by Larry Darter
"Son of a bitch."
"Yep," I said. "I'm sorry."
"But, maybe he hasn't sold it there yet. You could go to Hong Kong and look for him there. As long as there is any chance of getting my jewelry back, I’m willing to continue paying you.”
"I’m uncertain that’s realistic.”
"Why? You aren’t willing to go to Hong Kong to look for him?”
"It isn’t only a matter of being willing. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on the planet, and I have no idea where to even start looking for Clements there. It would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.”
"So, there is nothing you can do?" Madison said.
"Whatever I might do, I don't think it would get your jewelry back."
"Great," Madison said. She laughed, but not with mirth. "Just great. This just gets better and better. Clements has screwed me in more ways than one, and there is nothing anyone can do about it."
We walked another meter or two, and Madison stopped. She sat down on the sand and looked out at the sea. I sat down beside her. I was desperate to think of something to say to make her feel better. Madison started to cry. I put an arm around her shoulders. She buried her head into my shoulder and continued to weep. I felt more angry at Clements for the emotional hurt he had inflicted on Madison than about him nicking her jewelry.
"I don't want you to quit," she said. "Please go to Hong Kong and find him, I can afford to pay your fees and expenses. You can do that can't you?"
"I could do that," I said. "But, I don't know that I could continue taking your money in good conscience when there is almost no chance of recovering the jewelry."
Madison wiped her face on the sleeve of her shirt. I patted her shoulder and removed my arm. "But, there must be something we can do," she said. "It's only been two days, and I've paid your fees in advance for a week. Won't you at least consider going to Hong Kong for the remaining five days to look for him?"
I thought about it. "I could go to Hong Kong and find a private investigator there. Might be a chance, a small chance, that working with someone local, we could find the lowlife prick. But then you would have to pay the both of us. Might be better if I found someone for you in Hong Kong and bowed out so you could save money. Either way, I doubt you would get the jewelry back."
"Please, I'm willing to take the chance," Madison said. "I want you involved because I trust you. If someone in Hong Kong took over, I wouldn't even know the person. And, I'll sweeten the deal. Go to Hong Kong, find someone to help you there and try to find Bernard. If you manage to get the jewelry back, in addition to your fees and expenses, I'll pay you a bonus of ten thousand dollars."
"That wouldn't be necessary. If I were able to recover your jewelry, I'd be happy for you, and that would be reward enough." Bloody hell, I thought. After getting caught up in the undertow of Madison’s emotional pain I’d become so personally involved it seemed accepting a bonus would be like taking advantage of her.
"No, I insist. Believe me, I have plenty of money. If I don't get the jewelry back, my insurer will make me whole financially. I simply want to exhaust every possibility before giving up on getting back those heirloom pieces."
"If you insist, I'm willing to continue. But I don't want to give you false hope of a favorable outcome."
"You've been more than forthcoming," Madison said. "I realize there is little chance I'll get my jewelry. But I haven't slept for two days. I have chest pains. All I can think about are all the different scenarios where I get the chance to corner that bastard and confront him. I want to ask him why he did this, to ask that son of a bitch face to face why he wanted to ruin my life. Why me?"
"Because you crossed his path," I said. "He figured out that you were well off, and he could profit by taking advantage of you. That's all there is to it, actually."
"I'd still feel much better about this whole thing if I could confront him."
"Ready to head back?" I said. "You’ll get sunburnt."
"Yes."
I stood, reached for her hand, and helped her up. She smiled at me and squeezed my hand. "Thank you for helping me." At that moment I wanted to find that rat bastard for her more than I wanted anything.
We walked together back to her hotel, then parted. There were travel reservations to make, and some research to do. I didn't have a clue how to find a private investigator in Hong Kong.
It was time to make an appearance at the office at John Rodgers Field I shared with my friend Jackie. I hadn't been there all week and wanted to check the mail before leaving for Hong Kong. I also needed to tell Jackie we had to postpone our girls' night out we'd planned for the weekend.
