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A moment later, TJ and Ernie entered the house and made their way to the living room. Ali dialed Mike on her tablet and propped it on the coffee table so everyone could see.
“Hey team,” Mike said when he and Rick appeared on screen.
“I hear you guys had an eventful afternoon at the Grey Beaver,” said Ali.
“That’s one way of putting it,” Rick replied. “These Canadian bikers are real assholes.”
“TJ, did we get anything from those numbers?” asked Mike.
The team leader shook his head. “Not yet. Deb’s guy is doing a deep dive, but he thinks they might be using a web-based app to communicate. We can’t crack that without external support.”
“That doesn’t leave us with much,” said Rick. “Our only real move is to stake out the bar and hope Kane drops by.”
“What about the RCMP?” Mike used the acronym for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Service. “Surely, they’ve got more info they can share. I mean, they picked him up surveilling the bar; they would have other locations of interest.”
“Deb investigated that through her FBI colleagues. The Mounties aren’t keen to share details regarding an ongoing investigation unless it relates directly to a national-level security threat,” said TJ.
“I might be able to help with that,” said Jenny. “I did a placement in my twenties with Parks Canada in Banff. We worked with the Mounties, and I’m still in contact with a few of them. Joni, the old Banff detachment commander, is based in BC. I might be able to convince her to share some information with us.”
“That would be amazing,” said Mike. “Rick and I would be happy to meet with her.”
Jenny grimaced. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Let’s say that Joni isn’t exactly your cup of tea.”
“What do you mean?” asked Rick. “Mike and I get along with everyone.”
“Babe, Joni is a little more liberal than you can handle.”
“If that’s the case,” said Ali. “Why don’t we head up and meet with her?”
“You and me?” said Jenny.
“Yeah, why not. The boys already have the house rented, and we might be able to give them a lead. There’s nothing to lose.”
“Except, you’re both pregnant,” snapped Mike.
“What!” exclaimed Jenny. “Ali, you’re pregnant?”
“Not exactly how we planned to tell everyone,” said Ali. “But yes, we’re eleven weeks.”
“Congratulations,” said Jenny, hugging Ali.
“I knew it,” said Maria. “Last week, when we had mimosas, you said you didn’t want one. I said to Ernie, maybe she is pregnant.”
“It’s true,” said Ernie. “She said that.”
“So, clearly, you and Jenny flying up isn’t going to work,” said Mike. “Rick and I will have to meet with Joni.”
“Sweetheart, we’re pregnant, not walking wounded. It’s a short flight, and Canada has amazing health care.”
“And you’re not going alone,” said Maria. “Ernie and TJ can look after the boys. I’m coming too.”
“Sounds like a plan,” said Jenny.
“We’ll bring Saber,” added Ali. “She might be able to help track down the pups.”
“TJ, where are you on this idea?” asked Mike.
The team leader shrugged. “Pretty low risk, and let’s face it, we don’t have any other leads. Deb is away on Friday night, so I’m happy to play Uncle TJ with Ernie and the lads. If he’s OK with it?”
