Diplomatic Immunity - by Pho
I owe my Mandarin speaking / reading friends an apology. The flavor of this story required me to
resort to BARRON'S "CHINESE AT A GLANCE" for certain phrases. Since special characters don't come through, I can only hope (and pray) that the meanings of the following phrases are what they are in BARRON'S little book (which has the special characters). Here goes:
Qing jin - come in
Xiexie - thank you
Qing wen gui xing da ming - what's your name (formal)
Wo de mingzi shi - my name is
I tried to keep the Mandarin to the absolute minimum.
Thanks, Pho
part - 01
"I won't do it!" Peter Caine's protest was emphatic but
ill-timed.
Simms raised her eyebrows at the young detective's
protest.
"Excuse me?" Knowing the stress the man in front of
her had been under lately, she was willing to cut him some slack.
"I will NOT play nursemaid to a group of Chinese
Communists."
"Peter..."
"NO, DAMMIT. I've got four, count 'em, four unsolved
murders on my desk right now. Then there's the court appearance
this afternoon on the Simmon's case. The DA wants a deposition on
the Ho / Whuan gang slaying..." His voice had risen as he spoke.
Simms was quick to notice the slight tremor of true anger also. In
the months since she taken over the precinct, she'd recommended
Peter Caine for five commendations. Frowning, she realized that
in the same time frame, she'd also suspended him once, put him
on desk duty twice, and issued a formal verbal warning.
"Odd," she thought, "the good things equal the bad in
number." Returning to the present, she re-focused on the image
of Peter Caine as he paced the floor in front of her. True to form,
he had not run down yet. Sighing under her breath, she decided
that, once again, he needed a reminder that she was in charge,
not Paul Blaisdell. Rising from the corner of the desk where she
had been sitting, she positioned herself directly in his path.
Whirling once again to re-cross the office, Peter skidded
to a halt as he found Karen Simms firmly planted in his way. The
effort to keep from running over his Captain, effectively put a halt
to his flow of words.
"Sit down, Detective." Peter started to speak but the fury
in his Captain's eyes told him that he had crossed the line. Sinking
slowly into the nearest chair, Peter Caine closed his eyes and waited
for the wrath he was sure would come. He was not disappointed.
It was Karen's turn to pace. She glared at her errant
detective for a moment. Satisfied that he was listening, if not
watching, she took a deep breath. Ignoring her recent training
in 'Progressive Discipline', Karen Simms unleashed her full
fury on the man before her.
"You are my best investigator. Your ability to see
through the garbage in a case and find the solution borders on
the miraculous. You are also my WORST detective. You take
every case personally. This plays havoc with your own well-being.
I don't like this, but I can't control what you do to yourself. I
can, and will, control how you behave in the office and on the
streets. You have an interesting track record, Detective. You
get out of line, get called on the carpet, straighten your act out
for a while, then the cycle returns. This is the third time in
three weeks that the Chief has reported you late. I also believe
he lectured you earlier in the week about 'calling for backup'.
Peter had the grace to look embarrassed, but wisely kept
his mouth shut, for once.
"Detective Caine, the disrespect you have shown in this
office this morning, indicates to me that you are on another down
cycle. This will not be tolerated."
Captain Simms punctuated her next remarks by shoving
her index finger pointedly into Peter's chest.
"Blaisdell kept two sets of records. An official set that
marked what he told upper management, and an unofficial set.
He documented everything, about everyone in this precinct, both
bad and good. He met with me before he left, and gave me
the second unofficial set of records on 'his' people."
Peter's head shot up - he had not known that Simms had
ever spoken to Paul. Ignoring the look on his face, she went on,
"The records gave me a great deal of insight into the
personalities that I was going to deal with. And, in fairness to
the man, many times the unofficial items have been copied
into the official folder as a commendation, warning, suspension,
whatever. YOUR folder is particularly interesting."
Peter was openly staring at his Captain. Holding his
eyes with hers, Simms took a deep breath and snapped,
"Frankly, Detective Caine, if my son had worked for me
and behaved the way that's documented in the unofficial records,
I would have been sorely tempted to ignore the fact that he was
supposedly an adult and would've TANNED HIS BACKSIDE!"
Karen Simms managed to keep a straight face as Peter
Caine turned a flaming shade of scarlet.
Gulping, Peter managed a soft, "I'm sorry, Captain."
"Apology accepted." Her tone softened, "Peter, you've
been under a great deal of pressure lately. I understand that.
That's why I'm not going to officially discipline you for your
tantrum today. But I do expect you to give your current caseload
to Frank. He knows it's coming. I also expect you to take the
escort duty for the Chinese delegation seriously. They'll be in
town for two weeks and I don't want any international incidents.
The commissioner selected the 101 st for escort duty because of
its proximity to Chinatown. I want someone who speaks Chinese.
Chin is undercover so he's out. The only other personnel with
the necessary skills are too green. YOU are my best choice.
