Above Ground Read Online Free Page A

things are clearly wrong...
    Eventually Isaac glanced up and said, “How long have you been in charge of Intelligence, Louie?”
    There were three leather upholstered chairs facing Isaac’s desk, but he did not gesture for Louie to sit so he remained standing. “Coming up ten years, sir,” replied Louie casually, trying to get a read on Isaac’s disposition. As usual, Isaac’s face revealed nothing.
    â€œStill plan on retiring this coming summer?”
    â€œYes, sir. I’ll have my thirty-five years in this July.”
    Isaac nodded before continuing. “What can you tell me about this Taggart matter? Is the Jack Taggart who works for you the target of someone who wants to kill him?”
    â€œNot that I know of, sir. I-HIT is investigating. I spoke with Jack and he thinks it might all be a coincidence.”
    â€œI want I-HIT, you, and Taggart in my office in one hour for a meeting.”
    â€œYes, sir. I’ll arrange it.”
    Damien, at fifty-three years of age, had done well for someone who had started out with nothing. His home, protected from view by a stone wall, was situated on an estate in one of the most prestigious areas of Vancouver. From the street, one could see only the roof, which was peppered with satellite dishes and antennas. Closed-circuit television cameras mounted in strategic locations outside led to a fortified panic room inside the mansion. A large cast iron gate, electronically controlled, blocked the entrance to the driveway. Damien did not become national president of Satans Wrath Motorcycle Club by being careless ... or weak.

    Damien sat at his kitchen table and read the newspaper. It was a quiet time of the day that he enjoyed. His wife, Vicki, who was thirty-five, had borne him three children. Buck was thirteen, and his two sisters, Sarah and Kate, were eleven and eight years old. Damien enjoyed bantering with his children at the breakfast table, but now that they were heading out the door to school, he also enjoyed sitting quietly and catching up on the news.
    Vicki had already skimmed the paper today and she watched with interest as her husband flipped to the local news.
    Damien let out a snort when he read about the speed labs being connected with Satans Wrath and how the arrests and seizures would have a big impact on the crystal meth supply in the city.
Good excuse to raise the price.
    Vicki gestured to the article and asked, “Is it a problem?”
    Damien shook his head. “They’re always trying to pin crap on us. Actually it’s funny. They think it’s a big deal ... shows how small their cerebral cavities are. I might have to do the usual PR routine to the media. No big deal.”
    â€œThe paper said that two members were taken down. Silent Sam and Petro.”
    â€œSilent Sam doesn’t even have his full patch yet. No worries. Leisure Suit Larry will have them out today.”
    Vicki suppressed a smile.
Leisure Suit Larry
was Damien’s pet name for Lawrence Leitch, a lawyer that Satans Wrath kept on retainer.
    Vicki noticed Damien turn another page and scan the paper for something else to read. His eyes settled on an article. Seconds later, he slammed the paper down on the table. She saw the pulse beat on the side of his temple and his fist close momentarily. He abruptly stood up and headed for his communications centre in the den.She knew from experience that this was not the time to ask why.
    Vicki reached for the paper. The article was about the murder of a man called Jack Taggart. He was gunned down, leaving behind a wife and two children. One child, an infant, was wounded and still undergoing surgery. His condition was listed as critical.
Jack Taggart ... I’ve heard that name before. Isn’t he one of the cops who was in a shootout with the club last year?
    In his control centre, Damien rapidly sent a BlackBerry message. Pussy Paul received the message immediately and understood its importance.