Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) (2 page)

I interrupted, “Like what? I need to know exactly what you told clients. And I wish you’d clean up your language.”

“I speak better English than you do.”

“You know what I mean. Some of our clients don’t like hearing the F bomb.”

“How do you know? Been running polls?”

“Fuck, Joy. What’s with you today?”

”So, it’d Ok to F bomb me, but not the clients? Is that it?”

“That’s pretty much it. Now what else did you say on the call? Please tell me.”

“I said the fucked up Jay Gunner says the system breaks down when no one trusts politicians, banks and governments. The Fed has to keep pumping money, or the whole system will collapse. The Japanese central bank is printing more money than the Fed. The world is being flooded with fiat money. It’s a bubble, it can’t be sustainable.”

“Sounds like you’ve been reading my notes. But you didn’t say I’m fucked, did you?”

“No, I said you’re fucked up. There’s a difference. And the comments are strictly my opinion. You copied the notes from me. It doesn’t take a genius to know we’re near the end game. Fiat money made by computer strokes is a scam.”

“Shit girl. Tell me what you really think.”

Joy said,”I doubt Abe will be in office much longer. Let’s hold our short Yen positions. The worse things get in Japan the weaker Yen gets. The politicians consider that good news. Crazy isn’t it?”

I looked at Joy and smiled. She liked to bust my chops, but I’d gotten used to it. She was great at analyzing markets. She filtered out the daily noise of fluctuating markets and determined major trends. But I needed to keep her off those conference calls. I never knew what she’d say.

I was the technical expert, and traded short-term moves. Together we made a fantastic trading team. We wrote a market newsletter that gathered a large following. In Hong Kong Forex trading circles, we were making a name for ourselves. New wealthy clients poured in.

Joy was only 24. While new to Forex she was savvy and smart. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in mathematics. Joy continued her education at Harvard, earning an MBA, and ranking at the top of her class. Upon returning to Hong Kong, she moved back in with medical doctor Chinese parents.

Her parents hoped Joy would follow in their footsteps, and chose a career in medicine. Joy was not interested. For the only time in her life, she went against her parent’s wishes. Everything changed with her Harvard MBA and big income at Global Trading. Now mom and dad were proud. 

I was lucky to meet Joy at one of my favorite watering holes, the M Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. By chance, I sat at the bar and found myself next to Joy. I noticed her perfume was intoxicating, yet subtle.

“I love your perfume. Mind telling me the name? If I can afford it, I’d like to buy some for my girlfriend.”

“No problem. It’s Clive Christian No 1. And yes, it’s expensive. Judging from your appearance you can afford it.” She smiled a coy smile, as she looked me over.

I looked spiffy in my new Armani suit and Hermes silk tie. I always dressed like a millionaire. Due to my trading expertise, I was one several times over.

At only 29, it was my good fortune to be successful. I gained the attention of many beautiful Hong Kong ladies. They liked my athletic figure, jet black hair, cobalt blue eyes, white smile and Black American Express Card.

Amanda didn’t like my wandering ways, but was pretty cool about it. That is, until she came home a day early from one of her trips. She found me in bed with Sally Wu. I met Sally at a party, and like a dumb ass brought her to the condo. That was too much for Amanda.

“You bastard, you bring that sorry ass slut into our home? You dare fuck her in our bed? How can I trust such a dumb ass person?”

Our relationship almost didn’t survive that incident. Amanda stayed pissed for days. She threatened to walk out. I promised to change my wicked ways. After sleeping on the sofa a few nights, I realized I loved her. Well, maybe love is too strong a word, but I valued the relationship. I definitely loved the sex.

“Amanda, I’m really sorry. Give me another chance. I promise to be a loyal partner.”

Amanda yelled at me, “You sorry bastard. I don’t know why I stay with you. If you ever bring another woman home, I promise I’ll shoot you.”

I took that as forgiveness. “I promise. I’ll behave.”

“You better behave. Ok, I must be crazy, but one more chance. Don’t screw it up.” 

I sometimes thought of taking on the one thing in life that scared me shitless. But for now, I dismissed marriage as a bad idea. Amanda didn’t push too hard, but I could tell that decision time was approaching. She wouldn’t wait forever. She was fearful of becoming what the Chinese call a “left over woman”.

