A strange looking tree with widespread branches and hanging fruit stood in a stonewall planter in the middle of the grounds like a giant centerpiece.
“That’s odd looking,” Mason said. “What kind of tree is that?”
“It’s called Jinmenju, the human-face tree. Sometimes at night you can hear the fruit laughing.”
“Okay,” Ramsey said skeptically from the backseat.
Song turned the electric cart and gave the tree a wide berth. “There is much more to see but we should get to work.”
Mason was fine with that. He wanted to see how Lennie was acclimating to his new surroundings.
On their way back to the tunnel entrance, Mason spotted a small group of people and a news crew setting up near Yeren Temple.
9
NEWS UPDATE
News reporter Jenny Lee checked her notes, tossed back her shoulder-length hair, and held her microphone up to her face. “I’m ready, Jim.” She waited for the red light to appear on the bulky video camera. “This is Jenny Lee, reporting live from Hangshong Province, China. Today we have been given an exclusive look inside the most anticipated theme park in the world—Cryptid Kingdom, which is due to open in two days. With me is renowned Chinese cryptozoologist, Dr. Luan Chang.”
Jim moved the camera to include the scientist in the frame. Luan wore her hair back in a tight bun and looked studious in her large frame glasses and white lab coat.
“So Dr. Chang, please tell our viewers what guests should expect when they visit Cryptid Kingdom.”
“Well, we have a world-class water park, and I’ve been told, one of the most thrilling roller coaster rides on the continent.”
“Have you ridden the roller coaster?” Jenny asked.
“No, it is much too scary for me,” Luan said, feigning a frightened expression.
“Tell us about your work.”
“Our team of scientists and myself have successfully created and brought to life mythical creatures from our cultural heritage.”
“But don’t you need DNA in order to do that?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“But if these creatures are only legends,” Jenny said, “and never existed, how is that possible?”
“By writing new biological instructions and creating new bonds of double-stranded DNA. We had a general idea how they should look, their behavioral patterns, and went from there.”
“You make it sound so simple,” Jenny said.
“We have been working on this project for more than ten years. Believe me, it was far from simple.”
“I guess you have plenty of support from your father.”
“Yes, it is true. As you probably already know, my father not only funded our research, he is also the major owner of Cryptid Kingdom along with a silent partner.”
“I understand Dr. Haun Zhang is part of your team?”
Luan paused then said, “That is correct. As you can imagine, creating these creatures has been a monumental task.”
“But after what he did, I would think—”
Luan interrupted the reporter by saying, “Dr. Zhang was never convicted.”
“Some say your father was influential in Dr. Zhang’s acquittal.”
“Perhaps you would like to see one of our exhibits,” Luan said, deftly changing the subject.
“But of course. That is why we are here,” Jenny said.
The news team followed Luan down a cobblestone path bordered by rows of cherry blossom trees. They reached the front steps to a structure that looked like it had been constructed centuries ago by a past dynasty. The orange tiled roofs bowed in the middle and swept upward at the tips in perfect symmetry.
Jenny followed Luan as they stepped through the arched entrance.
Jim turned the light on his video camera even though there was ample sunlight filtering down from the overhead skywell into the massive room with ordain columns and marble flooring.
“So where are we exactly?” Jenny asked, holding her microphone out for Luan to speak into.
“This is Yeren Temple,” Luan said.
Jenny turned slowly to gaze about the room. She froze when she saw a huge creature standing behind a thick-paned glass enclosure. “Oh my God,” she gasped. “Jim, are you getting this?” When he didn’t answer, she turned and saw her cameraman gawking in disbelief at the beast on the other side of the glass.
* * *
Jack could hear Nora in the kitchen, setting the table for an early dinner. He was sitting in the living room, reading the Rocklin Falls Gazette, the town’s community newspaper. It was refreshing to see that no one had reported a cryptid sighting or an attack in over two weeks. No Thunderbirds, or Bergman’s bears, not even a Bigfoot. He figured the few creatures still alive after escaping the zoo had wised up and were staying clear of hunters, hiding out somewhere in the mountainous forest.
“Can I help you in there?” he called out.
“No, I’m almost done,” Nora replied. “It’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
Jack folded up the paper and tossed it on the coffee table. He turned on the TV with the remote control, as it was almost time for the world news. His favorite anchorman, Lester Williams, was on. The American journalist introduced a lead story and the screen changed, showing two women standing inside a large room with pillars. Jack recognized Jenny Lee, the network’s global roving reporter. He had no idea who the Chinese woman was being interviewed.
The sound was turned down low so Jack could hear Nora so he was half-listening to the broadcast. He caught snippets of what they were saying. He glanced back over his chair. “Sure you don’t need any help?”
“No, for the second time,” Nora answered.
Jack turned back to the TV. “Holy shit!” He immediately put the image on pause. “Nora, get in here!”
Nora stepped into the living room, wiping her hands with a dishtowel. “Keep this up and you’ll never get—” She froze when she saw the TV screen. “Oh my God. I went to UC Davis with her. That’s Luan Chang.”
