Samurai Code (25 page)

They purposely walked slow, occasionally stopping to look at various souvenir shops. The man in the yellow T-shirt followed on the opposite side of the street. Jack casually glanced back as they entered the darkened alley, wondering if the he would follow them there.

“Jack!” screamed Laura.

Jack felt a blow to the side of his head and stumbled, but did not fall. In the darkness, he saw two large men, each holding Laura by an arm and pinning her against a wall. A third man delivered a punch to her stomach as she tried to scream again, leaving her gasping for air.

“Hey!” yelled Jack. “You sons of —” He stopped when a fourth man appeared in front of him. Jack raised his fists, but the man delivered a side kick to Jack’s ribcage. The blow wasn’t hard enough to cause any serious injury, but the man stood between him and the others, beckoning with his hands for Jack to come forward.

“And you, Jack? Have you had any training in hand-to-hand combat?”
Lee’s words echoed in Jack’s brain.
These guys haven’t demanded money … no weapons … three of them on Laura and only one on me. Son of a bitch! I’m being tested and this is going to hurt!

Jack stepped forward in anger, which was genuine. His clenched fist swinging in a round arc from the side of his body toward the man’s head was not genuine. He left himself wide open and paid for it with a jab to his chest. The man was much smaller than Jack, but by the way he moved and positioned his fists, there was little doubt that he had taken boxing.

Jack purposely eyed the man’s groin, announcing his intention before trying to kick. His opponent nimbly stepped aside and did another side kick, landing a blow to Jack’s temple. Jack’s guess at what his opponent had been trained in changed.
Make that Thai kick-boxing.
He felt dazed from the kick and stumbled.

“
Tabernac
! No way to treat a lady!” yelled a man in a thick French accent.

Jack turned to see a man use the stump of his leg to kick the man in the groin who had been standing near Laura, while swinging his prosthetic foot and clobbering one of the other men in the face. This man let go of Laura’s arm and she took advantage of it to punch her other captor in the throat. A second woman, also swearing in French, joined the melee.

The scene also distracted Jack’s opponent enough that Jack landed a blow to his nose, spraying blood across his face and making his eyes fill with tears.

Seconds later, the four assailants beat a hasty retreat across the open field and up the beach. Jack and Laura both made a pretense of chasing them for a couple of minutes before returning to thank their rescuers. When they arrived back, the French couple were disappearing down the street in the back of a taxi. Neither Jack nor Laura ever saw them again or found out who they were.

***

It was mid-afternoon on Tuesday and Jack and Laura were relaxing around the pool at Bill Resort when Lee arrived, with a scowl on his face, about thirty minutes after he had called.

“Why are you here?” he asked, sitting on the end of a wooden lounge chair beside them. “Why did you change hotels?”

“Quite simple,” said Jack. “I’m afraid we have some bad news. We have to cancel the deal. It’s not safe.”

“What? What are you talking about? The side of your face is bruised. Did something happen?”

“Oh, that,” replied Jack. “No, that is nothing. Some guys tried to rob us last night. A minor scuffle. We weren’t really hurt.”

“Another mugging,” replied Lee, faking surprise. “That is too bad, but if not that, then what is it then? Why did you change hotels? Why isn’t it safe?”

“We didn’t like the Pavilion,” said Laura. “We definitely prefer Bill Resort.”

“But this place is not as luxurious,” said Lee. “I don’t understand.”

“Well,” said Jack. “See the man over there talking to the head waiter? His name is Moo. A very astute fellow who usually works up at reception. Speaks good English and has worked here for years. The head waiter, he is Captain Sak. Nice fellow, also has worked here for years. The cook in the kitchen is named Noy and her husband is the sous-chef. His name is also Moo. The gardener over there with the ponytail is called Mong. The maid you see walking past prefers to be called Gee, although her colleagues have nicknamed her Rat, as that is the first three letters of her surname. They have all worked here for years. It is like one big family.”

