“And his response?”
Roche chuckled. “At first he was worried that it might be a cop. I assured him it was only a pimp.”
“And why would he worry if it was a cop? Especially in Canada?”
Roche was silent as he thought about it.
The Ringmaster continued, “There is more. After you left, Kerin may have signalled to a man in the park.”
“What man?” Roche looked cautiously around.
“He is wearing a blue windbreaker and has a droopy moustache. Kerin made eye contact with him and then tapped his watch and opened his hand twice.”
“I told him I would be back in ten minutes,” said Roche sombrely.
“He then went to the public washroom for a few minutes. Nobody went in with him, but he may have used his phone. I also think you are being followed, although I am not sure.”
“My God! I trusted him.”
“I warned you that your trust in him seemed rushed.”
“I can’t believe it. If this is true …”
“Don’t worry about it. This is one of the reasons we take the precautions we do.”
“What should I do?” asked Roche.
“I want to confirm my suspicions. Tell him our people in Canada have discovered that the pimp really is an agent provocateur. Then say you are to meet me in a couple of minutes at the café across the street to discuss whether they should both be disposed of. Tell Kerin to wait where he is, then go to the café.”
Roche glanced around again, taking note of the people he saw, then said, “If what you suspect is happening, should the two men in Canada be killed?”
“It is of more concern to me if the pimp lives. He may return with others and find the stash before we can move it. I will sleep better knowing they are dead.”
“And the two whores the pimp has guarding Klaus and Liam?”
“What can they do? At best, tell the police they are whores who kidnapped and beat two people … or as it will turn out, more likely murdered the two people they held captive. I am fed up with Klaus and don’t care what happens to him. Either way, the whores aren’t going to tell the police about it.”
“And the situation here?” asked Roche. “If Kerin is working for the police … or with the recent approval of an agent provocateur, perhaps he is a cop.”
“His concern that the pimp in Canada could be an undercover agent would tell me the guy likely is. An informant wouldn’t care that much about what is happening in Canada.” The Ringmaster paused. “The French police have never been allowed to use such measures before. So how would you know? If they set Kerin up to meet you, they would have had to start prior to receiving their new powers. This may be an opportunity to persuade the French justice system that their new investigative tool should be taken away. I will deal with him.”
“You will deal with him yourself? Now?”
The Ringmaster laughed. “Why not? It will be fun. Like a magician doing slight of hand, all eyes will be on you and not where they should be. For me, I will treat it like the last performance I give … before taking my final bow and leaving the stage.”
Roche smiled. “And the stage may soon be in my hands.”
“Precisely. If my suspicions are true and things go as I suspect, meet me tonight in Frankfurt. If you are detained by the police, contact me when you are free or through your lawyer and we will set another time.”
Roche glanced around the park yet again. Most people had left. Who was staying? A couple walking a dog seemed legitimate … but a man and a woman staring at a flower bed seemed to be taking far too long to enjoy the beauty, and they did not appear particularly fond of each other. Another man was taking an inordinate amount of time to tie his shoe. The Ringmaster has a sharp eye….
“If you are right, then I likely will be arrested,” said Roche, sounding matter-of-fact. “I have made certain statements to him, including today.”
“Arrested on what evidence?” replied the Ringmaster. “Especially if there is no witness to testify against you. Telling fairy tales to impress someone you thought was a gangster may have been childish, but it is hardly grounds to convict you of anything. You would be released in time for supper.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Roche allowed.
“Tell Anton to tidy up the loose ends in Canada, then talk to Kerin and tell him what I told you to say. If my suspicions are right, I am certain I will see some activity to confirm.”
Roche hung up and called Anton, giving him the order to kill Clive and the pimp.
“And what about Klaus and Liam?” asked Anton.
“If you can think of a way to save them, fine. If not, don’t worry about it.”
Upon hanging up, Roche walked over and stood before Kerin, who was sitting on the bench.
“Did you speak with the Ringmaster?” asked Kerin.
“Yes, but I also spoke to our people in Canada. They grabbed who they thought was a pimp and searched him. They found a badge.”
“He’s a police officer!” exclaimed Kerin.
“I’m meeting the Ringmaster in the café across the street in a few minutes to talk about it face to face. I’m certain I’ll be told to have our men kill him and the idiot who brought him there.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” asked Kerin. “Other officers could be watching him.”
“They don’t think the cop has had any way to tell anyone where he is. That’s why I’m sure the Ringmaster will order it done immediately.” He smiled and put his hand on Kerin’s shoulder. “It’s okay, my friend. Wait here while I go to the café. With what is going on, I don’t know if the Ringmaster will still want to see you today.”
Roche had barely turned to walk to the café when Kerin headed for the public washrooms again. He knew he didn’t have much time. On his way he texted a short message to the surveillance team:
RF meeting Ring in café across from park. My meet may be put off.
With the four members of the surveillance team who were on foot, Kerin knew it would look better if a couple of them were already in the café when Roche arrived. As he neared the washrooms, he glanced back and was pleased to see two of the team enter the café before Roche. The other two took up positions on the sidewalk.
As he made his way around to the front of the washrooms, any elation he had at the prospect of meeting the Ringmaster was gone. A police officer’s life was at stake and he had a sickening feeling that there wouldn’t be enough time to save him.
Chapter Eight
Jack saw Clive swallow nervously as they leaned against the front of the car. Anton had told them to wait as he was expecting a call back.
Anton and Bojan stood a short distance away with their arms folded across their chests, watching. Tension was high, and the silence made every minute seem like ten.
Jack was conscious of the floodlight above his head, but under the situation he did not see much choice. As he waited, he noticed a close-circuit television camera mounted on the corner of the house and another one on the outbuilding. Finally, he saw Anton answer his phone and speak briefly, before hanging up and whispering to Bojan.
“So what’s the story, guys?” Jack asked.
Anton glared at Jack. “I’ve been told to give you what you ask for, but once it is in your hands, Klaus and Liam must be released before you go.”
“I don’t