“Really, George, and just what is this choice?” Richard couldn’t believe that with everything else, George would still consider himself bound by oath.
“You’ll give your home in Aberdeen to Tang and Lauren as a wedding present and sign these,” George handed Richard the legal papers. “This will transfer ownership of your corporation to me. In addition, you will surrender the contents of your bank accounts at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank as restitution for the money you stole, including the safety deposit boxes.”
“It is my understanding, George, Mr. Lin is making - -”
“He’s paying back his forty-million that can be traced directly, to his actions. The rest can be traced back to you as these documents,” he said as he reached over to pick up another pile of papers, “will attest. You’ll sign these now or- -”
“Or?”
“Or your son Kai will die by the end of this hour. I must admit, you found a creative way to get around the oath in having your son take your mistress’ last name. Clever. Even as we speak, Tang is in San Francisco waiting instructions. One call and the order will be carried out. Are you ready to bury your son, Richard?”
Richard looked at George with contempt. No. He wasn’t ready to see his son die. He needed Kai as he wasn’t so certain with Eric, who seems to have disappeared. Eric was more independent than Kai. “My son’s life? You know about Kai? Do you mind if I sit down?”
“Yes Richard, I do mind. You may not sit down. Continue and explain if you can.”
“I cannot explain what has been happening here George.”
“No, Richard? Hmmm. How strange, given you were so talkative to Alfred and Lem. We know you had European help, not American. So Richard, will you pay or watch your son die?”
“What assurance do I have that my son will be safe?”
“None but my word of honor.”
“Honor?”
“Yes, Richard, honor.” George watched Richard ponder the cost.
Richard knew he was trapped and needed to find a path, but was hindered at every turn. His position was weakened and with his arrest, he had lost considerable face in Hong Kong. Without being on the inside track, he wouldn’t have access to knowing the strengths and weakness of the organization to exploit, to sell to others. Then there is the matter with his son. If he didn’t pay George’s price, his son would die. Could he sacrifice his holdings for his son? But if I allow Kai to die, then George might uncover Eric in Amsterdam because he would figure I was so secure that I had another son to seek revenge. For Eric to be safe, Kai must live.
“Very well George. I’ll sign. I’ll remove my things from the house- -”
“There’s no need, Richard,” said George.
“I see.” Richard signed the papers realizing his prized collection of antiques was now the property of Tang and Lauren.
“Given I bailed you out and am responsible for you, I cannot put you out on the street, so you can remain downstairs until your trial next month, but there are some changes.”
“Such as?”
“Well, it seems the families of those killed in your warehouse might seek revenge. Given I wouldn’t want anything to happen until after your trial, I’ve hired round the clock protection, for you.” George pointed to the two men behind Richard.
“That won’t be necessary,” said Richard.
“Nonsense, I insist.” George pressed a buzzer at his side. “Perhaps, in a few years, when we are certain danger no longer exists, we can dismiss the protection. Until then, Richard.”
“George, really, I don’t think this will be necessary.”
“I insist, Richard. Your safety is very important,” George had a gleam in his eye.
Richard stared at the men behind him, especially the one who placed a hand on his shoulder, indicating it was time to leave. He stormed through the rooms to the elevator, which wouldn’t respond to his key card.
“You must use the service elevator, Richard,” said the guard named Fook.
“Is that so?” Furious, Richard went to the hidden wall paneling leading to the servant's hallway and service elevator. He tried to use his key there but again it wouldn’t work.
“Sir, I’m afraid your card does not have access.” Fook used his card.
“How am I to get between floors,” demanded Richard.
“No need to worry sir. Kwan or I will always have a card,” said Fook.
Choi had done it to him for the last time swore Richard. George managed to get him to sign away his major holdings and virtually make him a prisoner for the rest of his life.
Chapter Sixty-Three
Rose saw Tang hover over her kitchen counter as he talked softly into the phone. She could tell Tang wasn’t happy, but why she didn’t know. Something happened today between John and James but no one was telling her anything. The unnerving stare between the brothers frightened her. She could feel their anger and tension. They sat in silence as she dressed some of their wounds. Tony and Frank had visited briefly with James, who went with them into the hall to speak. When he returned, he had an ashen look about him, and when he told something to Tang, Tang didn’t respond. Now her son sat hunched over as if he was going to be sick.
“Tang,” said Rose. “What is it? What did George have to say?”
“George is fine Rose and said to send his regards. James. John.” James and John immediately looked at Tang. “George has very specific messages for each of you.”
“What did Uncle George say?” John said remorsefully.
“Your father thinks it’s time for you to consider wearing the ring again,” said Tang.
Rose looked at Tang sharply and knew the significance. She turned to look at James and saw he turned to gaze out the window, to hide his feelings. “John’s to return to Hong Kong?”
“Yes, Rose. George is proud John saved James’ life. He’s not happy that it cost a life- -”
“I see,” she said.
