Читать книгу Jack Taggart Mysteries 9-Book Bundle - Don Easton - Страница 32

CC sat in the passenger seat flipping through her wiretap application while her partner, Charlie Wells, drove the car. She looked up and said, “Take the next left.”

They parked in front of Bishop’s estate and had barely gotten out of the car when the sound of three rapid gunshots came from behind the home. CC and Charlie both reached for their pistols and ran to the back of the home.

A long pier led into the ocean. A large cabin cruiser was parked at the end of the dock, opposite a small boathouse. Sid Bishop stood near the boathouse and watched a clay pigeon fly into the air. Three more blasts followed, but he missed again and silently cursed the bottle.

A few minutes later, Bishop invited the police officers into his home. He poured them each a cup of tea while he sat and browsed through the wiretap application.

“This information came through a Daniel O’Reilly,” mused Bishop as he read the pages.

CC reached for a scone and said, “His informant.”

“I may need to talk to him later.”

“No problem, I’ll give you his cell number. O’Reilly works with Jack Taggart on the Intelligence Unit. They probably both run the informant. Taggart’s pretty experienced; I’m sure the informant is reliable.”

They were interrupted by the sound of the door chimes. Sid left momentarily, and CC saw that it was a catering company making a delivery.

Sid returned and said, “Sorry about that. Having a bit of a social here tonight. Now, back to this, why isn’t Taggart’s name on this application?”

“The two kids that were killed were his niece and nephew,” CC replied.

“His niece and nephew?”

“Yes.”

“It would be prudent for him to remain in the background. Less chance of defence claiming that the information is biased.”

“You’re right, but there’s more to it than that.”

“Oh?”

“The superintendent who was recently in charge of the Intelligence units told me that he considers Taggart dangerous — a loose cannon. He ordered him to stay clear of this investigation. I have the feeling that Taggart is really involved, maybe holding something back.”

“Holding something back? This application alludes to the fact that someone is divulging classified information. How classified? Would this person know where I live, for example? What about Taggart? Does he know who it is? Damn it! This shouldn’t be taken lightly!”

“There is no indication of anything to be concerned about in regard to anyone’s safety. As far as Taggart goes, I’m certain he doesn’t know anything in that regard.”

“What makes you certain of that?”

“Two things. One is they provided me with the grounds for this application.” CC paused, trying to formulate her words.

“And the second reason?” Bishop asked impatiently.

“From what I heard about Taggart, Wizard and Rolly wouldn’t still be alive.”

It was almost midnight when Nails spoke with Axle.

“Just heard from Wizard. We got a job to do tomorrow morning. Need to vaporize a couple of pigs.”

“Pigs!”

“You got it. I expect you’re about to earn your patch.”

It was Saturday evening, and Jack was helping Marcie clear the dishes from the table when Danny called. Elizabeth answered and passed the telephone to Jack.

“Just got a call from a prosecutor,” said Danny. “Some guy by the name of Sid Bishop. Must be dedicated. Wants to meet me at Willy’s Restaurant tomorrow morning at ten for coffee and go over Homicide’s wiretap application. Also wants you there.”

“CC must have put two and two together. Like I need that!” said Jack, sarcastically.

“I can try it alone. It’s at a mall, and Susan wanted to pick up some things. I don’t mind.”

“I’ll bring my own car and wait nearby. If you don’t think the prosecutor will push the application through without talking to me, then call and I’ll join you.”

“Will do.”

“Depending upon what happens, we should meet our friend right after and prepare him to do his bit.”

“No problem. We could meet him in your car and Susan can drive ours back home.”