6
Alex arrived at the restaurant. He hadn’t eaten since early this morning, and he was hungry. He didn’t have to wait long for Eugene to pull into the parking lot. They went in and grabbed a table by a long row of windows.
“I see you got yourself a new ride,” said Eugene. “Business must be good.”
“It is,” agreed Alex. “And the jeep isn’t exactly new. I got a good deal on it. So, you mentioned two detectives are on the case.” Alex reached for the bread basket.
“Angie Strickland and Al Bannon,” said Eugene, helping himself to the bread and handing it over.
“Any joy yet?”
“They interviewed Rose Barlow’s roommate, Meeta Mitchell and paid a visit to Max King’s place. They’re trying to confirm the timeline of the abduction. It looks like they were taken not long after seven PM last night. His car was still there, as were his distance glasses. There was a blood stain on the tarmac in the alley out back.”
“Rose Barlow’s?”
“More than likely.”
“No sign of the weapon?”
“Strickland said no.”
“Did you tell them I was up here, working the case for Max King’s mom?”
“I did. I don’t think they’ll withhold information. Especially since I’m a close, personal friend.”
Alex smiled.
“You should know that Strickland is smart, capable and fair. Bannon on the other hand… well, don’t get me wrong. He’d not stupid; he has a decent solve rate.”
Alex nodded and kept eating.
“How do I put it?” Eugene cocked his head and looked at Alex. “Let’s say, he could use some cultural sensitivity training.”
“He hasn’t done the it’s time we got to know our native brothers and sisters better training?”
“Oh, he’s done it. It just didn’t seem to take very well.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
“You’re gonna need it. He can be an ass, pure and simple. I don’t know how Strickland stands it. They are day and night.”
“Do you work with Bannon much?”
“Rarely.”
“Folks at the detachment okay to work with?”
“For the most part.”
“So, how are you liking Kamloops? I mean, you know, other than work.”
“It’s okay. Skiing is close. Folks are pretty nice for the most part.” Eugene looked up to find Alex watching him.
“What about you? Do you miss being here? This is where you grew up.”
“I like to visit. My parents are here. My older brother Manny still lives here.”
Alex lapsed into silence, thinking about his only brother, who was just a few years older. He was fond of Manny, but had accepted long ago that they had very little in common. Alex was happily married to Gwen, the love of his life. Manny’s love life was a lot more complicated and Alex had long ago given up trying to keep track of who he was currently seeing, or living with, as was sometimes the case.
Manny been working at a gold mine just south of Kamloops for nearly ten years now, content to do the work and not really wanting much else. And he seemed to love the job which mostly involved moving dirt and rock from one location to the next. Alex was not a fan of mining and the devastation it could bring.
For his part, Manny didn’t hide his displeasure when Alex joined the RCMP, and he was pleased when he left. As far as the PI firm went, that was another story. He’d confided to their parents that he thought Alex should get a real job and settle down.
Alex’s greatest pleasure was floating on a body of water anywhere with a fishing pole in his hand, usually with Gwen, sometimes alone. Manny liked to party in his free time, was a great dancer and he had a busy social life.
“I don’t think I’ll ever move back. Maybe that’s an odd thing to say.” Alex cut off a piece of steak and bit into it with obvious relish.
“Not odd at all,” said Eugene. “I’m from Winnipeg, but I’ll never move back.”
“I don’t blame you there,” said Alex with a chuckle. “Those forty below winters. I’d avoid them too. Though your townsfolk are mighty friendly, as I remember.”
“They’re famous for it.”
They both got down to serious eating and ate in companionable silence for a few minutes.
“You haven’t mentioned Annie,” said Alex.
“She broke up with me,” said Eugene.
Alex stopped eating.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s hard, Alex. I really liked her, and I still do.”
Alex nodded.
“Anyway, enough about that. How’s life outside the Force?”
“I don’t know why it took me so long to leave.”
“Well, you are quite stubborn.”
“That’s true,” said Alex, with a grin.
They fell silent for a minute and continued eating. Alex spoke first.
“So… just okay?”
“What’s just okay?” asked Eugene.
“Kamloops… is it just okay?”
“Are you fishing?”
“I am, yes, most definitely.”
Eugene was quiet for a moment. He appraised Alex with a half grin.
“I’m not ready to give up my pension.”
“Well, I can’t offer you a pension, but you’d be getting the same pay check as me. What I am offering you a partnership. And I’m getting lots of work, all over the place. You’d be your own boss, and you’d get to travel. Sometimes to unusual places.”
“How big a pay check?”
“Quite a bit bigger than you’re getting now.”
“Keep talking.”
“I’m turning jobs down. ”
“Really. That’s great!”
Alex nodded.
“Must be your stellar reputation,” said Eugene.
“I imagine that’s the case,” said Alex with a wide grin.
“I mean it, buddy.”
“I know you do,” said Alex, serious now. “To be clear, what I am offering you is a partnership. And you wouldn’t have to move. We have a spare room, and you could stay with us if you need to be in Vancouver. I’ve already talked it over with Gwen, of course. She thinks it’s a great idea.”
“What? Me visiting you regularly?”
“No,” said Alex with a chuckle. “She thinks we’d do well working together.”
“I would agree with that. You know, I don’t think I’d mind living in Vancouver. It’s a nice town.”
“Rent is through the roof, though.”