“So, it looks as if you finally get to go back John. Congratulations. You got what you wanted.” James shrugged off John’s hand and moved to stand by the window. He was saddened over Charlie’s death, disheartened over John’s actions and dejected over the news from Tony and Frank that he had lost his men’s confidence. But what galled him was that John did what he couldn’t.
“My uncle wants me back,” said John. “Just like that?”
“No John, it’s your father who wants you to return home. By reaching out to protect James from Charlie, you’ve earned your father’s respect.”
“He approves of me killing this time?” John shook his head in disbelief.
“Killing is never a good or right thing, to do. However, when the choice is to kill to protect your family versus just standing on the wayside, than the choice is clear. Death at that moment is appropriate. If you had let Charlie live, James would be dead.”
“If it is so right, why do I feel so empty?”
“Because killing is wrong. It’s proper for you to feel miserable over this man’s death. That’s how you should feel. By feeling remorseful, you are beginning to understand the consequences of your actions, John. This is why your father says it is okay to return home. You have demonstrated you have learned that a man is responsible for his actions.”
“And what of James,” said Rose.
“I have a private message for James,” said Tang.
“I see.” Rose left knowing Tang wouldn’t deliver his message until she was gone.
“What’s the message Tang, as if I don’t know?” James asked.
“It was to be given in private,” said Tang.
“I’ve no secrets from John,” James turned away from the window to look at Tang.
“Very well,” said Tang. “First, he is proud of the way you and John have bonded and sees a good future for the two of you. George has had the opportunity to speak to his brothers here. He has made the recommendation to your uncles that they should invite you to become sze kau (soldier) in their tong, immediately.”
“What happens with the gang?” James asked.
“Based on the last discussion, Kai has assumed control,” said Tang.
“So his father- -” but John was cut off by Tang.
“Correction John your father,” Tang moved to the sitting area and sat in a side chair.
“Oh, now it’s my father again,” said John.
“And I’m back to calling him, Uncle George. How ironic?” James looked at Tang.
Tang saw James was being so self absorbed that he didn’t see the world beyond his own narrow life. Tang waited for one of them to speak, but nothing was forthcoming.
“John, we’ll return to Hong Kong early next week. James, tomorrow you formally make Kai dai low dai. Afterwards, you and I will go visit your uncles, to finalize arrangements.”
“I have no real choice. Have I?” James hated his life at that moment.
“Of course you have a choice James. You could fight Kai to retain control,” said John.
“John, even I know that is hopeless. The guys have lost confidence in me. I’ll be blamed for Charlie, the drugs, the missing money and God knows what else. Me. I’m the one responsible and to blame. Nothing will change that. If I want to regain face, I must join the association; otherwise it really would seem as if I had something to hide.” James looked at John, but couldn’t finish. He knew his own small business was dependent upon the Tong for sales.
“Bullshit James. I don’t even know why you are in the gang. You could set up your own business with the money Dad has given you, or you could get a degree and work for a big company. Why stay involved?”
“For Dad.”
“For Dad? A man who plays games with his sons as if we were toys, pawns in a chess game. Let me tell you, I am not going back to Hong Kong to continue playing and being his pawn. I’ll not chase after the carrot of acceptance. Because to play that game means I’ll have to allow him to control me and I’ll be damned if I will allow anyone, ever, to control me ever again! Finally, I’m living my own life and I’ll live it!”
“John, he’s not playing a game,” Rose couldn’t stand it and re-entered the room.
“No? What has he been doing to all of us? He controls every one of us and he does it very well. He says, ‘Do what I say, follow my lead and you can have my affection, attention and money. Go your own way and be punished.’ You know I’m right Aunt Rose, just look at the way he has played you. Obey my wishes and I’ll pay for your lifestyle.”
“That’ll be enough!” Rose stated. “I’ll not hear you bad mouth my husband, John.”
“I’m sorry if I have offended the second wife,” John knew the reference would hurt.
“What are you going to do John?” Tang was intrigued that John was expressing something of an opinion and dared to state what he wanted. George said to watch and let the sons decide the next course of action. As always George was right, he thought.
“I’m my own man and if my father was in touch with reality, he would see the emotional struggle his sons face and not expect us to be perfect. Perhaps if we both had a father 100% of the time, we would know. But all we’ve ever seen is his business being the total and absolute substance of his life. Even now, he’s asking James to continue making the association, the tong, the whatever, the center of his life. As if the society will give us the stability and center we need. Well I want to be in charge of my own life,” John stood and stared down Tang.
“John, the organization is what defines our father. He wants us to be able to continue running his business and- -” James looked at the floor and spoke without conviction.
“I’m not going back to Hong Kong. At least not, right now. Not when he is calling. I’ll go back when I want to go back and because I want to go back.”
“Where will you go,” asked James.
“I don’t know, maybe North. What’s that place you told me about? Seattle?”
“Yeah,” James admired John for having convictions to do something. He felt lost.
“Seattle, I’ll go to Seattle,” said John.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Tang went to see Ng and gave the man his orders along with a tongue lashing the likes of which he was sure the man had never received in the past.