Take the time to relax. By the way, according to the itinerary,
you'll need to pick them up early each morning, so there's no
need to report in here. One more thing, they've rented a mansion
for the duration of their stay. Those grounds are officially part
of mainland China. And Caine - don't mess up this assignment
or I'll have you pounding a beat for eternity. Have I made myself
clear?"
"Yes, ma'am." Peter's voice was unusually subdued.
"Then you're dismissed."
Defeated, Peter left the Captain's office. Simms watched
as he crossed to his desk and wondered if she'd pushed too far.
His gait had lost the spring that was normal to Peter Caine. The
bowed head gave the appearance of being pre-occupied but Karen
knew better. She had a bad feeling about this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 02 ↑
"Pop?" Peter's voice echoed hopefully through the
Shaolin's empty apartment. Kwai Chang Caine had been gone
nearly six weeks but had kept his promise to his son. Peter got
postcards on an almost regular basis. The postmarks traced a
trail down the Mississippi River but gave very little additional
information. No indication where his father was going, only
where he had been. Peter smiled as he thought of the map
hidden behind his bedroom door. He'd purchased it after the
first postcard had arrived. He religiously marked every location
he knew his father had been to. After noting the first five towns,
Peter realized that he was hoping the downward line would
miraculously turn upward, towards home.
Peter Caine moved slowly to the small altar and lit the
candles. He lowered his youthful frame into a lotus position.
He wasn't sure when he'd started being able to sit that way, but
more and more often he found himself folded onto the floor
rather than reclined in his favorite chair. He couldn't maintain
the position as long as his Pop but somehow he didn't find that
as annoying as he once would have. He stared for a few moments
at the candles, then the silence got the better of him.
"Well, Pop, you may not be here, but you seem to have
left your essence behind. It's always so calm and quiet here - like
you." He paused for a moment. "I..I really blew it today, Father.
When you're gone, I just get so..so unsettled and it seems to spill
over into everything I do. God, Pop, I cannot believe that I yelled
at the Captain today. She should've suspended me. I deserved
at least that. Why am I so stupid? So you've left, again. You're
staying in touch. Why do I let your leaving get to me so much?"
"Your father will return, young one." The voice from
the door caught Peter by surprise. Turning swiftly, he stared
in disbelief.
"Grandfather?"
"Yes, Peter."
Peter rose quickly and moved into his grandfather's
waiting arms. Peter gently embraced the elderly Shaolin. The
hug of welcome turned into a hug of comfort as Matthew Caine
instinctively responded to the need he felt in the boy in his arms.
The strength in his grandfather's arms surprised Peter. Matthew
Caine forced the contact with his young grandson until he felt
Peter relax.
"Grandfather, what are you doing here? Why didn't you
tell anyone you were coming?"
"I came to visit my son and my grandson. I did not think
it necessary to inform them of my intent."
"I'm sorry, I..I didn't mean it like it sounded. I only
meant that I would have picked you up at the airport."
Matthew fixed a stern look on his grandson. "Peter,
to tell only half the true is the same as a lie. I know that you
really meant that your father would not have left, if he had
known I was coming to visit."
Peter stared guiltily at his feet. "I..I'm"
"'sorry.' Yes, Peter, I know."
Peter's head jerked up with a start as his grandfather's
hand gently impacted with his face. "Grandfather! Geez, I
thought only Pop did that."
"Where do you think he learned it, my child?"
"Right. OK." Wisely deciding not pursue that subject,
Peter went on, "I guess you're staying here. Pop's only got the
one sleeping area. Let's get you settled." Peter deftly took the
small pack from the elderly man and moved to the 'bedroom'.
Matthew Caine followed his grandson with deceptive
speed. He stared for a moment, then turned to Peter, "Your
father sleeps on that, that..."
"Futon?" Peter added helpfully.
"I know what it is called." Peter winced at the ice in
the tone. "You have a real bed in your home?"
"Yes sir."
"Then I will stay with you." He moved toward the exit.
"Shall we go?"
Peter stared in disbelief for a moment, then grinned.
"OK, Grandfather, after you."
*************************************************
"Were you able to find out who is to serve as our escort
while we are in this capitalistic pigsty?"
"Yes, General. It is a police detective from the 101 st
precinct. He is called 'Peter Caine'."
"Peter Caine. This is not an Oriental name. Can he
speak Mandarin?"
"Yes, sir. According to the records, he is one quarter
Chinese and is fluent in Mandarin. His father is a Shaolin
priest here in Chinatown."
"Indeed. What can you tell me about his lineage?"
Consulting his notes, the young PRC officer replied,
"His father is Kwai Chang Caine, son of Matthew Caine.
This Matthew Caine once served as a priest at the Shaolin
Temple in Zhengzhou. Matthew Caine is the son of another
Shaolin priest, also named Kwai Chang Caine. An interesting
note: The great-grandfather supposedly had to flee China
after killing the nephew of the Emperor. This Caine was
apparently pursued throughout the American West in the late
1800's by Imperial Guards, and American bounty hunters."