The problem was I enjoyed conversations and sometimes more with interesting Hong Kong women. Looking and not touching was hard. It didn’t seem natural. I loved being around women. Even with promises to behave, not fooling around was difficult.

Amanda traveled half the time, leaving me time for an occasional exciting adventure. I had to be careful. Temptation was always there. Being spotted with another woman was a danger. Amanda had girlfriend lookouts everywhere. I was torn between being a faithful partner and bedding attractive women.

Right away, I was attracted to Joy. I loved her American English accent. Most educated Hong Kong ladies spoke beautiful English, but with a British accent. The Hong Kong educational system still follows the British model.

Joy definitely spoke American English, so I asked about it. “You speak great English, but with an American accent. Did you attend college in the States?”

“Yes, I went to Princeton, then to Harvard for my MBA. Along the way my British accent and choice of words became corrupted by you Americans.” She smiled as she said the word corrupted.

“So you’re from Hong Kong? What work do you do?”

“I’ve lived here all my life, except for attending university in America. I’ve just returned and looking for suitable employment.”

I perked up. I’d been looking for a trading assistant. This interesting lady might just qualify. No problem with looks, education or language. She was sophisticated and spoke great English. And that perfume. I loved the combination of looks, dress, language, educational background and sensuous subtle fragrance.

“What type of work are you looking for?”

“I’m not desperate. I want to find something that’s a good fit. I’m analytical and want challenging work that’ll put my MBA to good use. Probably something in finance.”

“I’ll give you my business card. I’m looking for a foreign exchange trading assistant. How’s that sound?”

“That sounds interesting. I know a little about trading Forex. My dad’s always talking about exchange rates. Do you pay bonuses?

“Sure, I like to spread the wealth around. Give me a call and we’ll set up an interview. I don’t discuss business at a bar, so let’s relax. No interview today. Let me buy you a drink. Is that cognac you’re drinking?”

“It is. Hennessy XO.” Joy glanced at the business card. “I’m a little picky when it comes to cognac. Hope you don’t mind, Mister Gunner.”

“Just call me Jay. And I don’t mind. You drink my favorite cognac. And your name is?”

“It’s Joy. Joy Wong.”

That was a year ago. Joy proved to be a valuable addition to the trading team. She was worth every bit of her generous salary. With bonuses she earned a six-figure income. My only problem with Joy’s employment was with Amanda. She was jealous of our close working relationship.

Right after Joy started work, Amanda popped into the office. Amanda never came to the office without calling first, so I knew what that was about. Sure enough, I got an unwelcome ear full about hiring such an attractive assistant.

Work often extended well beyond normal working hours, and late into the night. Joy and I spent a lot of time watching charts and indicators dancing across computer screens, and meeting with clients. She was a beautiful young woman and I found her attractive. But my iron clad rule was never, ever, fool around with employees. Joy was off limits. 

Differences in time zones made for strange working hours. One PM in New York was one AM in Hong Kong.  When we worked late, I’d ride to her apartment with Joy. Then in the same taxi, I’d continue home. Amanda didn’t like this, and became suspicious I was fooling around.

After a year of Joy’s employment and Amanda’s suspicions, I was relieved when Joy revealed she had a boyfriend. She’d met a computer whiz.

“Joy, I’m happy for you. What great news. What’s his name?”

“Brian Andrews. He’s an American. I think you’ll like him.”

“You deserve a good man. Let’s celebrate. I’d like you and Brian to have dinner with us.

Joy looked pleased and said, “That’d be nice. Are you sure Amanda won’t mind?”

“Amanda will be happy to learn you have a boyfriend. She worries about frequent late night trading sessions. She hates I see you home.

“Really? You’ve always been a gentleman. She shouldn’t worry.”

“I tell her it’s dangerous for you to be alone in a cab late at night. She knows that, but is still unhappy. Will you help me out with a jealous Amanda and introduce Brian? What about dinner and drinks? Will Saturday night work?”

I
made reservations for four at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Pierre restaurant. An expensive French restaurant in a five star hotel, the Pierre was one of my favorites. Amanda and I were regulars. We tipped well, so received VIP treatment.

Brian Andrews and Joy appeared at the restaurant at eight PM.  Amanda and I arrived a minute later. Joy introduced Brian just as the maître d’ arrived to escort us to a table.

