by Don Easton
Mia held up her hand for Mr. Frank to stop talking as she received a text message on her BlackBerry. She smiled. “It’s a message from Wolfenden. He is on his way back to the hotel and is asking how my mother is, as well as saying he is looking forward to seeing me again soon.”
“Perfect,” chuckled Mr. Frank. He paused, then asked, “Your mother?”
“I wanted to meet with you immediately, so when we rejoined the party I said I had received a call from my mother, telling me she had fallen and hurt herself. I said she didn’t think she needed to go to Emergency, but that I was going over to check on her.”
“And you alerted your mother in case someone calls her?”
“I did.”
“Good. Jia-li is one of the best agents we have. She will be so proud of you.”
“Thanks. I’m heading over there to see her now.” Mia looked at her watch, then hesitated, looking at Mr. Frank.
“What is it? There is something more?” he asked.
“The Rolstads. They will still be up. I have laid the groundwork that tonight could be the night … but…?”
“No, you are right. Wolfenden is a far more valuable target. Do not do anything that would jeopardize that. Tell the Rolstads that you have changed your mind about any, uh, hands-on therapy.”
Mia nodded and Mr. Frank watched as she turned and walked toward her car. He allowed his eyes to wander up the back of her legs and linger at her hips. He thought of her performance tonight and briefly felt jealous of Wolfenden. I must put such thoughts out of my mind. Never again will I make that mistake …
He thought of the years spent on her development. Years of waiting for Mia to blossom had come to fruition. She was extremely gifted on an intellectual level, as well as being beautiful. Coupled with a mother who had coached her since childhood, she was a rare and valuable asset. Perhaps the most valued asset in all of North America … and it is I who the benefactor has entrusted to look after her.
He smiled. It was the proudest moment of his life. He reflected that in China, the narcissus plant was a symbol representing the blossoming of hidden talents. The presence of a narcissus in one’s life is said to enhance the effort you put into your work and bring added reward. It can bring luck and promote one’s career to a higher level.
Mia, you are my narcissus …
Chapter Twenty-Four
It was one-thirty in the morning when Jia-li Parker paused from strolling down the sidewalk and turned and hugged her daughter. “What you did is a great thing,” she whispered.
“Thanks, Mom.” Mia squeezed her mother tight, savouring the security of her mother’s love for a moment before reluctantly breaking free.
“How old do you think Wolfenden is?” asked Jia-li as they turned to head back to her apartment building.
“I think he is about five years younger than you,” replied Mia.
“So about forty-eight then,” sighed Jia-li.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve done the math. It has been twenty-five years since Dad was run over. Wolfenden would have only been about twenty-three then.”
Jia-li nodded. “And the handler I had then indicated it was an older person.”
“Indicated?” asked Mia. “Can you remember his exact words? Could it have been someone younger? Maybe a son of a politician or —”
“No.” Jia-li frowned. “I was in too much shock and anger to remember his exact words, but basically he said that the police knew who did it, but wouldn’t lay charges because whoever did it was high up in politics. Wolfenden would have been too young to be high up. He was likely still in university back then.”
“I hate them all,” said Mia, bitterly. “The police, the politicians … they are all corrupt. Canadians are stupid and selfish.”
“You are Canadian,” chided Jia-li, giving Mia a friendly dig with her elbow.
“Where I was born does not imprison my heart … and in my heart, I am Chinese.”
Jia-li smiled and patted her on the back.
After walking in silence for a few minutes, Mia said, “Perhaps I should return to the Rolstads’. I feel so dirty having been with that man. I need to have a long shower. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to use a toilet again without thinking about what I had to do. The whole experience makes me wonder if I could ever force myself to be with him again.”
“You must learn to block it out,” advised Jia-li. “Being with him is simply a bodily function like going to the toilet. It means nothing … except that he is stupid.”
“Blocking it out is easier said than done,” replied Mia, then wrinkled her nose to show her disgust.
“You have a great life. The benefactor has provided you with an education. Me, too, for that matter. Be thankful we didn’t end up working in one of Benny Wong’s brothels. Imagine what that would be like.”
“Benny Wong? The Benny Wong? What does he have to do with anything?”
“What does he have to do with anything?” Jia-li shook her head in admonishment. “Come on, Mia, think about it. In China most of the brothels, massage parlours, and even the karaoke bars are owned by triads who co-operate with the benefactor. Those places, including most of the hotels that any Westerners use, are bugged and have hidden cameras.”
“Yes, of course. I knew that, but I didn’t realize it was happening outside of China.”
Jia-li shrugged. “I know that the benefactor sometimes uses Benny Wong to bring people in and out of Canada. It is logical they would use his brothels to gather intelligence, too, although I have no personal knowledge of that.”
“I hadn’t thought about it before, but I bet you’re right,” said Mia. “The CIA once asked the Mafia to kill Castro so it would appear they weren’t involved. Maybe the benefactor uses Benny Wong as a front man to protect themselves also.”
“It would be logical,” Jia-li said. “And as far as the massage parlours in Canada go, it could even be more rewarding because people would not expect it. I would think only the exceptionally stupid or naive would avail themselves of sexual opportunities while in China.”