7
My friend Jackie Fitzgerald operated a small air transportation business out of John Rodgers Field that she had inherited from her father. He'd taught her how to fly helicopters in her teens. Later, Jackie had honed her skills in the army as a Blackhawk pilot. She ferried passengers and freight outbound from Honolulu to the other islands in the chain. She had just returned from a freight run to Hilo when I walked into the office.
"How's it going?" I said.
"Great," Jackie said. "I've had work all week so far. I'm making money hand over fist."
"Awesome," I said.
"Did you catch a case?"
"Yep, got hired by a lady from Los Angeles on Monday."
"Excellent. Tell me about it."
I related Madison's tale of woe, ending with the announcement that I was on my way to Hong Kong on the first flight out the next morning.
"That means we will have to reschedule our girls' night out," I said.
"I've always wanted to visit Hong Kong," Jackie said. "How about I tag along? I could help you find that jerk."
"Sweet offer," I said. "But I couldn't pay you."
"You don't have to. It would be fun, like a vacation, and I have the money. Also, I have a friend there, and I'd love having the chance to see him again."
"Do you now? Is this an old lover?"
Jackie laughed. "Not at all. Just an old friend."
"Is your friend Chinese?"
"He's an American, but his heritage is Chinese. His parents immigrated here from Hong Kong before Will was born. "
"Nice. How did you meet?"
"The army. He was a pilot, too, in my unit."
"What's he doing in Hong Kong?"
"After Will left the army, at the urging of his parents he moved back there for a while to get to know all his aunts, uncles, and cousins who still live there. His parents believe in strong family ties. Will is an IT security specialist for a multinational commercial bank."
"That's awesome," I said.
"So, how do you plan to find the thief in Hong Kong? Do you have a lead?"
"Not even," I said. "I sussed out a plan to find a local private investigator there who knows the area and the system to help me. The problem is, I don't have a clue how to go about finding one."
"Hey, Will may be able to recommend someone. He works in security. Don't banks and other corporations hire private investigators sometimes?"
"Yes, they do," I said. "Think you could ring Will and ask him if he could recommend someone?"
"Sure, I'll call him now. Hong Kong is eighteen hours ahead of us. It's morning there. Will should be at work."
"Here," I said, passing Jackie my mobile. "I can expense the international call charges."
Jackie took the phone. She flipped open an address book on her desk, found the number, and dialed. It seemed she had his direct number, because it was clear she was talking with Will straight away. I flipped through my mail while I waited. Jackie scribbled on a notepad as she talked. By the time I'd finished looking at all the bills, the only thing I ever seemed to get in the post, Jackie had said goodbye and disconnected the call.
"We're in luck. Will recommends an agency called Hong Kong Confidential Investigations. He said the bank has used them and they are reliable. Will said to ask for a Tsang Chun-wah Chan."
&nb
sp; "Awesome," I said. "That was easier than I ever imagined."
Jackie passed my mobile back along with the notepad. I dialed the number, and a female voice came on the line. She said something in Cantonese. I only caught the Hong Kong part.
"Do you speak English?"
"Yes, this is Hong Kong Confidential Investigations. How may I direct your call, please?"
"May I speak with Tsang Chun-wah Chan?" I said.
"Please hold."
After a few moments, a male voice came on the line.
"Tsang Chun-wah Chan," he said.
"Hello, I'm T.J. O'Sullivan calling from Honolulu, Hawaii," I said. "I'm looking to hire an investigator to help locate someone in Hong Kong."
"We can assist you with that," the man said. He spoke impeccable English with a slight British accent. That wasn't surprising, given the British influence in Hong Kong before they returned control of the territory to China. "Please tell me about your situation."
I told him that I was a private investigator in Honolulu, looking for a man who had stolen some valuable jewelry from my client before fleeing to Hong Kong. I said I was hoping to find the man before he sold the jewelry and disappeared for good.
