by Neil Hunter
When Brand and Bodie arrive in San Francisco, searching for a kidnapped girl, The City By the Bay doesn’t exactly welcome them with open arms. But danger has never stopped these two before – not even when it comes in the form of a deadly Chinese Tong determined to extend its opium empire as far as the east coast.
The Tong might be ready and willing to stop anyone getting in its way, but Brand and Bodie have an ally in the shape of a friend from Brand’s past – Captain Richard Hunt, a British agent from Jamaica, who sided with Brand on a previous assignment.
Now all they have to do is bring the Tong, and its murderous criminal contact Milo Traeger, down.
It’s a tall order, but one thing is certain – San Francisco won’t forget the day Brand and Bodie brought their Two Guns West.
TWO GUNS WEST
BODIE MEETS BRAND 2
By Neil Hunter
Copyright © 2016 by Neil Hunter
First Smashwords Edition: May 2016
Names, characters and incidents in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information or storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.
This is a Piccadilly Publishing Book
Series Editor: Ben Bridges
Published by Arrangement with the Author.
Prologue
Milo Traeger had never been a man to waste his life on labor – hard or otherwise. He preferred to make his money by other means. If it meant out and out thievery he would choose that way, though elaborate schemes were also what he excelled at. Fraud, swindling, anything that would increase his wealth, was fair game. And Traeger loved the game. He had started his life of crime in his early twenties so that now – in his late-thirties – he was fully committed to his nefarious ways. It involved conning people out of large amounts of money. Traeger had little in the way of morals, or conscience. Twice he had committed murder when a plan went awry. The latest, no more than six months ago, had been an elderly woman he had cheated out of over fifty thousand dollars. When she had confronted him and accused him of the crime of larceny, Traeger had realized he needed to silence her before she went public. For Traeger it was an act of self-preservation. He had entered the old woman’s home at night, choking her and had vanished – but his desperate act had been his undoing. The old lady had confided in her nephew, telling him of her suspicions. Her sudden death had kindled a need for the banker to find out the truth and had started an unofficial investigation into Traeger’s background. When witnesses came forward a case was generated that revealed Traeger had been involved in other schemes to defraud. On this occasion he had taken a step too far and promptly vanished. The banker, who had a large circle of diversely influential acquaintances, brought his plight to bear on those friends and one of those friends, in the law enforcement world, had a quiet word with someone in the Justice Department.
That man was Frank McCord.
~*~
With the facts in front of him, presented by the banker’s investigation, McCord, realizing he was being pressured by people above and beyond his department, accepted the unspoken request to look into the matter. McCord was no politician, but he saw the writing on the wall and had enough sense to know he was being pressured. Turning down the assignment could have rebounded on him at a later date. Doing the bidding of those higher up the ladder would do him no harm when it came to maintaining his department. So he took it on board and as Jason Brand was not involved in any assignments at the time, the contents of the file were waiting for him when he returned to Washington following his break visiting with Virginia Maitland and his son, Adam.
As usual McCord wasted little time getting down to the business at hand, detailing the background of the case and how figures from above were pushing for the case to be investigated by Justice.
‘Before you say anything,’ McCord said, ‘this is me under protest. So no good looking at me like that. Let’s do it. Get it off the books and keep a smile on our faces.’
Brand read the reports. The added files from McCord’s own look into the case. The man had his own informers. Some who lived on the fringes of the criminal world and provided useful information from time to time, keeping McCord appraised of interesting facts. Brand found a number of those facts very interesting. By the end of the study he already had enough information to make his first move.
The file mentioned Traeger’s dealings.
Thieving from his victims and suspicion of murder.
His current foray into an association with the San Francisco Tong and Kwai Fu Tong – and opium.
~*~
By this time Traeger was embarking on what he saw as the biggest scheme of his life. If it succeeded he would be made for life. No longer needing to work any more mundane tricks. There was a down side but Traeger passed that off as an acceptable risk. The people he was hoping to ally himself with were not the kind who tolerated any wrongdoing within their world. Traeger figured it was worth the risk, because if it paid off he would have everything he wanted.
His new partner to be was a high-up member of a Chinese Tong. Based in San Francisco and under the hand of Kwai Fu Tung. He was the Tong Master. The ultimate authority. A man who wielded great power and was known to have little patience with anyone who wronged him or his organization.
Traeger, always looking out for the next deal, had seen the potential in the sale and distribution of opium. He understood its addictive nature and saw there was unlimited scope to increase its sales. It would be a new venture for Traeger, but one that could lift him to greater criminal heights.
At a bar he frequented Traeger often met one of his numerous contacts, a wiry, sharp-faced man called Duryea. From Duryea he had picked up snippets of information that when pieced together told Traeger he had the chance to move into a wider circle of the criminal world. He spent time seeking more details. Listening to talk and building his background until he was able to offer his services to Kwai Fu Tung by way of a carefully worded telegram to one of Tung’s eastern operators.