The maître d’ was, as always cordial, “Good evening Mr. Gunner, Ms. Lee. It’s good to see you again. Ms. Lee you look stunning. I’ve arranged a table next to the window. You’ll have a commanding view of the harbor. I hope you enjoy it.”

As promised, our table had a magnificent view of Hong Kong harbor. Huge cargo ships, mixed with Chinese junks, navigated the harbor waters. In the moonlight the ships created shimmering wakes. Lighted ships looked festive as they coursed through the harbor. It was a wonderful setting for a fine dinner.

“It’s perfect Mr. Yu. I can always count on you. Thank you.”

I extended my hand to offer a handshake and transferred a $50 dollar bill.

“Thank you, Sir. It’s my pleasure to be of service. Please let me know if you need anything. Anything at all.”

The waiter appeared, dressed in formal attire. After ordering drinks I asked Brian how he met Joy.

“I was lucky. I was drinking a cappuccino at Starbucks on Connaught Road. I noticed this lady sitting alone at the adjacent table. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

I laughed and said, “She was waiting for someone to buy her a cappuccino.”

Joy said, “I can buy my own. I do it every Sunday.”

Brian gave Joy a look, like he believed her every Sunday comment. Then he continued, “I feared she might think me a disturbed character so I manned up. I told Joy I found her attractive. She smiled back, and asked if I was visiting Hong Kong. That’s how it started.”

Joy blushed before speaking. “I don’t usually speak to strange men, but Brian seemed pleasant enough, and a bit lonely. Guess I was feeling lonely myself. It was Sunday and I was wondering what to do for the rest of the day. We hit it off, and have been dating ever since.”

Amanda smiled as she told the story about our meeting at a Tokyo Starbucks. She said, “There must be something romantic about Starbucks. Several friends met their mates there.”

Brian spoke up. “It must be the laid-back and civilized environment. You’re able to have a conversation in Starbucks. That’s not the case in noisy nightclubs or crowded bars. Good relationships start with good conversations. At least, that’s my opinion.”

I liked this guy. Brian was quite bright. He didn’t dress to my standards, but few people had the income to play in that league. Brian wore a respectable blue blazer, a white shirt without a tie, and dark gray trousers. His large frame glasses and chiseled face gave him a preppy intellectual look.

According to Joy, Brian was 28. He looked older. It was his graying hair. Gray streaked hair, green eyes, and thick black rimmed glasses made him look like a nerd. Joy told me he was a computer whiz. In my book that explained his dress. He was a nerd, and nerds seldom dress up.

I asked, “What are you doing in Hong Kong? How long have you been here?”

Brian paused a few seconds before replying, as if deciding how much information he should disclose. “I’ve only been here three months. Can’t say I’m doing much of anything except hiding out. I’ve set up an interview with a South China Post reporter. After that I expect life will become exciting.”

“Hiding out? That sounds serious. And interviews? What’s that about?” I became interested in the geeky looking Mr. Andrews. What was this guy into? How much did Joy know about this man?

“We’ve just met, so I’m not sure how much I should tell you. Joy tells me you’re a stand-up guy as well as the smartest guy in any room. What the hell. I’ll be frank with you.”

Joy looked at me with pleading eyes. “Let’s order dinner first. I’m starving and Brian’s tale is interesting, yet upsetting. It should wait until after dinner. OK with you?”

Before I could answer Brian cut in. “Joy, you’re right. Let’s relax over dinner. My story is best told with a stiff drink in hand. Anyone here speak French? I believe I'll need help. I hate to order food without knowing if it’s fish, fowl or frog legs.”

B
rian finished dessert and said “Thank you for a fantastic dinner. The chocolate mousse was amazing.”

I said, “My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it. Let’s have an after dinner drink. And your story.”

Brian gazed out the window at the Hong Kong harbor. After a moment he turned to Joy. “Can you stand hearing my tale again?”

“Tell it all. It’s incredible, but I believe you. You’ve shown me documents.”

I was curious. Was Brian fleeing US Police? The FBI? The CIA? Interpol? A former employer? A former wife or lover? Would he tell the truth? I could almost hear the wheels turning inside Brian’s head as he paused. I guessed he was deciding how much to reveal.