Dead Ends (24 page)

Chapter Thirty

Half an hour later, Laura parked in a back alley behind a steel door with a sign saying
pizza 24-7.
She tapped on the horn as directed and the steel door opened as the three of them got out.

Jack followed Laura toward the steel door and looked at the two men who were waiting for them at the door. He recognized Munch's fat face from having seen him with Sy previously. The other man was large and muscular with short black hair and a goatee. There were some Asian features to his face and Jack recognized him from a previous mug shot as the one they called Mongo.
So much for meeting Cocktail …

Jack glanced back at the vehicle. He knew things were looking bleak when he got out of the car and saw Sy hesitate and bend over in the car before climbing out. Sy maintained a safe distance as he followed Jack and Laura, while keeping one hand behind his back. Jack had little doubt about what Sy was holding.

Mongo sneered at Jack and Laura and said, “Follow me into my back office.”

Inside a short hallway, Jack tried to sound naive and spoke to Sy without looking back. “Who are these guys,” he asked. “Are they cool to talk in front of?”

“Oh, yeah,” chuckled Sy. “They're cool. Cool enough to kill for me.”

They entered a small office containing a wooden desk marred by numerous cigarette burns. Behind the desk was a green plastic patio chair. Two more plastic chairs were in front.

“Jay and Princess, sit down,” said Sy, standing behind them after he closed the door.

“Thanks,” replied Jack, taking a seat beside Laura before he looked back at Sy and said, “So, the cops obviously knew Weasel was the shooter from last night and were set up on his place to see if someone would retaliate.”

Sy smiled and said, “That would make sense except I forgot to mention to you that Weasel only moved in with his girlfriend this afternoon. The cops wouldn't have known that.”

“Oh, I see,” replied Jack. “Makes it obvious who the rats are.”

“Sure as fuck does!” snarled Sy.

“Good,” replied Jack. “After the shit you got me into tonight, I expect two things.”

“Really?” replied Sy looking puzzled. “And what is that?”

“First, you buy the pizza and second, you take care of those two rats!”

“What the fuck, Sy?” said Mongo. “I don't understand. I thought you said —”

Sy put his hand up, gesturing for Mongo to be quiet, before looking inquisitively at Jack and saying, “Do you want to run that one past me again?”

“Sure. Pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, and green pepper.”

“Not the fucking pizza. The part about taking care of two rats.”

“That's why we're here, isn't it?” asked Jack. “To decide how to take out Roach and Bagger?”

“Roach and Bagger!” replied Sy, looking incredulous.

“Yeah,” replied Jack, before gesturing with his hands and saying, “Duh … as if you didn't figure it out. Well, I'm not stupid, either.” He turned to Mongo and Munch and said, “Last night we
just happened
to leave Roach and Bagger's when we fuckin' near get killed.”

Mongo looked at Sy and said, “Didn't you tell me earlier that the cops were there, too? That someone saw some guy and later realized he might have been writing down licence plates?”

“What?” said Jack loudly, looking at Sy. “You didn't tell me that!”

“Wasn't sure if it was cops or a neighbour,” replied Sy, defensively.

“Figures,” said Jack. “Fuckin' cops were probably laughing when we were getting our asses shot off.”

“I said it might not have been cops,” said Sy.

“Either way,” Jack said, continuing his conversation with Mongo and Munch, “Then it
just happens
that Roach and Bagger find the place for us to whack Weasel tonight and the cops
just happen
to be waiting for us. Guess I don't need to tell you that it
just happened
that Roach and Bagger weren't there with us!”

Munch looked at Sy and said, “Is that true? They weren't with ya?”

“They're sittin' on a hostage,” said Sy. “Couldn't let him go until we took out Weasel.”

Jack looked at Sy and said, “Guess I'm the dumbass for agreeing to go with you tonight. I tried to talk you out of it. I could have
just happened
to stay behind, too … you gave me that option, but I went with you.”

“Sy? What the fuck?” asked Mongo.

Before Sy could respond, Jack pointed a finger at him and said, “First I damn near die saving your ass last night and then I have to save it again tonight. You're lucky we're not the rats or you would be dead. Either that, or in jail. I think Roach and Bagger are tied in with your enemies and the cops. Being the leader, I'm sure you were the grand prize of who the cops wanted to catch. Lucky for you I talked you into checking things out first.”