“Forget her,” Jack said. “Look what’s behind them.” He got up from his chair and moved closer to the flat screen TV over the fireplace mantel.
Nora stepped beside him and grabbed his arm. “Oh my God! That’s Lennie in the background.”
“It sure is,” Jack said.
“Where in the world is this being televised?”
“You’re not going to believe it. They took him to China.”
10
DARK SECRETS
Even though Amy’s father had scored a good deal on the tickets, the only drawback was that he hadn’t been able to book their seats together. Caroline was by the window overlooking the wing with Amy sitting next to her in the next seat. An elderly woman occupied the third seat in their row and was wiling away the time knitting a scarf. Gabe was in the row across the aisle.
Amy couldn’t help noticing that Gabe seemed out of sorts and chose to sleep even though he had movies to watch and music to listen to on his laptop during the 14 hour-long flight.
She turned and gazed out the window at the white cumulous clouds, knowing that 30,000 feet below was nothing but ocean. Even though she didn’t have a fear of flying, the thought of crashing in the middle of the Pacific had her slightly unnerved. She looked down at the in-flight magazine that Caroline was reading. “Anything good?” she asked her friend.
“There’s an interesting travelogue and some nice pictures about the ten best beach resorts in Spain. Want to see?” Caroline asked.
“Maybe later.”
Caroline stuffed the magazine in the backseat pouch. She reached up and twisted the overhead vent to get some fresh air.
Amy glanced over at Gabe. He was still sound asleep. She turned to Caroline and said, “Is Gabe mad at me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Ever since we arrived at the airport and got on the plane, he hasn’t said much to me,” Amy said.
“I think he really wanted us to spend some time w
ith his parents during spring break.” Caroline patted Amy’s knee. “I guess I never told you about what happened to Gabe, have I?”
“Something bad?”
“Worse than bad. Can you keep a secret?”
“Sure,” Amy said.
“I mean you have to promise. You can’t tell anyone or he’ll know I told you.”
“I promise.”
“You’ve heard about Cryptid Zoo, right?”
“Everyone has.”
“Well, Gabe and his parents were there that weekend.”
“Oh my God.”
“Gabe saw some terrible things that really messed him up. He was in a psychiatric institution for months afterward. He says he still has nightmares.”
“I had no idea.”
“He thought for sure they wouldn’t get out of there alive. They even got one of his friends.”
“That’s awful.”
“Even now, he hears the word cryptid and he freaks. This vacation might do him a world of good. I think I’m going to stretch my legs and use the restroom,” Caroline said, unbuckling her seatbelt. She stooped so she wouldn’t bump her head on the overhead.
“Sure,” Amy said. She tucked back her legs so Caroline could squeeze by and edge past the elderly woman’s bony knees. Caroline tapped Gabe on the shoulder but he didn’t wake up. She started up the aisle toward the front of the plane.
Amy stared over at Gabe and suddenly felt a pang of panic. It had been so difficult keeping her big surprise from Caroline and Gabe and not blurting it out, which was the main reason for taking this trip.
And now it was about to blow up in her face.
11
FANCY MEETING YOU
Anna Rivers and Mack Hunter sat near the front of the plane two rows down from the lavatories and were working busily on their laptops resting on the dropdown trays. The seat between them was vacant except for the travel case used for carrying their computers and important case files.
Anna turned her computer so Mack could see the screen. “Here’s Wilde on the NNCP,” Anna said, referring to the National Name Check Program the Federal Bureau of Investigation used to keep track of individuals who might be a threat to national security.
“So when did he arrive in Hangshong?” Mack asked.
“A day ago.” Anna took a manila folder from the workbag and opened it on the keyboard of her laptop. She took a loose photograph of a young Asian man and showed it to Mack. “This is Congressman Harvey Tran’s son. Joey Tran, birth name Rong Tran. He’s an exchange student.”
“Not often you see a Chinese-American go to his country of origin to further his education. So how long has he been missing?”
“Over 72 hours,” Anna said. “Normally, he face-chats with his mother every day. When they hadn’t heard from him, they got worried, and Congressman Tran notified the Bureau.”
“Let’s hope Interpol has something on his disappearance. Looks like we’re going to have a full plate with chasing down Wilde and finding the congressman’s son,” Mack said. “That is if the boy hasn’t surfaced already.”
“I don’t believe this,” a woman said excitedly. “Special Agents Rivers and Hunter?”
Mack looked up. “Caroline. What a surprise. Here, come join us.” He grabbed his laptop and closed up the dropdown tray. Anna removed the workbag off the seat so Mack could move over and offer his seat to Caroline.
“It’s so good to see you,” Anna said. “How is your family?”
“They’re fine, thank you,” Caroline said, sitting down. “My mother keeps busy and my father is working hard passing bills in the Senate.”
“Your sister?”
“She’s good.”
“So what takes you to Hangshong?” Mack asked.
“I’m on spring break with some friends.”
“How exciting,” Anna said.
Caroline’s face turned solemn. “I need to ask you. Is he...”
