Gibson & Clarke (Failed Justice Series Book 2)

by Rick Santini

  Ten minutes later, Simon was talking to his son. He tried hard not to sound disturbed.

  “Where was the man? What did he look like? What was he wearing? Did he say anything else?”

  The questions and tone were scaring little Jeremy. Unintentionally, he urinated on himself. Then, he started to cry. Simon waited patiently on the phone while Dorothy consoled her little boy and explained his father needed to know how this all happened.

  Finally, Jeremy, with a promise of chocolate milk and cookies, began.

  “The man was standing near the bus stop when I got off. He was tall and old—I think about your age. He had on my favorite team’s cap, the Yankees. He said to make sure for you to buy me something nice and expensive from your fee. He said you could afford it. What’s a fee, Daddy? I didn’t understand and did not know if it was real money or not. I thanked the nice man and left. Will you buy me something nice and expensive, Daddy?”

  Simon did not answer. He was livid.

  How does that bastard know I have a son, what school he goes to, what time he gets off the bus, and where? I have to talk to someone, but whom?

  Simon Winthrop was now scared. More scared than he had been in a long, long time. Not only for himself but for his little boy—and his wife.

  Crap, I should have known not to get mixed up with those kind of people.

  ***

  Josh Beckman was very proud of himself. He was not sure why. Maybe because one of the bad guys was getting away with something and he wanted to stop it. Maybe because he needed a good excuse to call Marta again. Maybe just because he could. That was always the best reason.

  Because I can.

  ***

  Jabor had his instructions.

  “Drive Mei Ling wherever she wants to go. Stay close by. If you happen to overhear any part of any conversation, say nothing, and report it only to me. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, Mr. Yeung. Perfectly.”

  It was not the first time Jabor had been asked to spy, but never on Mr. Yeung’s own sister. Jabor had been in the employ of Yeung for more than twenty years. In that time, he saw him change from a ruthless, overambitious minor player in the drug distribution game to one of the most powerful lords in the United States.

  Jabor was told his father was an American soldier and his mother worked as a hostess in a bar in Shanghai. He had been abandoned, left on the streets, when he was nine years old. He made enough money as a runner of low-quality drugs to live on. When he was nineteen, he managed to scrounge enough to buy a one-way ticket to New York City. Although he never made the fortune he had heard and read about, he learned all about cars. How to drive them, how to fix them, how to keep them clean and polished.

  By coincidence, Mr. Yeung was in need of a driver and trusted few Americans. When he learned Jabor understood Cantonese, he hired him on a thirty-day trial period. That was close to twenty-some years ago. Jabor was very good at listening and claimed not to understand English when asked the simplest of questions.

  Xiang knew better.

  ***

  Marta was waiting at a 14th Street bistro in the East Village. Jabor dropped Mei Ling off and stated he would park the car and join her in a few minutes.

  “That is not necessary. Today is for shopping and women talk. I have your cell number. I will call you in three or four hours. You may go and do whatever you want until then.”

  “Mr. Yeung has entrusted me with your welfare. He has asked me to accompany you should you wish me to carry any packages or anything else.”

  “I am a big girl, Jabor. I have lived in this city for many years and have been able to take care of myself. You may report to my brother I will accept all responsibility for myself. I will call you later if I need you. Have a good afternoon. Why don’t you go for a walk or have a beer and a salted pretzel in Columbus Circle? You may like it.”

  “As you wish, Madam.”

  Marta had observed the confrontation from a distance. She could not hear the actual words, but got the drift of what was going on. Mei Ling did not want Jabor hanging around and listening. She had something to say, and it was for Marta’s ears only.

  ***

  “May I talk to you? In confidence.”

  “If you give me a dollar, you will be my client. Whatever you tell me will be considered attorney/client communication. I cannot tell anyone, ever.”

  Mei Ling was an attorney herself. She knew Marta was not joking. She reached into her purse, handed Marta a ten-dollar bill, and smiled.

  “That should buy me at least two or three minutes.”

  “For special clients, I don’t keep the clock running. Now, what’s going on?”

  Mei Ling looked around, as she half expected Jabor to be hiding at another table. She lowered her voice though no one was looking their way.

  “Something is very wrong with Xiang. You would have thought selling his business would relieve him of so much stress, so big a burden. Instead, it appears just the opposite. When the phone rings, he jumps like it is someone who wants to kill him or at least not have him around.”

  Mei Ling then went on to describe several other incidents that occurred since her brother’s return from Switzerland.

  Marta agreed; it did not make sense. Then again, Mei Ling did not know everything she knew. Xiang had also confided in her; she was his attorney, and he paid far more than ten dollars to assure her confidentiality.

  “I’m aware making a transition after doing the same thing for most of your adult life is not easy, but at times it turns out to be the best move ever. Let’s see what happens. Now as soon as we get the check, we can do some serious shopping.”

  Marta wondered if she was talking about Xiang or herself. She had been practicing law for more than twenty-some years.

  Can I get used to living in a nine-hundred-foot home on the Gulf of Mexico or a shrimp boat?

