Angel in the Full Moon by Don Easton

and whispered, “Get out.”
    â€œSorry,” said Jack. “I couldn’t hear that.”
    â€œI have an important call. Get out!”
    Jack and Laura obediently returned to their own office.
    Back in their own office, Laura looked at Jack and said, “I was afraid to even look at you in there in case I couldn’t keep a straight face. Deputy Commissioner Simonson?”
    Jack smiled and said, “Quaile would never have the nerve to call him, let alone question what he wants.”
    â€œGood one. Who are you using?”
    â€œRemember Bob from Edmonton?”
    â€œThought he was retired now? Working for the Insurance Corporation of B.C.”
    â€œHe is, but still has all the contacts. Including someone to provide him with a call forwarding number out of Ottawa.”

    â€œIf this doesn’t work, Quaile will have you transferred.”
    â€œI have the feeling that I’ve nothing to lose.”
    Quaile drummed his fingers on the desk for thirty seconds, but sat upright when a gruff voice asked, “Staff Sergeant Quaalude?”
    â€œAh, it’s pronounced, Quaile, sir.”
    â€œSorry to keep you waiting. Things are hectic here this morning. What’s the weather like out there in Vancouver?”
    â€œWindy and raining right now, sir. Kind of miserable.”
    â€œThat’s good. Listen, I’m calling about the reports you submitted. The Commissioner is personally interested in this.”
    â€œThe Commissioner! What reports sir?”
    â€œOn those two Russians your section is working on. I don’t have their names. You must know who I mean?”
    â€œI do sir.”
    â€œTheir names surfaced in an international investigation we’re involved with here. It’s a high priority case involving very bad apples. We’ve discovered that there is corruption at the highest level. Indications are that it is even amongst our own ranks.”
    â€œCorruption amongst our own ranks, sir?”
    â€œYes, Quaalude, I just said that. Now, whatever you get on these guys, I don’t want you to dilly-dally with the reports. Send them in pronto! I don’t know how you got on to them, but I can tell you, the Commissioner is pleased. There are other countries involved and it’s about time we had something to make us look good.”
    â€œYes, sir! My instincts told me these guys were bad from the get-go. Should I have my investigators contact someone?”
    â€œNo. Don’t talk about this to anyone or have anyone make any calls at this time. Weren’t you listening when I said there is a serious indication of corruption?”

    â€œYes, sir. Of course.”
    â€œSimply proceed like normal. We will contact you if the need arises. Just keep those reports coming.”
    â€œWould you like me to direct the reports to your personal attention?”
    â€œJesus ... of course not, Quaalude! I have better things to do than distribute reports around the building. My God, what do you think I do here? Send them through ordinary channels as always. You got that?”
    â€œYes, sir!”
    Moments later, Jack and Laura were summoned back to Quaile’s office.
    â€œListen, I’ve had overnight to rethink what you said yesterday and have reconsidered this whole Russian matter. I’m going to allow you to continue working on them, but I expect results—don’t let me down!”
    â€œStaff ... are you sure?” asked Jack, ignoring the roll of Laura’s eyes. “What about Commercial Crime?”
    â€œThat can wait for now. You told me these Russians are worth taking a look at. You better not fail. This is your one and only chance to prove it.”
    â€œWill do,” said Jack as he and Laura turned to leave.
    â€œNot so fast,” said Quaile.
    â€œStaff?” asked Jack.
    â€œI see our overtime budget is healthy at the moment, so don’t hesitate to work a few extra hours if