"Really. It's a pity he did not kill the Emperor. That
will be all." The lieutenant saluted briskly, and left the office.
General Jangh Ho leaned back in his desk chair and
smiled. "So young Caine, you have drawn the escort duty.
This is working much better than I dared to hope. And why
am I not surprised that murder is in your family bloodline."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 03 ↑
A loud crash from his kitchen jerked Peter Caine awake.
Catching a glimpse of the time, he groaned, "4:30? What the
hell?" Forcing himself upright, he started for the living area.
Glancing down, he realized he had on only his briefs. Uncertain
how his grandfather would react to such a display, Peter fumbled
through his dresser drawer for the robe Kelly and Caroline had
given him seven Christmases ago. Tying the sash around his
slender waist, he made his way to the kitchen. Glancing up the
steps, he grinned, backed up and removed his robe. Tossing it
back into the bedroom, he called out,
"Grandfather, What happened? Do you need some help?"
Matthew Caine appeared in the kitchen doorway, wearing
brightly colored boxers. Smiling at his grandson, he said, "I am
sorry, Peter, your pantry is not well organized. I did not mean to
wake you - and do not say you were already awake."
Those words almost escaped Peter's lips. "How did ...
oh, never mind. Grandfather, what on earth are you doing? It's
4:30 in the morning."
"I always rise at 4:00 am, Peter. I am just not normally
so noisy."
While his grandfather was speaking, Peter knelt to retrieve
the remainder of the fallen objects. Under his breath, he muttered,
"It's gonna be a long visit."
Standing, he shoved the misplaced items into the small
pantry, and quickly slammed the door shut before they could fall
out again. Turning, he saw his grandfather frowning at him.
"Peter, where is your frying pan and a spatula? I will
make breakfast."
Peter gathered the requested items. "Uh, Grandfather,
if it's all right with you, I'll go take a shower. It's going to be
a long day. I'm doing escort duty to Chinese diplomats."
The eldest Caine nodded his consent and the youngest
Caine quickly vanished into the bedroom.
************************************************
It was a quarter past seven when Peter Caine arrived
at the impromptu embassy. He wasn't due until eight but had
given himself extra time for snafu's. He almost ran out of time.
Forty minutes later, he'd finally been cleared through the front
entrance. Steering the Stealth up the driveway as quickly as he
dared, he parked in front of the four story Victorian mansion
with two minutes to spare. The front door opened as he reached
for the bell. A decidedly non-Chinese butler gave him the once
over then said,
"You are expected, ... sir."
Peter made a mental note of the hesitation in the 'sir'.
He stepped into the large entry hall, and barely managed to
suppress a gasp of surprise. The interior of the mansion was
elaborately decorated in Oriental antiques. Urns of various
sizes and shapes were scattered throughout the foyer. The
walls were done in a grass-cloth fabric. Decorative fans and
silk prints were artistically displayed on the walls. The large
octagonal table in the center of the foyer held the largest dragon
sculpture Peter had ever seen outside of a museum.
"This way, ... sir." Again the hesitation. The butler led
Peter down a long, well-lit hallway. Peter paused briefly in front
of a large mirror and hastily straightened his tie. The butler
knocked on the door.
"Qing jin." The voice came from behind the door.
"You may go in now." The butler opened the door and
motioned the young detective inside.
"Xiexie." The butler's eyes widened with astonishment
at Peter's 'thank you'.
The man seated behind the desk did not look up as the door
shut behind Peter. Moving toward the desk, Peter assumed what
he hoped would be construed as a respectful posture. Impatience
furrowed the young man's brow as the older man continued to
ignore his presence. Peter thought briefly about speaking first,
but temple training dictated that he remain silent until his elder
acknowledged him.
"Qing wen gui xing da ming?"
Bowing respectfully, Peter responded "Wo de mingzi shi
Peter Caine."
The man behind the desk studied the young detective
closely. "And I am General Jangh Ho. I was told you spoke
Mandarin. I must warn my staff to be careful what they say
around you."
"If you feel that is necessary, sir."
"I do." The man reached down and picked up some papers
from the desk. Thrusting them into Peter's hand, he continued,
"This is our basic schedule. Note the security arrangements that
have already been made. As a policeman familiar with the local
area, you will, of course, be free to suggest limited changes in the
schedule for security purposes."
Peter quickly scanned the notes. For the most part, they
were in sync with the itinerary he'd gotten from Simms. There
were several notable exceptions - the visits to all locations in
Chinatown, including the Buddhist temple, had been scratched.
A reception at the Jade Tower with the mayor had been added,
as had a private showing at the art museum.
Jangh Ho pressed a buzzer on his desk. The door opened
and a small army entered. "Peter Caine, this is my personal staff.
