by Easton, Don
“I know,” sighed Jack. “Stew Pot is bad enough. If Barfoot gets kinky, Oskar will know that something is up. We don’t even know who his boss is yet.”
“Speaking of that,” said Willy. “I’ve had the race entries, licence plates, and hotel registries checked out. There wasn’t anybody with the name of Merlin or Marlin. Like you said before, if Oskar gets spooked and decides to quit, who’s to say that his boss won’t continue?”
“I know, I know,” said Jack in frustration. “We need to find out who he is. Guess it is one step at a time. Let’s see what tomorrow morning brings. Maybe we’re worrying for no reason. Oskar said he would make his decision then.”
At nine o’clock Monday morning, Jack boarded the Corporate Asset and sat with Oskar in the galley.
“Do you have the receipts?” asked Oskar.
Jack handed him the envelope and Oskar looked through it. “Most of the cash is still here! Are you telling me you spent just over a hundred dollars?”
“Game of golf and a burger,” said Jack. “Didn’t cost much. I’m sure you heard what happened with Len Stein. I only bought him a lunch.”
“I heard,” replied Oskar, gruffly. “You took off on him and someone drugged his drink and he was robbed.”
“I left at his request after I refused to get him some cocaine,” said Jack.
“I told you he was an important client.”
“Yes, you did.”
“It is too bad, because you really impressed John, but I need someone who is consistent in dealing with people. Someone I can rely on. Your ratings were not consistent.”
“My ratings?”
“I asked the three of them to rate you on a scale from one to six. Mr. Yu gave both you and Stew a three, so count his out. John rated you a six and Len gave you a zero. Stew received a three from John and a five from Len.”
“From what I understand, Stew only brought him some Tylenol and left him in his room. That rates a five?”
Oskar gave a sympathetic smile and said, “I am sorry, but that’s the way the ball bounces. I’ll keep your resumé on file, should something come up.”
Should something come up? Yeah, like a body …
Jack left the boat and was walking up the ramp from the marina when he saw Barfoot wave to him, near the top of a stairway overlooking the marina.
Jack waved back and met up with him.
“How did it go?” asked Barfoot.
“Not well,” replied Jack. “I really appreciate your support, though. Oskar told me that you rated me six out of six.”
“Are you saying you didn’t get the position?” said Oskar, sounding incredulous.
“Stein rated me a zero,” explained Jack.
“A zero! That is utter bullshit,” growled Barfoot. “Come with me! I am going to have a word with Oskar.”
Jack hesitated, wondering if Barfoot’s intervention would make the situation worse. Then again, how much worse could it get?
A moment later, Barfoot and Jack met with Oskar in his galley.
“What’s this bullshit that you’re not hiring Jack?” said Barfoot. “You know what I think of him,” he said, patting Jack on the shoulder.
“That was obvious from your assessment,” replied Oskar. “But I need someone who is consistent. Someone who can get along with everyone, not only you.”
“I know Stein,” said Barfoot. “He has the moral scruples of a snake. He is a womanizer, uses illegal drugs, and, in my opinion, is a complete ass.”
“That may be your opinion, but he is also an important client,” said Oskar, defensively.
Barfoot waved his finger in Oskar’s face. “Your company is suppose to uphold moral integrity when it comes to investment. Is Stein the image you want to portray as your poster boy for who you do business with?”
Oskar’s face reddened. Jack could not tell if it was from embarrassment or anger.
“The only reason Stein is where he is,” said Barfoot in disgust, “is because he came from money. He is nothing more than a spoiled, immature brat.”
“Who brings in a lot of money for my company,” said Oskar.
“You would attract more clients if you didn’t have the likes of Stein,” said Barfoot.
Oskar shrugged in response.
Barfoot tapped Oskar on the chest with his finger and said, “You were wanting me to come on board with your company?”
Oskar silently stared back.
“Well, I’ll tell you what would make me do that,” said Barfoot. “Just two things.”
“Those being?” asked Oskar.
“Hire this young man immediately and sever your relationship with Stein completely.”
“Are you serious?” asked Oskar.
“You’re damned right I am,” said Barfoot, evenly.
“Could be losing a lot of money by getting rid of Stein,” said Oskar.
“What do you care? You’ll be retiring soon,” said Barfoot.
Oskar looked at Jack for a reaction.
“It’s okay, he knows,” said Barfoot. “I told him last night.”
Oskar nodded, then took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and smiled. “Agreed,” he said, sticking out his hand.
Jack watched the two men shake hands. His emotions were mixed. Elated that he had been hired … and sickened that the man who stood up for him could soon be targeted for murder.
“Welcome aboard,” said Oskar, turning to shake Jack’s hand. “The company and the Corporate Asset,” he added, with a smile.
“There is a question of timing,” said Barfoot. “I will need a couple of months to get my affairs in order.”
Jack breathed a sigh of relief. A couple of months might be all he needed.
Oskar nodded and looked at Jack. “I have several companies in Asia that need scouting out.”
“I’m your man,” said Jack enthusiastically.
