“Let me introduce you, James,” said George. “This is your cousin, John. John this is my son James.”
The two youths checked the other out before shaking hands. It was the first meeting of brother and brother, each thinking the other didn't know that he knew who the other was. James was told he would meet his brother, but that his brother could not bear the family name. Somehow, John had violated the family's honor and now he was to return with him to America as his underling. His father had given him instructions to teach John honor and respect. A formidable task, James thought. Basically, John was under him and if John revealed anything about his true identity to anyone, James was ordered to kill his brother.
Brother looked at brother and immediately saw the physical similarities of the same height, weight, and physical build. While James had a proper crew cut, John had a shag.
James wondered how he was to tame his hotheaded brother. He didn't see John as his competition, because he didn't think he had any chance of gaining a foothold in Hong Kong. This was not to mention he didn't desire anything in Asia, as he was establishing himself nicely in America. Yet, he had to prove he was worthy of the responsibility and if to do that he had to take on his brother, than so be it, he thought.
John stared at James as though he was looking at the devil himself. He saw James as a threat to his existence. He resented James for his accomplishments and for infringing on his rights as heir apparent. Not to obey his father, to not support James and work for him would be an insult. It would be an act of disgrace that would cause an even further loss of face. He knew he had to show loyalty to James if he were ever to return, ever to take his father's place, ever to inherit all those millions.
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” John's proper British accent couldn't hide his insincere tone.
“You speak English,” said James.
“Well this is Hong Kong and English is spoken here as well as Mandarin, Cantonese and a few others. In case you're interested, I can speak each, as well as Vietnamese,” John snapped.
“Excellent. You'll be a good addition to our ranks. My Dad's been telling me a great deal about you.” James sub-consciously stressed the my Dad. He knew it was a slap in the face, but he would be dammed if someone was going to have an attitude with him. “He had some words of praise and said you’ve a fighter’s spirit but that you need to learn the ropes. I'm willing to take you on, but I expect absolute loyalty, the same that you’d give my father. Do I have it?”
John was surprised. He was taken aback by the American’s fast and direct approach. So, this is what my father would place before me. “You have my loyalty on my word of honor.” John looked at his father, who showed approval as he shook his brother’s hand again.
Chapter Eleven
Lem sat in his cramped office in Kowloon reviewing his outgoing shipments to the Americas when there was a hurried knock on his door. He pressed the buzzer releasing the lock thus letting his man enter.
“Tang took out the remaining Red Eagles as well as the Dragon gang and destroyed the shipment. At least twenty-eight are dead, the rest, I don't know.”
“Thank you,” said Lem, very casually.
“Mr. Lem, shouldn't we-”
“No, this was expected. We knew we would have this loss and the cost was anticipated. As a matter of fact, if you look here, you will see how Richard will begin repaying us.”
The man walked around the desk, which was nearly the width of the tiny office and looked at the various papers scattered about. “Brilliant. Choi's money no less. This is good, very good, and well worth the cost of the Eagles and Dragons.”
“I thought you would agree,” and both men laughed.
“Shall we celebrate?”
“No, not yet. After James Choi is dead and we control the West coast, then we will celebrate,” said Lem with a satisfied smile.
Chapter Twelve
Richard returned with George to Hong Kong and went back to work. George’s unexpected move left him feeling more than a bit anxious. To make matters worse, after George told Catherine that John had been sent to America with James, the son of her rival, Rose, the woman became a raging storm. No one was safe from her scrutiny, or venom. He got so frustrated himself, he actually started working in one of the offices for a company that he owns, which George thought was a Choi subsidiary.
It was called Sunshine Products, a manufacturer of small toys and whatever else that could be made from plastic and cranked out cheaply. On the books, it looked like it was barely surviving. In reality, it generated a healthy income from which Richard funded his operations, especially the ones overseas. Lem was a major partner as he supplied Richard with the drugs that were stuffed inside such innocent looking toys. What he needed now though, was to increase his cash flow. He thought about his contacts in Amsterdam, but wasn’t sure if they were strong enough yet. Maybe in five years, perhaps, but not yet, he thought.
His maneuvering schemes to bring down the Choi various business enterprises were starting to cost more than expected but he didn't care. Lem was right, he thought. Perhaps it was better to destabilize the emperor, by attacking the outer provinces where his footing was as weak as the prince that controlled it for him. The price, any price, as expensive as it was, would be worth his objective and there should be a healthy profit with his next shipment.
Chapter Thirteen
“Good morning,” George stood to greet Tang and shook his hands.
“Good morning, George. I like the new office.” Tang looked around and admired the view that the forty-ninth floor in one of Central's premier office towers offered.
“Thank you Tang, they're a bit quieter than the home one and being here in Central should make things easier.” George pointed to the sofa and they both sat down.
“Ah yes, and how is Mrs. Choi?”
“Catherine is alright and not as upset as she lets on. I did explain to her what I was going to do for John, but she was still very angry. It's understandable, I suppose. Nevertheless.”
