“And what pressure do they have in mind?” said Isaac bitterly. “I don’t want anyone losing focus as to the primary reason why he would be going to El Paso.”

“No, no. Of course not. They wouldn’t do anything to really jeopardize the case they are working on. It would simply be bureaucracy, which often happens, anyway.”

“Such as?”

“Taggart’s history, as well as John Adams’s, makes it abundantly clear they are both extremely dedicated to getting the job done.”

“And is this the reason you came up with Corporal Taggart’s name for this scheme? That he is extremely dedicated?” asked Isaac.

“Fanatical is more like it. Adams is apparently the same way. Look back on the investigations Taggart was involved in. Case after case where —”

“I am well aware of the cases he has worked on. In fact, I have made it my personal business to keep a close eye on him,” said Isaac. “Quite frankly, I feel irked that I was left out of the decision-making concerning this project. He is, after all, under my command.”

“Which is why I am calling you.”

“Right,” said Isaac, somewhat sarcastically, “after the big guy has already made the decision. So let’s get back to the intended pressure that is to be put on these two men. What exactly is intended?”

“Simply holding back or delaying resources once in a while should do the trick. Bureaucratic-type stuff that would grate against their personalities. Neither of these two men have a reputation for following policy.”

“Corporal Taggart is going to be working within a stone’s throw of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. I don’t think I need tell you how extremely dangerous that place is. It is also the home base of this Tio character. If you are cutting back or delaying resources, it better not be at the risk of anyone’s life. Whether it is Taggart’s, Adams’s, or anyone else’s.”

“Of course not, but Texas is the only place Taggart is authorized to be. Mexico is strictly off-limits. If Taggart follows policy, then he should be safe enough.”

“Safe enough? Every man, woman, cat, and dog owns a gun in Texas.” Isaac snorted derisively. “We are already asking this man to risk his life in an undercover situation by sending him there. Think about it. He will be dealing with a Mexican cartel that has already sent a hit team to Canada to commit a murder. They’d kill him without batting an eyelash if they thought something was wrong. Safe enough my ass. Would you do it?”

“No, but like I said, he’s a fanatic. We are well aware his assignment to El Paso is dangerous.”

“Which should be stress enough without intentionally adding to it.”

“I’m sure our American friends will be prudent. As far as his personal safety goes, he will be given whatever protection is possible in El Paso. If he is stupid enough to go into Mexico, he will be on his own. We can hardly ask our American counterparts to risk their lives by crossing that border also.”

“Guess I can’t argue with that logic.” Isaac sighed.

“So you are in agreement?”

“Well, I really think whether I agree or not is a moot point. I am sure the decision by the man above us has already been made. He is not interested in my opinion … which is why he had you call me instead of him. You calling to ask for my concurrence is only a formality.”

“You’re right about that, but aren’t you happy with the prospect of finding out if Taggart is dirty?”

“I would be, but let me go on record as saying I am opposed to Birds of a Feather for two reasons. The first being that Taggart is very sharp and I am not optimistic of success and —”

“The psychological experts would disagree with you,” Franklin interrupted. “They think once one starts to talk, it will open up a floodgate of chatter. The U.S. is confident Adams will talk. Taggart might even be called to testify against him and vice versa. It will be a feather in our cap to help the Americans. No pun intended. I bet they’ll be very grateful.”

“And I was going to add that considering Taggart’s intellect and his inherent ability to survive, all this brown-nosing you’re doing to the Americans may backfire on you,” said Isaac.

“Co-operation between countries is not brown-nosing, it’s simply good police work. What is your second reason?” Franklin asked.

“I don’t feel the basic concept of using a policeman from one country to catch a policeman from another country is a good idea. It won’t build a trusting relationship for future investigations once word of it gets out.”

“Listen … are you sure you wish to go on record for being against it? Think about your career. I’ve heard rumours you could be the next commissioner. Disagreeing with anything the chief says could … well, you know what he’s like.”

I must really be a candidate for the spot, otherwise he wouldn’t be sucking up to me like this … Isaac shook his head and replied, “I don’t care, I want my opinion noted. And as far as being offered the top spot, I would refuse.”

“You would?” replied Franklin incredulously.

“Being a political lackey for whatever government is in charge doesn’t appeal to me. Neither does hanging out with him in Ottawa and sucking up to him every chance I get, although I know you would disagree because you think brown-nosing is good police work.”

A moment of cold silence was followed with, “Fine,” came the crisp reply. “Your concerns will be duly noted. Now talk to Taggart’s superior and clear the way for Birds of a Feather to proceed.”

“I’m not done yet. You should know that if Taggart’s life is put in jeopardy down there as a result of your Birds of a Feather, I won’t remain quiet about it. International diplomacy be damned. Tell that to the commissioner!”

Staff Sergeant Rose Wood received a call from Isaac who said, “I’m letting you know Ottawa approved the operational plan submitted by I-HIT over the El Paso investigation, but with a few minor changes.”

“Yes, sir … and those changes would be?” asked Rose as she reached for her pen.

“Corporal Taggart has been approved as he will definitely be required due to his undercover role. He is to go to El Paso on his own for the first few days. With budget restrictions, Ottawa doesn’t see any need for the other members to attend until there is something more concrete to investigate.”

“I understand, sir,” replied Rose, “but the investigation is barely getting underway. I’m sure within the next few days we’ll identify Slater’s contacts in Canada and then discover who they are contacting in the States. The complexity of the investigation, what with a murder, a missing Canadian girl, cocaine importation … it will require a considerable amount of man hours and coordination.”

“In regard to the manpower needed, we got lucky. The Americans currently have a secret task force of investigators in El Paso composed of FBI, DEA, Customs, and ATF, who are all working on the Mexican drug cartels. They have offered their services, including a Special Agent John Adams who will work directly with Corporal Taggart.”

“Excellent.”

“I am assured Corporal Taggart will be well-protected in the U.S., but under no circumstances is he to enter Mexico. Recent kidnappings, murder, and corruption have made it strictly off-limits. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“As Corporal Taggart is to be meeting the target next Wednesday, I would think it prudent he arrive in El Paso by Monday. It will give him a chance to meet who he will be working with and also do any preliminary investigative work needed to move this case ahead.”

“Yes, sir.”

“He is going into extremely dangerous territory. Parts of El Paso are basically like the suburbs of Juarez. The Americans will be in charge of his safety down there, but I want you to inform him that if something doesn’t feel right, he should back out. Lily Rae may have been murdered down there, but I don’t want Taggart becoming the next victim. Is that clear?”