  Marta knew she had not been asked to move in—a ten-day vacation was a get-to-know-you-better experiment at best, and she knew Rod did not have a shrimp boat. Not even close.

  As they walked into the first boutique, she was sure she spotted Jabor across the street. Watching.

  Let him look—let him listen. There’s nothing to hide. For now, we’re going to buy some clothes.

  CHAPTER 58

  Mei Ling had been dead serious about shopping. It may have been a subterfuge to spend time with Marta and let her know of her brother’s problems, but she absolutely loved buying clothes. Whether it had anything to do with the new unlimited black metal credit card her brother had given her, no one would ever know.

  She was tired of being poor, of having to watch where every nickel and dime went. The fact she graduated law school and passed the bar was no guarantee of becoming rich or even making a decent living. The fact she was CEO of a non-profit corporation meant every cent went back in the business. Her clothes were sensible, practical, reasonable, and old. Mei Ling could not recall the last time she spent money on herself, just for fun. Now she was being frivolous and loving every last minute of it.

  Marta got caught up in the whirlwind excitement. Mei Ling spent more than seven hundred fifty dollars on lingerie alone.

  “I am embarrassed to tell you. I have worn JCPenney’s cotton underwear all my life. I have always wanted silk things next to my body, but food and my shelter for abused women always came first. I cannot remember the last time I bought a new bra. I have never been fitted for a good one in my entire life.”

  Marta did not know what to say.

  “My brother is rich. I guess that makes me rich. I want nice things. I am tired of scrimping and saving. I want to look nice. I want to smell nice. I want to dress nice. I want to feel nice. Yes, that’s it. I want to feel nice, and I want you to help me. I am lost in places like this. I look at the price tag and become afraid. Now I no longer have to be afraid. I believe Xiang is now a billionaire or very close to it. Do you know how many billionaires there are in China? Less than twenty-five. There are more than twenty-five
billionaires right here in New York City alone. Probably many, many more.”

  Marta was seeing a new side of Mei Ling. One she could never have imagined.

  “Did your brother give you carte blanche?”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Did Xiang set a limit on what you can spend? Did he say no more than a thousand dollars or ten thousand?”

  “No, of course not. He’s a rich. He could never spend what he has in a thousand years. I work ten to twelve hours a day, every day, and never know if I can pay the rent at the end of the month. Do you know the interest on a billion dollars is one hundred forty thousand a day? He makes one hundred forty thousand dollars a day by doing nothing and just letting the money sit in a money-market account.”

  Marta never thought of it that way.

  “If I only spend one hundred thirty thousand today, Xiang is still richer than he was yesterday.”

  “I guess you’re right. Let’s not waste time talking. We still have a few more shops to visit. They’re going to just love you. By the way, I have a great beauty salon I want to take you to next week. You have beautiful features, and your jet black hair is to die for.”

  “We’re having fun, aren’t we?”

  “You can bet on it, Mei Ling. You can bet on it.”

  ***

  Jabor could not believe the amount of packages. He called Mr. Yeung for instructions.

  “I have no instructions. Put all the packages in the trunk, and bring her home when she is finished. Does she appear to be pleased?”

  “Mr. Yeung, I have never seen her smile so much. She is like what the Americans say, ‘happy as a kid at Christmas.’”

  Xiang smiled. It was all worth it.

  Now if I can only reconcile what Marta told me about the flaw in the agreement with Scalesci. I made a promise to Mei Ling. She would die if I did not keep it.

  ***

  US Attorney Seth Winters decided it was now time. It certainly was not out of the goodness of his heart or a driving desire to stamp out crime in the Midwest. The US Attorney in Chicago had something he needed. It was simply good old fashioned horse trading.

  Seth made the phone call. He knew within forty-eight hours Mr. Anthony Scalesci could not take a crap without the feds knowing about it. Street dealers would be pulled in and hidden away for days at a time. The next level in the distribution chain would be harassed as long as necessary. It would not take long till Mr. Scalesci would be forced to temporarily close shop. Then it would become a waiting game.

  The Feds were in no hurry; Scalesci had miscalculated and had ordered more product from Choe Yu. He now had millions tied up in merchandise and had to move it. He would have to take some chances. That’s when mistakes were made.

  Tony was beginning to panic. He wondered if he had made a mistake. He was worried he may have grown too big too fast. He was no longer below the radar. He would have to tell Yu that, for the time being, he would not be placing any new orders.

  I smell a rat. Maybe a yellow one whose nest is in New Jersey.

  Scalesci had a bad feeling he had been set up.

  ***

  I don’t have a choice. I’m not about to lie to my partner, and I’m certainly not going to give up ten days of romance with Rod. I’ll just tell him the truth. I’m having second thoughts about the law business. Is it really what I want to do the rest of my life, represent major drug dealers?

  “Billy, it’s me. Can we meet for a drink tonight? You pick the time and place. It’s important. We need to talk. Call me back on my cell. Thanks, partner.”

  ***

  Nine thousand five hundred and thirty-six miles away, a meeting was taking place in a very private and protected room. The eldest brother, Choe Li, was waiting for an answer. As predictable, the college kid was the first to reply.