“Same as just about anywhere now.”
“True enough.”
“How is Gwen? Enjoying an insider look at the legal profession?”
“Thriving. She’s very interested in environmental law.”
“So, she wants to take on the big, big nasties.”
“Oh yeah.”
“I would expect no less of Gwen,” said Eugene with a grin. But the grin vanished quickly, and he immediately grew thoughtful.
“What?” said Alex.
“Wouldn’t who I am be a problem with some of your clients?”
“You mean the fact that you’re not Indigenous?”
“Yes, that,” said Eugene.
Alex looked at Eugene seriously. “It might be a problem with some clients, but I think we could deal with that. And you’re such a good guy, you’ll win them over eventually.”
“You sure about that?”
“I’m sure. I’ve given it a lot of thought. I think it would be fine. How come we’ve never talked about this before?”
“We were in a particular environment. The RCMP is mighty white. I wasn’t considered an outsider coming in. I imagine you were.”
“Yeah. I was one of the first they hired.”
“Working with you, Alex, opened my eyes to a lot that I didn’t notice before, never mind question.”
Alex had stopped eating. He was listening closely.
“You’ve said as much, more than once.” He reached for the bread basket.
“It bears repeating.”
“It’s true that my Indian Status is very important to some of my clients, but not so much to others. It depends on where they’re at. The people I deal with are a mixed bag. Some clients live on reserve. Some have been off reserve and living in the city for several generations. Some are Status, some are non-Status. Hell, a few of them would identify as white.”
“Okay,” said Eugene.
“And I have a few clients that are none of the above. That’s a fairly recent development, but these are changing times. I don’t need to tell you that.”
“No. You don’t.”
“Eugene, I know that you’re not happy with the Force.”
“I haven’t made a secret of it.”
Alex was silent as he buttered a piece of bread. He looked at Eugene.
“I want you as my partner because I trust you,” he said. “You’ve always had my back.”
“And you’ve had mine,” said Eugene.
“And you’re smart. I need someone who can work with me, not for me.”
Eugene nodded.
“So, you’ll think it over?”
“Definitely.”
“Not to put too much pressure on you, but I’m swamped with work.”
“Swamped is good.”
“It is, but it’s time for me to branch out and hire someone.”
“It’s a tempting offer,” said Eugene with a smile. “I won’t keep you dangling. Not for long anyway.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” said Alex with a smile.
“You thinking about pie?”
“Gwen says I’m putting on weight.”
“I didn’t notice. The pie here is very good, like melt in your mouth pastry.” Eugene pointed out a large, glass enclosed structure at the entrance to the restaurant. “They make it in-house.”
“I did notice the dessert tower,” said Alex with a small sigh. “How can you miss it. It’s four feet high.”
“You’re not turning down home-made pie?” Eugene was incredulous.
“Maybe I’ll have just a small piece.”
“There is no such thing as a small piece of pie here.”
“Would you be in to sharing a piece?”
“Not on your life. Loosen your belt, buddy.”
“Damn,” mumbled Alex.
Once lunch was finished, Eugene returned to the detachment office and Alex left for the Royal Inland Hospital to see if he could see Max. When Alex arrived, he was still in a bed in Emergency.
“Mom said Max was here,” said Alex to the duty clerk. “After what he’s been through, I’m just glad he hasn’t been discharged yet. I told Mom I’d look in on him.” Alex heaved a small sigh and gave the clerk his best worried brother look.
“And you are?”
“Max’s brother, Allan. Allan King.”
“Of course, Mr. King. I talked with your mom this morning. She said you’d be coming.”
“It took me a few hours to get here. Mom’s flying down later today. We were so concerned when we found out what had happened to Max.”
“Your brother is in Bed 3. Normally he’d be discharged by now, but Dr. Aznar wanted to keep him here, probably overnight. He may be sleeping, and if he is, I’d ask you not to wake him. He’s been through quite an ordeal.”
“Of course, Nurse. If he’s sleeping, I’ll come back later.”
Alex spotted Judge Barlow in the waiting area as he headed down the hall. His daughter must still be in Emergency as well. Alex averted his profile before the judge could see him. He was not a fan of the judge—far from it. Over the years, Alex had grown to dislike him intensely, and he knew the feeling was mutual. He’d have to talk to him at some point, and he wasn’t looking forward to that.
Max was dozing, but he looked up when Alex opened the privacy curtain and stepped inside. Alex closed the curtain and moved to the foot of the bed. Alex remembered the man in the chair beside Alex from Levon Starr’s memorial service.
“Hi Robbie.”
“Hey Alex. I’m glad to hear you’re working for us. Mel told me.”
“I am, and I’m on duty now, if you’ve got things to do.”
“Always, but we didn’t want Max to be alone after what happened.”
“That’s a good plan. When did Norm leave?”
“A few hours ago,” said Robbie.
“Robbie, I really appreciate you coming in,” said Max.
“No problem buddy. I’m just glad I could help,” said Robbie.
He stood to go.
“Anything you need, Max, just call.”
They watched as he left the cubicle.
“I was hoping to talk with you, but only if you’re feeling up to it.”
“I’m good,” said Max.
Alex moved to his side and sat in the chair Robbie had just vacated. He removed his fedora and hung it on the back of the chair.
“Have you spoken with your mom yet?”