“Sexpionage,” sighed Mia. “I feel so dirty. How did you do it … or I guess how do you do it? You have told me that sometimes it is necessary, but you’ve never talked about actually doing it yourself or how you felt after.”
“I admit I know how you feel,” said Jia-li, momentarily biting her lip. This secret I have carried for so long … becomes heavier with every day. The guilt I feel … She eyed her daughter. Will she understand? Perhaps … and for her not to make the mistake I did … it is time to tell her.
“What is it, Mom?” asked Mia. “You look upset?”
Jia-li sighed and said, “Not upset … perhaps a little worried.”
“Worried?”
“You are lucky that Wolfenden is an older man … or at least to you he is.”
“How does that make me lucky?”
Jia-li stopped and turned to face Mia. Her voice was solemn. “I was twenty-one when I became involved in my first honey-pot operation. For me, it was a disaster.”
“You felt shame?”
“Initially … but the real disaster was when it turned out that he was the man I fell in love with.”
It took Mia a moment to understand what her mother was really telling her. “My God, no, Mom,” she mumbled. “That’s how old you were when you met Dad.” Mia’s eyes were pleading as she looked at her mom, hoping she was wrong.
“Yes, it was your father.”
Mia’s mouth flopped open a moment. “He was a target? You are saying he was a stupid man who —”
“No, he wasn’t stupid,” said Jia-li, as her eyes brimmed with tears. “At first I thought he was. He was involved in high-tech computer software. He was only five years older than I was. He was the first man I ever slept with.”
“You’re talking about my Dad,” cried Mia. “Someone you taught me to look up to! How could you have done that?”
“I fell in love with him,” replied Jia-li. “It w
as a terrible mistake. I did not let the benefactor know. When your dad was transferred back to his head office in Vancouver, the benefactor was pleased that I was willing to accept his proposal for marriage and go with him. The benefactor believed it was dedication and not love that made me willing to marry him.”
“So you were spying on the man you were married to! How could you do that?” Mia asked, grabbing her mother by both arms and shaking her.
“I didn’t once we were married,” cried Jia-li, pulling away. “I was too ashamed. I told my handler that he wasn’t bringing anything of importance home. That pillow talk did not work.”
“You didn’t corrupt his computers?”
“Back then our spyware wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now. What we had then was easily detected or prohibited through the company’s firewalls. In the end, I didn’t supply any information of value. I was hoping that the benefactor would forget about me.”
“But you are active! I know you are. You always make sure you look beautiful … and you’re still dating that electrical engineer. I know you’re not retired.”
“Yes, I am still working,” replied Jia-li firmly, “but after tonight, we must never talk of who I am dating again.”
Mia nodded silently in compliance while her stomach churned and contracted into a cramp, as if trying to digest what she had been told.
“I was inactive for a while,” continued Jia-li, “but when your dad was killed I was stuck with bills to pay. There was a little insurance money, but it didn’t last. Then the benefactor stepped in to help. After I got over my initial grief, I was angry. I loved your dad very much. Working for the benefactor eased my anger.” She wiped her eyes with her fingertips and added, “Please, don’t you be angry with me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” asked Mia.
“We both work intelligence,” replied Jia-li. “You shouldn’t have to ask that question. I have taught you better than that.”
“Yes, everything is on a need-to-know basis,” said Mia bitterly. “But you’re my mother. You should have told me,” she said, placing her hands on her hips as she faced Jia-li.
“Which is why I am telling you,” replied Jia-li. “I want to protect you from the shame I felt. After your dad died, I was lonely. In time I ended up having an affair with my case officer.”
Bet he didn’t try to drug you first, thought Mia.
“I knew he was only using me, but the loneliness I felt was worse. In time, he encouraged me to go back to work for the benefactor. I obliged … perhaps out of fear that without him, I would have no one in my life.”
“You had me,” said Mia.
Jia-li smiled. “Yes, I had you and I am grateful for that. I also had financial responsibilities. I went back to work and felt pride in my accomplishments. Since that time there have been six men that I’ve had to give myself to, including this electrical engineer. It becomes like a game … but it is no game if you’re in love with someone … like I was with your dad.”
Mia stared down at her feet. Her brain felt numb at what she had been told and she folded her arms across her chest to protect herself from the cool night air.
Jia-li used her index finger to lift Mia’s head so they could look eye to eye. “Someday you will fall in love and I pray it is not with a person of interest. When you do meet someone you have feelings for, you must deny any further requests from the benefactor.”
“So I can quit?” asked Mia, gesturing with her hands in the air. “You told me before that we have an enormous debt to pay … plus you have hinted that to refuse would mean our relatives who are still in China might have problems. My grandma or —”
Jia-li frowned.“Yes, yes, that is true, but only if you behave unpatriotically by accepting favours and not giving anything in return. The benefactor is fair. Yes, we have been provided with a lot of money over the years, but there will be an end to what we owe.”
“Are you sure?” asked Mia.
“Of course, I’m sure. My previous case officer retired in Vancouver. I still visit him once a year or so. His wife died last year, but he is content.”
“You still have, uh, a relationship with him?”