“Lauren wouldn't speak to me for nearly a week.”
“The two of them are very much alike, always remember that Tang. Lauren has a great deal of charm and grace on the outside, but inside, she has a temper.”
“I've seen it, but I still love her.”
“So, when will you ask?”
“This weekend. I pick up the ring on Saturday and thought I'd take her to the park up on the peak after dinner to enjoy the full moon and ask her there.”
“Good, very good. If you ask this weekend, I should be able to go back to the home office next week.” Both men shared a laugh.
“George, I just want- -”
“Tang, you're like my son already. Now let's get down to business.”
Tang smiled as George handed him a folder.
Chapter Fourteen
John stood outside the wheelhouse scanning the California coastline that was growing clearer as they crossed the last few miles of open sea. He could make out the dark outline of mountain ranges against dawn's golden hues. He felt like an indentured servant waiting on his brother, the master. What he didn't realize was that he was repeating history of those who had come before him. While waiting, he tried to sort the various conflicting feelings coursing through his veins. He refused to believe all the things that had happened to him over the past few months were his fault.
A bright orange-red sun broke over the horizon when they were about a mile out and John couldn't remember when he enjoyed a sunrise more. He wasn't thinking of the past, or that he was repeating the journey many Chinese had made when they migrated during the 1800's seeking the Gum Shan, the Golden Mountain. Nor did he think much of those who traveled to the States, who were tricked into working for others with very little pay as indentured servants. Most of those immigrants toiled on the building of the railroad that opened up the West.
Arriving in San Francisco harbor aboard his brother's cargo ship, John resented the fact that he had survived the two-month jo
urney only out of the kindness of James saving his ass. His attitude had gotten him into trouble by the third day and he couldn't believe James wouldn't order his crew to respect him. True, Tang had made him study tiger claw for self-defense when he was young, but he never put much effort into his studies. He was far from good at fighting, having always relied upon bodyguards and guns. Now that he had to defend himself and be responsible for his own actions, the story was different. During the first week, he had berated himself for his lack of ability, because he had thought he was much better. By the second week, when he was tired of being beaten, he forced himself to recall the practice movements and forms. He knew then that he had to practice them, to regain and strengthen himself against those who would hurt him. It was hard to recall all the movements, because he had paid little attention to the lessons.
One of the older sailors, who was in charge of the kitchen, watched him try for an entire week before pity moved him to show John the moves. Grateful, John proved himself a quick study for he knew that when fighting, he would have to use several combinations of the forms to both defend and attack. Slowly, the ancient master taught him that the forms train the body to respond in a prescribed manner, until the actions become instantaneous reactions.
John learned the hard way over the pass eight weeks to follow orders and be considerate toward the others. Now, per an order, he stood waiting on the bridge just outside the wheelhouse for James, who had summoned him. As the ship sailed pass Lands End and made its way under the Golden Gate Bridge, John thought of his mother for perhaps the first time in over a month and realized he didn't get a chance to say goodbye. He was sure his father smoothed things out, but still, he was angry with himself for not thinking of asking to say goodbye. He resolved to call her as soon as he could manage. Looking at the red bridge, the Golden Gate, he thought it was an omen of good luck. Although his mother had tended to wear blue, she loved collecting anything red and had often told him that red meant good fortune, given it was the color of wealth and that it represented life. The memory of her made him smile briefly.
The chiming clock from the Port of San Francisco Ferry Terminal announced the sixth hour of the day. A new day, a new beginning thought John. Still James kept him waiting. The sunrise had begun to spread the warmth of its glow throughout the city.
“We'll be pulling into Oakland shortly,” James said in American English, as he came up behind John.
“It looks interesting.” John stared at the downtown and the South of Market area.
“You're sure you'll be able to handle customs if they question you?”
“Sure. If they ask, I'm an ABC not an FOB.” John had been trying to Americanize his accent, but didn't have it down as yet. James had explained to him when he had first boarded that an ABC meant American-Born Chinese and that FOB stood for Fresh-off-the-Boat. “So, what's the plan? Do I crash with you or find my own place?”
James took a long hard look at his brother. Inside his mind, all he wanted to do was dump him over the side of the ship for his troublesome nature. Unfortunately, his father had given him specific instructions. If nothing else, he was to tame him, but if possible, train and guide him into becoming an honorable man. There was a sense of a bond, an obligation to care for his wayward younger brother. He may be the second son to the world, but he knew he was the first-born son and with that, came obligations to the family, even half brothers.
James had to give John credit as there were many times during the voyage that he was sure John was going to slip and say something like, 'Do you know who I am? I'm the son of Choi,' but he didn't, leading his arrogance to bring him well-deserved beatings. He looked at John. “You'll stay with me. It is only right that you stay with your family, cousin. How did you do at mah-jongg last night?”
“All right, I broke even. You don't gamble, do you?”
“I have other things to do and don't have time for gambling.” James wanted to say gambling was for fools, but knew better than to antagonize the man.
“I see. So, what's the score? What kind of work will I be doing?” John asked.