Ji Tong, my chief of staff, Que Shue, my head of security, Chiang
Sun, my secretary, and this is Mr. Chan, my American Relations
liaison."
Peter bowed politely to each man as he was introduced.
The last name caused him to start violently and he almost forgot
to bow. Chan, however, maintained his composure and carefully
returned the hasty bow.
Ji Tong broke the silence following the introductions, "General,
our schedule is tight today. It is almost 8:30 and the demonstration
of advanced robotic equipment is at 9:15."
"Then we had better leave." The General moved toward the
door. Peter moved to follow him but was blocked by Ji Tong.
"Mr. Caine, I am concerned about the General's safety. Do
you think the arrangements at the computer center are sufficient?"
"They appear to be fine, sir." Cursing to himself, Peter tried
to be unobtrusive about catching up with Chan.
"Chan, what the hell are you doing here?" Peter's voice was
a forced whisper.
"Weren't you listening, bro? I'm the General's American
Relations liaison." Shaking Peter's hand from his arm, Chan
followed his employer out the door, with Peter close on his heels.
General Jangh Ho slid gracefully into the limo. From his
position at the General's back, Peter was unaware of the man's
feral grin. As he followed the General to the waiting limousine,
Peter Caine couldn't help worrying about Chan's presence in the
General's party. He also couldn't shake the feeling that he'd
met the General before.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 04 ↑
"Chan? Our Chan? As in Chan of Tan fame?" Kermit
was as flabbergasted as Peter had ever heard him. The past three
hours had been agony for Peter. He'd been unable to escape the
eyes of the group he was with long enough to call the precinct.
When they'd finally settled into a leisurely lunch at the best
Mexican restaurant in town, Peter slipped away to call in. His
gut told him that Chan was up to no good, but in true Caine
fashion, he didn't want to tell either the Captain or Strenlich
about him. Mary Margaret would've have accidentally spilled
the beans, Jody would have insisted on joining Peter as backup
immediately, Blake was in court, and Lord only knew where
TJ was. That left Kermit. Actually, when Peter thought about
it, calling anyone but Kermit had never seriously crossed his
mind.
"Yes, Kermit, Chan is the General's American Relations
liaison, whatever the hell that means."
"Well, that puts their visit into a whole new category."
"Doesn't it though. Listen, Kermit, I need as much
information as you can get on what Chan's been doing lately.
It's obvious it isn't prison time. Also do a check on Ji Tong,
Que Shue, Chiang Sun, and while you're at it look up General
Jangh Ho." Peter carefully spelled all four names for his friend.
"The General has me puzzled. He looks really familiar but I
can't think why."
"It's as good as done, Peter, and no, I won't tell anyone
who's on your list."
"God, Kermit, sometimes you act like Pop."
"Now that I'll take as a compliment. Be careful, kid."
"Always." Kermit could 'see' Peter's insolent grin
as the younger detective broke the connection. "Dammit, kid,
I just know you're going to do something rash." Kermit turned
to his computer and began the process of searching for the names
Peter had given him. He had just pressed the enter key to submit
the search criteria he wanted to the Internet, when Karen Simms
walked into his office.
"Kermit, I need you to get me information on this group
of people." She handed him a neatly written list of names. "These
men, and I use that term loosely, are probably responsible for three
quarters of the drug trafficking in this city.... Kermit?"
Kermit snapped back to reality. "Sorry, K..Captain. I'll
be glad to research this list."
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Kermit, the last time I asked for research, you immediately
spaced out and went into computer geek mode, complete with
keyboard pounding."
"Oh, yeah, well, I'm already running a search. Yours
will have to wait until this one finishes."
"Who for?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Kermit, have you suddenly gone dense? Who are you
running the search for?"
Unwilling to lie to this woman, Kermit mumbled, "Peter
asked me to check on something for him."
"Peter's on special assignment."
"Yes, I know."
"Peter shouldn't need any research done."
"No, he shouldn't."
Karen stared at Kermit's sunglasses for a moment.
"You'll tell me when I need to know?"
"Oh, yeah!"
***********************************************
Peter Caine returned to his apartment that evening
completely exhausted.
"Damn," he thought, "I didn't know this city had so
many tourist spots. Gee, only thirteen more days to go. Wow."
The aroma of, of 'pot roast' met him as the door opened.
He froze for a moment, then backed up and checked the apartment
number. He was in the right place. Venturing on in, he called
out to Matthew Caine.
"Grandfather?"
"Yes, my child?"
"You cook? I mean, you eat? Uh, I mean... you're not a
vegetarian?"
The old man appeared in the door to the kitchen and
shook a large wooden spoon at Peter.
"Which question do you wish answered first, Peter?"
Under his breath, Peter said, "OK, so that's something
else Pop got from you." Out loud, he replied, "None of them
really. I mean ... you obviously cook and since it's pot roast,
I'm guessing you eat meat."