He met the man in Chicago – neutral ground for both of them. Over a meal in the restaurant Traeger outlined his plan to his contact, a florid faced, overweight man called Jellico who wore a loud check suit and a flounced shirt.
‘Your Mr. Tung wants to open a way he can distribute his opium in New York in larger quantities?’
‘It’s been on his mind for some time.’
‘I believe I can help him do that.’
Jellico helped himself to thick slices of beef from the platter on the table. He had already cleared his plate and was ready for a second serving. Traeger watched as the man heaped more food on his plate.
‘Tell me what you have in mind,’ Jellico said.
Traeger drew his gaze from the sight of Jellico pushing food into his mouth.
‘I’ve been doing some research. The way you people have been transporting opium is slow and only delivers small amounts.’
‘That’s because we have to be careful.’
‘You need a legitimate cover that will let you send larger amounts. Delivered to New York and stored in a secure place waiting to be moved into the city.’
‘All well and good – but can you deliver that?’
‘Yes. By the simple expedient of pushing it through an established company where it will be stored in warehouses deemed honest and above board.’
‘If the business is honest how will you manage to do this?’
‘By presenting the owner with a good rea
son why he should play along.’
Jellico paused, his fork held in mid-air. ‘Such as?’
‘The man I have in mind has a daughter. His wife is dead and he dotes on the girl. If she was to be taken away I am sure he could be persuaded to do what we wanted.’
A slow smile curled Jellico’s lips moist from the juice of the beef he was devouring. The sight almost turned Traeger’s stomach.
‘You could make this happen?’ Jellico said.
‘Yes.’
‘Out of the goodness of your heart?’
‘No. By a working arrangement with Mr. Tung. A business arrangement that will benefit both sides.’
Jellico finished his food and pushed his plate aside. He beckoned a waiter and ordered a pot of coffee to be brought to them in the quiet lounge next to the dining room. When they were settled with large cigars Jellico asked Traeger to detail his proposal. By the time he had heard everything Jellico was smiling broadly and eager to send a telegram to his employer.
~*~
A few weeks later Traeger had his deal. The moment he had Tung’s acceptance he put his plan into operation. While he waited for the final word from Kwai Fu Tung he worked on his contact, using financial incentives to find out what he needed. It was easy. Clyde Leeson was in debt to a local money lender. He had been borrowing cash to feed his gambling habit which only got him in deeper because he was a reckless player. He never understood the meaning of not throwing good money after bad. The more he lost the more he continued to play with the forlorn hope his luck had to change. Unfortunately it did not and Leeson simply let his debt mount up.
Duryea had picked up on Leeson’s misfortune and passed the information to Traeger. Duryea knew the loser worked for a wealthy man and from what Traeger had been feeding him, realized Leeson might just be the man Traeger was looking for. Once Traeger had the lowdown he knew he had found his man. He paid Duryea his finder’s fee and moved in on his mark. A few nights carefully watching Leeson dig himself in deeper and Traeger knew he had chosen well.
If the idea panned out, both Tung and Traeger’s organization would benefit. Tung would deliver the opium and Traeger’s east coast people would distribute it. Everyone would profit from the deal. Just the thought pleased Traeger.
And as easy as that it began…
Chapter One
LARAMIE, WYOMING
The day was calm, the sun warm. Bodie felt at peace with the world for the moment, thought there was a restlessness growing in him to move on. Not from Ruby Kehoe, who was proving to be the best female company he had ever known. Yet he needed action something other than what Ruby offered. Something to feed his brain and allow him to exercise his skills. The soft living in Laramie was getting to him. He was wearing new clothing and Ruby had persuaded him to have his shaggy hair cut and groomed. It pleased her and that pleased him. Yet he still needed something to occupy him.
He was on his way back to the hotel, wondering where she was, when he saw her hurrying down the street to meet him, an expectant look on her face.
Long gone were the dirty range clothes she had worn before. Now she had on a dress and all the feminine accessories to go with it. Her face was still beautiful and her hair flowed behind her, shiny and neat.
‘Bodie,’ she called, unmindful that young ladies were not expected to call out in the street. She was waving her hand at him, clutching a buff telegram paper. The last time she had brought one of those it had been to confirm that her father’s lawyer had negotiated with the authorities and Bodie’s claim for the reward for the Gallman gang had been approved. Lawyer Bainbridge lived up to Ruby’s promise and he was able to pick up his money from a bank in town.
‘I’d ease off there,’ Bodie said. ‘You’ll bust right out of that damned dress if you’re not careful.’
Her smile was almost dazzling. ‘What – right here on the street? Mr. Bodie, what are you suggesting?’
He didn’t pursue that line of thought.
‘I take it you have something to tell me?’
She nodded, her face shining with excitement.
‘It’s a message from Lawyer Bainbridge. He has an offer for you. Not exactly a bounty hunt. He asks if you would look for someone who has gone missing. The young daughter of a trusted friend in New York. An extremely important and wealthy man named Chin Yi Soong .’