“You'll be working in my operation as sai low. Look, I can't place you ahead of the others. You'll have to show them, as well as me that you are capable of moving up the ranks. Earn their respect as the gang enforcer and you'll move up fast.”
“What's your operation?” John heard the term, sai low, the Cantonese words for little brother which was used to identify a common street soldier. Although disappointed, he refused to let his feelings show. He never once thought he would be sent to the lowest of all ranks within the Society.
“For now, all you need to know is that I have a gang that works for me. You'll be invited to join and work for the gang with pay of two hundred fifty per week. You show up when you're told, and do what you're told. In return, the guys are there for you and will always back you up. You'll have to start at the bottom, but it won't be long before you can move up. First, you'll have to prove your loyalty is with them. Got it?”
“Yeah, I got it,” he said sarcastically.
“Remember, if you fuck up, I can't help you even if you're my cousin. You fuck the job and they'll fuck you. This ain't Hong Kong and if you've got an attitude, you won't survive. Now, go grab your stuff and meet me here in an hour. We should be docked by then.”
Chapter Fifteen
With the ship safely docked and having passed customs inspection, James finished going over the cargo instructions with one of his father’s more experienced captains. When he looked up, he saw John was waiting by the wheelhouse with a single bag by his side. Walking together, James handed John his passport that had been stamped as they disembarked.
The Oakland docks appeared like any other major shipping port, except they were much cleaner than Hong Kong’s, thought John. At the end of the cargo holding area, he wasn't too surprised to find two gang members leaning against an old ’69 blue mustang, smoking. John looked at the two and where he had thought the sailors were the roughest sort, he now knew that estimation was wrong. These two guys had an edge to their manner that spoke at once, of being streetwise and tough. He watched as James greeted the men and made introductions.
Tony and Tom stood staring at John with a measure of apprehension. They were unsure who he was or why he was with James. They were shocked when John held his hand at his waist; his middle finger tucked into the belt loop, so that only the other four showed. All three looked at him and recognized the signal as meaning 'I am a brother from another branch of the gang.' James was taken aback and needed to know more, because as far as his information revealed, John never worked for any gang. He knew John had been surrounded by their father's men, but he was also sure they didn't teach him the codes and wondered just how much John knew or pretended not to know. Was there another reason for John to be here, like to test him?
“We have news,” Tom said anxiously.
“I don't want to discuss business here.” James had received reports about the traitor while en route and was sure that was what they wanted to discuss. All other news over the last two months as reported by his lieutenant, Charlie, indicated everything was stable.
After tossing the bags in the trunk, they got into the car.
“What happened to Charlie? I thought he was going to bring the car.” James asked.
“That's the news,” said Tom, with his bad FOB accent.
“Charlie's been arrested. I didn't know how to tell you.” Tony looked disapprovingly, over his shoulder at Tom, who shrank under the glare.
“When? How?” James got in the car quickly.
“Almost a week now; he was busted during a drug sale,” said Tony.
“What? He'd never dealt drugs.” James looked at Tony. “Why is he still in? Didn't you send the lawyer?”
“Yeah boss, but bail, it set at five hundred thousand,” said Tom.
“Why so much? Tony, did they trace any of it to our place?” James questioned.
“Because of the fucking amount of
heroin. He try make big sale.” Tom interjected.
“No, but we took care of that, just in case. We've abandoned it and moved to the backup apartment. There is only one way for the cops to know. The guys think there's a traitor,” said Tony.
“Unless Charlie is traitor and they arrest him, so we no find out. There more,” Tom added, but James waved his hand to indicate he didn't want to hear anymore.
“Not now. Let’s get back to the city; we can talk about things later.” James thought this accounted for the customs inspector being extra meticulous with his ship's examination. He was glad he had arranged for speedboats to meet them while they were two days off shore. The heroin was brought in during the day, along with a dozen or so other pleasure craft the coast guard didn’t bother checking, and docked across the Bay, at Bayside Pier 38.
James' mind raced, thinking of alternatives and solutions to the many little problems that Charlie’s arrest meant. He wondered why the man did a deal on his own and decided this warranted a phone call to his father.
John, meanwhile, sat quietly in the back, enjoying the view from the bridge, thinking the hills of San Francisco looked a lot like the hills of Hong Kong Island, only less densely packed. Heading northwest towards Market, John stared at the mixture of old and new buildings. He felt the city had a sense of brightness and warmth. It was far different from Hong Kong, and almost instantly, he knew he would like living here.
They drove down Grant Street, straight into the heart of Chinatown through the Dragon Gate, a set of tall columns made of cement spanned by a beam, covered in deep green glazed porcelain, with twin dragons playing with a red pearl at its summit that stood on Bush Street. Once beyond the Dragon Gate, things looked peculiar to him. The buildings were of American design, but they had distinctively incorporated many Asian elements. There were many pennants flowing in the wind and the shops' signs were written in both English and Cantonese.
The Dragon Within His Shadow Page 8