“I don’t understand,” said Lee, “why do you know all their names? These people are merely servants. Not worthy of knowing. What is it about? Why do you think you have to cancel our deal?”

“In our business, I believe it is important to know people,” replied Jack. “It is necessary for survival. For instance, the man sitting at the bar over there drinking Heineken is a police detective from Frankfurt, Germany, by the name of Otto Reichartinger.”

“He is?” replied Lee, his head snapping around to look.

“No need to worry about him,” continued Jack. “I am told he is a regular tourist at Bill Resort. However, did you know that at the Pavilion, there is a staff member who is so new that the others do not know his name. Makes me wonder if it is a staff member or a police officer. There is also something else that is unusual. If you walk through the restaurant behind you and gaze out at the beach, you will see a man loitering about wearing a yellow T-shirt and navy-blue pants.”

“The same man who was loitering around us at the Pavilion,” said Laura.

“I’m sure he is also a policeman,” said Jack. “But, unlike Otto, a policeman who is very interested in Laura and I. Which is why I think everything should be called off. Maybe wait six months or so.”

“Six months!” Lee took a deep breath and sighed. “Okay, the man on the beach is a policeman. I should have told you.”

“What? You knew we had heat,” said Jack angrily. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“No, it isn’t what you think. He works for us. We, uh, told him to keep an eye on you to make sure you were okay.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” replied Laura. “Too bad he wasn’t around last night when we got mugged.”

“Uh, yes, later I will talk to him about that.”

“So,” said Jack, smiling. “Like me, you also have friends who are policemen?”

Lee nodded and said, “But not yet in Canada. Which is why it is good for us to join forces. Agreed? Everything is okay now?”

“Agreed,” said Jack. “But I hate wasting time. I was hoping your boss would be with you.”

“He has consented to meeting you,” said Lee, “but not for a few days.”

Jack tried not to let his excitement show. “Why the delay?”

“As we spoke about before, there are certain security measures to be taken.”

“You still don’t trust me?” said Jack. “Afraid I’ll hit you over the head with a bottle of Guinness and steal the dope?”

“My boss is a careful man. Getting close to him is like peeling an onion. The security is more intense the closer you get to the core.”

“I’ve always preferred garlic, myself,” replied Jack. “Tell you what, have him come and witness whatever it is you need to do to assure yourselves that I am being totally honest. He will see the truth for himself. Let’s do it and get it over with.”

“Actually,” said Lee, “that is something he might do.”

***

Later that afternoon, Lee used the Internet to update The Shaman and told him of Jack’s impatience.

The reply sounded innocent, but wasn’t:

Tomorrow take them to Burma and enlighten them with a sampling of our product and hospitality. A welcoming team has been arranged. If any friends of theirs decide to come, then arrange for them to stay in Burma, as well. Should that venture go well, two days later I will send Mister Sato and Da Khlot to see you. If Mister Sato decides that we should not do business with them, then Da Khlot and his associates will.

Deciphering the message for Lee was easy. He knew that Mister Sato was a polygraph operator. Tomorrow Lee would take Jack and Laura to Burma. If anyone followed them, Jack and Laura were to be killed. If none followed, then in two days Da Khlot would accompany the polygraph operator to meet with Jack. If the polygraph operator decided that Jack wasn’t truthful, Da Khlot would kill them.

Lee reflected on the upcoming course of events. Other tests would follow, including the successful transfer of funds to a bank owned by The Shaman. Naturally, any problem with such funding would see a quick end to Jack and Laura.

