“What?”
“I’d like to ask for a sample of the daughter’s DNA.”
“How come?”
“If Goran was the monster the evidence says he was, there may be another suspect.”
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
chapter 11
Revelations from
Bishop Paul About Former
Police Chief Smoke
Bishop Paul has revealed some of the inner workings of a controversial local men’s club. In an interview yesterday at his office, the bishop said that he became “concerned when I learned about the activities of some of the members.” Paul referred to what was called a Scotch drinkers’ club frequented by Calgary’s former Chief of Police Calvin Smoke. The club met once a month at a local restaurant. One of the regular members, Dr. Joseph Jones, has been charged with murder and possession of child pornography.
Wayne Pike, the owner of the restaurant, has been charged with trafficking after the discovery of more than five kilos of cocaine in the trunk of his Mercedes.
Bishop Paul said, “Chief Smoke would often talk about police politics and investigations as the evening wore on. It was upon reflection that I realized that Jones and Pike would pay particular attention at these times.”
When asked if he was trying to distance himself from his affiliation with the Scotch drinkers’ club and recent allegations, Bishop Paul replied, “God will judge my actions.”
Acting Deputy Chief Cameron Harper responded to Bishop Paul’s allegations with, “The investigation into the activities of former Police Chief Smoke is ongoing. The allegations are serious, and we are in the process of verifying them.”
When asked if the Calgary Police Service has received a black eye because of the activities of the Scotch drinkers’ club, Harper said, “Of course we have.”
“How’s it going with Dr. Alexandre?” Loraine held her son Ben on her knee. They sat in one of the chairs on Lane and Arthur’s deck. The boy was already half her height.
“So you and Ben were just in the neighbourhood and dropped in to say hello?” Lane asked, then thought, Why are you being so suspicious? Roz got up and hid behind the flowerpot.
“Your emotional response is a sign that things are coming along. In fact, I’d even say that things are going well.” Ben stuck his fist in his mouth, then pulled it out. His eyes opened wide after he gagged. Loraine swiped her fingers along her tongue and patted down a rebellious lock of Ben’s blond hair. The hair stood back up again after she finished.
“I’m sorry. Let me try again. I see Alexandre again on Monday. We’re talking. She’s listening. You were right – I have some things to work out.” Lane watched Roz poke her head out from behind the flowerpot. Even Roz heard the combative tone in my voice.
Loraine smiled.
“It ain’t pretty,” Lane said. “You know, dealing with this kind of stuff… it’s messy.”
As if to confirm Lane’s observation, Ben barfed down the front of his T-shirt.
Lane stood up, went into the kitchen, and returned with about two metres of paper towel.
“It’s not that much!” Loraine laughed as she wiped up the mess and took off the baby’s T-shirt to reveal Ben’s ample belly.
Lane held open a plastic bag. Loraine dropped the T-shirt inside. He rolled up the bag and set it next to what Loraine called Ben’s “wardrobe”- a backpack stuffed with all manner of baby essentials.
“Where are Christine and Matt?” Loraine asked.
“At work. They both got jobs at the same golf course. Today, Christine is driving the beer cart. I’m think she’s beginning to like the tips.” Lane reached for Ben. The baby leaned away from him and tucked his head next to Loraine’s neck.
“He’s just started being shy in the last week. So, Christine is driving a beer cart?” Loraine raised her eyebrows.
Lane laughed. “First she works in a coffee shop, then she drives a beer cart. That girl’s on her way to hell!”
“Oh.” Loraine’s face took on an air of innocence. “Her mother’s been by to denounce her again?”
“No. Apparently that’s died down. I guess excommunication is a one-time thing. Which is sort of fortunate when you think about it. Just drive up, do an excommunication, and drive away. Wash your hands of the child.” Lane watched Ben checking out his own navel. “Drive into the city, tell your daughter you want nothing more to do with her, then go get some shopping done. Just another day.”
“So it was a drive-by?” Loraine rolled her eyes.
“Yes, that’s an accurate description.” Lane stood up. “I think the coffee’s ready.”
“While you’re up, tell Arthur to get out of bed. It’s after ten!”
Lane opened the door. “Speaking of partners, how’s Lisa?”
“Back to work. Missing Ben. They’ve got her working at a desk, developing some new investigative software.”
He went inside. Lane poured two coffees – black for Loraine, cream and sugar for himself – and went back outside. “I heard the shower. Arthur will be out shortly.”
Loraine took a sip. “You still know how to make a great cup of coffee. How’s Christine been doing otherwise?”
Lane hesitated. “Better, I think. She seems happier. There’s a boyfriend.”
“And?” Ben squirmed and Loraine put her coffee down.
“I didn’t handle it well at first.” Lane felt his face turning red.
“Sounds like a dad thing.” Loraine reached into Ben’s wardrobe.
“What’s that supposed to mean? People keep saying that.”
Loraine lifted Ben so he could stand on her knees while she tried to fit a red T-shirt over his head. “I think it’s a protective, instinctual reaction. And before I forget, I came by to invite all of you over for dinner.” Ben shook his head through the opening in the T-shirt and sat down.
“I figured it was because you’d heard about Arthur.”
Loraine stared at Lane. Ben looked at his mother. “There’s something wrong with Arthur?”
“He’s got breast cancer. We saw the surgeon yesterday.”
Loraine sat open-mouthed. Ben squirmed.
Lane began to cry. Shit! Where did that come from?
sUNDAY, AUGUST 26
chapter 12
“It’s called in.” Keely sat in the passenger’s seat of the Chevrolet as they drove west along Crowchild Trail.
“So she said ten?” Lane glimpsed the morning mountains when they crested a hill.
Keely nodded.
Why does the time seem odd? Lane thought.
“I want to see what the daughter and the mother are like together. Sometimes that will tell you more about people. Girls who are thirteen or fourteen can really help you to see their parents and the family situation in an accurate light.”
That’s for sure.
“After this, you want to go for lunch? My dad invited Dylan and me out. My mom keeps smiling about it. And you’ll be able to meet my brother.”
“It sounds more like a family get-together.” Lane saw a car approaching. It was travelling at least twice the speed limit.
“When I told my father we had some work to do, he told me to bring you.” Keely spotted the car. “Man, he’s in a rush.”
They got a glimpse of the driver and recognized the vehicle as an unmarked police cruiser. “Wonder where he’s headed?” Keely looked over her shoulder to see if the car was turning north or south.
“Anything to add to the plan for how we’re going to handle Jelena and Zacki?” Lane asked.
Keely took a moment to think. “I’d like to ask more questions about the Branimir and Goran connection. Then if you could ask one of those oddball questions like you did the other night. You know, the ones that get people off-balance, so they end up saying more than they planned.”