Matthew came to stand in front of his grandson.
"Very rarely, Peter but from the contents that I was able to
recognize in your refrigerator, I gathered that YOU were not
a vegetarian. I also read the labels on the luncheon meat you
had. Fresh beef will be much healthier for you. Now, dinner
is ready. Go get cleaned up."
"Geez, Grandfather, first Pop tries to get me to eat
healthy in restaurants. Now you're doing it at home. I don't
think my body will be able to take the strain." Catching the
glint in his grandfather's eye, Peter began to back up. "Uh,
Grandfather? Yipes, I'm going." Peter disappeared into his
bedroom as Matthew Caine started to laugh.
***********************************************
General Jangh Ho stood staring out the window of the
Victorian mansion. Que Shue entered and bowed respectfully.
"The young American is here."
"Bring him in."
Que Shue bowed and returned a few minutes later
with a tall, slender young man with long stringy dark hair.
Jangh Ho studied the man for a moment. "The
resemblance is adequate. He will do. The hair, of course,
must change." Looking at the young man, he added, "You
understand that you will be well-paid for your cooperation
and your silence?"
"Yep" was the only reply.
The General frowned at the disrespectful answer.
He took a deep breath to control his annoyance and turned
to Que Shue, "Prepare him. Dismissed."
The chief of security took the American by the arm
and escorted him away.
Jangh Ho watched as the pair left. "Soon, my son,
soon. Justice will be served very soon. Peter Caine will pay."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 05 ↑
Peter was once again early when he arrived at the PRC
controlled mansion the next morning. Simms had warned him
not to be late. It helped that she had not required him to check
in at the precinct first. He was grateful for the extra thirty
minutes sleep this allowed him to get.
As he made his way to the front entrance, he realized
with a start that he hadn't thought about Kwai Chang Caine
in almost two days. With the realization came the guilt. True
he was enjoying his grandfather's visit. The old boy was really
something else. Yawning, he decided that tonight he must get
to bed earlier. He'd stayed up until almost two am listening
to Matthew Caine's stories of Kwai Chang Caine the first. He
grinned, knowing he probably looked like a star-struck kid as
his grandfather spoke. Deciding his father wouldn't mind
being 'forgotten' occasionally, Peter rang the doorbell of the
temporary Chinese embassy.
A Chinese butler opened the door this time. Peter was
once again shown into the General's office. The young detective
looked at the three men in the room and wondered where Chan
and Que Shue were. He bowed to the men present and once
again waited on the General to initiate the conversation. He
did not have to wait long.
"Peter Caine." Jangh Ho spoke softly but emphatically,
"I understand that your family has ties to China."
Confused, Peter answered, "Yes, General. My paternal
and maternal lines contain Chinese ancestors."
"Indeed, then you understand the importance of the
eldest son in the Chinese family."
The hair at the back of his neck tickled a warning but
Peter was as yet uncertain as to what the danger was. He
carefully replied with a simple, "yes sir".
"Excellent." Turning, the General pressed a buzzer on
the desk. The room came suddenly alive with PRC guards, all
with guns drawn. The General smiled, "Peter Caine, as an
official representative of the People's Republic of China, I
arrest you for the murder of Captain Deng Tzu of the People's
army."
Stunned, Peter could only say, "Who, what?"
General Jangh Ho replied harshly, "Do you not remember
a trip you and your father made to the temple in Zhengzhou?
The 'emperor' Sing Ling had to return the 'Third Eye' to its
rightful location. You were arrested. During the course of the
interrogation, Colonel Aunh helped you escape, but not before
Captain Deng Tzu was mortally wounded. Colonel Aunh was
executed three months ago but it has taken me this long to find
you."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Peter's mind
whirled as he tried to gain some edge in the situation.
"Do not take me for a fool, Caine. Before he died,
Colonel Aunh told me the entire story. You were under
interrogation for espionage when the escape occurred. Oh,
I realize that the dead Colonel Aunh actually pulled the trigger
but you are equally responsible for the Captain's death." Jangh
Ho nodded and several guards stepped forward.
Peter was quickly disarmed and handcuffed. Furious
he snapped, "You can't do this. This is America."
"On the contrary, Peter Caine, these grounds are China.
If I wished, I could have you shot now, call your local officials
to retrieve your pathetic body and no one could do anything.
You know, that 'diplomatic immunity' thing that comes in so
handy sometimes.
It so happens that I do not choose to do this. You will
be taken to Beijing, where you will stand trial for Deng Tzu's
death. Your confession will be noted and ..."
"I'm not confessing to anything." Silently he sent a
frantic thought to his father, "OK, Pop, I'm in real trouble here."
He hoped the distance separating him from his father was not
too great for Kwai Chang Caine to sense his need.
The General's grin sent a chill through Peter's spine.
