“This is our cousin, John. He’s come all the way from Hong Kong just to visit.”
Sliding down from James's arms, she ran over to John and began tugging at him until he bent down to see what she wanted. She gave him a big kiss, a hug, and then ran into the dining room. James, John and Rose started laughing as they followed her.
“Hey, I think you have a new girlfriend,” said James.
“I like them older and unrelated,” said John, as they both continued laughing. It was the first mild joke James heard him speak in the entire time they'd been together.
Rose smiled; amazed to see her son and stepson were getting along so well. Her mind drifted to the letter that she was dying to read. She placed it carefully, in her bedroom before returning to the family dinner. Her heart was pounding, after all the years, he must have remembered their first date at the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Two things surprised John during dinner. The first was that he was given the seat of honor. Second; that Aunt Rose and her sisters had prepared tremendous amounts of food, which seemed never ending in its volume or diversity. John felt relaxed around James' family, enjoying both the meal and pleasant conversation.
After dinner, John walked around the well-kept apartment looking at all the family photos. He tried to mask his hurt, but Rose saw and knew. He had only two photos of his family and both of them were staged. One was with his parents, sister and Tang at his birthday party and the other was with Richard when he was about eight in a Kowloon teahouse. Captivated by the photos, he was only dimly aware that Mei-Mei and James had returned, when he heard the tearing of wrapping paper. He turned to see Mei-Mei utterly fascinated with her antique silver box, with the jade, ebony and ivory inlaid cover that had an unusual art deco design.
It was shortly after ten. James stood at the front door seeing the last guest out, while John and Rose sat on the couch.
“Well, it looks as if I'm going to get going myself in a little while. I promised Susan I would pass by and see her tonight,” said James.
“She should have come here to see you, especially, since you just got back,” said Rose.
“Mom, really. You know I don't like bringing her here. When I decide to get married, then I'll bring the girl home all the time. Okay?”
“All right, but please don't be too late. We have to go see your other uncles early in the morning. You know you are very tired and really should get some sleep.”
“Mom,” said James. He wished she would stop worrying just once.
“Don't say it, I know. 'You're twenty-years old and know how to take care of yourself.' Humph. And, just who do you think took care of you? Do you expect me to stop caring after all these years?”
“No, Mom. I don't expect you to stop. And don't you dare. I love you too much, but I've got to go now.” James bent down and gave his mother a kiss.
“Sure, I'll see you tomorrow. Don't forget to be here by ten in the morning. Sharp!”
“Okay. John, I guess I'll see you tonight when I get in.”
“I should go too, Aunt Rose. Thank you for the delicious dinner, especially, the Abalone. I don't think any chef ever prepared it half as well as you have,” said John.
“I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was hoping to spend some time getting to know you but perhaps later, after you had a chance to rest a little. This must have been quite a day for you. You have a new country, city, and family to get to know. We'll have time later, I’m sure.” Rose sensed, as only a mother could, John’s pain.
“That would be nice.” John left with James. “Your Mom’s nice.”
“Thanks. See, I told you she would like you and you would like her.”
“Yeah, you did say that. Say, um, will you need me tomorrow?”
“No. Tomorrow I have to meet with my uncles and Mom has a few things to settle herself. Why don't you just take it easy and get to know the city. Go check out the Golden Gate Park and learn where things are for now, all right?”
“Sure thing. ’Night.” The elevator going up, arrived. John entered and took it to the top floor. He spent the night settling into the apartment, unable to call the place home. He felt uncomfortable. He felt as if he were an unwelcome houseguest, who must, because of relations, be housed. Searching through his bags, he found his two photos and stared at them. He tried to suppress his tears, but was amazed with the self-discovery that he was jealous of what his half brother had, which only made him feel that much more anguished. He swallowed hard the pain, as he laid the first brick in the wall cemented with tears. Pulling the chain from around his neck, he stared at the ring dangling in front of him. A few more layers of brick were laid around his heart that night. He buried his emotions, hid his feelings behind the wall where they would be safe and rolled through anger, sadness and regret, into a fitful sleep.
Chapter Eighteen
Pulling onto a side street, they spotted McDermott leaning against his car at the far end. The driver parked, turned off the lights, but not the car. Sal got out and took point. At three in the morning, the Mission Rock Terminal area was pretty much deserted, but Kai liked to be cautious. Bob also got out and as McDermott approached, stopped him.
“Hello, McDermott.” Kai used the name Sam, when talking to outsiders.
“Hi ya’ Sam, how‘re ya doing tonight?”
“Not bad McDermott, not bad.” Kai nodded.
“Sam, is this really necessary?” McDermott raised his arms as Bob patted him down.
Bob nodded his head, confirming McDermott was not only clean of guns, but of wiretaps as well. When dealing with the police, Kai always felt it was better to be sure.
“How's Charlie?”
“Charlie's fine but if they check the evidence too closely, they'll have to let him go.”
“It was my impression it was a neat package. What happened?”
“We've got a new DA who's out to prove himself. Don't worry; I'll take care of him.”