“No. The staff told me she called, but to tell you the truth, I’ve been feeling like shit most of the day. And I don’t know where my phone is. It’s probably at my place.”
“I’m to let you know she’s flying down late this afternoon. She’ll probably come straight here from the airport.”
“Hopefully I’ll be out of here by then.”
“I wouldn’t count on that. I think the plan is to keep you overnight.”
Max frowned in displeasure.
“You still a little groggy?”
“A little. How well do you know my mother?”
“I’ve worked for her once before, a few months back.”
“You don’t remember me, do you,” said Max quietly.
“You do look familiar, but I don’t remember from where.”
“Levon’s memorial,” Max said softly. “We weren’t introduced. You were still pretty shook up, as I remember.”
Alex nodded. “I was.”
“You quit the RCMP after Levon Starr was killed… by another cop.”
Alex nodded but said nothing.
Max motioned for Alex to lean in.
“Do you work for the redz now?”
“I do, when they ask for my help.”
“So do I,” said Max.
“Melva told me about White Blizzard, and your involvement; and Ari’s.”
Max smiled and nodded.
“Does Rose know… about our mutual friends?”
“No,” said Max.
“Are you up to talking about what happened last night?”
“I am. My first thought, when the thugs showed up, was that this was about White Blizzard. I haven’t told Rose anything about that, because of the redz involvement… and the international involvement… But what ended up happening to us… honestly Alex, I did not see that coming.”
“Do you think your abduction was tied to that?”
Max shook his head.
“Honestly, I don’t know… We’ve been very careful… beyond careful. Nothing online; all information exchanges by IRC. The thugs showing up at my place … that took me completely by surprise. And then they took Rose out back first… I didn’t see Rose after that.”
“Have you spoken with the detectives on the case yet?”
“Not yet. They were here early this morning, just after I was brought in, but I was out of it, physically and mentally.”
“Well, you and Rose are both here, and safe, so their job is half done. They’ll be back though. You can count on that.”
“That’s good. I want to clear things up.”
“Have they done a tox screen since you arrived?”
Max nodded. “A tox screen was done as soon as I arrived.”
“What were the results?”
“Heroin, fentanyl and oxycontin.”
“Whoa,” said Alex. “That’s quite the cocktail.”
“No kidding. I’m still feeling a little like someone took a hammer to me.”
“And that bruise on your cheek. Do you remember how you got that?”
Max rubbed a hand over his bruised cheek.
“One of the abductors; he took exception to questions I put to him; more than once.”
“It’s going to be a while before that clears up.”
“I’m more worried about Rose.”
“I’m sure you are. Getting back to last night, tell me everything you remember.”
“It was Sunday night. We’d just finished eating. It wasn’t long after dinner, sometime after six thirty. Rose went up to the bedroom to collect her things. She was getting ready to go to the movies with Meeta, an eight o’clock movie downtown. They’re roommates. But I think Rose planned on driving, so she was heading back to her place to pick Meeta up.”
Alex nodded.
“I was in the kitchen, and there was a knock at the front door. I answered the door and there was a tall guy there. He asked if I was Max King. I said yes, and he stuck a gun in my chest and in he came. Before I could react, I was up against the wall. Then there was a knock at the back door. He shoved his gun into my ribs and hustled me out back and let his partner in. Rose was still upstairs. Before I could warn her—”
Max sucked in a breath and let it out slowly.
“What a fucking mess!”
“Take your time,” said Alex. “You’re doing great.”
“They took me to the living room and tied some rope around my torso.”
“So, your arms were pinned, but not your hands.”
“That’s right. When they realized Rose was upstairs, one of them brought her downstairs and we were together in the living room. Then the taller guy went into the kitchen. He was on the phone for a while. I couldn’t hear what was being said. Then he returned to the living room and the stocky guy took Rose. A few minutes later, the tall guy took me out back, but I didn’t see Rose. I don’t know where the hell she was. I asked, but they wouldn’t tell me.”
“They were parked in the alley behind your townhouse.”
“That’s right. They were. How do you know that?”
“The detectives on your case checked your place out earlier. A friend of mine, a guy I used to work with in 100 Mile House, is stationed here in Kamloops now. We talked earlier,” said Alex.
“Right.”
“Rose was probably in the trunk by then. One of the detectives found a fair-sized bloodstain on the tarmac near your back gate.”
“Fuck… of course. Rose was in the trunk!”
“Most likely,” Alex said.
“Her concussion! One of those assholes clobbered her and gave her the concussion!”
“That’s very likely.”
“The staff here won’t tell me much, because I’m not family. Alex, I’m going crazy with worry.”
“I’ll see what I can find out.”
“I would really appreciate that.”
“There are two detectives on your case, Angie Strickland and Al Bannon.”
“They probably think I’m responsible.“
“From what I gather, where guilt is concerned, being Indigenous can be the deciding factor for Al Bannon. Or skin colour.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
“Don’t let him get to you. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. You are one of the victims here.”
“Do you know Bannon?”
“No… Nor the other detective, Angie Strickland, but apparently she is swayed by facts more than personal prejudice.”
Max nodded.
“Getting back to last night, they drove me… I mean, they drove us, downtown from my place. The streets were busy. I remember one of them saying there were too many people around. The stadium… we were parked near the stadium, close enough that I could see it.”
“You could see the stadium… and there were lots of people?”