“A couple are high-priority,” continued Oskar. “I’ll be flying over there myself to check out a company in China that Mr. Yu has a vested interest in. Two other companies are in Myanmar, two are in Thailand, and one is in Malaysia.”
“I understood there were trade sanctions with Myanmar,” said Jack. “Due to the human-rights violations.” Thank you Commercial Crime for your help …
“There are, but Myanmar recently held their first democratic election in over twenty years. If things do get moving again, it could be an economic opportunity.”
“I see,” replied Jack.
“I presume, however, that you will need to give at least thirty days’ notice before coming over?” asked Oskar.
“I have a lot of holiday time coming to me,” said Jack. “I could give my notice, use my holiday time and start working for you in two weeks.”
“Told you he was eager,” smiled Barfoot.
“Yes, I am,” replied Jack. Eager to save your life … and my own.
Chapter Twenty-Four
That afternoon, Jack got off the ferry from Victoria and drove directly to a meeting being held at the Major Crime Unit in Inspector Dyck’s office.
Rose, Laura, and Connie Crane were present when Jack arrived. He had already called Rose to let her know he had been hired, but now he gave a detailed account of what had happened over the weekend, including his meeting with Barfoot and Oskar on the boat that morning.
“China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia,” said Rose. “That is going to be a lot of countries to liase with. With his real office in L.A., I expect the U.S. will be involved as well.”
“I know, but it wasn’t like I had a choice in the matter,” replied Jack.
“So where does it stand now?” asked Dyck.
“As of the fifteenth of June, I will be officially working for Oskar,” replied Jack.
“The fifteenth?” said Dyck. “For what’s required in preparation, isn’t that rushing things a little?”
“I agree, it is. I could have easily delayed being hired until the end of June, but I want to have the investigation wrapped up before B
arfoot joins the company. I didn’t feel that we had the time to stall.”
“Good point,” said Dyck. “Are you expected to be working out of his office in L.A., then?”
“No, that is one good thing. He said he anticipated I would be going to L.A. a couple of times a year, but other than that, I could work from home. According to him, I will be on the road most of the time.”
“Hopefully not under the tires of some semi-truck,” said Connie.
“That’s a cheery thought,” replied Jack. “I’ve already signed the NDA and —”
“What’s an NDA?” asked Connie.
“Sorry, I’m already starting to sound corporate,” smiled Jack. “An NDA stands for a non-disclosure agreement. It is to ensure that I won’t be spilling any company secrets to other corporations.”
“Think murder is one of those secrets?” said Laura sarcastically.
“Oskar also informed me, as nonchalantly as he could, that he would carry the standard corporate-owned life insurance policy on me.”
“Did you say anything when he told you that?” asked Dyck.
“I acted a little surprised and he said the COLI was simply a matter of routine. He explained that in the unlikely event something happened to me, it was to compensate the company for the costs incurred in recruiting and training someone of my high calibre.”
“High calibre?” snorted Rose.
“His words, not mine,” said Jack, returning Rose’s smile.
“I’m surprised he told you about it,” said Connie.
“In the U.S. they are required by law to do so. I had to sign a written consent and acknowledge that Oskar would be the sole beneficiary. For your info, effective June 15, I will be worth one million U.S. dollars to Oskar if I die.”
“You really better look both ways when you cross the street,” said Rose. “I don’t want Oskar to be able to collect on it.”
“That would tick me off, too,” said Jack, frowning. “And I would take it real personal if my murder wasn’t proven and he got to collect.”
“Talk about laughing all the way to the bank,” said Dyck, bitterly.
“I also received some background information from the Americans on Ben Pike while you were gone,” said Laura, gravely. “Turns out he was a former U.S. Marine, but to make matters worse, he is an expert in martial arts and used to instruct the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program in hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat. Incidentally, the MCMAP logo is one mind, any weapon.”
“Wonderful,” said Jack lamely.
“There is little doubt that he can kill quickly and silently with his bare hands,” noted Laura.
“Like breaking a guy’s neck and tossing him over a balcony in Moscow,” said Rose.
Jack thought about Max Romanov’s response when he had asked him if anyone had heard any yelling or fighting before the alleged suicide. Nobody hear nothing until big splat …
“There is still no indication of who Pike’s friend is,” said Rose. “The one you referred to as Killer Rabbit.”
“You nicknamed someone Killer Rabbit?” asked Dyck.
“It wasn’t me who first came up with that,” explained Jack. “It was a friend of the first victim. A guy by the name of Tom Donald met them at a Christmas party with his buddy the night before his buddy had his jugular slashed on a windowpane. Tom told me he had heard that the two security guys were trained killers.”
“I think Pike has already proved that,” said Laura.
“Tom referred to them as Pike the Spike and Killer Rabbit,” added Jack.
“Killer Rabbit?” said Connie. “Sounds comedic.”
“The guy apparently tends to bounce as he walks,” replied Jack. There is nothing comedic about it. If I go up against either of these guys in hand-to-hand, I’m dead.
“I don’t suppose you noticed any so-called security types when you were in Victoria?” asked Rose.
“No.”
