac.

“It might assist if I were to see the criminal profiler reports on the rapist,” suggested Jack.

Dyck glanced at Jack. “Corporal Crane and Constable McCormick are waiting in the cafeteria. McCormick brought the profile reports with her.”

“They’re not with you?” asked Isaac, gesturing to the briefcase that Dyck had set beside his chair.

“Uh, no. I have some photographs, but Constable McCormick has the bulk of the file with her in a box.”

“You were planning on using the photos as leverage to get the rapist’s name if things didn’t go your way?” asked Isaac.

Dyck’s ears turned crimson. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I realize that wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Sounds like you a Corporal Taggart think alike,” said Isaac, gesturing to the photos of the Welsh family.

Jack swallowed and felt his own ears turning warm.

“I suspect Corporal Taggart showed these pictures out of retaliation because I had already done the same to him earlier,” admitted Dyck. “It’s my fault that we seem to have gotten off to a bad start.”

“Clearing the air is a good start,” said Isaac. “Perhaps now, we can have a fresh beginning.”

Dyck and Jack looked at each other and nodded.

Isaac turned his attention to Rose. “As far as the murder investigation goes and considering the informant’s involvement, how do you propose working with Major Crimes on the issue? Ultimately, homicide is their mandate.”

Rose looked to Jack for guidance.

“I have no issues with us investigating that as a joint project,” said Jack. “With the information we have, I don’t know if we could get a wiretap yet, but it would be nice to try. I would suggest that MCU handle that end as it would keep us more in the background and alleviate exposure in court.”

“Any concern about your informant being identified on the wire?” asked Isaac.

Jack shook his head and said, “I don’t anticipate that the informant would be identified any more than countless other people that Oskar Cruickshank would contact.”

“I’m happy with that suggestion,” said Dyck. “I’ll get my office started on the paperwork immediately.”

After murmurs of agreement, Isaac said, “I take it you can all get back to work now. Good luck, everyone.” As they were about to get up, he added, “Corporal Taggart, I would like you to stay a moment longer, the rest of you may go.”

Isaac waited until the office cleared before addressing Jack. “A moment ago, I asked you if you had a plan in regard to the serial rapist. You nodded but never articulated what it was.”

“I have been giving it considerable thought, sir.”

“Anything you would like to share with me?”

“I am still working on it. I don’t have all my ducks in a row yet.”

“I found this to be an extremely upsetting matter to consider. I am still questioning whether or not I made the right decision.”

“So am I, sir. The thing is, we need time to investigate the murders, which may also require assistance from the informant.”

“I take it your informant is the rapist?”

“Yes, sir, he is,” admitted Jack.

“Time is something we may not have. It would sicken me if this man were to attack another victim.”

“It would sicken me, too, sir. But I am confident I have him under control at the moment. It’s more of a time issue, to catch the murderers before he ultimately puts himself in a position to be arrested. If he is caught prior to our conclusion of the murder investigation, my fear is that he may tip the murderers off that we are on to them.”

“How confident are you that you have him under control?”

Jack sighed. “I understand the political fallout that could arise.”

“Do you? The press would have a field day if they found out that we actually gave a serial rapist immunity and allowed him to strike again.”

“I know, sir. Let’s say that I am confident enough to say that if he does attack again, my resignation will be on your desk.”

Isaac stared at Jack a moment and said, “I know you are not the type to break your promises, so let me tell you that if he gets away with raping another woman, your resignation would be welcomed.”

Jack nodded that he understood.

“Your confidence also leads me to question your methods.”

“My methods?”

“Let’s say that I trust your plan will eventually culminate in his arrest and that he will be tried in a court of law.”

“Yes, sir, my plan is to have him arrested by Major Crimes.”

After Jack left, Isaac pressed his fingers to his lips and thought about it. I actually believe him. Am I getting senile in my old age?

Chapter Seventeen

Jack returned to his office, but saw that Laura was on the phone so he went to Rose’s office. Dyck, Connie Crane, and Sue McCormick were also there. Rose looked at Jack and raised her eyebrows.

“Isaac wanted to impress upon me the importance of having the rapist arrested and tried in a court of law,” Jack responded.

Rose’s voice sounded brittle when she replied. “I would certainly agree with that.”

“We all would,” said Dyck. “It is hardly something we need reminding of,” he added, puzzled that Isaac would even make such a comment.

Connie stared blandly at the inspector. He did not know Jack’s background or how many criminals who had died coincidental to his investigation before they could be arrested. Yeah … coincidental my ass …

Dyck shrugged it off, looked at Jack and asked, “Why did you try to protect me in there? Making it sound like it was your idea to have the meeting last Friday when you missed the call?”

“Thought maybe I could hold it over your head and blackmail you into becoming my informant,” replied Jack.

“What?”

Connie snickered, but Rose frowned at Jack before turning to the inspector. “Sir, he did it because he knows you care. He knows you want to see the bad guys go to jail. We all do.”

“I see that now,” replied Dyck. “I have to admit, this has been something of a learning experience for me.” He cleared his throat. “So, where do we go from here in regard to the murder investigation? I agree that getting a wiretap is crucial, but we likely need more than that.”