Lee shrugged it off. There was really no need to worry about Jack and Laura. Briefly, an uncomfortable thought entered his mind.
If something goes amiss at this stage, Da Khlot will kill me, too. Maybe from Thailand I could escape — no, I would be trading my life for the lives of my family. I am foolish to even consider the possibility that anything could go that wrong. Jack will most certainly pass the lie detector. Then there is the last remaining test after the lie detector … but Jack has no doubt murdered before …

33

Lee joined Jack and Laura for supper at Bill Resort. The restaurant was built partially over the beach and gave a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand. Sunset comes early to countries close to the equator, and the crashing of the white foamy waves added a pleasant backdrop to the restaurant lights shining across the sand and palm trees. In the distance, bright lights shone like stars from bobbing boats as the fishermen used the lights to attract and catch squid.

Lee watched as Laura ate her green curried chicken in traditional Thai style, using a fork to push her food onto a spoon before putting the spoon in her mouth. “Some day you must learn to master the chopsticks,” he said.

“Why should I?” she replied, sounding upset. “We’re in Thailand. It is their culture to use a fork and spoon.”

“Ah, yes, that reminds me,” said Lee. “You both need to get to bed early tonight. Tomorrow morning at four-thirty I have hired a van to pick us up. We’re going to spend the day going to Burma and back.”

“Burma?” said Jack, eyeing Laura curiously. “I told you before, there is no reason for us to go there. That part of your operation is not our concern.”

“The Shaman insists,” replied Lee. “He wants you to see a small sampling of what we can do. Tomorrow you will be shown a hundred kilos arriving into Thailand. Our presence in Burma will be less than two hours. It has been arranged. The Shaman would take it as a personal insult if you were not to attend. He would think that you do not have faith in his abilities.”

“I see,” replied Jack.
Let the games begin …

Jack managed to get the pertinent details involving their travel, but Lee would not tell them how the heroin was arriving. “You’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

After dinner, Jack and Laura excused themselves on the pretext of a romantic walk down the beach before calling it a night.

“Well, this is a fine mess, isn’t it?” stated Laura. “What are we going to do? Rose would skin us alive if she thought we were going into Burma.”

“It’s only for a couple of hours. We can say we thought we were being taken to the border. If we happen to stray into Burmese territory for a couple of hours, we’ll say we had no choice. I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

“I can see it being a problem for Sammy and the others,” said Laura abruptly, while gazing out to sea.

“We have to catch a ferry in the morning to leave Koh Samui. Sammy showing up with a surveillance team on the boat would be a dead giveaway. And I mean, dead. Then there’s what, a six-hour ride in a van to the other side where we clear Thai Immigration before taking a boat across a river to Burma. Tough for any cover team to follow.”

“Exactly,” replied Laura. “There is no way I want any Canadians around me, unless it’s our two unknown friends from Quebec. Wish we could find out who they were. I’d like to thank them.”

“Likewise,” replied Jack. “Maybe someday I’ll figure out a way, but right now, are you agreeable to going into Burma?”

“I guess, but what do we tell Sammy?”

“Tell him we’re going on an elephant trek with Lee tomorrow. We’re supposed to be back tomorrow night. Then we’ll say Lee sprung it on us as a test. He’s an operator, he’ll likely know we’re lying, but at least he’ll understand.”

“Yeah, whatever,” replied Laura, acting disinterested.

“Okay, Laura,” said Jack, grabbing her by the shoulders and spinning her around to look at her face. “What gives?”

“Nothing. What are you talking about? I’m fine,” she added defiantly.

“Ever since we came down for dinner, you haven’t been acting yourself. If I’ve done something to make you angry, I want to know. There is enough stress going on as it is. Whatever is bugging you, I want to know.”

Laura sighed and kicked at the sand with her toes. “Sorry, it’s not you,” she replied. “Well, then again, it probably is.”

Jack felt his heart sink.
Whatever I did, I never meant to hurt you …

“When I was putting makeup on for supper I saw it,” said Laura.

“Saw what? I waited out on the porch while you got ready. What are you talking about?”

“Grey hair,” sighed Laura, pointing to a place on her scalp.

“A grey hair?” Jack laughed.

