Bodie and Brand 2

by Neil Hunter

  Explanations were given that gave Hallows insight into both men’s reasons for ending up in San Francisco. It made him aware there was more going on than he might have imagined.

  ‘Let me get this straight,’ Hallows said. ‘It looks to me as if everything points to Tung. Bodie, here, is looking for Chin Yi Soong’s daughter, while Mr. Brand has been assigned to locate this man Traeger. Now it appears Tung and Traeger may be involved in a scheme to force Soong to surrender control of his company to Tung in return for the safety of his daughter. I have to say that final thought is simply assumption, but the way things are looking it doesn’t appear too fanciful.’

  ‘I’d say that covers it,’ Brand said.

  ‘And neither of you two had any idea there might be a connection?’

  ‘Not until we met up just now,’ Bodie agreed.

  Hallows pushed his coat open and hooked his thumbs in his vest. It was a habit he maintained when he was working things out in his mind. His gaze moved between Bodie and Brand.

  ‘Traeger is intending to move up in the criminal world by joining up with Tung?’

  ‘There’s a thriving trade back east. It came to the notice of the Justice Department,’ Brand said. ‘Story goes he wants to tie up with the Tong and create a new alliance. My assignment was to prevent that from happening. Plus he’s wanted for the suspected murder of one of his money scheme victims.’

  ‘As simple as that?’

  Bodie chuckled softly. ‘It won’t be that simple. The more I think about it the closer it looks as if Jasmine’s kidnap has to do with her father being forced into accepting Tung as a partner. His business has a lot of influence. Trade between east and west coasts. Good cover for Tong smuggling in their contraband.’

  Hallows shook his head in frustration. ‘Hell’s fire, this is getting beyond me. I’m just a policeman. I deal with local crime. That gives me enough headaches. Last thing I need is some kind of criminal conspiracy that operates coast to coast.’

  ‘Like it or not, Inspector, it’s heading your way,’ Brand said. ‘In fact I think it’s already here.’

  Hallows glanced across the office to where Sergeant Kilpatrick was standing quietly by, listening to every word. He had brought the Irishman in to hear what was being said, valuing the man’s opinion.

  ‘What are you thinking, Seamus?’

  Kilpatrick pursed his lips. ‘In truth, Inspector, when you call me Seamus, we really must be in trouble. But from what these boys have been telling, our fair city could be heading for an almighty black brew. Now, I have no problem with the Chinks as a rule, but we all understand the Tong. A nasty bunch always up to no good and beggin’ your pardons, gents, if we don’t move our asses and step on it this mess is only going to get bigger and bloodier. The sooner we step on it the better.’

  Hallows held back from laughing out loud and simply showed a wide grin. ‘I do believe you expressed what we’re all feeling, Sergeant. I’ll do my best to give you what help you may need, though I must confess to not really knowing what that is right at this moment.’

  Brand caught Bodie’s eye. The manhunter inclined his head in silent acknowledgment, understanding.

  ‘Inspector, I hope you’re prepared for things to get a little hectic from here on in,’ Bodie said. ‘There’s no way we can handle this without it gets very noisy. I can’t see this Tung feller going down without a fight.’

  Hallows expressed a deep sigh. ‘Damned if I wasn’t expecting you to say something like that. I’d prefer a quieter life, but I can only see that vanishing into the distance at a fair clip.’

  ‘Inspector, you mind if Bodie and I have a break to talk all this over? Give ourselves a chance to compare notes. Once we have matters cleared up we’ll come back and sit down with you again.’

  Hallows nodded. ‘Go ahead. I’m up to my shoulders in other investigations. You two seem to have matters in hand. Just remember I’ll pitch in if and when you come to any decision. The last thing I need is for this to become out of control. So if you can figure how to calm things down I’m all for it.’

  As they walked out of the station Bodie glanced at Brand.

  ‘He did say calm things down didn’t he?’

  Brand nodded. ‘Thing is he has no idea.’

  ‘None at all,’ Bodie agreed.

  Chapter Seven

  Captain Richard Hunt, a British government agent, who was based in Jamaica, watched the two men emerging from the San Francisco police station. He had been on his way there himself, but the moment he recognized one of the tall figures, he changed direction and decided to follow them because he knew one of them well.