“Nothing romantic anymore, if that’s what you mean. The point is, he has told me he is happily retired.”
“Would he be able to tell you if he wasn’t retired?” countered Mia.
Jia-li smiled. “I have taught you well … that is a good point. However, my past relationship with him makes me believe he is telling the truth.”
“But no doubt he would remain on some list, if something urgent arose where he was needed.”
“I am sure we all would be,” replied Jia-li. “I know the benefactor has tried to gather information from many of our countrymen who are living here. Unfortunately, most have been seduced by the propaganda and promises of wealth Canada offers and refuse to co-operate.”
“Same goes for most Canadians, even those who have lived here for generations,” said Mia. “Not intentionally bad, but blinded by the propaganda of a corrupt system with no idea of how a correct society should function.”
“Yes, but as far as quitting goes, in time of desperate need, of course we would be called upon, but I see that as being less likely. I think the benefactor is moving more toward economic control verses military intervention.”
“That should be easy in these tough economic times,” noted Mia. “The government is so corrupt that one only needs to dangle a carrot in front of their noses for them to co-operate. It’s all about the money.”
“So work hard for the next ten years or so. Be thankful and respectful of how much the benefactor has helped us. Until then, put your emotions on hold.”
“I don’t see myself falling in love for a long time,” said Mia. “Thinking about what I did tonight … well, if there was someone I loved, I would respect him too much to want to be with him.”
“You sound like a spoiled child who is pouting. I should be angry with you … but I am not,” said Jia-li, sympathetically squeezing her arm. “This is your first honey-pot operation. It will take time for you to adjust. You need to be strong. Believe in yourself and respect what you are doing.” She paused to stare into Mia’s eyes, then hugged her. “I am so proud of you and I love you so much.”
Mia hugged her back. “Thanks, Mom. I’m glad we talked. I feel better.”
“Good … and in the future, we should not share stories about our assignments.”
“Yeah, right. When could I ever keep anything from you? You’ve always been able to tell when I was keeping something from you. Even a tiny lie … I could always tell how you looked at me that you knew.”
“Perhaps, but you have entered a whole new arena. It is not wise to talk to anyone who does not absolutely need to know … and even then, they should be told only what they absolutely need to know to fulfil the task.”
“That you have told me many times before, but you’re my mother. It is different.”
“Different perhaps, but not wise. Even out here on the street … every time you talk you are taking a risk. Your relationship with Wolfenden could bring unwanted attention. You will need to be vigilant and strong. Continue to make me proud.”
“I will, Mom,” replied Mia with determination. “I will.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
It was ten o’clock Monday morning when Jack and Laura met with Roger Morris and Connie Crane in the I-HIT office and went over their failed attempt to follow Benny Wong. As Jack and Laura talked, they viewed past surveillance photographs that Roger had copied to his laptop in the hope of identifying the two men who used newspapers to hide the guns they had pointed at Jack and Laura in the alley.
“You two are like chameleons when it comes to fitting in,” said Connie. “How did they spot you so quickly?”
“I suspect the bodyguards had a secondary vehicle checking to see if anyone was following,” replied Jack. “By the time we arrived in Chinatown, it was probably obvious.”
“You think he swallowed your story as to why you were following him?” asked Roger.
“I think so,” replied Jack. “He must be worried about some potential threat on his life to have the security he does.”
“Hopefully he doesn’t know we’ve connected him to Donahue’s murder,” said Roger.
“He sounded uptight when I told him I had received information that someone was considering having him killed,” said Jack.
“I think that would catch most people’s attention,” replied Connie, looking bemused. “However, Wong sounds like he would be one tough nut to crack.”
“I agree with you there,” said Jack. He pointed to a photograph on the computer and said, “Bingo. That’s the two of them together.” He looked at Laura, who nodded.
Roger leaned over to look. “I know them. They’re the Dongfang brothers. The one with the ponytail is Dai and his brother’s name is Rong. They both have records for drug-trafficking and extortion.”
“Nice guys,” commented Jack. “I’ll make a point of meeting them again sometime.”
“So where do we go from here?” asked Connie.
“It’s your case,” replied Jack. “Any suggestions?”
“Christ, don’t I wish I had some,” grumbled Connie. “We think the godfather of the Chinese Mafia is responsible for trying to have a witness killed and the goofs sent to do the job killed the wrong person. That’s if our theory is right. Maybe we’re totally off base about —”
“I think the theory is sound,” interjected Roger. “Jack’s report arrives in our office on a Friday afternoon. The following Wednesday, Wong meets unexpectedly with the top Viet who has a meeting the next night with all his top people except for Bien Duc VC-2, who was named in Jack’s report. By the next week, Bien Duc, along with two others named in the report, are murdered.” Roger glanced at Jack. “Or are believed to have been murdered.”
“I went through our liaison officer in Hong Kong and started an investigation there,” said Connie. “Bien Duc and Tom Nguyen cleared customs in Hong Kong and caught a taxi. Security cameras identified the taxi they took. The police interviewed the driver who said he remembered them because they wanted to be dropped off with their luggage at a busy street corner instead of a hotel. They told the driver that a friend would be meeting them. From there, the trail went cold.”