Above Ground. Don Easton

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      “All this is purely speculation, sir. We don’t have grounds for a wiretap, and surveillance, except for today, isn’t likely to shed much light and could jeopardize Taggart and his investigations if he is innocent.”

      “I know, but see if you can find out exactly where he went in Mexico. Also give the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit a call. I know they’re also monitoring Satans Wrath.”

      “CFSEU? They’re independent. Do you really think we should be passing on our suspicions about Taggart this soon? He could be entirely innocent, and even if he isn’t, it might jeopardize our —”

      “No need to point fingers. Just say that we’re investigating potential leaks and would like to be kept apprised should they become aware of any involvement between any of our members and Satans Wrath.”

      “Yes, sir. One moment, please.... I just got word that Taggart is leaving the office,” added Legg.

      “See if the news was a surprise.”

      “We’re on him. Will let you know.”

      Jack was glad that he had the rest of the afternoon off as he crossed the Port Mann Bridge and headed east on the Trans-Canada Highway. He replayed the scenario in his head from when Louie had broken the news. Danny had been excited and anxious to call his wife, Susan, and let her know. She too had almost become a victim of Bishop’s assassination plot.

      Louie had then taken Jack into his own office and told him about Isaac’s concern. Louie’s advice was welcome but something Jack would have done regardless. Naturally he would want to tell his sister and brother-in-law that the man responsible for their children’s murders was dead.

      At first, Jack was careful not to move his head while scanning his rear-view mirror. Advertising paranoia could be construed as evidence of a guilty mind. Then again, if someone is trying to kill me — who wouldn’t be paranoid!

      He decided to make no pretence of hiding his actions and carefully studied all the vehicles around him. Nothing aroused his attention.

      It was almost three-thirty when he arrived at the farm. He gave his sister a big hug and a kiss as she came to the door.

      “What a pleasant surprise! Come on in. Where’s Natasha?”

      “Still at work.”

      Elizabeth hollered to Ben and he appeared from out of the barn and came over.

      “You have time for tea?”

      Jack nodded, then asked, “Is Marcie home yet?”

      “Her school bus should be along any minute. Why?”

      “Nothing. Just haven’t seen you for a while. How’s she doing?”

      “Doing great. I was worried when she turned thirteen that her hormones would kick in and maybe give us a challenge. Just the opposite. She’s now top in her class. Not bad for a kid who was on the street last year and ... you know, getting into that sort of life. The adoption is coming along great. She’ll soon be officially ours.”

      “That’s fantastic, Liz. I needed to hear some good news for a change.”

      Once Liz had plugged in the kettle, the three of them sat at the kitchen table.

      “When you called this morning,” said Ben, “you said a guy with your name was murdered. You here because of that?”

      “Are you in danger?” asked Liz.

      Jack shrugged. “Nothing new on that. The infant who was shot is going to live, but...” Jack stopped. He knew he couldn’t finish without losing control of his emotions.

      “But what?” asked Liz.

      “But ... that’s not why I’m here. The brass received a report today that the Mexican police found Bishop’s body. They suspect accidental drowning.”

      “Good,” said Ben.

      “Glad, that’s over,” added Liz. “Do you want a cookie?”

      Marcie burst through the kitchen door. “Hi, Jack!”

      He stood as she came, and she gave him a strong hug and a kiss on his cheek. “You here for dinner?” she asked, taking a seat.

      “No, I can’t stay long. Natasha will be off work at five. I want to be home.”

      “Those your friends out on the road?” asked Marcie.

      “What friends?”

      “Two cops driving by in an unmarked car. Really eyeballed our mailbox. Either cops or Jehovah’s Witnesses, but this is only Tuesday, not the weekend, so they gotta be cops.”

      Everyone exchanged glances and nobody spoke for several seconds. Then Jack said, “Heard it’s supposed to rain tomorrow.”

      chapter five

      Jack awakened feeling groggy. The memories of Bishop had been reawakened and it had been a long, restless night. He knew today wouldn’t go any better when Natasha looked across her breakfast and said, “I hadn’t told you before ... but I bumped into a Mexican policeman less than a kilometre from Bishop’s home the day before he died. I used the opportunity to practise my Spanish.”

      Jack felt a piece of egg rise from his stomach and swallowed again before asking, “Why?”

      “I didn’t know at the time what you were up to. I thought we were just on our honeymoon.”

      “No. Why didn’t you tell me this sooner? After ... it happened?”

      “I didn’t want you to worry. Now that they’ve said it’s an accident, it’s no big deal, right?”

      Wrong! It is a big deal! Jack looked at Natasha and thought, Why let her worry? “You’re right. I think it was just routine to follow me out to the farm. Tying up loose ends.”

      “Do you think they will continue to follow you?”

      “No. It wouldn’t gain them anything. As far as Ben and Liz go, that makes sense.”

      “I just thought ... what about the phones? Would they —”

      “They would never get grounds for a wiretap. It’s hard enough to get grounds on people with criminal histories, let alone us.”

      Natasha let out a deep breath and then smiled. “It’s finally over,” she murmured.

      Jack nodded, but his stomach continued to churn. The black coffee and eggs seemed more infused with grease.

      “You still look like something is troubling you,” said Natasha.

      “I just have a lot on the go. I’m okay.” “You don’t look it. This thing with Bishop — it could exacerbate the stress from last year. Now this thing with Holly’s husband.... СКАЧАТЬ