“You'd better, McDermott. We pay you plenty to make sure things go smoothly.”
“Ahh, speaking of money,” said McDermott.
“Yes, here it is.” Kai reached into his breast pocket, and pulled out an envelope.
“Here’s the stuff from Charlie’s bust.” McDermott handed Bob a black duffle bag.
“We’ve got some more work for you.” Kai watched as Bob took the bag and walked back to the car.
“Yeah, I like doing your work, it’s easy.” McDermott checked the contents. “By the way, the tip you gave about that cargo ship in Oakland was bad. Customs couldn't find anything and that made me look bad. If ya want me to do things, you'll have to do better with the info.”
“Perhaps I can help you restore face. The heroin’s leaving San Francisco this week. Confiscate the drugs, kill the men, and deliver three quarters of the shipment to me here, next week.” He handed him the paper with the shipment information.
“Hey, wait a minute! That wasn't part of the deal. We agreed I'd look the other way, and make things tough for Charlie. You never talked about doing a hit before. I don't do hits!”
“I suggest you do as we say, McDermott. If you don't, then perhaps your wife would be interested in these pictures or your fellow police officers, this tape.” Kai handed McDermott an envelope with the photos of himself with two prostitutes.
McDermott stared at the photos. He had thought himself the sly fox. He never thought anyone would ever find out about his kinky sexual appetite, yet here it was in black and white.
“You can keep those, we have copies. Just a reminder that when you work for us, you work for us. Remember, results by the end of the week.”
McDermott, flabbergasted, stared at the photographs. At first, he tried fooling himself into thinking he did things to strengthen his street sources. But once the money started, it became more for the money and less for his career. Foolishly he reasoned that everyone was crooked one way or another, so why not him. After all, if he did have to use muscle every now and then, it was against scum. If he sent
criminals to jail, it would cost the city money and they would be back on the streets at some point. This way, he had a small measure of control over events. Now that he knew what the insurance markers were, he wasn't too concerned.
“You don't need fucking insurance markers to get me to do the job, Sam. I'm a man of my word and if I say I'm going to fucking do something, I'll fucking do it! Is that clear?” McDermott shoved the photos back into Kai’s hands.
“I'm happy we agree then that you’ll be doing the job and the hit.” Kai felt only slightly off balance with McDermott's uncharacteristic rebuttal.
“Yeah, I'll do the job. Your fucking info had better be good this fucking time! If not, insurance, or no insurance, I'll kick your fucking head all over Chinatown! And, that's after I let Charlie know who set him up. That’s my fucking insurance policy!”
“Very well. Goodbye, McDermott.” Kai turned to get into his car.
“Goodnight, Kai.” McDermott watched shock register through Kai as he stopped short and turned to look back. “Yeah, I know who the fuck you really are.” This time McDermott turned and left with Kai staring after him in disbelief. Knowing he scored a point brought a twisted smile to his face. He only needed a few more months before he had enough in the Cayman Islands where he had deposited the cash, and planned to retire. So evidence, or no evidence, he didn't give a fuck what Kai had on him.
Kai didn't think anyone knew his actual name outside of Chinatown. To have a low fan, a white devil know, irritated him. Keeping things quiet until the right moment was what he needed to do. Failure now would cause a domino effect leading straight back to Hong Kong.
“Let’s get out of here,” said Bob, which made Kai return to reality.
“Yeah, let’s go. Put the stuff with the books we got stashed,” said Kai.
“Do you think James suspects anything?” Sal asked as they drove off.
“Not yet. He knows there's a traitor and right now everything points to Charlie.”
Kai handed each man five hundred from the money he siphoned. He needed someone with access to guns and ammunition and that was Bob. For information and rumors of the street, he had Sal, a recent transplant from Hong Kong, via the illegal alien supply line. The drive back to their respective apartments, in Chinatown, took only a few minutes with each man getting out at different locations.
Kai parked his car and entered an apartment house on Bush Street that he shared with some of the brothers from the gang; totally unaware Tony had been following them all evening.
Chapter Nineteen
George felt it was his obligation to explain to Catherine that he had sent John off to America with James. While she understood the need, she was furious to learn John was staying with Rose, his other wife, whom she despised with a vengeance. The resulting frenzied display of rage and anger came at the cost of several broken expensive vases and temporary eviction from the apartment. He didn't know why he told her about Rose, but when he thought about it, he guessed he did it to upset her just for the hell of it. It was stupid, of course. He could have been gentler or perhaps concealed the bit about Rose. Truthfully, he was mad at her because he couldn’t control her and because he loved her. He needed to know if she still loved him.
George had met Catherine through her father, who was the Shan Chu for the society at the time when he was in his mid-twenties. He once told Catherine's father that if he was a smart manager, he wouldn’t let his talents go to waste. Her father liked his brashness and that he was demanding to be a partner, rather than requesting work. When her father took him out to dinner, George impressed the man with his visions and plans. He had a scant half million Hong Kong dollars in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank and there he stood demanding to do business with the most powerful man in Hong Kong at the time. That half million was all that remained after the Communist, Kuomintang and Mao had taken their respective shares of his families ancient wealth. Amazing that today, his personal wealth had grown to almost half a billion dollars and mostly in legitimate enterprises.