Sy stared back. His face was blank as his mind grappled with what happened.

Jack shook his head in admonishment and said, “Yeah, I would say you owe me. As I said, two things, first you buy us some pizza, and then go take care of Roach and Bagger. I'm hungry and tired. Let's eat.”

Sy hesitated before sticking the pistol in the back of his waistband. Jack knew that he and Laura were safe for the moment.

“You think they're both rats?” asked Sy. “Roach and Bagger both?”

“Definitely,” replied Jack. “One couldn't pull it off without the other guy knowing. I bet they're talking to both the cops and at least one of the other gangs who are trying to take you out. Either that Balvinder guy you mentioned, or one of the other two, Fateh or Quang.”

“Or maybe Roach and Bagger are talkin' to all three and the cops,” said Mongo.

“I'm gonna call those two fuckers and get them over here,” said Sy.

“Forget that,” said Jack. “There's already too much heat. How do you know they won't bring the cops trailing along with them? I'd do it another way.”

“How?” asked Sy.

Jack eyed Mongo and Munch suspiciously before standing up and looking at Sy. “Come on, let's you and I talk in the hall. You know these guys, but I don't.”

Laura forced a smile at Mongo and Munch as Jack and Sy stepped out into the hallway. Moments later they returned and Sy stood in one corner of the room and whispered to Mongo and Munch while Jack sat down beside Laura.

When Sy was finished, Mongo looked at Jack and asked, “What the fuck is in it for you? Why have you been hanging out with Sy all of a sudden?”

“I'm not interested in belonging to any gangs,” replied Jack. “I try to be independent. I do, however, have a lot of connections. I'm an entrepreneur. Sometimes there are things people want. Some times I can get them for them … cheap.”

“I can vouch for that,” said Sy, with a smile. “Anything from televisions to Russian vodka. I'll tell you, Jay, after tonight, if there is anything you need … and I mean
anything
, you just ask.”

“You know,” said Jack, “there might be something you could help me with. Maybe in the next few days if —”

“Fuck the small talk,” said Mongo, looking at his watch. “Fuck the pizza, too. We got some loose ends to take care of before the sun comes up.”

Sy looked apologetically at Jack and said, “He's right. Let's talk tomorrow.”

* * *

Laura waited until she was alone in the car with Jack before saying, “They were going to do us.”

“I know, but with Sy behind us holding a gun in his hand, I figured it was better to play dumb. Speaking of which, I should call Connie. She'll be freaking out.”

Connie answered her BlackBerry on the first ring. “Where are you?” she asked anxiously.

“We're okay.”

“You get any heat? Scared the shit out of me when I heard uniform were after you.”

“Everything is fine,” replied Jack. “Sy doesn't suspect us.”

“Good. Did Laura tell you we seized a lot of weapons tonight?”

“I saw them earlier when Sy handed them out. Tonight's arrests were most of his top people. Seizing their guns is like taking the teeth out of one faction of The Brotherhood. At least for the moment.”

“Don't know how long we can keep them in.”

“At least they're identified. They might be hesitant to try it again.”

“Hope so.”

“Sy introduced us to Mongo and Munch.”

“Mongo and Munch? They're bosses of two other factions in the group. What's going on? Why would Sy meet them tonight after what happened?”

“I think they're trying to figure out what went wrong. I passed it off as the police already knew Weasel was the shooter from last night and were waiting to see if anyone would retaliate.”

“Good thinking. They buy it?”

“Looks like it. They still think Laura and I are cool. Sy said if there was anything I need, I simply had to ask. I'll meet with him tomorrow. I have an idea to draw Cocktail out.”

“How?”

“It's time to tell him I've got a friend who wants to set up a meth lab. We'll use Sammy.”

“Fantastic. These other guys are pissing me off, but it's Cocktail I want to hang for murder.”

“And running meth and GHB labs. I'm certain there was another date rape last night at the party.”

“Makes me sick.”

“Believe me, Cocktail is going down.”

“Think your idea will work?”

“Hope so. After what we've been through with Sy in the last two days, I shouldn't have any problem convincing him to help us with a lab. Cocktail might show up.”

“Maybe the narcs can concentrate on Roach and Bagger, too. They both sound like they are in the thick of things. It might give us another avenue to pursue if your lab idea doesn't work.”