“It’s not funny! Not just one — a whole group. I’ve never had any before. Now it’s like overnight and wham! Suddenly I have grey hair and am being called madam. I bet you saw it,” she added, touching her hair. “If you were a friend, you would have told me!”

“Sorry, I never noticed. To be honest, I have a hard time looking at you too closely.”

“Why?”

Jack looked at Laura and gave an intentionally loud sigh and said, “Because you’re so damned beautiful. I have to slap my brain daily to keep you in the sister category,” he added, sounding frustrated.

Laura looked shocked as she stared at Jack. A moment later she turned so he wouldn’t see her smile.
He is such a liar, but I think I’ll let him get away with that one for now.

***

At four-thirty in the morning, Lee’s van appeared with a driver who appeared to speak little English. They were on schedule, and, at noon, Jack and Laura patiently stood in line at the Thai Immigration Office in Ranong and watched as their passports were stamped.

Jack turned to Lee and asked, “Aren’t you getting your passport stamped?”

“No, I am not going with you,” he replied. “It is better I wait here while the boat takes you across to Burma. Our people on the boat will look after you. Trust me.”

Later Laura had the opportunity to whisper to Jack and say, “He’s not coming with us and says to trust him?”

Jack nodded.

“So what do you think? Something’s gone wrong and we’re going to be executed and he doesn’t want to dirty his hands?”

“Maybe. Let’s hope we can trust him.”

“Trust him? N-F-L!”

Normally Jack would have grinned. The letters stood for
not fucking likely
. It was a phrase the narcs sometimes used, however, not one he had ever heard Laura use before. But at this moment, his sense of humour had disappeared. In the pit of his stomach, he was worried that Laura might be right.

Jack and Laura left the Thai Immigration Office in a van with Lee. The driver took them slowly through a quiet ghetto for another ten minutes before arriving at an abandoned warehouse alongside a river. Lee spent the time talking on his cellphone, and when they arrived at the warehouse, three Thai men were waiting. Lee smiled and gave them the thumbs-up sign.

There was little doubt, Jack knew, that their ten-minute ride through the ghetto had been monitored to detect surveillance.

“Now,” said Lee, “it is about a forty-five-minute journey across the mouth of the river to Kaw Thaung in Burma. These three men will take you across and you will be provided with an opportunity to see the product you wish to purchase.”

“What if something goes wrong?” asked Jack. “Where will you be to help us?”

“I assure you, my friend, that nothing will go wrong. Part of this exercise is to build trust between us. It is time for you to trust me.”

Jack and Laura climbed into the boat, which was like an oversized canoe. It was called a long-tail boat because of a long length of gear shaft that extended from a motor in the back to the propeller. The length of the shaft made it well-suited to handle the large swells from ocean waves without allowing the propeller to come up out of the water. This particular boat did have a canvas canopy overhead to provide relief from either the sun or monsoon rains — both of which Jack and Laura had seen plenty of in the last couple of days.

Only one of the three men, wearing an American Eagle brand ball cap, spoke a little English. Very little, as Jack would discover.

They were soon on their way across a muddy and dirty expanse of water. They passed one more Thai Immigration Office on a jetty opposite a stationary raft in the river holding three Thai soldiers all dressed in camouflage.

Minutes later, Thailand was behind them and everyone was quiet. American Eagle took off his shirt and Jack nudged Laura so she could get a look at his full back tattoo. Jack had the distinct impression that the tattoo was gang-related. As they neared a dock in Kaw Thaung, Jack saw a large sign welcoming people to Burma.

American Eagle put his shirt back on, looked at Jack, and pointed to a plastic bag partially hidden by a pile of rags and said, “You want whiskey, cigarettes, or Viagra?”

Jack would have laughed except the situation was serious. He politely shook his head, but saw Laura cover her mouth to hide a giggle and look away.

“Not allowed for Thai running boat. Okay for tourist. You sure?” persisted American Eagle.

“I’m sure.”