"What do you wish us to do with this man once we locate him, keep him under surveillance and notify you?"
"I hope to be there when you find him, actually," I said. "I'm leaving for Hong Kong in the morning."
"That will be satisfactory. Our fee for such an investigation is three thousand one hundred forty Hong Kong dollars per day, plus expenses."
"Crikey," I said. "Any idea how much that is in U.S. dollars?"
"Yes, the quoted fee is about four hundred dollars per day in U.S. Dollars, plus expenses."
"Do you require a retainer?"
"Yes, we require a one thousand dollar retainer," Tsang Chun-wah said. "For international clients, we require the retainer by bank wire. However, since you are traveling here, you may pay the retainer when you arrive."
"Can you give me directions to your office from the Hong Kong airport, Mr. Tsang Chun-wah?" I said.
"I would be most pleased to meet you at the airport if you wish," he said. "And please call me Chan. It's much easier."
"Awesome, and thanks," I said. "We would appreciate a pickup from the airport."
"Fine, I'll text you my personal mobile number. When you have your flight reservation, text me your details, and I'll meet you at Hong Kong International. Now, can you give me the man's name and any other information you have available?"
"Yes," I said. I gave Chan Clements' full name, physical description, and date of birth, which I'd got from Mike's friend Greg Yu.
"Great," Chan said. "If the target is in Hong Kong, I expect to be able to locate him quickly."
"You seem quite confident," I said.
"We have an extensive network of contacts here,” Chan said. "We may learn of his whereabouts before you arrive.”
"That would be amazing," I said. "Thanks so much. And, I look forward to meeting you when I arrive."
"Likewise," Chan said. "Have a pleasant flight."
"Thanks, see you."
I disconnected the call and looked at Jackie. "He said he may locate Clements by the time we arrive. Can you believe that?"
"Seriously? Cool."
"I hope he can deliver the goods, as I'm certain we won't get to Clements before he has sold the jewelry. It would be best if Madison doesn't sink heaps more money into a lost cause."
"Why bother if you're so sure?"
"She wants me to make an effort. And, I could be too pessimistic."
"Well, if we're going we’d better make flight and hotel reservations," Jackie said.
We made reservations for a seven-thirty flight to Hong Kong departing Honolulu the following morning. "I think I'll ask our guy in Hong Kong to make hotel reservations for us," I said to Jackie. "Neither of us have been there. He will have a better idea where we should stay."
"Sounds reasonable," Jackie said.
"Let's go by your place so you can pack," I said. "Then you can spend the night at mine. Mike can drop us at the airport in the morning."
"Sure, sounds great," Jackie said.
"Sweet."
I flicked a text to Chan with the flight details, and a request that he make reservations for two at a hotel that was clean but not too expensive. To my surprise, Chan sent back a text two minutes later. He replied he would meet us outside customs at Hong Kong International when our flight arrived and was happy to organize the hotel. With that sorted, I moved my motorbike inside the hangar.
8
Mike was sitting on the steps in front of my flat when we drove up in Jackie's car. He was fidgeting and chewing on a fingernail. When he saw Jackie's car, he sprang up from the steps and was at the car door before I'd even gotten out.
From behind me, I heard Jackie mutter, "Here we go."
"Greg Yu told me what happened in Chinatown," Mike said. "I came right over to make sure you're okay."
"No worries, Mike, I'm fine," I said. "It wasn't that bad. Greg's mate Kevin got me out of the trouble, although I would have sorted it on my own."
"Where's your bike?"
"I left it at the office," I said. "Clements has gone to Hong Kong, it seems. I'm flying there in the morning to find him."
"No way, T.J.," Mike said. "That's not a good idea. That's the Triads' home turf. It's too dangerous."
"Mike, I don't need your permission," I said, a bit more harshly than intended. "My client wants no effort spared in trying to recover her jewelry. So, I'm going. I've already decided."