  A wry smile edged the agent’s lips. The last time he had encountered the American, Brand had ended up in a hospital bed in Yucatan, recovering from a near fatal blow delivered by the Tong criminal, Kwo Han. The blow had not ended Brand’s life, but had robbed him of his memory, leaving him with no recollection of who he was, or why he was in Mexico. Later, Hunt had learned, Brand had vanished, ending up in Butte, Montana, involved in another violent affair that had resulted in his memory coming back but leaving him injured – which seemed to be a regular occurrence in his life. His involvement with that incident had also brought about his relationship with Virginia Maitland and as far as Hunt knew that was ongoing.

  From the way Brand handled himself Hunt guessed he was back on form and if that was so he had the feeling Brand was here in San Francisco on assignment. Hunt may have been wrong but he could imagine Brand’s presence having to do with Hunt’s own reason for being in the city. If there had been time Hunt would have telegraphed Frank McCord and asked why Brand was here. He felt, rightly or wrongly, it was too much of a coincidence Brand showing up here in the City by the Bay.

  ~*~

  They found a coffee house near the station and picked a table at the back. At this time of day the place was quiet.

  Brand lit a thin cigar from his pocket and leaned back.

  ‘A surprise, but good to see you, Bodie.’

  ‘Yeah. Now do you really expect things to get rowdy like last time?’

  ‘Am I supposed to answer that?’

  ‘I guess not.’

  ‘I can tell you peace and goodwill to all don’t follow this chap around,’ someone said at Brand’s elbow.

  Brand looked up, suspicion on his face. The moment he recognized Richard Hunt the expression vanished.

  ‘Just who in hell is going to show up next?’ he said, pushing to his feet and grasping Hunt’s extended hand. ‘Richard, you’re off your home ground again. Last time it was Mexico.’

  ‘You go where the orders send you.’ Hunt smiled. ‘You should know that better than anyone.’

  ‘Where’s Rumboy? He not with you?’

  ‘He’s keeping a watch back home in Jamaica.’

  ‘I don’t want to break you two apart,’ Bodie said, ‘but who the hell is Rumboy? And Jamaica?’

  Hunt took a seat as Brand sat back down.

  ‘Earlier assignment,’ Brand said. ‘I was following a trail of ex-Confederate gold. Took me to Yucatan where I met Hunt.’

  ‘It was, to say the least, an interesting time,’ Hunt said.

  ‘Interesting?’ Brand was unable to prevent a grin forming. ‘British understatement. I teamed up with this feller and ended up with my skull cracked from a Tong hatchet.’

  Bodie stared at him. ‘You say Tong?’

  ‘Damn right. Son of a bitch called Kwo Han. Hit me so hard I lost my memory for a while.’

  Bodie held up his hands. ‘Whoa there. Let’s go back a mite. Tongs? Just like we have here?’

  ‘Kwo Han was running a Tong group from Yucatan. He’d taken a liking to the place,’ Hunt said. ‘I was on his tail because the Tong were even expanding into the Caribbean. Even Jamaica where I was based. We had contraband being sent there by the Chinese – especially drugs like opium. My job was to track Han and put a stop to him. When Jason and I met he was after Han because of the gold. Han was making a deal wi
th a criminal organization based in the eastern USA. It would have worked if we hadn’t put a stop to Han’s plan. Unfortunately the opium trade has recently been started up again and it’s become serious. Jamaica is one of the recipients of the damn stuff. As I had previous experience with the Tong I was assigned to look into the business. Which brought me here to San Francisco and your Kwai Fu Tung character.’

  For Hunt’s benefit Brand related the background to his and Bodie’s reasons for being in San Francisco.

  ‘So we’re more or less on the same trail here?’ Bodie said. ‘Milo Traeger. This Tung hombre. Jasmine Soong.’

  ‘And the opium,’ Brand said.

  ‘Hell, working all this out could give a feller a headache.’

  ‘So you believe the girl was taken in order to force her father to work with Tung?’ Hunt said.