“Yeah. Right… game night. High school football. Provincial finals. One of the guys at my firm, his son is on the local team. There was a chance Kamloops would take the championship this year, so lots of excitement. Anyway, there were people everywhere, locals and folks from out of town.”
“Maybe the initial plan was to dump you downtown. Make your death look like a drug overdose. Downtown would be a much better place for that than the bush.”
“I remember one of the guys was on the phone with someone. Something about a change in plan. The guy on the phone was not happy.”
“Not happy?”
“No. Whoever he was, I could hear him yelling on the phone from the back seat. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he was angry.”
Alex made a note to get Eugene to request CCTV footage of the Stadium area for last night.
“What do you remember about the abductor’s car?”
“It was grey, maybe silver; an SUV. The car did have the new smell, but not a lot of amenities… That’s where the guy slugged me, the first time; when we were parked there. I asked, actually I demanded to know where Rose was and he came over the back seat and let me have it. The guy packs quite a punch.”
Alex nodded.
“I remember we left the downtown. We crossed the river. They drove for quite a while.”
“You were both found at the New Directions Mine site, on Blue River.”
“Norm told me. Rose escaped somehow… maybe while they were dealing with me. She must have been in the trunk for quite a while.” Max shuddered. “It must have been so scary for her.”
“Fortunately, all the newer cars have a release button inside the trunk,” said Alex.
“That’s right! My car does. I mean, I’ve never had to use it. I don’t think about it being there… that must be how Rose… got out… fuck.” His voice grew quiet. “If they had dropped me downtown, she might not have escaped.”
Alex nodded. That had already occurred to him.
“Do you remember anything else about the car?”
“No.”
“Why do you think they were told to leave you at the mine site?”
Max thought about that for a minute.
“Maybe because New Directions Mine is a rare earth metals mine.”
“Ari mentioned that mine earlier,” said Alex. “Is it on the list for later this week?”
“It is.”
Max held up two fingers.
“One of two lawsuits we are preparing for Mountain Metals.”
“Okay.”
“All mining creates toxic waste. Rare metals mining also releases radiation poisoning. Cancer rates in other countries near these mines is through the roof.”
Max sighed and closed his eyes.
“You sure you’re okay to continue?”
“I’m good. Let’s keep going. Resistance like ours to these mega mining projects comes up against very powerful mining corporations, aided by powerful lobbyists.”
“No surprise there,” said Alex.
“And Canada is the only western country with an abundance of the metals needed to make batteries for electric vehicles.”
“Like copper. And Mountain Metals is also part owner of the Copper Mountain Mine?” asked Alex.
“Not part owner, Alex. They own Copper Mountain outright now. It’s a massive mine; a huge operation. That mine makes billions for Mountain Metals. And they have other mines in other countries, ones with much weaker environmental controls.”
“Or none at all,” said Alex. “So now they’re interested in mining rare earth metals?”
“Of course they are! The Canadian government has rolled out the red carpet for those mines.”
“Gwen calls them the new gold.”
“She’s right. Without them there won’t be a so-called green revolution. Who’s Gwen?”
“My wife.”
“What does she do?”
“She’s a law student at UBC.”
“You’re going to have a lawyer in the family.”
“Yes,” said Alex.
That got a smile from Max.
“The landscape changes constantly with the mining companies jockeying for control—all over the world, on land and in the sea. It’s a scary landscape.”
“You think it might have been one of the mining companies behind your abduction?”
“They usually draw the line at murder, in Canada anyway. Not elsewhere. Although I have a friend, Bobby McLeod, he and his brother, Cameron, are activists opposed to fracking in their territory, up north. Cameron was found dead at the entrance to an abandoned fracking well. The previous owners had declared bankruptcy and abandoned it. The new owners had plans to start it up again. And they did. His death wasn’t investigated but his brother was sure he was killed. There was no investigation and therefore nothing to build a case on. Nothing. The autopsy declared his death accidental.”
“You think that the brother’s death was a warning.”
“Yes, I do,” said Max. “We all do. He was one of us.
“He was redz?”
“He was.”
“To circle back, why do you think you were left at New Directions?”
“Honestly, I think it was a message. It’s better for all of you that are opposed to back off. You can’t stop us.”
“But the plan originally was to discredit you; make it look like you’re an addict. And when that didn’t pan out, the next best thing was to use you as an example.”
“Anyone in this fight would read it that way,” said Max.
“Most Indigenous are very opposed to mining on their territory. It’s dirty, the environmental damage is massive, and the tailings pond poison is forever,” said Alex.
“And with rare earth minerals, like the New Directions mine, there’s the added risk of radiation poisoning and the high rates of cancer associated with these rare earth mines. Look at what happened in China. They have no restrictions whatsoever in place, and they’ve got areas they will never be able to clean up and people trying to live their lives in those godforsaken places and dying of cancer at alarming rates.
“Here in BC, the mining companies talk and talk, but there are tailings ponds all over this province not being dealt with, never mind the rest of Canada. Many of them have been abandoned. It’s obvious that the mining consortium long ago decided there’s very little on the books to force them to mine safer or clean up after. And then they made sure that would be the case, more or less, into the future.”
“But why you, Max? Why would you be targeted specifically?”
“I don’t know why I was targeted; I’m not a big fish; I’m one of many.”