‘Hold on there. Try speaking slowly, Ruby. Remember I’m just a simple feller from the west.’
Her laughter seemed to fill the street, attracting curious glances.
‘That is the last thing you are, Bodie. Now are you going to listen to me?’
‘Yes, ma’am.’
‘There will be money on offer, Bodie. I made certain that would be part of the offer. But it is important. Jasmine Yi Soong is a friend of mine as well. A beautiful young woman. She had gone to visit relatives on the west coast. She had been there for almost two weeks when she simply vanished. No one can find her. It appears she was taken off the street. I believe she has been kidnapped. Jasmine is not a foolish young woman. She would not do anything risky, or fail to keep in touch – unless she could not.’
‘Has there been a letter demanding money? Anything like that?’
‘Nothing. Not as yet. Her father is distraught, Bodie. His daughter has disappeared on the other side of the country and he doesn’t know what to do…’
Bodie took her arm and led her back up the street to the telegraph office.
‘Send a message to the lawyer. Ask for everything known about your friend. Description. Any identifying marks. Whatever her father has. Send it now. Then we go and sit down at the hotel and you tell me all about this Jasmine. And I mean everything.’
When they stepped out of the telegraph office Ruby clung to his arm.
‘Thank you,’ she said.
‘Once we have the information I need you to head back to New York. You stay close to the father. I’ll contact you through Bainbridge. No games this time, Ruby. I don’t expect to turn around and find you behind me in…hell, you said the west coast. But where?’
‘Oh, I thought I’d said…it’s San Francisco…’
~*~
JASMINE SOONG
It had happened so fast Jasmine had no chance to defend herself even if she had been able. In truth there was little she could have done. She was a twenty-three year old female with no idea what was happening. One moment she was walking alongside her female escort, enjoying the pleasant day until two men rushed at her, attacked and struck down her escort, and the male guide who followed behind, then bundled her into a covered buggy. She struggled but they were too strong for her. In her immediate panic she had tried to call out. A rough hand covered her mouth, pressing hard and almost smothered her. Other hands yanked her arms behind her and a coarse rope was bound around her wrists. When the hand was removed from her mouth a thick gag replaced it. She was pressed back in the seat as the buggy rattled its way along the street, making frequent turns, swaying back and forth.
There was a man on either side of her, their bodies pressing against her. A third man was seated ahead, driving the buggy. No one spoke. With the side canopies pulled down she was unable to see where they were going.
Jasmine was an intelligent young woman and it quickly occurred to her, and she hoped she was correct, that she was in no immediate physical danger. Whoever these men were they had kidnapped her with the intention of demanding something. Most likely from her father, who was an extremely wealthy man. She could not imagine there being any other reason. She admitted to a degree of naivety where the world was concerned. Her mind was unable to conceive of any other reason for her being taken. Unless it was for some kind of depravity…which she refused to consider because she understood little of the coarser side of life.
She forced herself to remain calm. She was frightened and would have admitted it without hesitation. Her father had instilled in her not to allow fear to dictate her actions. He would have told her to wait until she knew what was happening before she
abandoned hope. While she was still breathing then there was always hope. So she remained still and attempted to clear her mind of negative thoughts. Not easy but concentrating on it distracted her for the time being.
After what seemed a long time the buggy came to a jerking stop. She had noticed the sound coming from the wheels had changed from hard ground to something like timber. And the air bore the familiar odor of the ocean.
The side covers were pulled open and she blinked against the sudden intrusion of bright sunlight. Her captors pulled her from the buggy and she stared around her.
Across a wooden wharf was indeed the ocean. It stretched out into the distance. When she turned her head she saw large wooden warehouses running the length of the wharf. Seagulls swooped and wheeled in the sky over the area, their raucous cries filling the air.
One of the men removed her gag.
‘Yell all you want, missy,’ he said. ‘Ain’t nobody close enough to hear you.’
Jasmine gazed at him, a faint, forced, smile on her face. ‘I do not yell, or raise my voice,’ she said. ‘I imagine that would be more in your line.’
The man laughed. ‘They said you were a snobby baggage. Just ’cause your dear papa has money don’t lift you higher above the rest of us.’
‘If you wish to believe that I will not attempt to correct you.’
The second man reached out to finger the material of her dress. She jerked away from him.
‘I’d wager this dress cost more than anything we’re wearing, Dugan.’
‘Yeah? Well I don’t give a damn. Under it she’s just a bare-assed girl.’
‘Maybe we should take a look and find out.’
‘Brave men,’ Jasmine said. ‘Especially when the girl is all tied up and unable to fight back.’
Dugan grinned at her, showing his uneven teeth. ‘Well, hell, lady, that’s the way I like ’em.’
‘Please keep your thoughts to yourself, Dugan.’
The voice from behind them was soft, yet it commanded attention – and respect.