“Those two and the guy with dead eyes who wears a suit, as well,” added CC. She looked at Sammy and said, “Thanks for thinking about me, anyway. If something of interest comes up on the UC or wiretap involving Wang’s people, let me know.”

Once the meeting came to an end, CC asked Jack if she could talk to him in private for a moment.

They found a quiet spot in the hall to talk and Jack asked, “Any chance we could get a surreptitious warrant for Goldie’s home and businesses?”

“Not a chance with what we’ve got,” replied CC. “Better hope what you and Laura are doing will turn up something. That’s if it really was the same guy in the park that Goldie was talking about.”

“You still don’t think it is?”

“The small footprint still bugs me. I’m not completely convinced that it is.”

“I am,” replied Jack confidently. “So what’s up? What did you want to talk to me about?”

CC took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “I have a confession to make. I spoke to Rose about you the other day.”

“You what? What about?”

CC glanced around and said, “You and I — well, you know what’s happened in previous murder investigations I’ve had. You’ve got to admit, you tend to stick your nose into investigations that you have no right to be involved in.”

“It’s not like they didn’t turn out well.”

“No, and I’m sure whoever the Coroners Service hired to keep up with the extra workload appreciates the work.”

“It wasn’t my fault.”

CC put her hand up and said, “Stop. Don’t even go there.”

“What did you tell Rose?”

“I told her my concerns and gave her my honest opinion.”

“Which is?”

“I feel you get too emotionally involved with the victims. I could see it on your face when we listened to Goldie and Wang on the car bug. I understood when it was your niece and nephew. Even when those guys came after your last partner’s family, I understood. But with you, it doesn’t stop there. This file is just about some homeless guy —”

“That homeless guy has a name. It’s Melvin Montgomery.”

“See? That proves my point. You’re becoming emotional just talking about it. You should stick to whatever it is you do on Intelligence and leave the homicides to me.”

“This is organized crime,” replied Jack adamantly. “Big time.”

“Yeah, maybe we are into that now, but you didn’t know that when you first butted in.”

Jack silently reflected on his thoughts for a moment. “Okay,” he said, quietly. “Melvin was Natasha’s patient. She liked him and was afraid the investigation would get swept under the carpet.”

“I would never do that.”

“I know. I told her so. As far as me being emotionally attached to the victims, you’re probably right. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I’ll try to make sure it doesn’t affect my judgment.”

CC paused as she looked at Jack before saying, “Fuck you. Don’t bullshit me. What do you think I am? Internal?”

“I’m not bullshitting. I’m married. My world has changed.”

“Yeah? Well, anyway, I wanted to apologize. I told Rose she should keep an eye on you. You’re a good cop. I don’t want to see you get in shit.”

Jack grinned momentarily, then said, “Don’t worry about it. I understand your point of view. We’re both trying to do the right thing.”

“Yeah, I know that. There is one more thing. When I was talking to Rose, I had the distinct impression she knew everything about your previous … uh, episodes. I think somebody else may have already spoken with her. You might want to keep your head up. Or is it down? Whatever. You know what I mean.”

“Thanks, CC. Appreciate it.”

On their way back to their office, Laura turned to Jack and asked, “What did CC want?”

“She apologized for speaking to Rose the other day. Feels guilty.”

“Good,” replied Laura.

“Rose said she probably would apologize. She could tell how guilty CC felt.”

At 8:30 Friday night, Jack and Laura sat in their usual spot in Goldie Locks. They were barely seated when Jack received a call from Sammy.

“I’ll be there any second,” said Sammy, speaking rapidly. “Our operator is with Jojo and heading your way. They’re only about two blocks behind me. Jojo is going to make our operator wait outside in his car while he goes in to talk with the man. Jojo is really pissed off and doesn’t want to do it, but our guy said for the amount he is buying, he wants to make sure he is guaranteed a better price next time and wants to be able to score if Jojo isn’t around. Jojo said he would ask, but I bet he doesn’t.”

“Good luck,” said Jack, hanging up his phone. He quickly relayed the information to Laura as Patty approached to take their order.

“Three-olive martini and a Bellini?” Patty asked, with a smile.

“Sounds good to start,” replied Jack.

“Uh, Mister Goldie said if I see you to let him know,” said Patty.

“Fine,” replied Jack. “Tell him we’re here.”

When Patty placed their order with Purvis and disappeared into the back of the club, Jack saw Sammy saunter in and take a seat on the opposite side of the club. It was a good spot. Between them, they would be able to watch everyone without having to leave their seats.

Moments later, Patty returned with their drinks and said, “Jack, Mister Goldie asked if you would meet him in his office for a moment. I think he is expecting an important call and doesn’t want to miss it.”

Jack looked at Laura and she said, “That’s okay, honey. I’ll wait.”

As Jack followed Patty he caught a glimpse of Jojo entering the club. He knew that Laura also saw him and continued to follow the waitress down a short hallway to Goldie’s office.

“Come on in,” said Goldie, looking up over the screen on his laptop and eyeing Jack carefully.

Any warmth Jack had detected in Goldie’s voice the last time they met was gone.

“Thanks, Patty,” said Goldie. “That is all. Close the door after you.”

Once Patty had left, Goldie arose from his desk and gestured for Jack to take a seat in a sitting area in his office that was composed of an overstuffed black-and-white cowhide patterned leather sofa and two matching leather chairs.

A glass coffee table in the centre contained a moss-filled, black clay pot sprouting a cluster of white orchids.

Jack selected a chair and Goldie sat across the table from him on the sofa.

“What is it, Arthur? You seem a little distraught?”

Goldie glared silently at Jack for a moment, his eyes studying Jack’s face for a response.

Ah, the psychological games we play, thought Jack. You bring me into your lair, close the door, and adopt an alpha-male attitude … Jack eyed the plant on the coffee table and smiled. He leaned forward, slightly turning the clay pot. “Beautiful. The moth orchid. They’re such an exotic flower. One of my favourites. A common variety perhaps, but beautiful, nonetheless.”

“Yes, it is.”

“So,” said Jack harshly, pointing his finger at Goldie. “We’re not here to discuss flowers. What’s on your mind?”

The change in Jack’s demeanour caught Goldie off guard and he automatically leaned back on the sofa. “Well … I received some rather disturbing news this morning. Rather upsetting. It concerns you.”

“Concerns me?” replied Jack. His tone was friendly again. His face showed surprise, as he turned the pot back to its original position.

Goldie felt a little confused. How will he respond? Admire my damned plant and smile … or reach in his pocket for a jackknife? Goldie took a deep breath, subconsciously crossed his legs and said, “It’s about an incident that happened in Montreal two nights ago. You didn’t hear about it?”

“I’ve been out boating for the last few days,” said Jack casually. “Haven’t stayed in touch with the news. I do have a few calls to return, but no indication of anything urgent. Why? I can’t imagine anything that would have any affect on you. Has the RCMP been around again making their usual vociferous and blasphemous accusations? I understood they had finished prodding into my affairs.”