“Melva told me this morning about the action planned for this Friday. You just confirmed that Mountain Metals is one of the targets.”
The mass action, that involves a number of countries and lawsuits against the biggest players in mining. Ari Rosen is working with me on two lawsuits that are part of the bigger mass action: one against New Directions, and one against Copper Mountain, both are owned by Mountain Metals. Word may have leaked out, although I don’t see how. Like I said, we have been very, very vigilant about keeping that under wraps.”
“This would be a major headache for Mountain Metals. But mining companies must get lawsuits in the mailbox regularly. Whoever orchestrated this abduction tried to take you out permanently.”
Max fell silent for a long moment.
“The mass action is big. A group of people in four countries are involved. There are many individuals and organizations coming after global mining—some with no power and some with a lot more power. But the kind of power we need to make a difference is huge and we only have that if we band together.”
“You’re not just talking about our mutual friends?”
“No,” said Max, “we’re just a few amongst many players.”
“What kind of a threat does this mass action pose to big mining?”
“One of the aims is to shut down production of rare earth metals until mining and extraction processes are much improved.”
“That’s a tall order,” said Alex. “How many mines are active in BC?”
“Just the one at Blue River and another up north, but dozens more have the go-ahead on paper.”
“Dozens.” Alex was incredulous. “Maybe you’re more of a threat than you give yourself credit for.”
“But it’s not just me behind this, Alex.”
“Granted, but taking you out— the Indigenous lawyer who is preparing a lawsuit against a mining giant — that would have been a rather chilling example to everyone else that’s involved.”
“There’s no way anyone got wind of this. I’m telling you Alex, we have been very, very careful!”
“Okay, let’s circle back to this when you’ve had a chance to rest up. I told Ari Rosen that I’d let him know how you’re doing.”
“I appreciate that. Tell him I’m fine and that I’ll be in touch real soon.”
“I want to check out the site where they found you,” said Alex. “Do you think that’ll be a problem?”
“Norm’s been there a few times, working for Mel.”
Alex texted Mel.
I want to visit the mine site where they found Max and Rose.
The reply was quick, from Norm.
Hi Alex. I hear you want to go to the mine site. It’s a little late today what with darkness falling early these days but I’ve got tomorrow off.
Alex replied.
I will be at the hospital all night. Tomorrow, mid morning works for me.
“No-one can know Norm’s involved in this,” said Max very quietly.
“Outside of the group, is Norm a friend of yours?”
Max nodded.
“Getting back to last night, Rose being at your place might have been a surprise. What I mean is, the perps may have thought you were alone.”
Max thought about that.
“She hadn’t planned on staying for supper. But she loves curry. I’m afraid I talked her into it.”
“Who knew she was going to be at your place?”
“Just Meeta.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
Norm texted back.
I’m up early and I live close to the hospital. I can be available any time after eight AM. Text me when you want me to be there.
“Was that Norm?”
“Yes. It’s set. We’ll visit the mine site tomorrow morning.”
Max nodded.
“Rose is still here, in Emergency?”
“She’s in Bed 6. The afternoon nurse said Dr. Aznar plans on bringing her up to the ICU as soon as they have a room.”
“Her parents are in the waiting area,” said Alex. “Are you on speaking terms with them?”
Max shook his head. “Not really. I’ve been in the judge’s court, but I’ve never met her mother.”
“You don’t like them?”
“They don’t like me. Especially her dad who is a first-class racist jerk; the genteel kind.”
Alex nodded. He had his own history with the judge.
“I’ll go see if I can find out how Rose is doing. I’ll be right back.”
Alex made his way to Bed 6. The cubicle was empty. He started back towards Max’s cubicle when a nurse stepped out from the curtain across the aisle.
“Excuse me,” said Alex. “I’m here with my brother, Max King, in Bed 3. He’s very worried about his girlfriend, Rose Barlow. She’s in Bed 6.”
“They just moved her up to ICU.”
“Is she going to be okay?”
“She regained consciousness briefly, a few times, but they want to keep an eye on her. They’ll be keeping her overnight. I’m sorry, that’s all I can say.”
“Did she ask for Max?”
“She did, yes,” said the Nurse, relenting. “But we didn’t come and get him. She’s still unstable—and so is he, for that matter!”
“I can’t take him home?”
“No. Dr. Aznar plans on keeping him overnight. He had a lethal dose of drugs in his system and it will be a few days before he fully recovers from that.
“If he can‘t go home, Mom wants me to stay with him tonight, if that’s okay. She’ll be here a little later.”
“Up to you. You’ll have to sleep in the chair. I understand it’s not that comfortable.”
“I’m fine with the chair.”
“Tell Max I’ll be in shortly to check on him,” said the nurse, moving to another cubicle.
Alex returned to Max.
“Rose has come to a few times. She did ask for you.”
Max’s face brightened at that.
“They’ve admitted her. She’s up in the ICU now.”
“Thank you, Alex.” Max closed his eyes and sighed. “I’m suddenly very tired,” he mumbled.
“Just so you know, I will be spending the night here.”
“I will feel safer,” said Max.
“What about your mom? She’ll be here in an hour, two at the most?”
“She should stay in a hotel room tonight. I’d be nervous if she was alone at my place.”
“I’ll let her know.”
Max nodded, rolled onto his side and promptly fell asleep.