“When this starts, I’m going to want a cover team with you at all times,” said Rose. “Twenty-four-seven.”
“Sounds good, but it could be problematic,” replied Jack. “To start with, it is expected that I will be travelling alone, or if not, with someone connected to the company. My first assignment is to go to Myanmar to check out a rice-export company.”
“Rice paddies … don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent,” said Laura.
Jack nodded. “I have already been given the contact names, phone numbers, and email addresses. There are lots of tourists in Thailand, so blending in there is not a big problem, but Myanmar could be a problem if I were to end up in the countryside. I doubt that many Caucasians go there.”
“Then you’ll have to stay out of the countryside,” said Rose, firmly. “There is no way you’re going anywhere without protection.”
“The place I am suppose to go to is a city called Yangon.”
“Yangon? I’ve never heard of it,” said Dyck.
“It is also known as Rangoon,” said Jack. “The military junta changed the name when they took over. The same for the country. They tried to change the name from Burma to Myanmar, but outside of Myanmar it goes by both names. Yangon used to be the capital and has over four million people. I’m sure they get enough tourists there that a cover team could be utilized. It is only if they want me to go look at the rice fields that we would run into a problem.”
“I don’t even think we have an embassy in Myanmar,” said Rose.
“We don’t. I did some checking while on the ferry on the way back. There are resources there we can use. Both the Australians and the British have embassies there. When we’re done here, I’ll provide them with the contact names and information that Oskar gave me. Maybe they can do some checking for us.”
“And if you are expected to go to the countryside? What then?” said Rose.
“I’ll refuse. Maybe say I’m paranoid of malaria or something, although I do believe that my assignment in Yangon is legit.”
“Why do you say that?” asked Dyck.
“I didn’t get any bad vibes from Oskar over it. Everything he said made sense. He told me there was a rumour that Myanmar is dropping their export tax this year. He also said they are selling rice to North Korea and speculated that now might not be a good time to invest, but is thinking a little further down the road.”
“What are you expected to be doing there?” asked Rose.
“Oskar wants me to check in with the head honchos of the rice-exporting company and take them out for dinner. Simply schmooze with them to make contact. I think it will be safe, but I’ll avoid the rice paddies.”
“You will do more than avoid it,” said Rose. “I am telling you that you will not be going to the countryside.”
“No problem. I am only expected to be there for one or two nights. I have seen rice paddies before, so it is not like it would be a big deal.”
“Still, what makes you think that your trip there will be safe?” asked Rose. “The business could still be legit and Oskar may plan on having you killed after you send him your report.”
“I’m not finished. Oskar also didn’t care where I stayed or when I arrived. He said it was an easy assignment and that I would be going on my own. I am to fly from Vancouver to Bangkok and then catch a flight from there to Yangon. He suggested I spend one night partying with the people in Yangon, but also said I would likely need a day or two to recover from jet lag.”
“He never directed you to a specific hotel?” asked Rose.
“No. He left the hotel in Yangon and the flight details up to my own discretion. What he was explicit about, was what I was to do after. He wants me to be at the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort in northern Thailand on June 20. It is located in a small town called Chiang Saen. At that point he mentioned that I would be meeting up with someone from corporate security to assist me.”
“There we go,” said Laura. “Let the games begin.”
“Pike the Spike or Killer Rabbit?” asked Rose.
“I do
n’t know. The Imperial hotel will be our base of operation for a few days. He has booked me a room for five days, but says the timelines may change, depending upon how things go. I am only to book a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and keep the return open. From Chiang Rai it is about an hour’s drive north to the Golden Triangle. He said I could arrange for the resort to pick me up at the airport.”
“Maybe he wants to leave your ticket open in case they have to exchange the seat for a casket in the cargo hold?” Laura said ruefully.
“Thanks for the thought,” said Jack, frowning.
“The Golden Triangle … where have I heard that before?” asked Dyck. “Didn’t it used to be a famous for drugs?”
Jack nodded. “It was notorious in the old days for being the main route to smuggle heroin for most of the world’s addict population. It is where two rivers meet, forming a triangle. On one side is Thailand, across one river is Myanmar, and across the other is Laos. Also, by river it is an easy trip into China. It is still a smuggling route, but currently plays second fiddle to Afghanistan.”
“Still dangerous, then,” noted Dyck.
“The Thailand part is not bad,” said Jack. “It has even become a tourist destination, so a cover team could blend in.”
“What is Oskar’s reason, or should I say his excuse for getting you to go there?” asked Rose.
“I am sure that some stuff is legit. He is meeting Mr. Yu to check out a company in a nearby city in China, but he also wants me to check out a clothing factory across the river in Myanmar and a jade-exporting company in Thailand that is also close by. He was more vague on those and said he didn’t have any details for me at this time.”
“Being vague could mean that is where he plans to have you killed,” said Rose.
“Possibly, but he also mentioned that another company in the south of Thailand would later be checked, as well as one across the border in Malaysia.”
“Maybe your whole trip is legit,” said Dyck. “All this could be a waste of time and it might be some other trip when he plans to kill you.”