“Meaning?”

Rose shrugged and said, “Meaning they’re both good operators. They’re good at controlling situations and people to produce the results they want.”

Isaac nodded in agreement and said, “What you said does support a theory I have about what happened leading up to Fukushima’s murder.”

“A theory?” replied Rose. “I have read the report our LO sent from the Japanese police. It seemed pretty thorough to me. One of Fukushima’s bodyguards tried to kill Jack, but instead stabbed his boss to death.”

“Yes, and when the bodyguard made that mistake, Corporal Taggart was present.”

“Jack was not to blame! His presence was just coincidental to the mistake the bodyguard made.”

“Coincidental? Coincidence? Where have I heard those words before?”

“Sir, it was a coincidence. The bodyguard has already confessed to the Japanese police.”

“I am aware of that,” replied Isaac. “Several Japanese police officers actually witnessed the murder as they entered the room. Although they were so appalled and shocked at seeing Lee’s severed head and body, along with Fukushima getting his throat slashed, that I understand they were in a state of confusion as to exactly what was taking place and by who.”

“They did see it, though,” replied Rose. “There was no doubt that the bodyguard murdered Fukushima. He confessed to everything, including giving a detailed account of the murder here.”

“The murder of the homeless person in the park,” said Isaac, nodding his head.

“Sir, his name was Melvin Montgomery,” noted Rose.

Isaac looked curiously at Rose and asked, “Sounds like you have a personal interest?”

“No,” replied Rose. “It just sounds more decent giving him a name.” God, I’m glad Jack isn’t here. He’d never let me forget it.

“I agree,” replied Isaac. “In any event, the Japanese police found a video of Melvin Montgomery’s murder in a safe in one of Fukushima’s estates in Tokyo. It clearly shows Lee as the murderer. They also found a host of other files showing who was being bribed around the world and for how much. It included one of their higher-ranking police officers. They were able to prove it was the same officer who called Fukushima to tell him who Corporal Taggart and Constable Secord really were, and of the impending arrests.”

“The LO told me the Japanese police are very upset,” replied Rose. “Bribery is relatively rare amongst their department. To have a situation develop that nearly cost the lives of two foreigners is extremely embarrassing for them.”

“Yes, I understand they wish to formally apologize to both Corporal Taggart and Constable Secord,” said Isaac. “I have even heard talk that the Japanese ambassador wishes to present them each with a samurai sword as a token of their appreciation.”

“That’s nice to hear, although from a psychological point of view, I’m not sure if the sight of a samurai sword would speed up their recovery.”

“Good point,” mused Isaac.

“However, given the extraordinary circumstances and extreme danger Jack and Laura both faced, it was only through sheer courage and presence of mind that they survived. Naturally, I’ll be recommending them both for Commendation as well.”

Isaac stared at Rose silently for a moment, before leaning forward and saying, “First, perhaps you could ease my mind about something.”

“Sir?”

“It is the circumstances leading up Fukushima’s murder that have me slightly confused,” said Isaac. “Fukushima was a small man, was he not?”

“I guess so,” replied Rose. “Jack was able to control him. Mind you, it takes the fight out of someone to have their eyeball popped out with a fork.”

“Yes, which adds to my theory,” said Isaac. “You are aware that Corporal Taggart used a sleeper hold on Lee earlier to make it look like he was dead?”

“Yes, sir,” sighed Rose. “And I know members have been forbidden to use such holds since an incident years ago where a man died trying to swallow a bundle of heroin while being choked. But what choice did Jack have? Surely you don’t plan to reprimand him over —”

“No, the use of the sleeper hold … on Lee … does not concern me. Can you explain to me why someone of Corporal Taggart’s stature, size, and training, with his arm wrapped around the throat of a small man who had lost his eye, was unable to control him?”

“I don’t understand what you mean,” said Rose. “He did control him up until the bodyguard smashed through the wall and stabbed him in the fracas that followed.”

“Yes, and according to the eyewitness reports,” continued Isaac, “at that time Corporal Taggart was no longer holding Fukushima from behind. He was crouched in front of him and holding him up high by the front of his kimono. One police officer even thought Fukushima may have been unconscious at the time, but opened his remaining good eye when he was stabbed.”

Rose stared silently as her brain replayed the scenario of what she now realized had happened.

“The Japanese police did not figure it out,” said Isaac, “although they should have, with the other clues they were left with.”

“Other clues, sir?”

“They found the results of a polygraph test that Corporal Taggart took. They are extremely impressed with his ability to deceive the polygraph operator who worked for Fukushima. Particularly where he convinced the polygraph operator that he had lied to the police, hidden the body of a murder victim, and … let’s see … what were the exact words … yes, fooled the polygraph operator into believing he had ‘orchestrated or committed murder.’”

“Sounds like he owes our polygraph operator a debt of gratitude prepping him enough to save his butt,” replied Rose. “I’ll tell him he should buy Larry Killaly a drink.”

“Is that what you believe saved him?” asked Isaac.

Rose paused, wondering how to respond.

“Exactly. Glad to see you decided not to lie to me.” Isaac leaned forward, lowering his voice and said, “You know Corporal Taggart’s history. Could he have really been telling the truth?”

“Fukushima was an extremely dangerous man,” said Rose, quietly. “Statements indicate he not only threatened Jack and Laura, but their families, as well.”

“I am aware of that,” sighed Isaac. “So I have a proposition. How would it be if I keep my suspicions to myself and you forget about recommending them for Commendation?”

A tiny smile crossed Rose’s lips and she said, “Agreed. Knowing Jack and Laura, they aren’t the type who would care.”

“Good, I would have great difficulty in presenting it to him and pretending to be a fool.”

As Rose stood to leave she said, “Sir, the Japanese police said Fukushima had an army of over fifteen thousand strong scattered around the globe. If you were in the same circumstances as Jack and you heard the threats Fukushima made regarding your family, what would you have done to save yourself or your loved ones?”

“I certainly wouldn’t do what you are suggesting,” replied Isaac.

“Sir?”

“Forget about telling Corporal Taggart to buy our polygraph operator a drink. Larry Killaly doesn’t drink.”

Rose grinned all the way back to her office.

Jack caught the shimmering reflection of the candlelight in Natasha’s eyes as she glanced up and smiled at him from where she sat at their dining-room table. She savoured the last mouthful of peach flambé that Jack had made for dessert, then reached over and held his hand.

“You okay?” she asked.

“I’m not okay,” replied Jack. “I’m great. I love you so much.”

“I think you’re great, too.”

“And?” said Jack.

Natasha smiled and said, “And I love you, too.” She gestured to the open patio doors and said, “A full moon tonight. You know what that’s good for?”

“Howling?”

“You are such a beast. No, it’s good for making babies.”