Before he went on a hunt for a coffee machine, Alex texted Connie that he’d be staying with Max and asked what time her plane was in. He also suggested a hotel room as opposed to staying at Max’s place. She texted back that she had to fly standby, but had managed to get on the 6:30 PM flight. Once she arrived, she would be coming to the hospital first, then would arrange for a room for the night.
Alex texted an update to Ari Rosen. Then he called Gwen, but it went to voicemail. He left her a brief message; he’d try to reach her later in the evening.
He noticed the judge and his wife half asleep in the waiting room and was careful not to be seen. The judge was the type to report Alex for not being family. Anything to keep the status quo in place.
Alex’s parents lived on Eagle Lake, a reserve north of the river. He let them know he was in town on a case but that he wouldn’t be staying with them. It had been a long time since he’d visited. Too long, but with his schedule, he rarely had time. He promised to come by for a visit before he went back to Vancouver.
His mom, Vera, taught at UBC’s Kamloops satellite university campus. His dad, Ron, was an anthropologist. He worked at the band’s anthropology museum when he wasn’t out on digs. His dad would want to stay up half the night talking politics. Which was often instructive, Alex had to admit, as Ron Desocarras was always up to speed on everything going on in their territory. There was a lot going on right now, between trying to stop the big pipeline going through their territory and trying to halt production on the Blue River mine.
Alex got himself a large coffee from the kiosk and returned to the Emergency entrance. Bed 3 was just beyond the nurses’ station. He took up a position where it was in his line of sight, pulled out his phone and called his dad, Ron. He would like to have more information on the New Directions Mine at Blue River.
“Hi Alex. It’s good to hear your voice. It’s been too long.”
“That’s for sure,” said Alex. “I came into town earlier, on a job. How are you both doing?”
“We’re good. No complaints. Not from me anyway. Your mom wants to retire from teaching and become an organic farmer.”
“She should do that. I’m sure university politics is driving her crazy.”
His mom, Vera, had been a lecturer at Thompson River University since she got her masters.
“Speaking for myself, it’s very liberating to go with your gut.”
“I’ll tell her you said so. So, what brings you to town?”
“A job for Connie King.”
“Chief Connie King?”
“That’s right. Her son’s in the hospital, and his girlfriend. That’s where I am now. I expect to see Chief King here any time now. I imagine you’ve heard the news.”
“We heard. How are they doing?”
“Max King is going to be okay. They’re still not sure about his girlfriend Rose. She’s in the ICU now. She’s drifting in and out of consciousness.”
“She’s Judge Barlow’s daughter, right?”
“Yes,” said Alex.
“Have you run into him?”
“No.”
“Probably just as well.”
“Hmm,” agreed Alex.
“How did the two of them end up at the hospital?”
“I’m still looking into that.”
“The reporting has been very sketchy Something about a drug overdose.”
“There was a drug overdose, but the drugs weren’t self-administered.”
“Whoa. Can you talk about it?”
“They were definitely abducted, and I imagine that will be publicly reported soon. As to why, that’s still a mystery.”
“It’s been implied that they’re a couple?”
“They are.”
“I’ll bet the good judge is not happy about that.”
“Apparently not. Anyway, Dad, there is something you can help me with. What do you know about the rare earth mine on Blue River?”
“Is that part of the story?”
“It could be.”
“That mine scares me, Alex. This project was impossible to stop. The tailings pond is right beside Blue River because they can’t make that giant mess without a great deal of water. Blue River is a tributary to the Thompson, a river that serves both native and non-native communities, It’s complete insanity!”
Alex and Gwen loved to fish, and Blue River was a favorite spot. But Alex, who’d been caught up in his own drama, only knew what he’d garnered second hand from Gwen about rare earth mining.
“I don’t know that much about mining rare earth elements,” admitted Alex, “except that it’s the newest mining buzz and we need them for the coming green revolution.”
“Green my foot. First off, rare-earth elements are not rare. They’re literally everywhere. Naming them rare is more of a marketing ploy. And mining them is far from a green enterprise.”
“It does make for good publicity.”
“Doesn’t it though. Anyway, they’re not rare, but they are all trace elements and one important thing to remember is that mining them requires making a huge environmental and toxic mess that is almost impossible to clean up. Estimates range, but not a lot. The creation of one ton of rare earth elements creates about two thousand tons of toxic waste.”
“It’s hard to fathom that amount of waste. So, mining this stuff is at least as damaging as nickel, copper, gold, coal.”
“Or more damaging. And there’s an added dimension. Rare earth minerals are often laced with radioactive thorium and uranium which is released into the toxic tailings soup once the rock is mined and they start the reduction process. The New Directions Mine threatens both native and non-native communities downstream, but the mine is on our territory, and we were pressured to allow the New Directions Mine to go ahead—for the common good.”
“Right. The good of all Canadians.”
“Correct. But it’s not just happening here. Worldwide, over five thousand rare earth mines are in the planning stage, or already active.”
“Wow dad. I didn’t know that.”
“Guess where more than half of them are going to be located?”
“On Indigenous land,” said Alex. “Where so many of the really shitty projects are located.”
“Out of sight, out of mind, at least for the non-Indigenous.”
“Like the world can get along without our pristine lands,” said Alex.
“Our once pristine lands. The onslaught is worldwide. Which means the struggle to protect mother earth has really ramped up.”