“Roach and Bagger are low-level punks,” replied Jack. “Watching them would be a waste of time. Let's talk about it later. I'm going home.”

“Which one?”

“To Natasha. See you in about six hours.”

* * *

After Jack hung up, Laura looked at him and asked, “What was your other way?”

“Other way?” replied Jack. He was exhausted and knew he wasn't thinking clearly.

“In regard to Roach and Bagger. When Sy was going to call them over and murder them, you said you would do it another way. Then you went in the hall. What did you tell him?”

Jack paused, wondering how best to articulate the matter.

“I have a feeling,” said Laura, “that Roach's and Bagger's futures hold more than, say, four months' house arrest.”

Jack nodded and said, “As far as Roach and Bagger go, they don't have a future. Not after their performance in the bedroom last night.”

“You don't need to convince me. I saw Cassandra. She didn't belong with that bunch. So what did you say to Sy?”

“I told him, hypothetically speaking, of course, if I were him I'd make it look accidental. Call Roach and Bagger and tell them to set Raven free and that you're all going over to their place to have a drink and try to figure out what went wrong. At that time give Roach and Bagger a taste of their own medicine.”

“GHB?”

“Exactly.”

“So they'll end up … dead drunk … but how?”

“After they're unconscious, order a pizza for pickup and leave.” Jack paused, looking at Laura's reaction. Her expression gave the impression of mild interest, as if she were studying a dinner menu.
Only she is putting her trust in having me place the order.

Laura paused and thought about what Jack said. “Sounds like a gas,” she replied.

“It will appear they started the car in their garage, but passed out before opening the door. Accidental carbon monoxide poisioning.” Jack gave a grim smile and added, “You figured it out. Means you're starting to think like I do. Doesn't it scare you?”

“A little,” she admitted.

“What I suggested … no, not suggested, what I
said
to Sy was all hypothetical, of course. Simply musing about different ways to dispose of people. I don't believe for a minute that he would actually do it.”

“Of course not … for the record. Act surprised, show concern —”

“Deny, deny, deny,” said Jack, finishing her sentence.

Chapter Thirty-One

It was five o'clock in the morning before Jack and Laura finished their paperwork at the office and an hour later before they each made it home to their own beds. About the time Jack was climbing into bed, Cocktail was slurping coffee out of a Styrofoam cup as he sat in a car in Kitsilano Beach Park overlooking English Bay in the heart of Vancouver.

Cocktail was waiting to meet Balvinder, one of the prominent leaders in The Brotherhood. He was told to gain Balvinder's trust and bait the trap. He knew his orders came from the upper echelon of Satans Wrath.
Appraise who is stronger and set up the losers to die.

Prospective members of Satans Wrath had arranged the meeting to ensure security from both the police and the warring factions of The Brotherhood. One prospect sat nearby on a park bench. He was a giant of a man with a short, cropped beard that did little to hide the multiple scars on his face. Cocktail knew he went by the nickname of “Hamburger” and it wasn't because of his ugly face. Hamburger liked to fight. His nickname came from what other people's faces looked like when he was done with them. Other prospects also roamed the area on foot and in vehicles.

Cocktail didn't have to wait long. One of the prospects pulled up and dropped off Balvinder, who ambled over and got in beside Cocktail.

“Well, Balv, how's it going?” asked Cocktail. “I understand some of your boys tried to take out Sy a couple of nights ago?”

“Yeah, they should have got him. Sy was so drunk he fell over in the house before he left the party. Came with some guy by the name of Jay and a broad. Jay was driving and was obviously sober. My guys said that when the shooting started he drove like a professional demolition derby driver. Sy was lucky. His time will come.”

“I need to be kept informed.”

“Why?”

“Think of who brought you to meet me. It's them who asked.”

Balvinder glanced over at the biker who had brought him and saw Hamburger scowling at him from the park bench. “Mother of god,” breathed Balvinder under his breath.

“It's not a good idea to make these guys angry,” continued Cocktail. “You know we do business with Sy's, Mongo's, and Munch's guys too. What you're doing is attracting police attention. If it keeps up, Satans Wrath will cut business with you guys because it could reflect police attention on them.”

“What are you saying? Quit the war? Ain't gonna happen. It's already started and there are too many of Sy's people who keep moving into areas they don't belong. That's why we picked him first.”