“If you mean John Paul Elroy, you needn’t worry. He’s locked up good and tight in a supermax prison,” Anna said, trying to ease Caroline’s mind after she and Mack had rescued the teenager from the serial killer clown that had abducted Caroline almost a year ago.
“I have to tell you, I still have trouble sleeping,” Caroline confessed.
“If it’s any reassurance, just know that he will never breathe air as a free man ever again,” Anna said.
“Not with four life sentences,” Mack said.
“We’re staying with my friend’s relatives. Maybe we could see you guys while we’re there?”
“We’d love to,” Anna said, “but we’re working a case.”
“Two cases actually,” Mack said.
“Here, take my card.” Anna gave her business card to Caroline. “Let us know how you’re getting on. Even if you just need someone to talk to. I’m always a good listener.” She looked over at Mack. “Isn’t that right?”
“If you say so.”
A lavatory door opened. A teenage boy with a face full of zits stepped out.
“I better grab that,” Caroline said. “It was great talking to you guys.”
“Take care,” Mack said.
“Enjoy your vacation,” Anna said.
“We will.” Caroline jumped up and made a beeline for the lavatory.
12
HUAN CAT
Jack and Nora had been fortunate enough to snag the last two available seats for the trans-Pacific commercial flight due to no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
Neither of them had ever heard of Hangshong Province before watching the news report on the television.
Nora sat by the window with the sunscreen pulled down, searching various websites for information about their destination.
“So what’s this place look like?” Jack asked. He was sitting in the middle seat and had to lean toward Nora as the burly man in the aisle seat was hogging the armrest.
Nora passed her phone.
Jack used his index finger and flipped through images taken of the large city and the surrounding countryside. “Any pictures of this Cryptid Kingdom?”
“Exit that page then scroll down and you’ll see it.”
After a few taps on the screen, Jack found the appropriate website. At first it looked like a combination of a Six Flags amusement park with a death-defying corkscrew roller coaster and a Raging Waters aquatic park with tubular waterslides with splash pads, a wave machine, and large swimming lagoon.
There were pictures of Chinese temples and pagodas, the grounds landscaped with lily ponds and gardens, surrounded by a fortified barrier constructed of brick and stone that looked remarkably like the Great Wall of China.
As he went down the page, he realized it was more than just a family theme park.
“Did you see these?” Jack asked, gazing at the ink drawings.
“I did,” Nora replied.
“Any idea what they are?”
“I recognize some of them. They’re Chinese cryptids. I suspect Dr. Chang created them.”
“The one you went to school with?”
“Luan, yes.”
“What was she like?”
“We shared a dorm room together, if you can believe that?”
“What do you mean?” Jack asked.
“Luan’s father is one of the wealthiest businessmen in China. There’s nothing he couldn’t buy her. Luan was smart, funny. She never acted any different than the rest of us. We grew to be close friends. But after we graduated, she moved back home and I never heard from her again.”
Jack continued looking at the animal drawings. Each sketch seemed to get stranger and looked like something out of a child’s imagination.
Nora looked down at the screen. “I can’t believe Luan actually pulled that one off.”
“What is it?”
“It’s called a Huan Cat. Click on the short video.”
“You mean these things are actually real?”
“They are now,” Nora said.
Jack tap
ped the white triangle in the center of the video frame. At first the large feline looked like a normal lynx from the side view as it walked slowly. Then Jack noticed that it had three tails instead of only one. He was about to comment when the large cat turned its head. It had only one eye and it was in the center of its forehead. The video stopped, as it was only ten seconds long.
A brief description below the video frame stated the creature’s hide had the ability to cure a person of jaundice, if worn, and the Huan Cat was prophesized to bring good fortune.
“That is definitely weird,” Jack said.
“Think that’s weird, wait till you watch the other videos,” Nora said. “They’ll totally blow you away.”
13
OOPSY DAISY
As Carter Wilde’s Chief Operating Officer, Lucas Finder was accustomed to his boss’s opulent way of living and was not surprised to see the same grandiosity that evening when they pulled up to the front entrance of the luxurious Chang Empire Building.
A bodyguard got out of the front passenger side and opened the rear door so Wilde could exit the limousine. Dr. McCabe climbed out next, followed by Finder. The driver, who was the second bodyguard, turned off the engine and got out as well.
A black SUV pulled up behind the limousine. The four Cryptos piled out. As usual, they were dressed in black, wearing balaclavas and hoodies, and looked like a gang of cat burglars.
Set in the middle of a large square filled with majestic fountains and scatterings of floodlit trees, Chang Empire Building’s unique bullet-shaped design prominently stood out from the other modern structures in the Hangshong Province financial district.
One hundred stories tall, the skyscraper was made up of two separate layers, the nose a polished aluminum with the rest of the cylindrical high-rise covered with 5,000 translucent glass panels, and when lit up with multi-colored lights, illuminated the city around it like a kaleidoscopic lighthouse.
Cryptid Kingdom (Cryptid Zoo Book 6) Page 4