Art and Murder by Don Easton

about it.”
    Upon hanging up, Roche walked over and stood before Kerin, who was sitting on the bench.
    â€œDid you speak with the Ringmaster?” asked Kerin.
    â€œYes, but I also spoke to our people in Canada. They grabbed who they thought was a pimp and searched him. They found a badge.”
    â€œHe’s a police officer!” exclaimed Kerin.
    â€œI’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.”
    â€œAre you sure that’s wise?” asked Kerin. “Other officers could be watching him.”
    â€œThey 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.
    â€œSo 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.”
    â€œI don’t like that idea,” Jack said. “There’s no reason for me to hold the two of them once I’m away from here. I’ll let them go then.”
    â€œAlso no reason for you not to kill them,” said Bojan.
    â€œThat is the only way we can do it,” added Anton. He pointed his finger at Clive. “You are responsible for this and will pay us back before the day is over!”
    â€œNot a problem,” Clive said. “My money is in a safety deposit box. I’ll get it as soon as the bank opens.”
    Anton nodded, then turned his attention to Jack. “Under the circumstances, given what they did to your lady, we have no quarrel with you.”
    â€œOkay, but I want to see the coke in my hand before they’re released,” said Jack.
    â€œThat is not a problem. You will see that it is high quality. Wait here and I will get it.”
    Anton went to the outbuilding, entering through a side door, and flicked on the lights. A few minutes later he beckoned for them to come inside.
    Jack entered and saw that the building was being used as a workshop. There was a table saw in the room, along with piles of lumber and