“In the next couple of days. It will be better for me if I have as many people on my side of the bargaining table as possible. With your connections and everything … I would be willing to cut you in on the action. I know dope isn’t your thing, but we could still work something out. Even if you were to act as a silent partner or something, with your connections maybe I could expand. Claim more territory to make me look good at the meeting. We could make a shitload of money.”

“I should meet Cocktail.”

“He’s more into the lab side of things. Not your bag.”

“Remember earlier when I said there was something you could help me with? When we were at Pizza 24-7?”

“Yeah, but I was busy going out to take care of Roach and Bagger. What do ya need?”

“I’ve got a friend who also moved here from back east. He’s into the dope scene. The guy is meticulous and good at calculation. With a little training, he would be ideal to run a lab.”

“Fuck, that fits right in with what I am asking you. Like I said, you obviously know people.”

“My friend’s name is Sammy. I spoke to him about it and he was thinking we could pipe the product back east. That way it wouldn’t step on any toes out here.”

“That’s even better yet.” Sy paused as he thought about it, smiled and said, “Hell, yeah, I’ll be glad to help. Provide the chemicals, training … how to set the lab up proper. Even find him a place to do it.”

“Sounds great. I’ll tell Sammy. How much money will he need to get started?”

“Fuck, don’t worry about that. We’ll front him what he needs to get started. Once he’s cooking he’ll be workin’ on commission. As long as he maintains his deadlines and makes it how he is supposed to, everything will be fine.”

“Sounds perfect. I’m sure he’ll be pleased. When could he get started?”

“Give me a day or two to arrange things. Too bad you hadn’t said something earlier. I could have mentioned it to Cocktail this morning.”

That evening, Jack and Laura met with Connie and Sammy and debriefed them on Jack’s conversation with Sy.

“God, we are going to get this guy,” said Connie, once more fondling the crucifix on her neck.

“You talking to us, or Him?” said Jack with a grin.

“You and Him,” replied Connie.

“I’ve hedged our bet,” said Jack, becoming serious again. “We have at least two chances. If he doesn’t show up to teach Sammy how to run the lab, then I will try to wangle a meeting with him through Sy at the truce conference.”

“So all these drive-by shootings should come to a halt,” said Connie.

“The truce is supposed to take place within a few days,” said Jack. “When it does, we can all breathe easier.”

“Maybe I’ll get a weekend off some day,” said Connie, happily. Her gaze drifted back to Jack and she said, “How the heck do you pretend to run a lab?”

“I know a guy who owns an old farmhouse on an acreage in Langley,” offered Sammy. “He used to raise chickens, but is retired now and travelling. The chicken coops are gone, but the house is usable. Months ago he rented it to some guys who started a grow-op. He clued in as to what they were doing and reported it. I’m sure I could convince him to let us use it.”

“Perfect,” replied Jack. “We can’t do any arrests involving the lab because it would lead back to our informant. Once we identify Cocktail, Laura and I will find an excuse to disappear.”

“We can’t be trafficking in meth!” said Connie.

Jack laughed and said, “Don’t worry, we won’t. In theory, it should take Sammy a week to get up and running before they expect product. By then, the truce meeting should have taken place.”

“And if it doesn’t or we still need more time to ID Cocktail, what then?” asked Connie.

“It will be easy to stall,” replied Jack. “Sammy could say he has to get out because the owner is on a round-the-world trip, but is coming back unexpectedly. Or we could arrange a fake bust on the lab. Have it done when Sammy isn’t there. It would be an excuse for him to flee.”

“This could work,” said Connie. “It might draw Cocktail out so we can identify him. Even if he doesn’t appear, if we follow Sy, he might lead us to him.”

“I don’t recommend you do that,” said Jack. “Cocktail is tied in with Satans Wrath. They are too adept at switching vehicles and spotting surveillance. If they spot a tail, we may never get another chance.”

“Plus,” said Laura, “Sy will be extremely kinky after being shot at the other night, not to mention his own guys being busted. They are all going to be looking over their shoulders. At least until a truce is finalized and who knows how long that will take.”

“Speaking of that, what about the risk that you might get caught in a crossfire again?” asked Connie.

“We’ll be careful,” said Jack. “When Sy says it is time to get the chemicals, I’ll rent a van that nobody will have seen before. When we leave the apartment, I’ll have Sy duck down so he won’t be seen by any of the opposition if they are watching.”

“Between the bikers, Cocktail, and the turf war, everyone is going to be paranoid as hell,” noted Sammy. “First time dealing with them, they’re going to be worrying about you doing a rip-off, as well.”

“For sure,” replied Jack. He looked at Laura and said, “Wear something tight and skimpy so they know you’re not packing a gun. The bikers will likely ensure we’re not being followed. You guys sit back and wait until we call you. I’m confident Sy trusts us, but I won’t be armed, either, in case we’re searched.”

“Sounds bloody dangerous,” said Connie. “I don’t like the idea of you not having backup. You know what policy says in that regard.”

“We’ll have you for backup,” said Jack. “Way back … waiting in Langley close to Sammy.”

“A lot of good that will do,” grumbled Connie.

“I don’t want anything to happen that could scare Cocktail away. Even if he doesn’t show up at the lab, there is still the backup plan over the truce meeting. I’m sure I can convince Sy to let me tag along for that.”

“Which is even more dangerous,” said Connie. “Going to a meeting with a bunch of guys who are at war with each other.”

“They may be at war with each other, but I think they will all respect the wishes of Satans Wrath,” said Jack. “Besides, they say there will be security to make sure nobody is armed.”

“If Cocktail shows up at Sammy’s lab, the meeting may not matter,” said Laura.

“One day at a time,” replied Jack.

“Maybe we should put a bug in the van you rent,” suggested Connie.

“Not a chance,” replied Jack. “Satans Wrath is liable to do a sweep. If they find a bug, we’re all dead. It’s bad enough having our apartment bugged, I’m not going to risk the van.”

“Speaking of bugs,” said Laura, “how is it going with the wiretaps?”

“Good,” replied Sammy. “I spoke with OCTF. All new names have been added to their Part VI. The judge signed it this morning so if anyone is dumb enough to use their phones, we should hear.”

“Tell them to keep their ears open,” said Jack. “If they hear of anyone that might be moving chemicals, I’d like to know about it.”

“I spoke to them,” replied Sammy. “I also didn’t want them busting us by mistake.”

“The two of you will be entirely on your own,” said Connie, looking back and forth at Jack and Laura.

“We know.”

Everyone sat for a moment in an uncomfortable silence. Eventually they all silently nodded in agreement.

Sammy placed a call and discovered that he could use the farm house in Langley any time he wanted.

“We’re set,” said Sammy. He looked at Connie’s worried face and lightheartedly said, “Hey, cheer up kid! What could possibly go wrong?”

Jack was driving to Sy’s apartment when his BlackBerry rang again. It was Gabriel Parsons.