"I was hoping you would say that..... As I was saying, your
confession will be noted, you will be formally convicted, and
sentence will be passed. After your conviction, you will be
escorted to the People's prison, where you will be prepared to
meet your destiny. At dawn you will be taken to the courtyard
where I will have the honor of beheading you."
"Let me guess, you've purchased a guillotine just for
this occasion." Peter could not restrain the sarcastic retort.
"What? Oh, that French device. No, No, Peter Caine,
we still use a sword for beheadings back home. There is one
small drawback. If the sword edge is not sharp enough, it will
sometimes take two, maybe three blows to sever the head from
the neck completely. While this is no great thing to the man
serving as executioner, the recipient remains fully aware of
everything that is happening. I'm told it's quite, um, painful."
"Just peachy." Peter barely managed to keep the fear
out of his voice.
Que Shue and Chan entered the office, accompanied by
the young man who had been groomed as Peter's double. One
of the PRC soldiers handed Peter's wallet, gun, and shield to
the American. Que Shue then escorted him from the room.
The young man gave Peter a look of contempt as he left.
Peter glared at Chan, "What's in this for you, Chan? How
did you get involved?"
"What else, Petey - money. Lots of money. And who
do you think found you for them? As a policeman, I would
think you would be thrilled to see justice served." Turning to
leave, Chan added, "You made one mistake, bro, you should
never have killed the General's son."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 06 ↑
Peter was escorted to the fourth floor of the mansion.
There he was unceremoniously pushed down a hall until he
reached a dead-end.
"OK fellas, what now?" His head rocked with the force
of the blow dealt by the nearest guard.
"You will not speak unless spoken to."
Peter realized quickly that the guard that struck him had
taken an unholy pleasure in almost breaking his neck. Another
guard moved forward, pulled down a disappearing staircase
and climbed up. Peter was shoved toward the stairs. Climbing
with his hands bound was difficult but soon he was at the top.
The guard already there had opened a narrow door. Before
the young detective could get his balance, the guard seized him
by the collar and propelled him through the door.
Inside Peter landed in the middle of one of his nightmares.
The turret had obviously been designed as some sort of bizarre
observation lounge. It extended out past the edge of the mansion
and was made of solid glass walls on all but the side that housed
the door. Even the floor was made of glass. To Peter's horror, the
view was totally unobstructed all the way to the fountain in the
courtyard directly below. The handcuffs restricted his ability to
move, but Peter slid as quickly as possible to the partial security
offered by the door frame. He threw his back against the door, as
his fear of heights played games with his senses. Mentally he
knew that the floor was solid, emotionally the glass was damning.
Dizziness and nausea overwhelmed him. Tremors shook his slender
frame and the terror blocked everything else, including the mental
probes of his father. Peter Caine closed his eyes in a vain effort to
ignore the room in which he had been imprisoned.
*************************************************
The printer in Kermit's office was working overtime.
The Internet search had netted everything Kermit didn't really
care to find out about the four Chinese. Communist Youth
Organization records, military service, diplomatic service, even
family ties. There was no obvious criminal activity, but Que
Shue's records were a little thin.
Kermit quickly scanned the report for information on
Chan. Despite what he knew, Chan did not appear in the report
at all. Kermit frowned. The search should have returned at
least the arrest by Peter Caine. Pulling up his personal files,
Kermit entered Chan's arrest number into his PC and sent another
search into the void.
The last line of the first report brought Kermit Griffin's
head up with a snap. The General was acknowledged to be very
high up in the ranks of the Communist Party. That had been, at
least, expected. The part the took Kermit's breath away was that
Jangh Ho was also reputed to be a member of a sect known as the
'Sing Wah'.
A flashing light drew Kermit's attention once again to his
computer screen. The number he had entered for Chan's arrest
records, had returned the name, and face, of one Walter S. Black.
Puzzled, then irritated, then furious, Kermit Griffin compared
the arrest record of Black to his printout of Chan's. Except for
the fact that Black was a Caucasian of English descent, the records
matched 100 percent. Kermit pulled up his personal file on Chan.
Cursing filled his domain, as his personal records now showed
Walter S. Black.
*************************************************
General Jangh Ho and party followed their itinerary to
the letter. The day passed slowly for the General who wanted
nothing more than to be back at the mansion 'talking' to Peter
Caine. Peter's double did his job well and drew attention to
himself at every opportunity. At last the day was ended and the
General was free to return to the embassy. The sun reflected
brightly off the mirrored turret over the courtyard. Jangh Ho
allowed himself a quick glance upward before he turned to
Que Shue and said, "Mr. 'Smith' has done well. You may
pay him what he deserves."
Que Shue smiled, bowed and escorted Mr. 'Smith' to
Peter's Stealth. He handed the young American an envelope
and the keys to the car.
"Do not let yourself be seen in Chinatown in this car.
You are to abandon it tonight, in town somewhere, but as far
from this location as possible.
"I get to drive it around for a while first?" Smith said as
lovingly ran his hands over the Stealth's sleek exterior.