George stood within his home office staring at what he thought was the most breathtaking view of Victoria Harbor and China beyond. His wife's apartment was two floors down and connected by a private staircase. It was a polite arrangement, given the circumstances of their relationship. He loved her deeply, but until she bent, there would be a thin veil between them. She could have whatever she wanted, maintain the powerful position as first wife, but they lived slightly apart. The main problem with their marriage was that she being somewhat of a modern woman, expected to be treated with respect, dignity and equality, a trait she had passed on to their daughter. He, on the other hand, expected a more traditional wife, who didn't interfere with his business and just took care of the family. As with many things in his life, theirs was a very complicated relationship. And as with many complications, at the center of this, was money. While her father treasured George as the son he never had, he felt he must lay the groundwork to protect his daughter as he also knew George for the man he was. Therefore, on Catherine's wedding day to George, her father made him sign a binding agreement in which the ownership of the company was jointly held between them.
Catherine was provided for in the contract, with the ability to take on whatever role she desired. Should they divorce, the contract provided George with twenty-five percent of the company, Catherine thirty-percent and the society the rest. A complication as it were that kept them bound together. Catherine rarely, if ever, interfered with its operations, although he had to admit she understood the balance sheet better than he did. The one and only time she insisted on anything, was when she demanded something substantial for Lauren. They had a terrible row that night but he eventually gave in, giving his daughter the Lotus Hotel chain with branches throughout Asia. Over the past three years he had become pleasantly impressed with Lauren’s successes. She had surprised him by being a strong businesswoman. Unfortunately, her success revealed John’s deficiencies.
Choi’s steward entered the room and saw George staring out the window. He knew the man was feeling troubled but would feel better talking to his son.
“Mr. Choi. You have a phone call from the states, on your private line.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s James, sir.”
“Thank you.” Choi moved to his desk and picked up the receiver. “Hello, James. How was your trip?”
“Hi, Dad. Everything went fine. The few months out were somewhat relaxing.”
“Good, good. And how is your mother doing? Did she like her gifts?”
“Mom's ecstatic. She loved the chop the best and gave it a place of honor in her collection. Now she's going crazy trying to figure out what to bring on her trip and it's not even March yet. She’s making plans and writing letters to everyone. I've never seen her so happy before. You're going to keep your word, right Dad? This isn't a game, is it?”
“No son, no games. This time, I'll let her return to her family. I haven't been to Kunming in many years and perhaps it's time I reaffirmed some business arrangements in person. I might even take her on my business trip to Bangkok. And John? How is he doing? What has happened since we last spoke? “
“It was rough Dad, but he’s adjusting and working hard at getting along with the men. He's uh - - He’s doing fine. Just fine, Dad.”
“Fine? There were- - are no problems?”
“Dad, he’s trying very hard to learn how to get along with the men. Okay? Stop looking for his faults. He's not as bad as you make him out to be. It'll take time, but he'll learn. For the past two weeks I've had him working on a project and he's doing a great job.”
James didn’t realize John had awakened from his sleep and stood listening to the conversation from his partially opened, bedroom doorway. He appreciated his brother’s support.
“Alright, alright. I'll stop for now.
“Listen Dad, ummm . . .”
“What is it James? Is something wrong?”
“Singapore and Bangkok were gre
at. The idea we discussed worked and the meeting off the coast of Natuna was perfect. The transfers went easy and there were no customs problems.”
“I’ve heard a few rumors from Amsterdam.” George wanted to talk about the family and as usual, James wanted to talk business. At least he talked, thought George.
“I haven’t heard anything. Listen. There have been some problems here in the states. We’ve got a traitor. Charlie’s been arrested, there’s been raids on some of our gambling places and just two weeks ago, part of the shipment we sent got busted by the cops. We’ve got a traitor in the gang and we’re- - I’m having trouble figuring out who it is, because I don’t believe the dai lows, I don’t believe it’s Charlie.” There, he said it and got it off his chest.
“Why don't you believe your dai low?”
“Because he's been in jail for a couple of weeks. Dad, I trust Charlie. He could have known, but my gut says he can't be the one. Too many things don't click.”
“Like what?”
“Like the route we used on Friday was a new one. We’ve never used it before. Usually, we just shipped via a mule and the airline. This time we used the train route. There's no way Charlie could've known. We’ve never used the train before.”
“Unless Charlie is not alone. Think son, who does he know that could’ve passed him the information? And don't forget supplies. Traitors need more than money for payoffs. The police got the stuff you say. How much has been recorded? All of it? Check and be sure. One man standing alone doesn't have a chance of removing strong leadership. It would take several people. Think.” George didn’t like the weakness he sensed in James’ voice.
James had never disappointed him in the past but his uncertainty now in dealing with Charlie worried him. In a way, this would be a perfect test to see if James had the qualities needed to succeed him, given he was so uncertain whether John ever could.
The Dragon Within His Shadow Page 11