A Delicate Matter Read online

  “A mother’s love can sometimes be blind — which is what I want.”

  “Which is what you want?” Laura echoed.

  “He won’t be retiring in peace. Vicki will hold this against him for the rest of his life. Anything I can do to hurt him makes me happy, petty as that sounds.”

  “You hurt him tonight, but speaking of a mother’s love, there’s something you should consider.”

  “That being?”

  “She’ll do anything to protect her family. I saw the look she gave you when you spoke about Katie in rehab. I thought she was going to leap across the table and gouge your eyes out. Same when she realized you’d videoed Buck.”

  “It wasn’t only me who was there tonight,” Jack replied. “You were there, too.”

  “Yes, but she focused on you,” Laura said pointedly. “You’re the one she blames.”

  “Satans Wrath are to blame. We were simply watching from the sidelines.”

  “Think she’ll see it that way?”

  “Probably not,” Jack replied.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “You’re just going to stand there? Say something!” demanded Vicki as she crossed the foyer to where Damien stood.

  Damien grimaced. “There’s nothing I can do.” Damn you, Taggart. You intentionally riled her up.

  “Bullshit!” Vicki seethed. “You’re telling me you’re going to let some guy walk into our house and tell us he’s taking our son away from us?”

  “He’s not taking him from us. At worst, Buck will serve a couple years.”

  “A couple years? You heard what he said! You got enemies! What about the guy he killed? Who’s he with?”

  Damien put his finger to his lips. “Outside. We’re not talking in here.”

  Moments later Damien and Vicki were on a path that meandered through the back garden of their estate. After passing a koi pond, they stopped alongside a clump of California lilac bushes that partially covered the stone wall at the far end of their property.

  “Okay,” Damien said. “There’s no need to worry about the chump who got killed. He’s nobody. He was the leader of some piss-ant little club called the Cobras. There won’t be any retaliation from them.”

  “Was he really given two days to pay up?”

  “Probably. Stuff like that doesn’t need my approval.”

  Vicki looked at Damien accusingly. “Someone in the club had to have ratted for Taggart to know. You guys aren’t as close as you think. It shouldn’t bother you to do the same and give Taggart what he wants if it means saving Buck.”

  “The rat wouldn’t be one of our guys,” Damien said assuredly. “Buck was with a bunch of wannabes called the Gypsy Devils. It’d be one of them who screwed up. Most likely by being stupid and saying something over a phone or a bug than actually ratting. Either way, the GDs’ll pay. I’ll give them two weeks to find out who and take care of him. Otherwise we’ll find out for them — and take out a couple more for allowing it to happen.”

  “Two weeks! For what this jerk did to Buck? Make ’em pay now!”

  “Calm down there, Mama Bear. Rushing out and killing the wrong person could make the situation worse. Give the Gypsy Devils time to look after it themselves. Don’t worry, whoever ratted won’t be above ground very long.”

  “Guess what’s really important is what’s going to happen to Buck!” Vicki said hotly. She eyed Damien reflectively. “What Taggart said about you having enemies — I know you do. Some are bound to be in jail. If not, they’ll have connections inside.”

  “We have people on the inside, too,” Damien told her. “If Buck goes to jail, he won’t be on his own.”

  “So you’re talking about warring gangs in prison? You think it’s okay to put our son into that?” she said angrily.

  “If things don’t look safe, Buck would be moved to solitary. He’d be safe there. That’s if he’s convicted in the first place.”

  “Which is what we should be talking about! Do something so he isn’t charged and sent to jail.”

  “I can’t stop Taggart from having him charged,” Damien said grimly.

  “Can’t? Or won’t?” Vicki snapped. “Give him that European thing he was asking for.”

  “I’m not ratting on the club.”

  “You heard Taggart. He could put all the heat on the other side. The club would never suspect you.”

  “I don’t give a fuck about that! I won’t do it because I’d never sell out my guys!”

  “Aaagh…!” she yelled in frustration. “Then kill the bastard! Secord, too. Let it be a lesson for everyone. Nobody messes with our family!”

  “Calm down. Are you forgetting that Taggart and Secord saved your life once? Katie’s, too.”

  “So what?” Vicki replied contemptuously. “That was their job.”

  Damien shook his head. “Tonight Taggart said there was another cop with them when they videoed. I’ve got the feeling he lied, but either way, killing them isn’t a viable option.”

  “Why not? I’ll shoot him myself if I have to. He’s not getting away with this!”

  “Lower your voice, damn it, and quit talking stupid.” Damien watched as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She’s been weepy and stressed all month, ever since her dad entered the hospice. Guess she knows what’s coming, seeing as her mom died four years ago from smoking like a chimney.

  Vicki took a deep breath, then exhaled. “I’m not talking stupid,” she insisted. “I’m talking about our son.”

  Damien sighed. “You’re not being rational. I’m not going to start murdering cops over Buck going to jail for a couple of years.” He eyed her closely. “I’ve never heard you talk like this before.”

  Vicki’s eyes flashed. “You’re right. I’ve never talked like this before or asked for anything. Even when Katie and I were kidnapped by the Colombians over one of your dope deals, did I ever complain?”