“Conflicts happen. That's life and the bikers know that, but don't expect much business from my end if you guys keep dragging this out.”

“So what are you saying?” asked Balvinder.

“I work for them,” said Cocktail, while giving a sweep of his hand in Hamburger's direction. “What I'm saying is if we want the money to keep rolling in, you better end it pretty quick, one way or the other. I'm going to be telling Sy the same thing. He'll pass on what I tell him to Munch and Mongo. I want you to pass this on to Fateh, Quang, and Rashard.”

“So which is it? Does Satans Wrath want us to make peace or have an all-out war and get it over with?”

“Let's say they won't be doing business with people they don't respect. If they think you are weak, you will soon be cut out of the action.”

“My gang is not fucking weak.”

“I know. Yours isn't. That is why I'm talking to you. Trust me, my friend. I shouldn't say this, because Satans Wrath want me to treat everyone equal, but out of all the others, you're the one I respect the most.”

“Glad to hear that.”

“But I need to know what is going on. If you're doing something to help bring things to an end, then it would help if I could explain that to the bikers. Even with Fateh and Quang who are your allies today, things change in time.”

“Tell me about it. We formed The Brotherhood in the first place so we could get along. That didn't last long.”

“If there is an all-out war, there will still be survivors. Satans Wrath will want the survivors to sit down and split up what turf belongs to whom. After that, if someone starts raising shit and brings police attention on everyone, they will have more than the police to deal with.” Cocktail, paused, pointing a finger at Hamburger and adding, “You want to take guys like him on?”

“No … and what you're saying makes sense. But how do you decide who gets what turf?”

“Eventually there will be a meeting and I'll be the referee. Besides, what is the worst that could happen? If you all disagree, you end up no different. But it could work. In the meantime, if you have something happening that we need to talk about, go through the regular channels and the bikers will arrange for us to meet. Everything is to come my way. Satans Wrath is looking to do business with someone who is solid and strong. Let's make sure that person is you and the people who are on your side.”

“I'm all for that.”

“The sooner it is over with, the sooner we can all get back to making money. Real money. Especially if some of the … uh, less respected gangs, are not around to demand pieces of the pie.”

“I understand,” said Balvinder. His white teeth flashed a smile against his dark skin and he said, “I'll tell Fateh and Quang. They might listen to me. As far as Rashard goes, maybe you should talk to him.”

“I thought you were winning Rashard over to your side?”

“Not yet. That fuckin' Jamaican is still not claimin' allegiance with anyone. He's gonna have to decide pretty quick, but right now, I don't trust him.”

“I'll talk with him. As far as what happened two nights ago, you know there will be retaliation. Things could get hot.”

Balvinder's teeth flashed again as he gave a short burst of laughter.

“What's so funny?”

“They already tried,” replied Balvinder. “It's not on the news yet. Weasel was one of my guys who tried to take Sy out two nights ago. Sy recognized him and somehow found out where he was staying. A couple of hours ago Sy and a bunch of his guys snuck over to try and shoot him. Well guess what?”

“What?” asked Cocktail.

Balvinder laughed again and said, “The fuckin' pigs were on to them. Busted their asses! From what I hear, they damn near got Sy, too. He barely escaped and lost most of his heavy-duty guns and a lot of his top guys.”

“How do you know if it's not on the news? Did Weasel see it happen?”

“Weasel never even got out of bed. We got someone on the inside. Sy's not even home yet, but he called what guys he has left and is whimpering like a fuckin' baby. The pigs did a real number on his outfit. I should send them a thank-you card. Now it's just Mongo and Munch we gotta take care of. In fact, with what happened, I bet the fuckin' Jamaican will join up with us.”

“Interesting,” mused Cocktail.

* * *

Sy was on his way home after leaving Roach and Bagger's house when he got a message on his BlackBerry. He recognized the coded message and sighed as he changed direction and drove off to meet his contact from Satans Wrath.

An hour later, Sy entered an office at Wet Willy's Car Wash while his car was slowly dragged through the wash cycle inside the building. Cocktail was the only other person in the office and sat behind a desk as Sy took a seat in front of him.

“How's it going?” asked Cocktail. “Heard someone took a shot at you a couple nights ago?”

“Yeah, I figured you would have heard,” mumbled Sy. “Fuckin' lucky I happened to have a friend with me who knows how to drive.”

“Oh? Who is that?”