"Then if you won't listen to reason, I'm going with you. I have some personal days coming."
"No, Mike, that's so unnecessary. You have no jurisdiction in Hong Kong. And, I don't need protecting. Besides, I won't be alone. Jackie is going with me, and we're meeting a local private investigator there I hired this afternoon to help find Clements."
"I still don't like it."
"Sorry, I'm going," I said. "It's my job. I have to go. It will only be for a few days. It's all good."
"When are you leaving?"
"In the morning. We have a seven-thirty flight. Think you could drop us at the airport before you go to work?"
"Yes, but I'd feel much better going with you."
"No, Mike. You have work to do. You told me last night you got a stack of new cases. There isn't anything you could do in Hong Kong that I can’t do. Stay here and work."
"I guess you're not giving me any choice," Mike said.
"Not with this, " I said. "But, as long as you're here, you want to go get dinner with us?"
"Okay, where are we going?" Mike said.
"Jackie and I planned to walk over to Udon Noodles on Kuhio," I said.
"Sure, that sounds good, I haven't been there in a while."
Mike and I waited at the foot of the steps while Jackie took her suitcase upstairs to the flat. Mike had calmed down, but I could tell he was still unhappy with my decision. Even though I cared for Mike, that was why I was having so much trouble committing to a relationship with him. It was Mike's nature to feel protective of me. While that was sweet, it was also the very thing that would suffocate me. I needed to be my own person and to make my own decisions. We couldn't always argue about that. Otherwise, a relationship with Mike would never work.
Jackie returned, her suitcase stowed in the flat, and we walked together to the Japanese restaurant on Kuhio. After an awesome feed of hot ontama in a fantastic sauce topped with green onions and tempura bits, we walked back to the flat. Mike hadn't seemed to be packing a sad, but he hadn't been as talkative at dinner as usual. He and Jackie said goodnight, then she took the key and went upstairs. Mike put his arms around me and pulled me close. He kissed me on the forehead.
"Look, I know you can take care of yourself, but I can't help worrying about you," Mike said.
"I know, and that's sweet, Mike," I said. "But, we can't argue every time I decide something you don't
like."
"You're right. I know you hate it when I get protective. I'll work on that. I promise. It's just that you mean so much."
"And, you to me," I said. "I like what we have and want it to continue. But, you've known from the beginning I have an independent streak and need my space."
"Just promise me you will be careful."
"No worries, I will, and in only a few days I'll be home safe and sound."
"I wish Jackie wasn't staying the night with you," Mike said.
"Yeah, I'm regretting that a bit myself," I said. "But, just think how lustful we'll both be when I return." We both laughed. "Now, give us a quick pash and go so I can pack."
We kissed for several moments until I pulled away and put my hands on Mike's chest. "Now go. You're not making it any easier for us, are you? We'll be ready at six in the morning if you're sure you don't mind driving us to the airport."
"Not a problem," Mike said. "See you at six, babe."
I gave Mike another quick peck on the lips and then headed upstairs.
After pulling my suitcase off the wardrobe shelf, I packed. Jackie had followed me into the bedroom with two beers. She handed me one, and then sat down on the floor with her back against the wall and watched me pack.
"Mike isn't happy about you taking off to Hong Kong," Jackie said.
"Nope, he isn't," I said. "Mike is so protective. I know it shows he cares for me. But, when he gets like that, it feels so smothering. That's one reason I've not agreed to move in with him. I'm worried a relationship wouldn't last."
"Yeah, I've known guys like that," Jackie said. "Even in the army, the guys always seemed to feel they needed to protect me. It gets old quick. It used to piss me off."
"I suppose it's part of the male genetic code, " I said, "but, yep, it gets annoying."
"Have you ever met a guy who wasn't like that?" Jackie said. "Sometimes I wonder if they even exist."
"I have, actually. You remember Malone, the guy I used to work with in Los Angeles? I've mentioned him to you."