The three crewmen moored their boat next to another boat at the end of the dock. “Okay,” said American Eagle. “Burma Immigration end of dock. Must hurry. Both get passports stamped and come back. Hurry.”

Jack and Laura left the boat and waited to have their passports stamped by Burmese Immigration.

A young man approached Jack and whispered, “You want whiskey, cigarettes, Viagra?”

“No!” said Jack, perhaps a little too loudly.

“Why not?” demanded the young man.

“I don’t smoke, I don’t drink whiskey, and I don’t need Viagra.”

“Okay,” he shrugged and moved away.

“You sure you don’t want me to call Natasha and get a second opinion?” asked Laura.

A few minutes later, they returned to the boat, and as they were getting in, Jack said, “We got our passports stamped. Where to from here?”

“Back to Thailand,” replied American Eagle. “As soon as we finish loading.”

Jack felt a chill go up his spine. A wooden section of the floor behind the driver had been lifted out and Jack saw numerous plastic-wrapped bricks stowed away. He realized the heroin had come from the boat they were parked alongside.

“Here? With us?” said Jack. “What the hell? I thought we were only going to get a glimpse of it, not smuggle it ourselves.”

One look at Laura’s pale face revealed her dismay at the situation.

American Eagle gave a command in Thai and they were then on their way back across the river. As they neared the stationary raft with the three soldiers, Jack could see that the soldiers were selecting passing boats at random to come in for inspection.

“Don’t worry,” said American Eagle. “Never stop us.”

As they passed, one soldier yelled to them and waved them to come over. Jack saw the immediate terror in the eyes of the crew and heard their panicked whispers.

American Eagle looked back at Jack and said, “Wrong soldier working today.” He put his fingers to his lips and said, “Top secret. Say nothing. Top secret!”

No, shit!

Jack watched as one of the crew members purposely ground the gears on the boat while the other held his hands open in dismay for the soldiers, telling him their boat had trouble with the reverse and they would stop next time.

N-F-L,
thought Jack. He was right. The soldiers started yelling, and for a moment Jack wondered if the crew would try to race away. He turned to Laura and said, “If they make a run for it, we’re going in the water. It’ll be safer than being sprayed with machine-gun fire.”

Oh, man …

American Eagle quickly calmed the other two crew members enough to convince them to make a wide arc and return to the raft. As they pulled up to the raft, Jack saw American Eagle pop a handful of breath mints into his mouth and give a big smile as he walked to the brow of the boat to welcome the soldier aboard, before shaking hands with him.

They spoke in whispers for several seconds and Jack saw American Eagle eventually nod his head and gesture to the plastic bag containing the contraband cigarettes, whiskey, and Viagra. The soldier nodded and American Eagle discreetly handed him a wad of money and they were allowed to continue.

Once they arrived back at the warehouse, Jack and Laura rushed off the boat and met with Lee, who was waiting in the van.

“So,” said Lee, glancing at his watch. “Right on time. I told you there was nothing to worry about. These boats run tourists back and forth all day to get their passports stamped to allow them to extend their stay in Thailand. Dozens of boats a day and this is only one spot. Upriver there is even less interference from the military, but it is more difficult for me to take you there. Also, too many mosquitoes.”

“I hadn’t expected that Laura and I would be bringing it back with us,” said Jack, vehemently. “You risked us getting caught and receiving the fucking death penalty!”

Lee looked genuinely startled. “There is no risk, that is the point,” he replied. “If the soldiers had found something, it would have either been returned to us later, or at worst, one of the crew members would have been charged with it. He would have been executed, not you. Relax, everything is under control.”

“You should have warned us,” said Jack. “I don’t like taking risks I don’t need to take.”

“I thought you wanted to stay with the product until it was put on board?”

“I don’t need to see every step. I’ll be happy to see it placed on a ship, and where it is hidden, but I do not need to babysit it every step of the way.”