  “We have no allegiance to Mr. Scalesci. He has been a customer for less than sixty days, and now he will be placing no more orders for some time. We cannot plan, we cannot allocate, and we cannot operate with people like that. With Mr. Yeung, for thirty years, we never had a problem. I vote we no longer do business with Scalesci.”

  “I must agree, my brother. Now it is a question of who will take his place. Mr. Yeung has made it clear—he feels it is best to retire and stay retired.”

  Again, the youngest brother was quick to reply. “I suggest we make him an offer he cannot refuse.”

  The phrase sounded animus, just as the college boy intended.

  “I will think about what you have said and will communicate our thoughts with Mr. Yeung.”

  The two other brothers nodded. The meeting was now concluded.

  ***

  Two hours later, Marta’s cell phone rang. It was Xiang, not Billy.

  “Yes, Xiang, what can I do for you?”

  Xiang spent the next fifteen minutes explaining the phone call he had received from Choe Yu. He needed to revisit the clause in the non-compete agreement. In short, he needed to meet with Marta now. Not next week, not tomorrow morning, now. A car would be in front of her office in thirty minutes. Xiang hung up.

  Wow. That was unexpected and totally out of character. Someone is putting a hell of a lot of pressure on him. Guess Billy will have to wait.

  Marta left a text message on Billy’s cell phone.

  Marta: Emergency—must cancel—nothing to worry about. Will explain in morning.

  CHAPTER 59

  Mei Ling was thrilled. She could not wait to open all her boxes and bags. Some of her purchases would be delivered by the store in a few days. Her new room had closets and closets and more closets, not like her mini apartment in the city.

  “Yee Yee, come quickly.”

  Not knowing what to expect, Xiang moved as quickly as his old body would take him. He saw his beautiful young sister holding up dress after dress, as if she were deciding which gown to wear to the ball. He had never seen her so excited, so enthusiastic.

  “I apologize. I spent far too much money, but I was having fun and could not resist. It must be wonderful to be rich. To buy all the clothes you have ever wanted and not worry if you can pay for them. Thank you so much, my sweet brother. How can I ever thank you enough?”

  “Just by seeing you happy. That is all I ever wanted. I would enjoy hearing all about your shopping spree with Marta but not today. If you will excuse me, it is important I leave. I have some business concerns that must be addressed.”

  Mei Ling said nothing. She understood. Or did she?

  Mei Ling sat alone in her room and thought. She was afraid to admit it, but money does change people.

  I know I have changed. Is it for the better or worse?

  ***

  Surprisingly enough, Xiang was late for a change. The black sedan pulled up forty-five minutes after Xiang hung up from Marta. Five minutes later, he was questioning Marta on the animus clause.

  “The non-compete clause refers to you specifically. It names you, Xiang Yeung, from competing with Scalesci and his syndicate. It says nothing about a company or corporation where you are a partner or partial owner. It does not prevent your parents or children or friends from competing. As long as you are not the sole owner, you can designate anyone you want to run the business.”

  “That is what I assumed.”

  Marta knew there was something else to be discussed. She sat quietly and waited. Xiang hesitated for a minute and continued.

  “I received a phone call from my former associates in China.”

  He then went on to explain the conversation as best as he could remember it. He was careful to paint the entire picture as it was related to him.

  “What do you intend to do about it?” Marta responded.

  “I don’t know. I really don’t know. For now, I am using you as a very confidential sounding board. I hope you understand.”

  “I do. You know only one person can give you the answer. That person, of course, is yourself.”

  Xiang slowly nodded. At that moment, he felt the burden of the wor
ld on his narrow shoulders. Finally, Xiang looked up and purposely changed the subject.

  “Did Mei Ling enjoy herself shopping with you?”

  Marta quickly recognized the signal; the previous conversation was now over.

  “Absolutely. You have given her a newfound freedom, the ability to have and spend money without feeling guilty. Knowing she will be able to pay the rent and all that other good stuff. You have made her not only happy but have added to her growing self-confidence.”

  “I am pleased the money has made someone happy. For too many years, it was a great burden on me. Thank you again for seeing me on such short notice.”

  Xiang was about to stand up when he decided to continue.

  “For the next few weeks, I may need you to do several favors for me. Some legal, some personal. Call it non-legal advice. I promise you will be well compensated. I would prefer this not be considered office business. Call it a personal services agreement. Forgive me for being presumptuous, but I have made out a check payable to you personally, for two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Please make yourself available anytime I call for the next few weeks.

  With that, a very old, very tired man slowly stood up, gave Marta a peck on the cheek, and left the room.

  Marta did not know what to do or say. She glanced at the check to make sure she was not daydreaming.

  It’s payable to me, not the firm. A quarter of a million. Holy crap.

  Marta now felt a sadness for Xiang. He had everything, and yet he felt he had nothing.

  The next thought to hit her was Rod and the trip.

  Damn, damn, damn. I just sold my soul to the devil for a small pouch of gold coins. Actually a very large and expensive pouch.