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Ernie shrugged. “The more the merrier.”

“I guess that’s that then,” said Ali. “Boys, we’ll fly direct into Victoria. You can pick us up at the airport. I’ll send the flight details through once we’re booked.”

“OK, I’ll be here consoling old foot in mouth,” said Rick.

“That’s rich coming from the guy who hired a shoe box. We’re going to have to get a real SUV in town,” said Mike.

“Go easy on him, Rick. He means well,” said Ali.

“You boys play nice. We’ll see you tomorrow,” added Jenny.

“Yeah, stay out of trouble,” said TJ.

“Don’t forget to wash behind your ears,” Ernie added a split second before Ali ended the call.

“OK,” said Ali. “Let’s get those flights booked and get packed.”

Chapter Fifteen

Mike parked their new rental, a Toyota Highlander, at a 7-Eleven located on the opposite side of the highway from the Grey Beaver. Axe was curled up on the back seat as they set up their surveillance equipment. A discreet camera fixed to the dash gave them an uninterrupted night-vision-enhanced picture of the bar’s parking lot and entrance.

“What’s the likelihood he’s gonna hit the bar?” asked Rick as he tore open a bag of jerky.

“It’s Friday night,” said Mike as he adjusted the camera and checked the image on his tablet.

“True, and the bar is pumping,” said Rick as Axe’s snout appeared between them. He slipped the dog a piece of jerky.

There were at least a half dozen pickups in the lot and three times as many bikes. Thumping rock music was emanating from the building and could be heard, albeit faintly, inside the SUV.

“A few years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to keep you from hitting that bar,” said Mike. “You would have been in there tuning that barmaid Rick the Dick style.”

“Priorities change,” said Rick. “Although I could slay a beer. This jerky is saltier than my dive vest.”

“I’d go easy on it. That crap will clog you up,” said Mike. “And stop giving it to Axe, he’s had his dinner.”

Rick ruffled the dog’s ears. “Sorry, bud. You heard the boss.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes as Mike continued adjusting the tablet. Then, when he was happy the surveillance system was functioning, he set the tablet in his lap and took his coffee from a cup holder. “I feel like we should have brought donuts.”

“Donuts, coffee, and jerky. That’s a stakeout done right,” said Rick. “Hopefully, this prick shows up, and we can tail him to the pups. Then the girls can enjoy a weekend in Victoria, and we can all head home.”

“That would be the perfect outcome.”

“Hey, do you guys know what you’re having yet?” Rick asked.

“Still a little early.”

“You hoping for another boy?”

Mike shook his head. “No, I’d love Junior to have a sister, and I know Ali has her heart set on a daughter. But if the kid is healthy, we’ll be happy. Are you and Jenny planning to have more than one?”

“Yeah, we think so. Maybe not straight away, but in a few years.”

“How’s it all going?” Mike asked between sips of coffee.

“Good, Jenny and the baby are doing really well.”

“What about you, Rick?”