“A guy by the name of Jay. He lives in the apartment above mine.”

“You never mentioned him before.”

“He's Rodine's cousin and moved here recently from back east. He's a smart fucker and knows the game real well.”

“Our game?”

“Naw, he's not interested in dope. Hot property is his thing.”

“What? Boosting items from stores?”

“No, not what you're thinking. Jay is rich, has class, and is well-connected. Docks … railway … trucking lines. This guy ain't small-time. Has got a real looker for a lady. Calls her Princess. Jay is rich. I'm thinking of asking him to partner up with me, but I don't know if he will. He likes to be independent.”

“I have to tell you, Satans Wrath are really getting pissed off with all this chickenshit drive-by shooting crap.”

“It doesn't seem chickenshit when you're the one being shot at.”

Cocktail chuckled and said, “No, I guess not. The point is, it is attracting police attention and affecting the profit margin. Satans Wrath want to do business with someone they respect. Someone who knows how to make money. I've been hinting that you're the guy. With all our action, your mattress must be stuffed.”

“I'm doin' all right.”

“All right?”

Sy couldn't resist the urge to brag. “Close to a million hidden away.” Sy saw that Cocktail was impressed.
So I lied a little. What the fuck, I'm halfway there.

“Got it in a safe spot I trust,” said Cocktail.

“For sure. Some place where the cops won't find it.”

“Good. Your new friend sounds interesting. Are you serious about asking him to partner up with you?”

“Things haven't been going well, especially after tonight.”

“So I heard.”

Sy's face darkened as he glanced out the office door at Hamburger standing in the hallway. “Yeah, I figured you had. Bad news travels fast.”

“That it does. Sorry for how it turned out tonight. I'm also really glad they missed you the other night.”

“Yeah?”

“Keep that to yourself. I'm supposed to be impartial. Satans Wrath want the war to end. In the next couple of days they're planning to orchestrate a truce. It will be decided then who gets what territory.”

“So I'll get to sit down with the honchos from Satans Wrath?” asked Sy.

“Not directly,” replied Cocktail. “They still look at you guys as amateurs. Hopefully if things go as planned, that will soon change. They're looking to see who the smart leaders are and who is best suited to be making money. Certain guys might get selected to run additional enterprises and make more money. For now, I'm to treat everyone equal because they want me to referee the meeting.”

“What about security?”

“The bikers will look after it. I might be the referee, but everyone knows who I'll be representing. If anyone does something stupid, they're dead.”

“Gotcha.”

“I really shouldn't say this, so keep it to yourself. Out of all the others, you're the one I respect the most. I want you to do well at the meeting.”

Sy's face brightened. “Thanks. I really appreciate that.”

“It would be a good idea if you kept me informed of what you're up to. Go through the bikers to arrange a meet, if need be, but I'm the point man. If you're making any moves it will help if I know so I can convince the bikers that you're not some dunderhead flailing around.”

Sy nodded and said, “Thanks, Cocktail. I could use all the friends I could get. A good reason I should take on someone smart like Jay. He is one cool dude. Knows how to get rid of people to make it look like an accident. It would be good if he joined up with me.”

“Bet your guys who got busted last night won't be in jail long.”

“I talked with Basil Westmount. He expects he'll get them out this afternoon. Problem is, they'll be heat bags with the cops at a time when I need 'em most. That's if none of them squealed.”

“Think any of them would?”

“Fuckin' Roach and Bagger did. Don't know what the cops had on them. As far as last night goes, well, I know Brewski would never turn.”

“What? Roach and —”

“Yeah, those two. Don't worry about it. They've already been taken care of.”

* * *

Cocktail waited until Sy left before speaking to Hamburger.

“Pass it on to your boss that I know who the losing side is going to be. The police arrested a bunch of Sy's guys last night and wiped out his top people. The ones who are left are pointing fingers at each other. They took out two of their own a couple of hours ago.”

“I'll pass it on,” replied Hamburger.

“I realize that the, uh, selected individuals for the final … shall we say,
execution
of this plan is up to you guys, but I think the choice is obvious. With that in mind, I gave Sy the bullshit line about getting everyone together for a truce talk.”

“Think he went for it?”

“Like a hungry gull after a school bag-lunch.”

“I'm sure we'll be in touch soon, but in the mean time, carry on business as usual.”