  God, don’t remind me. He swallowed. “No, you didn’t.”

  Vicki raised her hand to expose a missing finger. “Even when they cut this off, along with my wedding ring, I never complained.”

  That was horrible.

  Vicki continued, “Since then you’ve made me pack a gun in my purse when I go anywhere. Do you think that actually puts my mind at rest?”

  “I guess not, but what else can —”

  “You’re damned right it doesn’t! I also never complained either time you gave me chlamydia.”

  “I told you I used condoms. They broke. Wasn’t like I gave you AIDS or something.”

  “That’s all you got to say about it?”

  Damien looked at her coldly. “If you wanted to marry a saint, you should’ve hung out at a church. You knew what I was like. You enjoyed hanging out with the bad boys. You thought it was cool.”

  “What’re you saying? That I’m just one of your desperate pathetic tramps who clings to a pole in a nightclub?”

  “No, you’re the opposite,” Damien replied evenly. “Most of them are drug addicted, have low intelligence, and come from dysfunctional families. Your dad was an engineer. You come from money and are educated — and smart enough when we met to know what I was about.”

  “I was young. Only twenty-one when we got married and pregnant with Buck. What the hell did I know? You were thirty-nine. I looked up to you as someone who was strong and would look after me.”

  “Are you telling me you haven’t been well looked after? Take a look around. I never heard you complaining when we moved here, and certainly not about all the shopping you do. Clothes, jewellery.”

  “I’ve also put up with all your other crap,” she said. “Trying to raise three kids and putting up with gang wars, your business deals. I never complained or asked for anything.” Vicki gestured with her hands. “This time is different. This time I am asking that —”

  “M
y business deals have brought in a lot of money.” Damien scowled. “Millions. You’ve never complained about that, either.”

  “I was short-sighted. Christ, when I’m in my early sixties, you’ll be eighty. I’ll probably be pushing you around in a wheelchair. Some future I’ve got to look forward to. You ever think of that?”

  “Is that what this conversation is about? Your future? I thought it was about Buck.”

  Vicki looked at Damien contemptuously. “I didn’t even blame you when our own daughter got addicted, and I sure as hell should’ve.”

  “Blame me? I sent Katie to Italy and put her in the best rehab place there is.”

  “Yeah? Or are you hiding her out of embarrassment?”

  “Our daughter’s sick. I’m not embarrassed about it.”

  “Ever wonder if her addiction came from the dope you imported?”

  Damien was taken back. “That’s bullshit! Katie was told never to do drugs. If I built cars and she was hit by a car crossing the street, would it be my fault? She was taught to take care of herself.”

  “Damn it, Damien,” Vicki wailed. “She’s been in a dozen rehabs! We’ve lost her and you know it!”

  Yeah, I know it. Christ, I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. He felt his eyes moisten.

  “Buck is all that’s left of our family. I’ve never asked for anything before, but I’m asking now. Save him!”

  “Taggart said he’d give us two days. In the morning I’ll meet with Buck, then take him to see Basil. We’ll get the best defence possible.”

  “Defence?” Vicki exclaimed. “That isn’t good enough! Taggart gave us two days. That should be enough time to put that bastard in the ground!”

  “It wouldn’t keep Buck out of jail,” Damien retorted. “The video would still be entered as evidence. The upshot would be a bunch more club members going to jail — or killed while being arrested.”

  “I’d go to jail to save Buck,” Vicki said.

  Yeah, you would, too. Damien shook his head in awe. I love you so much. “Listen, I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you tonight.” He wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her close, but she pushed him away. “I’d care if you went to jail,” he said.

  Vicki looked silently up at him. Her face was blank.

  “You do know that I love you, right?” he murmured.

  “Sure I do, but not as much as you love your club.”

  Damien made a conscious effort to control his frustration.

  “What about bribing them?” Vicki suggested. “It isn’t like we can’t spare a couple million.”

  “I know Taggart. He’d seize the money and charge us with bribery.”

  “Then I don’t see any alternative.” She eyed Damien briefly. “You know what needs to be done. Kill ’em!”

  “That’s not happening.”

  “Then I’ll do it myself,” she threatened.

  Damien could no longer control his temper. “Cool it, you dizzy bitch! The club is my family and it’s about to become Buck’s family, too. Keep the fuck out of it!”

  Vicki’s mouth fell open.

  Damien regretted his words as soon as he’d said them. “I’m sorry,” he added gruffly. “I shouldn’t have said that, but the club is my business and you know not to stick your nose into it.”

  Vicki was momentarily at a loss for words. She sucked in several deep breaths as a combination of rage and grief consumed her.

  “Five years is the most Buck would do,” Damien assured her. “Maybe less if the right judge can get involved. Either way, Buck can take his licks like a man. He’s not your little boy anymore.”

  “You bastard,” she spat out. “That’s it, I’m packing a bag.”

  “Where you going?” Damien demanded as she turned and stomped back to the house.

  “My sister’s. I can’t stomach being around you.”