“We’re being told we can’t move beyond fossil fuels without rare earth elements.”
“It was suggested recently by Alan Robock, the climate scientist at Rutgers, you do know who I’m talking about right?”
“Not really.”
“Anyway, your mom brought this tidbit home. Robock claims that if we stop now, and just leave the fossil fuels in the ground, and switch completely to using the sun and the wind, that we’d have enough energy to power the world.”
“That sounds wonderful. And if that came to pass it would be amazing, sure. But rare earth metals are needed for solar panels and wind turbines, tv screens—and weapons—don’t forget about weapons.”
“Alex, I’m not saying we shouldn’t mine rare earth minerals. I like my cell phone too, and I wouldn’t mind an electric car. I’m saying we need to collectively make sure, and I mean everyone—this is not just an Indigenous responsibility, although sometimes it feels like we are largely alone in this battle—we need to make sure that all negative impacts of mining are avoided, and if they can’t be avoided completely, then minimized, using every available technology. And if that technology isn’t available, then it’s time to invent it!
And after all is said and done, and any damage remains, then the repair of the landscape has to be prioritized and completed. As it is now, mining operations have been slash, grab and go and the open wounds from that mindset are everywhere in our territories—all over this province—all over this planet for that matter!”
“Sometimes I think it’s hopeless.” That was something Alex didn’t have the heart to say to Max King earlier.
“Don’t say that, Alex. This is not the time to lose heart. Eighty percent of the world’s biodiversity is on our lands. It has fallen to Indigenous people worldwide to protect that now, as we always have, but the battle is far from won.
“We’re worried about biodiversity, but big mining has only one concern, and that’s profit. Sure, some of our Nations want to be part of the mining process, from extraction up to an including manufacturing. Mining generates huge sums of money and some of that money could change the lives of a lot of our people for the better. We’re talking untold billions—more like trillions of dollars—that will be made by the mining giants in the long term. They plan to set up more and more mines, on our land, but they don’t want to share the bulk of the profits.
“It was only six years ago we had the worst tailings pond breach in the history of Canada! In our territory. And the damage? Irreparable. And that mine has reopened for business because we can’t move to a green economy without copper. And the tailings pond is still leaking!”
“It’s a bitter pill but I think that some nations cave to the fact that a mining permit gives the mining company more jurisdiction than Canadian law and First Nations rights, no matter how hard you fight for them in court even if you win! Who can blame them.”
“You are right. Dammit.”
“And what about the Copper Mountain mine,” Alex reminded him. “They got a fifty thousand dollar fine for a tailings pond breach last year and what do they want to do? They want to raise the tailings pond dam to 255 metres. That would make it taller than Vancouver’s highest skyscraper!”
“It’s hard to fathom the stupidity… the arrogance.”
“The greed,” said Alex. “Don’t forget greed. That’s what drives it.”
Neither of them spoke for a minute.
“Mining lobbyists are very good at what they do. And the drug lobbyists, the oil lobbyists, the food lobbyists. They control the politics, the lawmakers. They control the messaging. They control the agenda.”
“You sound like you’re a student again.”
“Not me. That would be Gwen, bringing home the frightening stats now.”
“How is she doing?”
“Running an A average. Keeping me on my toes. The usual.”
“Of course she is.” Ron chuckled. “You're a lucky man, Alex. She’s a wonderful woman.”
“She is, and yes, I am a lucky man.”
“I’m a lucky man too, and if I want to keep it that way, I have to cut this short. Your mother wants to eat dinner, and I’m on dinner duty and it’s already late.”
“I’ll do my best to get around for a visit before I go back to Vancouver.”
“We’ll hold you to that.”
Alex stayed outside for a while longer, enjoying the cool night breeze and the hot coffee. Soon enough, he’d be inside for most of the night, breathing stale hospital air and trying to stay alert. So unreal, hospitals. Alex didn’t like them much. He finished his coffee, threw away the empty cup, and made for the automatic doors. They opened before he got there, and Judge Barlow came through.
Just what he needed, thought Alex. Expressionless, he halted to let him pass. He noted the judge was alone. Maybe his wife was upstairs in the ICU with his daughter. The judge stopped too.
Here we go.
“You must be working for Max King.”
Alex said nothing, just stared at the judge.
“Fine! Don’t answer me, your arrogant asshole, but I know you are. I’d put money on it. He very nearly got my daughter killed!”
“King barely escaped being murdered himself,” said Alex, quietly.
“Don’t give me that! He’s responsible for all of this!”
“Don’t you think the responsibility more correctly lies with the criminals who abducted them?”
The judge’s face reddened.
“Always the smart mouth. I’ll bet they threw you out of the force.”
“Actually, I quit,” said Alex.
“What? Too difficult for you to play by the rules?”
One moment, Alex was looking at the judge’s sneering face. The next, the lifeless body of Levon Starr filled his vision. The young, unarmed man shot a few feet away from him by a fellow officer. Levon Starr, a kind, decent human being who wanted nothing more than to protect his people from the continued onslaught of greed and human unkindness.
Alex’s face must have registered something of that, at least enough for the judge to notice. He abruptly stopped talking. Alex turned to watch him as he hurried past and headed to the parking lot.
