Jack Taggart Mysteries 7-Book Bundle. Don Easton

come up with another report. If Molen has burned us, it won’t take long to find out.”

      “The one who knows is Leitch,” said CC. “How about doing surveillance on him and hope he leads us to the Brit?”

      “That’s part of the problem,” explained Elvis. “Last time when we gave Molen the dummy report, he acted kinky. Later we saw Leitch just BlackBerry a message and then burn the report. I don’t think these two will get together any time soon. Also, Leitch is a lawyer, so good luck on trying to get a wiretap.”

      “CC is right,” said Jack. “Leitch is the key.”

      “He’s one key,” said Elvis. “How about Satans Wrath? What’s the head honcho’s name?”

      “Damien,” replied Jack.

      “Do you seriously believe, with all the lawyers in this city, that it is just a coincidence that Satans Wrath and the Brit use the same lawyer?” asked Elvis. “Come on! That’s who ultimately got the report from Leitch. He has to know what is going on.”

      “I agree there’s some connection,” said Jack, “but I’m certain Damien doesn’t know about it. He would never authorize someone to mess with a cop’s family like that. Not to mention this same person killed someone else thinking it was me. Damien wouldn’t make that mistake.”

      “Sounds like you think you know him pretty well,” said Elvis.

      Jack noticed Elvis studying his face closely as he responded. “We met last year when his guys screwed up. I think I know him well enough.”

      “You haven’t talked to him since?” asked Elvis.

      “Haven’t needed to, but what I’m saying is that Damien knows what I look like and who I’m married to. They wouldn’t kill Holly’s husband by mistake.”

      “I tend to agree with Jack,” added CC.

      Elvis looked at them both, then sighed and said, “Leaves us with trying another scam on Molen come Monday.” Then he looked at Jack and said, “Unless you have any other ideas?”

      “Try your idea. It could work.”

      “But if it doesn’t?” said Elvis. “What then?”

      Jack’s eyes narrowed. “I suppose CC will just have to keep doing surveillance on Leitch and hope she gets lucky.”

      CC didn’t respond. She didn’t believe he meant that any more than he did.

      chapter eighteen

      It was eleven o’clock Sunday night when Jack parked beside the cemetery and waited for Lance, who arrived twenty minutes late and got in Jack’s car.

      “Sorry, I’m late,” said Lance. “Was with The Toad. Couldn’t get away.”

      “Not a problem.”

      “Where’s Danny?”

      Jack turned on the interior light and told Lance what had happened. Jack could tell that Lance was uncomfortable, but it was because of the light and not because he knew anything about the Brit.

      Jack turned the light off with a promise that if Lance could identify the Brit before he did, then his debt would be considered repaid.

      Lance was quiet for a moment, then said, “I’m not so sure I like that deal.”

      Jack was surprised. “You would prefer to go with our earlier agreement and work for Club Fed for another four and a half years?”

      “I was just thinkin’. Anyone who did what that guy did ... I’d like to give him to you for free.” He pointed his finger at Jack and added, “And it’s four years and five months. I know my math.”

      “Hey, I’ll be glad to get a free one from you.”

      “You think I’m fuckin’ nuts? I’d like to give him to you for free, but I sure as hell won’t! I hate being a rat! The faster I pay you back the better I’ll feel.”

      Jack reflected upon his past debt with Damien. I know exactly how you feel.

      “I’ll keep my ears and eyes open,” continued Lance. “If I get a whiff of anyone matching that description, you’ll be the first to know. Kinda agree with you, though. I think that fuckin’ Leitch is working both sides. If Damien finds out he’s doin’ that, there’ll be one less lawyer in the city.” Lance chuckled and said, “Bet that doesn’t exactly worry you much.”

      “It would if we didn’t find out who the Brit is first.”

      Lance nodded and said, “Gotcha. But in the meantime, we got a shipload of coke comin’ in and I’ve been assigned to oversee the unloading. The Toad wants at least four vehicles to haul it away. Two hundred and fifty keys each. None of it will be going to the same place so there’s no way of rippin’ it all off. If you try to take it down at the dock, then I’ll get busted.”

      “What about the cash?”

      “The Toad is looking after that personally. He doesn’t want it and the dope in the same place at the same time. He’s going to hand it off to the Colombians at some motel. The Colombians will confirm they got the money and use a cellphone to tell someone on the ship to unload.”

      “Why is The Toad so paranoid about bringing the money to the dock?”

      “Doesn’t want to have all the eggs in one basket. He said the Colombians don’t want the money near the dock either.”

      “What motel?”

      “Hasn’t been picked yet. It’ll be my job to take The Toad and find a suitable motel. A few hours before the deal, he’ll take a few of his guys and the money and go to the motel. Nobody but him and me will know which motel until he gets there with his guys and calls the Colombians.”

      “So where does Damien sit on this?”

      “On his ass at home. This is all The Toad’s plannin’.”

      “Who handles Leitch ... or the Brit if it does turn out to be someone working for Damien?”

      Lance shrugged and said, “The way Damien feels, that end may fall by the wayside. I know this isn’t the news you want to hear, but once The Toad takes over, you may never find out.”

      “Then The Toad can’t take over,” said Jack.

      “Hey, man! If you bust The Toad at the motel then I’ll be burned to a crisp — probably literally.”

      “I won’t burn you.”

      “So what are ya gonna’ do? Nothin’?”

      Jack looked at Lance and said, “I’ll play it by ear.” He thought to himself, I’m going to squash a toad!

      On Monday morning, Jack was a little curious when his boss was twenty minutes late for work. Louie was usually half an hour early.

      Jack’s curiosity was answered when Louie showed up on a pair of crutches with a cast on one leg. Before Jack could ask, Louie gruffly said, “Saturday. Ladder slipped cleaning my gutters. Broke in three places. Enough said. What’s new with you?”

      “Not much since I called you Friday night.”

      “Molen getting another report?”

      “Yes. I-HIT is helping with surveillance too, but we’re not optimistic.”

      “Your friend doesn’t know who the Brit is?”

      Jack shook his head. “Met him last night. He does-n’t know.” Jack waited until Louie nodded in response, then asked, “Have you heard from Danny? How are they doing?”

      “We talked briefly. He’s taking stress leave. I think they’re planning on going someplace for a while. He’s talking about quitting. I suggested he take