Ng rebuked Tang’s assertions, even if he was correct. He was in a quandary, for Richard through Kai, had paid him very well not to be as vigilant as George demanded he be for his family. If the Hong Kong rumors were true, then to assure his future, he would have to act soon. All Ng wanted was to sit on the sidelines and wait until the dust settled, but that wasn’t to be as Tang was threatening his position. He more or less assured Tang he wouldn’t harm the Choi boys. It was time to call in the favors Kai owed him.
*
When Kai picked up the phone, the last person he expected to hear from was his father. Their conversation was brief and the news dreadful. He went from feeling like a master of success, to a concerned rabbit, in a matter of minutes. When his father told him he would be supported in the gang leadership, but that all else would be limited, he was livid. When he heard his father was a virtual prisoner and had to use a pay phone in a public restroom to call him, he was enraged. Who the hell did the Choi’s think they were to do that to his father and his family? He didn’t like the Hong Kong news. Thank God, his father had transferred large blocks of stock to him and Eric in the past. By doing so, he now wondered if he was exposed to a Choi attack.
When he received word from Ng that on Saturday, James would formally, make him the dai low dai, Kai knew his father’s assessment was accurate. Ng had also made a request and he had to make a decision. Although in his mind the choice was simple, putting it into action wouldn’t be simple. He called the Los Angeles affiliate gang and asked for Beard, a highly regarded ‘brother.’ It was late Thursday and he’d have to pay extra to get the man to San Francisco by Friday night.
Chapter Sixty-Five
It was late Friday and the summer sun was high when Beard arrived at the pier. He saw Kai leaning against the building almost immediately.
Kai watched Beard get out of the black sedan and stretch as if he didn’t have a care in the world. The man was almost as tall as he was, about five foot eleven, but much more built up, with biceps he envied and wearing his trademark goatee, hence his nickname, Beard.
Beard and Kai walked along the waterfront, stopping only so Beard could buy a chocolate bar from the Ghirardelli vendor. He munched on the bar as Kai gave him the details of Tang and John’s planned road trip. Since they were renting a car he wouldn’t know which car until the last minute, but word was they would be leaving on Saturday. It should be easy to follow them from the city but if not, then they have reservations in a small bed-n-breakfast call Bea’s in Oregon. It didn’t matter where the accident occurred as long as it occurred. He made it clear that Tang was as much a target as John. He looked at the paper Kai offered but didn’t touch it, instead he waited. Information was nice but he preferred currency.
Kai held the paper and looked into Beard’s blank eyes, unable to read the man. How Ng was able to obtain the information, he didn’t know or care. He had it and that was enough for him. He didn’t care about Ng’s reasons. He had more than enough of his own to kill Tang and John, not the least of which was revenge for his father’s treatment. Kai reached inside his jacket and gave Beard the thick envelope and paper before turning to look at the sea lions. He didn’t see Beard leave but knew he would see him again when the job was done for the rest of his payment.
Chapter Sixty-Six
Saturday, a day of leisure for most people was just like any other day for Richard, who having no position, power, or job for that matter, had little if anything to do other than stare at the wall above his desk. His life felt empty. So when he was asked if he wanted to accompany Fook, who had to pick up something at a local convenience store, of course he said yes. Anything to get out of the apartment would be welcoming. True they didn’t have to go far, just down the Peak to a little st
ore on a side street in Central, but it was away from the complex and that was all that mattered to him.
Fook was a young man within the organization, barely into his twenties. After escorting Richard to the car in the basement garage, they drove to the shop. Richard had always been good to him in the past, so if he didn’t keep too careful an eye on the man while they were shopping, what did he care. It was his way of giving the man an opening and getting back at Tang for sticking him with the job. If he took it and took off, then he would deal with the consequences later. When he turned to look at Richard, he was knocked unconscious from behind by a brash thug, who was bursting into the shop along with his friends with guns ablaze just behind.
Two of the thieves herded the customers and two clerks into a corner and forced people to start emptying their pockets, while one stood guard out front and another pried open the cash register. Once the register thief had all the cash, he nodded to the two at the back of the store. The two saw the signal and knew what to do. They started an argument with the clerks that they were holding out on them. It was about that time that Fook started coming around. The two perceived that as a threat and opened fire, wounding Fook, killing Richard along with one of the clerks in the mass confusion that erupted. It all happened fast. Within five minutes, the gang was gone.
Chapter Sixty-Seven
As they road through the Redwood forest, John admired the way the early afternoon light filtered through the trees. They were following the old route in which the trees grew right up along the edge of the road and not the newer multi lane one. He couldn’t help but think how much his life had changed over the course of six months. It used to be he needed at least three suitcases to travel and now all he had of value to him was summed up in one small black duffle bag. He thought back to this morning’s farewell with Aunt Rose and James. Aunt Rose he could tell was happy he was going to disappear. James understood his need to distance himself with their dad but still told him he thought it was a mistake. Their farewell embrace was one of support he would remember for a long time. He told James not to be a fool, to fight for what was his position, and to think about making it in business without the tong or society’s influence.
The Dragon Within His Shadow Page 36