Alex checked his phone. One short, sweet message from Gwen. She’d tried to reach him, but his phone went to voicemail. She would call him before she headed to bed, probably closer to midnight. Alex put the phone on vibrate, tucked it into a jacket pocket and entered Emergency. It was going to be a long, long night. He hoped it would be uneventful.
Alex had already checked with the Nurse on duty and confirmed that Max would definitely be staying the night. He turned to head for his cubicle, when Connie King came through the Emergency doors.
“Here’s mom now,” said Alex, as she rushed to his side.
“Alex, I’m so glad you’re here! Nurse, I’m Connie King, Max King’s mother. Where is Max?”
“He’s in Bed 3, ma’am.”
“This way,” said Alex.
He grabbed the handle of Connie King’s overnight bag and ushered her to Max’s cubicle. He was still asleep, the massive bruise on his cheek a deep purple in the bright fluorescent light. Connie took a seat on the edge of the chair, took her son’s hand and leaned in. Alex put her bag behind the chair.
“Max,” said Connie gently. “Max, can you hear me?”
Max didn’t stir.
“He’s been through quite the ordeal,” said Alex. “I just interviewed him and he was out minutes after. He may be out for a while.”
Connie nodded, her eyes intent on her son.
“I’ll give you some time with Max,” he said.
She turned to Alex.
“How is Rose?”
“She’s been admitted; she’s up in the ICU.”
“Do they think she’ll be okay?”
“She has regained consciousness a few times and asked for Max. That’s all I know. I’ll be at the entrance if you need me.”
Connie stayed with her son for an hour, but when it looked like he wouldn’t be waking any time soon, she came out to the entrance with her bag. Alex spotted her and ushered her to a quiet corner of the waiting area, careful to keep Bed 3 in his line of sight. Connie sat down heavily.
“What have you been able to find out, Alex?”
“Only that the abduction and attempted murder might have had something to do with cases Max has been working on. Some of these are very high profile and involve big mining concerns. As for who’s responsible, that is still unknown.”
“Is Rose involved with those?”
“No. It looks like she just happened to be there when the thugs showed up.”
Alex looked at Connie; black bags under eyes that were heavy with the need to sleep.
“You’re exhausted, Connie. When was the last time you got some sleep?”
“Honestly, a few days ago.”
“Max may be out for hours.”
“I guess I might as well head over to the hotel,” said Connie.
“Where are you staying?”
“The Delta. It’s just a few blocks from here… in case I needed to get back here in a hurry.”
Connie stopped speaking and her eyes flooded with tears. Alex put an arm around her, while she fought for control. She pulled a tissue from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes.
“He’s going to be okay Connie,” said Alex. “They’re keeping him overnight for observation. I’ll call you immediately if anything happens, but something tells me it’s going to be a quiet night.”
“You’re right; I’m no good to anyone half asleep. Thank you Alex. Thank you so much for being here.”
“Let’s get you a taxi.”
Alex took up position in the cubicle beside a sleeping Max King. It was going to be long night. The chair was roomy and not too uncomfortable, but he knew that by morning, his lower back would be complaining.
Gwen wouldn’t be calling for a few hours yet. He hated being away from her. She supported him completely when he quit the RCMP, but working for himself meant that he was away from her more than he used to be, and that was hard on both of them. He looked over at Max.
Alex began to run plausible scenarios of what might have happened to Max and his girlfriend Rose. Leaving Max at the proposed mine site was the second choice. It appeared that their first plan was to dump him downtown, on the North Shore, a high crime area, favoured by intravenous drug users, but that plan must have been thwarted by heavy foot traffic because of the football playoffs. There would be lots of out-of-town fans and locals. It was a big deal every year.
Alex pulled out his phone and texted Eugene.
I talked with Max King. At one point last night, the perps were parked downtown for a good while and Max remembers he had a clear view of the stadium. What are the chances of getting CCTV footage of the North Shore, stadium area, for last night, seven to midnight?
The tournament was local to Kamloops, so someone ordering the hit from out of town wouldn’t be aware of that, which meant that the hit was probably ordered by someone living elsewhere. Perhaps a mining company executive? That thought led to an online search for the head office of Mountain Metals and brought up a Vancouver address, just a few blocks from Alex’s office, but where the rent was triple what he was paying.
It was possible that the hit could have been ordered by someone peripheral to Mountain Metals. He couldn’t rule that out.
But it had to be someone who would be hurt financially by any of the possible court challenges that Max was involved in bringing forward. Alex looked over at the sleeping Max.
What was most interesting was the choice of the New Directions mine site as an alternative dump site. Targeting Max King in that fashion sent a strong message to any person or group, Indigenous or otherwise, who might be opposed to that mine in particular. It had to be someone involved in mining, either directly or indirectly, with Mountain Metals was his first guess. Someone who didn’t expect Max King to survive. His phone buzzed. It was Eugene.
I’ll text you when I have the footage. What should I be looking for?
A grey SUV, possibly a rental, parked for at least an hour, where there would be a clear view of the stadium.
Alex tucked the phone away and settled into the chair. Hopefully there’d be a lead in the CCTV footage. His thoughts went to White Blizzard. It was quite a bold undertaking.
Thinking about that got Alex thinking about the redz. Now that Levon Starr was gone, Melva was the one organizing the BC redz, keeping everyone safe online, doing the liaison work internationally, and breaching the odd firewall when the situation demanded it. Those were big shoes to fill.