When the Killing Starts (34 page)

"Only the deal fell through when the girlfriend found out what was going down," Burke said. "Seems she was political, y'know. She was anxious to get the kid out and explain what was going on down there, that he shouldn't get involved oppressing the poor brothers."

"So Michaels had her offed?"

"Right," Elmer said. "He didn't plan it that way. He sent Dunphy to convince her, only he couldn't, so they drowned her. Then the kid's mother got exercised and said she'd blow the whistle. So Michaels sent his guys to talk to her and they fixed her wagon. Only one of the guys made it a little more personal." He coughed and glanced at Fred, who was carefully checking her fingernails.

"And they interrupted this whole thing to come after George and me?" I shook my head. "Dunphy's too professional for crap like that."

"'Cording to Dunphy, it was the kid's idea," Burke said. "He felt centered out because he'd run, so he had to prove he had the balls to do it." He turned and held up both hands to Fred. "Pardon me, miss, I guess I got carried away."

She smiled at him and said nothing.

"While Wallace and the kid were up at the Harbour, they wanted to cancel your check as well," Burke said. "Wallace was sore as hell. Easy to understand why. Only his guys don' go at things like the Knights of Columbus, so he was going to get you."

"And where was Dunphy?" I frowned, making my shoulder hurt. "Was he here?"

"No, he was in Toronto, soothing the old man. Then, when they heard that Wallace and the kid were in hospital, Dunphy said he'd fly in and kill Wallace. Only that wasn't his real plan. He knew Wallace was solid. He wanted to shut the kid up."

I'm a slow learner; I frowned again. "Did the father realize that?"

"No," Burke said. "He had no time for the boy, but he'd already seen his girlfriend and wife killed. It was the last straw. He came apart, told us everything."

Elmer cleared his throat. "So, anyways, Reid, you won, except for the hole in your hide."

"I've had worse," I said. At that moment it didn't feel like it. I was one big ache from head to toe.

"Yeah, well, nice work. An' take it easy. You've got your kid sister all worried again."

"I'll be fine," I promised. "Fred and I are heading out as soon as I'm on my feet. See you two in Toronto in a few weeks."

He pointed one finger like a gun. "Don't forget, eh. A promise is a promise."

Burke shook my hand, doing it gently, which surprised me. "Thanks for the help," he said, then winked at me and turned away.

When they had gone, Fred stood up and came over to me. "I guess I should go as well, Reid. Now you're okay."

"Lots of room here," I kidded, and held the sheet aside for her.

She laughed and kissed me. "Save it, cowboy. You're going to need lots of stamina next week.”