Isaac studied him closely and then said, “You were also responsible for the DEA seizing a metric tonne of cocaine in San Diego three weeks ago. Perhaps Satans Wrath found out that you were involved? Your name was on the warrants for the speed labs here. Did the Americans use it on their warrant for the cocaine in the ship?”

“No sir. It was left out intentionally to protect my informant. Lots of people knew about the speed labs, but not too many new the details about the ship. I called the DEA agent I dealt with over that matter. I’ve known JimBo for years. I both trust and respect him. He assured me that he never divulged my name and simply identified me in a search warrant as a confidential informant. He didn’t even indicate that I was Canadian.”

“That much cocaine, it must have made someone angry,” said Isaac.

“Sir,” said Jack, “after 9-11, everyone knows that there is more security at the ports. I think the cartels expect to take a few hits once in a while. Even if Satans Wrath did find out, it still leaves us with the fact that they know what I look like. They also know what my wife looks like and that she’s a doctor. The victim in this matter lived in low-rental housing and was obviously poor. Satans Wrath wouldn’t make a blunder like that.”

Isaac leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table with his hands up by his lips, almost like he was praying. The room became quiet as everyone waited for him to speak.

Isaac stared at Jack, and then he concluded the meeting by saying that it was possible it was a coincidence but that he wanted to be apprised of any new developments.

As Jack headed back to his office, Connie came up from behind.

“Jack! Hold on a minute. I want to talk to you about a few things. I need some names.”

A few minutes later they entered Jack’s office, which consisted of his desk butting up to Danny’s desk. Danny offered Connie the use of his desk and left. Connie put her briefcase down on Danny’s desk and took out a pad of paper.

“I’ve thought of a few names,” said Jack, “but more to appease you than anything. None that I really think would do this.”

“I have to go to the lady’s room,” said Connie. “Think hard. Try and come up with a few more while I’m gone.”

As soon as she left, Jack slid her briefcase across to his desk and took out her file. He found a manila folder and dumped out numerous glossy photos of the crime scene. The horror shocked him. Blood on Holly’s face and hands from having dropped to her knees to hold her dead husband. Her eyes look blank — like they’re dead. More blood on Jenny. Something a four-year-old should not have to experience. Something nobody should have to experience. He was spared the pictures of Charlie, who had already been rushed to hospital when the photos were taken.

His phone rang and he was glad for the opportunity to look away.

“Jack? It’s Laura Secord. Just got back from Bangkok last night and didn’t hear the news until this morning. What’s going on? Was it meant for you?”

“Don’t know,” replied Jack. “Maybe just a coincidence. What were you doing in Bangkok?”

“Playing the role of a dumb bimbo being used to body-pack a couple kilos of heroin. Why do I always have to play the dumb bimbo? Drug dealers are so damned sexist. They all have over-bloated egos. Wish I could play the parts you get just for once.”

Jack knew that Laura was anything but dumb. He had teamed up with her on the occasional assignment and found her to be one of the best operatives he had ever worked with. She had long chestnut-coloured hair, an attractive figure, and a face that was as sweet as her name. It fooled a lot of people. Underneath her pretty face was a mind that was extremely sharp. She was also pragmatic, and it served her specialty well. Bad guys often didn’t discover her real abilities until much too late. Her reputation was top-notch and her talents were in high demand.

“You didn’t play a bimbo when we did that operation in Edmonton a few years ago.”

“No, but that was unusual. Normally I’m there to show a little T and A and pretend to be someone’s girlfriend.”

“Look at it this way, you shock the bad guys a lot more when they find out what you’re really all about. That has to give you some satisfaction.”

“True. I do enjoy that part. Enough about me. What is going on with this other Jack Taggart being murdered? Any leads? Is it connected with you? I’ll be glad to help.”

“Doesn’t your husband still work in Internal Affairs?”

“Sort of. Elvis is on the Anti-Corruption side of it. What’s that got to do with anything? He’s a good guy! Oh man, not you too. Just because —”

“No, I’m just teasing. I know he’s a good guy. He’s got a good rep. He turned out pretty good for coming from such cruel parents.”

“His parents aren’t cruel! Where did you hear that? They’re nice people.”

“Naming your child Elvis is not cruel? Come on! He had to be either a fighter or a runner.”

Laura laughed and said, “He’s never been a runner.”

“That’s good. Listen, I really appreciate your call. Right now we don’t know what is going on. If I need...” Jack’s voice choked when he flipped over a photo and saw a close-up of Holly. Her anguish and helplessness was vivid on her bloody face. Am I responsible for this? Was this family ripped apart ... because of something I did?

“Jack? What is it? Jack?”

Jack shook his head to clear his mind and then said, “Sorry, Laura. Just looking at some crime scene photos from last night. It’s pretty bad. I should go.”

Jack hung up the phone just as Connie returned. She saw the photos on Jack’s desk.

“What the hell you doing? I can’t even go to the can for a minute without you snooping in my briefcase! I told you last night to stay out of this...” She caught the stricken look on his face and stopped.

Jack stared up at her. His eyes were watery and he said, “If this was meant for me ... I thought there might be some clue only I would recognize. There wasn’t. I really don’t have any names for you right now. Let me think about it. Maybe later. If I have any ideas, no matter how remote, I promise I’ll let you know.”

Connie nodded and said, “Good enough. In the meantime, keep a low profile.”

“I hear you. I will.”

“Got your word on that?”

“Yes.”

Danny entered as soon as she left. He took one look at Jack and said, “What is it? What did she say to you?”

Jack shook his head. “It’s not her. It’s me. I’m afraid ... that it’s all about me.” He stood and said, “I need some fresh air. Think I’ll go for a walk.”

“I’ll come too. Could use the exercise.”

“No. Thanks anyway. I’m okay. Just give me a few minutes.”

Jack breathed deeply as he walked outside the building. I just need a little time to...

His cellphone vibrated and he answered. It was Holly calling from the hospital. Her voice was a monotone. She had some news about Charlie. Wanted to tell him in person.

chapter four

Jack saw Holly talking with a doctor in the hallway near the nurse’s station. Jenny clung to her mother’s leg. Jack’s heart sent a silent message to his brain. He knew then that the murder had been intended for him. His brain had rationalized and tried to deny it, but in his heart he knew.

Jack waited until the doctor left before approaching. An orderly pushed a cart of lunch trays past and he tried to read Holly’s face as she looked at him from over the cart.

Jack was good at reading people’s faces and body language — his life had often depended upon it. With Holly he drew a blank. Is Charlie alive or dead? Her eyes looked dark from the puffy lids and bags in the skin. There were no tears. Perhaps, for the moment, she was cried out.

“I came as fast as I could,” he said.