  ‘Chin Yi Soong has ships that carry merchandise along the coast. West to East. Cargo from San Francisco to New York. Tung would be able to move a lot of opium that way. The Tung-Traeger deal would work out favorably for them.’

  Brand could almost see the wheels turning in Bodie’s head.

  ‘Connections,’ the manhunter said.

  ‘They would have the means to get the opium to the east coast. Apart from selling to the Chinese community opium has caught on with the regular public. It’s become big business. It might not be strictly illegal but there’s a growing conflict between the Tongs, so Tung is making sure his supplies reach the east coast faster than any others. Competition is turning violent and people are getting hurt so there’s a need to put a stop to it.’

  ‘Shipping overland takes a long time,’ Hunt said. ‘Not that safe. Risky. By cargo ship Tung shortens the time. And he’ll be able to send large consignments. Even ship it across the Caribbean.’

  Brand caught the eye of the waitress to refill their coffee cups and bring one for Hunt.

  ‘So they need a trusted company. One that makes regular trips between San Francisco and New York,’ he said. ‘They kidnap Chin Yi Soong’s daughter to force him to work with them. His people deliver the opium as regular cargo and Soong’s ships run it around the coast to New York. Soong has no choice. He has to make sure the delivery is secure. He isn’t going to do anything that might get the girl harmed.’

  ‘Smart deal. And Jasmine Soong is caught up in the middle as the means to force her father to cooperate.’

  ‘You have any leads?’

  ‘Been working on that.’ Bodie explained about Henry Lee. His meeting with Li Hung. ‘The old man said he’d do some checking. See if he could find out anything. Appears he’s well respected in the Chinese community. He has no love for the Tong.’

  ‘And your man Lee?’

  ‘Same. Scouting out the area. Less chance of standing out. We’re the wrong color and size. We start in poking around and the Chinese will walk away. Lee might be able to find out things I couldn’t.’

  Chapter Eight

  Henry Lee had not been as smart as he should have been. Though his intention had been to gain information that might help Bodie, Lee had not counted on Kwai Fu Tung having so many people on the streets. The Tong Master had not gained his reputation by being lax. He was, after all, one of the city’s leading criminals and would have his eyes and ears all around. Lee had told Bodie he would search out for any information that would help him. He was as discreet as possible, but once he began to ask questions he should have realized his interest would be reported to Tung. To be fair to himself Lee admitted he was no experienced Tong soldier. Simply an ordinary citizen of San Francisco, who worked for a businessman.

  By the time he realized he was being watched himself it was too late. Despite becoming nervous Lee continued his search. He owed it to Bodie, but even more he owed it to Chin Yi Soong, his employer. Soong had given Lee his job in the first place and made him a trusted employee. It was the least Lee could do for him. Soong’s daughter was precious to him. Lee understood the concept of family loyalty. Chinese culture revolved in great part around family so Lee felt obligated in doing all he could to assist in trying to get her back.

  He had picked up some slight information on Tung and it led him in the direction of the waterfront, where, he had learned about the warehouse Tung owned. Lee debated whether to turn around and report his findings to Bodie. The tall American would know how to handle it. He was still undecided when two Chinese fell into step beside him, one on each side, and a third moved up close behind. Lee felt the sharp prick of what he knew to be a knife blade press into his lower back.

  ‘As you seem interested in Master Tung’s business,’ one of the men said, ‘we will take you to see him.’

  When Lee hesitated, the man on his other side said, ‘We insist.’

  The knife pressed a little closer and Lee knew he had no choice. He realized his position was not favorable. He also understood he had no say in the matter.

  The Tung warehouse was large. Three stories high and stood on its own, with its frontage directly over the water. A series of wooden beams jutted out from access doors on each floor. An arrangement of ropes on pulleys would allow cargo to be hoisted directly from berthed cargo vessels to be pulled inside for storage.

  Lee’s escorts led him inside the warehouse and up the wooden stairs accessing each floor. He was taken to the uppermost floor where Kwai Fu Tung stood talking to his enforcer, Lo Keye.

  Tung waited until Lee was brought close. He looked Lee up and down.

  ‘He dresses just like his Gweilo master,’ Keye said, his tone condescending. ‘A little lap dog. We should finish him now. Waste no more time. While he still lives he is a problem.’