  Damien stared after her. Maybe that’s for the best. Give her a couple days to cool off.

  Chapter Twenty

  Jack got home at six in the morning. He tried to be quiet as he undressed, but Natasha awoke, first glancing at him and then the clock. “You working twenty-four-hour shifts these days?” she grumbled.

  “Seems like it.”

  “Did you eat?”

  “Grabbed a burger for lunch yesterday. Never had time for supper. I’m too tired to be hungry.”

  “You’ll sleep better if you eat,” she said, getting out of bed and reaching for her robe. “I’ll make some hash browns and eggs.”

  “You don’t need to. Why don’t you try to sleep a little long —”

  “I’m awake. It’s okay.”

  Jack gave her a kiss, hugged her, then kissed her again. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, but you stink. Take a shower and I’ll make us breakfast.”

  Jack nodded.

  “Do we have you for the next two days? You said you’d be taking today and tomorrow off. By the time you sleep, half the day will be gone.”

  “I know, I’m sorry,” Jack replied. “I’m expecting a phone call this morning, but it should be short. How about waking me at noon and we’ll take the boys to a park for a wiener roast?”

  “They’d like that.”

  An hour later Jack had finished breakfast and was getting up from the table when he received the call he was expecting.

  “Hey, Connie, to what do I owe the honour of I-HIT’s ace investigator calling me at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday?”

  “Sorry,” Connie said. “VPD Homicide picked up a new one last night. I got a call from Detective Wilson around midnight wanting some info. I ended up attending and haven’t been to bed since. You’re lucky I let you sleep this long.” A couple of seconds passed before she said,. “One guess as to who was murdered.”

  “If Wilson called you, I imagine it involves King and Weasel, seeing as they live in VPD’s jurisdiction.”

  “You’re right. King was beaten to death and Weasel is in the hospital with a broken leg, broken collarbone, and a couple of broken ribs. Wilson found out that I tried to interview King about Dwayne’s murder and called me.”

  “Is he handling the case?”

  “He’s the lead detective, but considering that it’s likely entwined with Dwayne’s murder, I’ll work with him.”

  “Did Weasel say who did it?” Jack asked.

  “He said three guys wearing masks came in and attacked King. Told us he had no idea who they were or why they did it. Said he tried to help King but got attacked himself. I’m sure he’s lying. VPD found a witness who said she saw a group of guys going down the alley toward King’s house about twenty minutes before the ambulance showed.”

  “Can she identify them?”

  “It was too dark and she only got glimpses of movement between the boards on her fence. She was at her kitchen sink and saw a couple of vehicles go by first, then minutes later saw a group of people heading down the alley. She thinks it was about ten people, but said it was hard to tell. At the time she thought maybe someone was throwing a surprise party.”

  “Sounds like it was a surprise party.”

  “You told me before that Satans Wrath only planned on roughing them up the first time, then giving them a couple of days before getting heavy. With Weasel being afraid to tell the truth, I think Satans Wrath was responsible.”

  “Satans Wrath was involved. Of course, that’s only my opinion as someone watching from the sidelines.”

  “Glad you agree,” Connie said. “I think King ripped off their grow-op and killed Dwayne in the process. At the time he probably didn’t know Satans Wrath was connected. They then retaliated by killing him — although we’ll probably never prove it.”

  “Guess things got out of hand with whoever was sent to rough King up.”

  “Roughing someone up is one thing. Killing them is anot
her. I feel guilty as hell about it. If I hadn’t shown those pictures to Larry, it wouldn’t have happened. Wilson and I are going to interview him on Monday — not that I expect him to admit that he told the bikers.”

  “Don’t feel guilty. You were doing your job.”

  “You were concerned about Larry when we told him his brother was murdered. I remember you pointing your finger in his face and telling him to leave things to us. At the time I thought you were being a little too hard on him. Boy, was I ever wrong.”

  “It’s not like King was an upstanding citizen,” Jack said.

  “Yeah, I know. At least I tried to warn him. After you gave me the info about Satans Wrath threatening his guys in the bar, I called him.”

  “Hope you didn’t burn my source.” Jack’s tone was grave.

  “Give me some credit, will you? I told him we got a call from someone who works in the bar.”

  “Good.”

  “Although I did pass on your info to Wilson,” Connie added.

  “I trust him. I’ve no problem with that.”

  “Didn’t think you’d mind.”

  “What did King have to say about it when you warned him?”

  “He laughed it off. Denied doing the rip and said he wasn’t worried. He told me the bikers didn’t know where any of them lived and said they’d lay low for a while.”

  “Sounds like you did everything you could.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I should’ve talked to him in person.”

  “I’ve heard of the horse whisperer,” Jack said. “Who do you think you are? The moron whisperer?”

  “This isn’t funny. I feel horrible about it.”

  You gotta be kidding. “Sorry, Connie, but it’s tough to deal with idiots. If you’d gone over to talk to him, he’d think you were trying to con him into admitting something about Dwayne’s murder. King was the leader of a gang of thugs who deal dope. I’m surprised he lived this long.”

  “Guess that’s one way of looking at it.”