"Certainly. The car must be seen in as many areas of
town as possible before you abandon it. If you decide to leave
the car for any reason, be careful not to be seen."
"I don't understand, why not?"
Que Shue sighed at the stupidity of the man. "There are
many people in town who will recognize this car. If anyone but
Peter Caine is seen getting out of it, then it will be assumed that
the car has been stolen. Do you understand?"
"Uh, yeah, I guess."
"Then I suggest you leave."
The young man tried to hide his excitement as he slid
behind the wheel of Peter's Stealth and squealed the tires down
the driveway.
"Master?"
Que Shue turned to face the young officer. "Yes?"
"As requested the bomb will detonate thirty minutes
after starting. If the car is turned off before the time limit is up,
then the timer will reset."
Que Shue smiled, "Excellent. Job well done."
*************************************************
The door to Peter's prison was jerked open. Peter Caine
was thrown backwards to the floor, eyes squeezed shut in terror.
Short, pain-filled gasps could not send enough air into the young
detective's lungs. The white face and trembling hands did not go
unnoticed by the men surrounding him. Que Shue leaned over
and casually inserted a hypodermic into Peter's stomach. The
young man never flinched.
"What will that do?" Chan's voice was muffled by his
position behind the other men.
"It will prevent him from focusing on anything other
than his terror until we are ready to release him from its grip.
It will also serve to completely conceal him from his father's
Shaolin heightened senses."
A low moan escaped Peter's lips as the drug took hold.
General Jangh Ho knelt down and stroked Peter's face.
"Gentlemen, I believe our guest is primed."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 07 ↑
Matthew Caine was worried. It was now 7 pm and
Peter was not home. Nor had he called. Matthew knew his
young grandson well enough to be concerned that something
was wrong. He picked up the phone directory and attempted
to find the number for the 101 st. Frustrated with the small,
unreadable print, Matthew tossed the phone book back into
the kitchen drawer. Lifting the handset, he dialed the number
for local directory assistance. It, at least, had been printed
large enough to read.
"Directory Assistance, how may I help you?"
"Please connect me with the 101 st precinct."
"Sir, that number can be dialed directly."
"Thank you, but please connect me."
"Let me give you the number, sir."
Matthew Caine took a deep breath in an attempt to
control his annoyance, "Fine, thank you." He managed to
find a pencil but no paper. Shrugging in defeat, he calmly
wrote the number on the wall above the phone. He then
disconnected with the operator and dialed the number she
had given him.
"101 st - Sergeant Anderson speaking."
"May I speak with Peter Caine?"
"I'm sorry, sir, Detective Caine works days. Is there
someone else who could help you?"
"Actually, I'm trying to locate Peter. Could I speak
with someone in charge."
"Certainly sir."
Forty-five frustrating minutes later, Matthew Caine had
finally found that, due to his special assignment Peter was not
required to check in each morning with the duty officer. Thus
no one at the precinct had any written record of Peter's schedule.
That left Peter's friends. Searching the apartment, Matthew
could find no address book. The phone book was worse than
useless. Staring in distaste at the phone, he once again lifted
the handset and dialed 'directory assistance.'
************************************************
Kwai Chang Caine sat upright, jolted into wakefulness
by something undefined in his sleep. A feeling of unease had
been growing on him over the past few days. So strong was the
sensation that he had unconsciously turned his path homeward.
He'd traveled for almost twelve hours when he'd finally recognized
his destination. Resigning himself that, for now, his journey was
ended, he increased his speed to match his intensifying sense of
urgency. The heat of the days dictated that he take his rest then.
Traveling at night was much cooler and there was the added
advantage of less interference from local officials that saw him
as a vagabond.
Caine glanced around and could see nothing in his
current location to justify the fear he felt. He rose and moved
closer to the stream. Settling comfortably on the ground in a
full lotus position, Caine concentrated on centering himself.
As a meditative peace settled over his being, he reached out
in an effort to discover the cause of his fear.
Suddenly he heard his son's mental plea, "OK, Pop,
I'm in real trouble here." The words Caine perceived did not
match the feeling of need, and terror, in his child's tone. The
sense of fear continued to intensify. It finally reached the point
that Caine could hardly breathe. Suddenly all contact was broken.
Caine attempts to reestablish even a one way connection were
fruitless.
There would be no rest for him this day. His son was
in trouble, and obviously frightened. Caine knew without being
told, that once again Peter had run afoul of something outside
of his normal experience as a policeman. Nothing else would
have rattled the boy so.
**********************************************
Matthew Caine had been on the phone for the better
part of three hours. He had begun his search for Peter with the
coworkers whose names he knew. None were home. Matthew
then remembered that Peter played on a hockey team. He was
able to recall one name on the team. One name led to another.
