— like they’re dead. More blood on Jenny. Something a four-year-old should not have to experience. Something nobody should have to experience. He was spared the pictures of Charlie, who had already been rushed to hospital when the photos were taken.
His phone rang and he was glad for the opportunity to look away.
“Jack? It’s Laura Secord. Just got back from Bangkok last night and didn’t hear the news until this morning. What’s going on? Was it meant for you?”
“Don’t know,” replied Jack. “Maybe just a coincidence. What were you doing in Bangkok?”
“Playing the role of a dumb bimbo being used to body-pack a couple kilos of heroin. Why do I always have to play the dumb bimbo? Drug dealers are so damned sexist. They all have over-bloated egos. Wish I could play the parts you get just for once.”
Jack knew that Laura was anything but dumb. He had teamed up with her on the occasional assignment and found her to be one of the best operatives he had ever worked with. She had long chestnut-coloured hair, an attractive figure, and a face that was as sweet as her name. It fooled a lot of people. Underneath her pretty face was a mind that was extremely sharp. She was also pragmatic, and it served her specialty well. Bad guys often didn’t discover her real abilities until much too late. Her reputation was top-notch and her talents were in high demand.
“You didn’t play a bimbo when we did that operation in Edmonton a few years ago.”
“No, but that was unusual. Normally I’m there to show a little T and A and pretend to be someone’s girlfriend.”
“Look at it this way, you shock the bad guys a lot more when they find out what you’re really all about. That has to give you some satisfaction.”
“True. I do enjoy that part. Enough about me. What is going on with this other Jack Taggart being murdered? Any leads? Is it connected with you? I’ll be glad to help.”
“Doesn’t your husband still work in Internal Affairs?”
“Sort of. Elvis is on the Anti-Corruption side of it. What’s that got to do with anything? He’s a good guy! Oh man, not you too. Just because —”
“No, I’m just teasing. I know he’s a good guy. He’s got a good rep. He turned out pretty good for coming from such cruel parents.”
“His parents aren’t cruel! Where did you hear that? They’re nice people.”
“Naming your child Elvis is not cruel? Come on! He had to be either a fighter or a runner.”
Laura laughed and said, “He’s never been a runner.”
“That’s good. Listen, I really appreciate your call. Right now we don’t know what is going on. If I need...” Jack’s voice choked when he flipped over a photo and saw a close-up of Holly. Her anguish and helplessness was vivid on her bloody face. Am I responsible for this? Was this family ripped apart ... because of something I did?
“Jack? What is it? Jack?”
Jack shook his head to clear his mind and then said, “Sorry, Laura. Just looking at some crime scene photos from last night. It’s pretty bad. I should go.”
Jack hung up the phone just as Connie returned. She saw the photos on Jack’s desk.
“What the hell you doing? I can’t even go to the can for a minute without you snooping in my briefcase! I told you last night to stay out of this...” She caught the stricken look on his face and stopped.
Jack stared up at her. His eyes were watery and he said, “If this was meant for me ... I thought there might be some clue only I would recognize. There wasn’t. I really don’t have any names for you right now. Let me think about it. Maybe later. If I have any ideas, no matter how remote, I promise I’ll let you know.”
Connie nodded and said, “Good enough. In the meantime, keep a low profile.”
“I hear you. I will.”
“Got your word on that?”
“Yes.”
Danny entered as soon as she left. He took one look at Jack and said, “What is it? What did she say to you?”
Jack shook his head. “It’s not her. It’s me. I’m afraid ... that it’s all about me.” He stood and said, “I need some fresh air. Think I’ll go for a walk.”
“I’ll come too. Could use the exercise.”
“No. Thanks anyway. I’m okay. Just give me a few minutes.”
Jack breathed deeply as he walked outside the building. I just need a little time to...
His cellphone vibrated and he answered. It was Holly calling from the hospital. Her voice was a monotone. She had some news about Charlie. Wanted to tell him in person.
chapter four
Jack saw Holly talking with a doctor in the hallway near the nurse’s station. Jenny clung to her mother’s leg. Jack’s heart sent a silent message to his brain. He knew then that the murder had been intended for him. His brain had rationalized and tried to deny it, but in his heart he knew.
Jack waited until the doctor left before approaching. An orderly pushed a cart of lunch trays past and he tried to read Holly’s face as she looked at him from over the cart.
Jack was good at reading people’s faces and body language — his life had often depended upon it. With Holly he drew a blank. Is Charlie alive or dead? Her eyes looked dark from the puffy lids and bags in the skin. There were no tears. Perhaps, for the moment, she was cried out.
“I came as fast as I could,” he said.
“I want you to have this,” she said, taking a photograph out of her purse. “It was taken two weeks ago when Charlie took his first steps.”
Jack swallowed and took the picture from her hand. Charlie’s joy was evident as he beamed up at the camera, proud and delighted with his accomplishment. “Did ... did he survive the surgery?”
“Oh ... yes, he did.”
Jack realized that he had been holding his breath and let out a sigh of relief.
“But he was left paraplegic,” continued Holly. “He won’t ever walk again.”
Jack felt like a wrecking ball had just taken out his guts. For a moment, he felt his legs buckle and looked for a chair.
“I’m afraid to go see him alone ... with Jenny. You said you would help me. Please come with me.”
Jack went with Holly as if he was in a trance. He saw Charlie, his body being kept alive by tubes and machines.
Jack didn’t remember returning to his car or driving back to his office. Danny had not returned from lunch yet and he sat alone at his desk. His mind felt numb and he looked at Charlie’s picture again. He opened and closed his eyes a few times to try to regain control.
“Hi,