  Tung raised hand to silence his enforcer.

  ‘I understand you have been asking many questions, Henry Lee,’ Tung said. ‘About me and my business. Why?’

  ‘My employer’s daughter has been kidnapped. Taken off the street. I am certain you are involved. I want to know why…’

  ‘The lap dog makes noise like a man,’ Keye sneered.

  ‘Tell me something, Henry Lee, do you speak for this Gweilo who is also looking for this girl?’ Tung seemed amused. ‘We know this man – Bodie – is also looking. Please do not be so surprised. There is little in San Francisco I cannot learn about. We even know where he is staying.’

  ‘And you have been to speak with the old one,’ Keye said. ‘Li Hung.’

  ‘Was it Hung who told you where to find me?’ Tung asked.

  ‘No. I found you myself. It’s not hard to pick up your smell…’

  The vicious blow to the back of Lee’s head knocked him to his knees. His sense spun. He had gone too far, allowing his feelings to get the better of him. He felt rough hands grab at him and haul him upright.

  ‘You see,’ Tung said, ‘now I am disappointed, Henry Lee. There we were having a polite conversation and you had to spoil it. All I wish to know is how much you might have found out about my business with Miss Soong and her father. For the moment I wish it to be kept private. But with this American looking around…well you must understand the need to maintain secrecy.’

  ‘Then you have a problem, Tung. Whatever you have done will come out. Even you will not be able to stop that.’

  ‘I agree about the problem. Chin Yi Soong may be in New York but we can be sure he will be looking for his daughter. He has the influence and the wealth to set up a search for her. It would be interesting to learn what he has found out. Knowing Soong’s plans could help me.’

  ‘Then I was right. You were responsible for kidnapping Jasmine Soong.’

  ‘Very well. Yes. I arranged it. Not that the knowledge will be of any use to you.’

  ‘Dead men cannot give away secrets,’ Keye said.

  He turned suddenly, his fists slamming against Lee’s face, blood spurting from his mouth. The blows stunned Lee and he sagged in his captors’ arms, letting his weight drag. His head fell forward in, feigned, unconsciousness, and he remained in the position.

  ‘Now we must wait for h
im to wake,’ Tung said impatiently. ‘You must learn greater patience, Keye.’

  Henry Lee kept up his pretense while he listened to what was being said.

  The enforcer stayed silent, aware of his position and not wanting to anger the Tong Master. Finally he summoned courage to speak again.

  ‘Master Tung, we do need to find out what this one has learned.

  ‘True,’ Tung agreed.

  ‘We could take him out to the Belker place. Or on to The Lily Wanderer in Mora bay. All very quiet places. Even more remote than here.’

  ‘I am aware of that, Lo Keye. It is why we have the girl on board. But I need answers from this man now.’

  Keye could not fault Tung’s reasoning. ‘So, shall I soften him up?’

  ‘It would be a shame not to employ your talent for inflicting harm. But do not go too far and make it so he cannot talk. As you said yourself a dead man is unable to talk.’

  Henry Lee understood what was going to happen as the men holding him increased their grip. He saw Keye step in front of him, face set as he nodded to himself in preparation. When he did move it was with frightening speed. Lee didn’t even see the first blow coming – but he felt it as the hardened edge of Keye’s hand slammed against his ribs. Pain flared as the impact severely bruised Lee’s muscles and bone. Not enough to cause permanent damage but hard enough to cause him pain. The blow was followed by others, each delivered with force enough to make Lee cry out. Ribs. Torso, against his upper arms that left Lee’s limbs near paralyzed as the muscles were struck. A palm strike beneath his jaw, snapping his teeth together and making his gums bleed. More blows followed, impacting against his cheek, his mouth. A gash was opened over his left eye, blood streaming down his face. If Lee had not been held upright he would have dropped to the floor.

  ‘It is amazing the many moves Keye possess,’ Tung said. ‘He can inflict much pain without killing you. Consider this, Henry Lee. I will allow you time to think about it. In the end it will be in your hands whether you wish to suffer more or tell me what I need to know. Before you die.’ Tung gestured at the men holding Lee. ‘Secure him and we will allow him to consider.’