Chapter 11: Getting in Position
"So that's what it is, then?" Kowalski asked.
"I think so," Fraser responded.
Back at the station, the two law officials had looked up possible links to Grant Park. They'd been at it for almost an hour and were discussing the results.
Welsh had come by and asked for progress. The detective interrupted Fraser's explanation and explained that the case had grown larger and that they were closing in on more suspects. The Lieutenant was satisfied and left them.
Francesca was pleased to see the Mountie back in the station, and was happy to oblige on getting information. She produced some printed handouts for them.
The handouts explained how the park is haven for history (monuments corresponding with areas of lawns and trees), the location for some festivals (particularly concerts), has a series of bridges (to cross the railway) along with the Buckingham Fountain.
Neither of them had been in Grant Park before, only Kowalski had drove past it a few times.
The Mountie and the detective had gone over potential scenarios. The only one that seemed to have merit was the park being some sort of meeting place. The location was not suitable for trafficking of any kind or violence because it was a fairly public area, except "nothing should be ruled out" Fraser had said.
"Should we do a stakeout or find a faster way? I'm all for the faster way," Ray put in before the Mountie could get a word.
"From my deduction, a quicker way would be prudent."
"Then what are we waiting for!" Kowalski proclaimed, standing up. A second later, he sat back down. "I…think I need a break first." He put a hand on his head.
Fraser nodded in understanding. "Why don't we get some chow?"
"'Chow', Fraser?" the detective rose and grabbed his jacket. "It sounds like you wanna get some dog food or something."
"That's funny," the Mountie said almost naively. "I imagine Chinese food."
Kowalski shook his head in typical fashion. They headed for the door. He reached out a hand to open it when Fraser interrupted.
"Oh, dear."
Ray gave the Mountie an (overly) expectant look.
"I'm not sure if I left food for Diefenbaker. I better get right on it." He was about to turn around to use a phone when Kowalski pulled out his and handed it over.
"Thank you," Fraser said with a smile. He started to dial one of his neighbours.
This time Ray opened the door for them and they went to the car.
"Maybe we should call Nicholson again. I think we let him off too easy," the detective embellished, as the two were leaving a 'Chinese' restaurant and going towards his car.
"I'm not sure he could do much more for us, Ray," Fraser answered while he was concentrating on straightening one of his sleeves.
Kowalski glanced over at the Mountie. "You always have to be in pre-stein condition? Even when you're running after a thug?"
Fraser looked up. "Do you mean pristine?"
"Pre-stein, pristine, what's the difference?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the detective was sorry he asked.
"A stein is a mug that holds beer, about two cups, which would be about a pint," the Mountie continued to explain, squeezing an eye shut, "which would be about half a quart-"
"-And sixteen gills, and four mutchkins, and-"
"Ray."
Both men had stopped on either sides of the car.
"Ya."
"What are you talking about?"
The blond visibly brightened. "Ha, I know something that you don't!" He grinned. "I think I'd like to relish in my glory for a minute."
The Mountie raised his eyebrows.
A few seconds later, Kowalski gave in and explained with some hand movements. "Okay, it's like this: 'Gills' or 'mutchkins' are Scottish measurements in cooking. An old buddy of mine was big on that a few years back, so I caught some of the lingo," he said, embellishing onto the last word, as if he was saying 'limbo'.
"Hmm. Imperial measurements. Can't say I don't like them over the metric system," the Mountie pondered.
"Okay, math lesson over. Are we gonna go back to Nicholson or what?"
The Mountie actually sighed. "If you deem necessary. But I believe we should use our time wisely."
They got into the car and Ray answered him while backing up and driving out of the parking lot. "I do deem it necessary Fraser. Like you always say with that mumbo-jumbo-"
"Ray, why do you find it necessary to categorize my ideas as 'mumbo-jumbo'?"
"What else do you want me to call it? How about-"
Seeing where this was heading, Fraser changed the subject. "Are you certain that Collin would be at his apartment? Perhaps he's afraid that Dan may find him again."
"Hate to admit it, but you got me there. Ya think he might be at Jenna's?"
"Possibly."
They headed over to Collin's sister's place.
Collin was there and Jenna invited the two officers in while serving some (non-alcoholic) drinks as they sat down around a coffee table.
The conversation turned to Grant Park, and Fraser explained the conclusion that he and the detective had come to. He then remembered something, and turned to Collin. "You said you heard '31'. Do you have any idea what that may be referring to?"
Nicholson rubbed his head, getting tired from the situation. "Not really, just that it was mentioned right with the park."
Kowalski leaned his head back and pondered himself. Thirty-one. Thirty-one. What would a person say? 'Meet at Grant Park…' He straightened up. "Fraser, do you think it could some sort of date?"
Fraser nodded slowly. "A time and…a place."
The detective thrusted his head in accomplishment.
"Today's the 30th," Jenna spoke up.
"Then it's tomorrow!" Ray said, and looked at her. "Now how do we find out what time?" he asked to no one in particular, standing up to stretch his legs. He got an idea and started to grin when he saw the Mountie's expression.
The Mountie knew what the detective was thinking and shook his head no.
"Come on, Fraser."
The Mountie shook his head again.
"He could just call him or something, instead of live bait."
Realizing that the two were taking about him, Collin rose too. "Uh-uh. I'm not doing anything."
"Take it easy. Just ask to meet Dan tomorrow and we'll know what time he's busy, and-"
"Collin," Jenna said, interrupting. "Let's put an end to this."
Three pairs of eyes were fixed on Nicholson. Nicholson dropped his head. "Okay, okay. What do I tell him?"
By time Collin finished the call, Fraser thanked both of the Nicholsons and the two officers left.
Dropping the Mountie off at his apartment, Kowalski said, "Be ready to knock the kooks."