Art and Murder. Don Easton

a question I was told to put to you. The Ringmaster will be along shortly. Please be patient.”

      Kerin nodded, unaware that the Ringmaster was already watching with binoculars. Every look and gesture Kerin made was being closely scrutinized.

      Chapter Three

      In the hotel room in Vancouver, Brandy sat up after Klaus had flung her onto the bed. She did her best to smile at Liam. “You know, seeing as it is your stag, maybe I could help you fulfill your fantasy of having three girls at once.”

      Liam looked up from a Scotch he was pouring. “Really?”

      “I know two other girls. They’re really pretty … classy-looking. What d’you say I give them a call and get this party really rocking?”

      Liam looked at Klaus and Clive. “That’s a great idea!”

      Klaus was skeptical. “Why are you offering to do this?” he asked. “What is it you really —”

      “You guys have worn me out,” Brandy said. “Two extra girls will give me a break and it will be better for everyone.” She shrugged. “If you don’t like the looks of them, you don’t have to let ’em in.”

      Klaus looked at Brandy suspiciously. “I’m not sure if —”

      “Yeah, yeah,” Brandy continued. “It will cost a little more, but I’m sure cash or blow isn’t a problem for you guys.” She gave a nod toward Liam. “Let’s make his night really special.” It’s not like you plan on paying, anyway.

      “Yeah, Klausie,” Liam slurred. “Like she says, it’s my night. Come on, it’ll be a blast!”

      Klaus thought for a moment, then bent over so he was nose to nose with Brandy. “Okay, give them a call … but if things don’t turn out good, I’ll break your fucking neck and haul you out in a suitcase. You got that?”

      I believe you. I’ve seen Pulp Fiction like ten times. I know people do stuff —

      “I said you got that?” Klaus demanded again.

      Brandy nodded, then went and picked up her purse. When she found the slip of paper, Klaus grabbed it from her and looked at the number, then used her phone and dialled it himself.

      Brandy swallowed nervously. “Ask for Jackie.”

      She was relieved when Klaus handed her the phone and said, “It’s ringing. You talk to her.”

      She did her best to give Klaus a reassuring smile as she sat in a chair and held the phone tight to her ear.

      * * *

      It was one-thirty in the morning when Corporal Jack Taggart grabbed the phone on the bedside table before it started the second ring. It was a common occurrence and he reacted quickly, hoping not to disturb his wife. It did, but Natasha was used to the calls and started to doze off again.

      Jack was an undercover police operative who worked on an intelligence unit with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Vancouver. Along with his partner, Constable Laura Secord, they were like a constant open sore on the side of established organized crime families. For crime families that were not as well established, the sore was often fatal.

      Undercover operations were only one of the tools they used in their battle against organized crime. Wiretaps were also used, but their most important tool was informants. To protect their own identities and those of their informants, undercover operators on the intelligence unit seldom went to court. It was up to their discretion if what they learned would be turned over to other units to further the investigation for court purposes.

      Jack had an exceptional ability to gain the trust of informants. It was a trust that was well deserved. He protected his informants like a mother bear with her cubs.

      “Jackie, it … it’s me … Brandy.”

      Jackie? Jack heard the strain in her voice and knew she was in trouble. “I told you not to call me direct when you want to speak to Jackie,” Jack said, while turning on the bedside light and prodding Natasha with his foot. “Besides, I hate phones. You never know who could be listening.” He got ready to hand the phone to Natasha if need be.

      Natasha sat up in bed. She was still groggy, but from the concern on Jack’s face, she knew something was amiss. “I’m Jackie?” she whispered.

      Jack put his finger to his lips for her to be quiet. “You hear what I’m sayin’ about the listenin’ bit?”

      “You’re okay,” replied Brandy, “which is why I called to let you in on a good thing. I’m in a room at the Emerald Hotel. Top floor, corner … uh …” She hesitated. “Room 1201. Got three guys looking to party.” She then lowered her voice as if speaking in confidence and said, “These guys are loaded. Think you and Laura would like in on it?”

      “Three guys…. Do they have guns?” Jack asked.

      “I don’t think so … but …”

      Jack heard her panting for breath and knew she was starting to hyperventilate. “Are you in immediate danger?” he asked.

      “Not immediately … but soon,” Brandy replied, as if repeating someone else’s words. “You should get here as soon as possible. Like within the hour.”

      “Is there anything else you can tell me about these guys?” Jack asked. “Say yes when I hit it right. Are they —”

      “I think I told you about him … he’s really rich. You said I had all the luck and you wished you could meet him.”

      “You’re with Clive?”

      “Yes … but you need to meet him. He’s really good-looking. So’s his friend. Not a fat guy, either. He works out.”

      “Klaus is there too?”

      “You bet. These guys are real gentlemen and will treat you good.”

      “We’re on our way. Forty-five minutes tops.”

      * * *

      Brandy hung up and glanced at Clive as he turned up the music on the radio. Liam lay on his back on the bed and gestured with his finger for her to come to him. When she stood up, he pulled his penis back to expose his scrotum.

      “While we’re waiting, give my boys a good licking, will you, darlin’.”

      Brandy nodded nervously, then got on her knees between his legs and complied with his request, unaware that Klaus was twirling a pillowcase behind her to use as a gag so that further, more painful acts could be performed without her screams being heard.

      Chapter Four

      “Who’s Jackie?” Natasha asked as soon as Jack hung up.

      “Me.” Jack pushed the speed dial to call Laura.

      “Then who was I supposed to be?”

      “A hooker.”

      “Kick me like that again,” Natasha said, “and I might start charging you. Can I go back to sleep now?”

      Jack nodded and turned his attention to the phone when Laura answered. His instructions were brief and terse.

      “Got it,” said Laura. “You’ll be here in what … twenty-five minutes?”

      “Fifteen,” Jack replied and hung up. As he reached for his clothes, his brain nagged him about what Brandy had gotten herself into. Or more like what I got her into.

      He shoved his Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol into his belt at the back of his pants, then hesitated before going to the closet to retrieve an issue twelve-gauge Bushmaster shotgun with a metal folding stock and pistol grip. It could be held under his jacket without being seen.

      He heard Natasha suck in a mouthful of air. “Trouble?” she asked.

      “Not