He alternated calling coworkers with calling the people Peter
knew outside of work. He had finally spoken with everyone
he could trace except for Detective Kermit Griffin and Peter's
Captain, Karen Simms. No one knew what Peter's schedule
was or where he might be now. In addition, none of them had
spoken with Peter since before Matthew had arrived, so his
presence was also a surprise to Peter's friends.
It was very late by the time Kwai Chang Caine arrived
at Peter's apartment. He raised his hand to knock as he knew
Peter preferred. His hand froze, and his head cocked as he
recognized a chi that did not belong to his son. He hastily
unlocked and pushed open Peter's apartment door.
"Ah, my son, you're here." Matthew Caine paused
his phone calls long enough to give his son a brief hug. "What
kept you? Peter has not returned tonight and I am concerned
for his safety." Matthew spoke as he moved back to the kitchen
phone, Caine close on his heels.
"Father?" The one word asked a multitude of questions.
"I came to visit my son and grandson a few days ago.
You were not here so I chose to stay with Peter. He has been on
a special assignment..."
"Undercover?" Worry put an edge into Caine's tone.
"Do not interrupt. No, not undercover. He has been
serving as escort for some PRC diplomats. He did not return
home tonight and I am calling as many of his friends and
coworkers as I can find."
"And writing the numbers on the wall?" Kwai Chang
Caine was privately amused by his father's actions.
Matthew had the grace to blush. "Well, my son, I could
find neither an address book nor paper."
"Ah." Caine reached into the drawer beneath the phone
and pulled out what appeared to be a calculator. "This is Peter's
address book. It is electronic."
Matthew stared at the tiny device in disgust. "Indeed."
************************************************
Kermit Griffin unlocked his apartment door and held
it open for Karen Simms. As she settled onto his sofa, Kermit
checked his answering machine. There were no messages.
Caller id was a different story. The same number appeared
over and over. Kermit knew from long experience that it was
Peter's.
Moaning, "Damn! Yes kid, I got the info you wanted
but couldn't it wait until morning?", he started to dial Peter's
home.
Karen glanced up and asked, "Problem?"
"Just Peter being Peter."
The voice that answered took Kermit by surprise,
"Caine, when did you get home? What's wrong?"
Kermit hung up the phone, turned to Karen and said,
"Peter didn't come home tonight. I'm betting it has something
to do with that damn list of his. It looks like you need to know."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 08 ↑
Captain Karen Simms stalked across the squadroom
of the 101 st. The look on her face successfully squelched the
chatter normal in the precinct at shift change. Everyone present,
including those going off duty, made a concerted effort to stay
out of her path. She entered her office, slamming the door shut
with enough force to dislodge several commendations from the
wall next to it. Within a matter of minutes, the room held its
collective breath as her door reopened.
"Chief, Griffin, in my office, YESTERDAY!", Simms
disappeared from her doorway as fast as she had appeared. Frank
Strenlich and Kermit Griffin exchanged worried glances, then
moved quickly to follow the captain.
Simms motioned for the two men to shut the door and take
a seat. She bowed her head and appeared to be having difficulty
organizing her thoughts. Both men again looked at each other in
concerned silence. Strenlich was aware of Peter's disappearance.
Kermit had cornered him as soon as the chief had arrived. The
ex-mercenary had been mildly amused to note that Strenlich's
reaction to Peter's disappearance and the name of 'Chan' on Peter's
list, had generated much the same reaction in the Chief as it had
in the Captain the previous evening. Strenlich had been alternately
furious with Peter, furious with Griffin, then deeply concerned about
his missing detective. The Captain's inability to speak now said
more than any words possibly could.
"I need both of you over at 401 Madison Place, immediately.
I've received a call from Captain Wells in the arson squad. Seems
a car bomb went off earlier this morning. The fire department
responding was quick to notice that there was a body behind the
wheel."
Strenlich paled slightly and said, "Madison Place is in the
43 rd precinct."
"Yes, I know. We were called because well the car is..."
Karen Simms found she could not finish the sentence.
Kermit swallowed the lump in his throat and asked the
unthinkable, "Peter's car?"
"Yes, I-I'm sorry," she replied, "Of course, we don't know
that the body is Peter's so I'd like to keep a low profile on this for
right now."
"Captain," Kermit said, "Madison Place is nowhere near
Peter's apartment, Chinatown or even the PRC embassy. I know
he's bad about calling for backup but if he went there on official
business, he would've called it in. This doesn't make any sense."
"I know. Find out what happened, and quickly. By the way,
since Caine and his father are staying at Peter's place. I'm sending
Mary Margaret to tell them about the car. If word leaks to the
media, I don't want them surprised."
More depressed than either of them could remember lately,
Strenlich and Griffin quietly left the precinct.
********************************************************
"The pieces we've gathered so far pretty much tell the story
of the bomb. The incendiary device was attached to a timer. The
timer would have begun its countdown when the car was started."
Captain Wells wiped the sweat from his brow. "The poor devil
behind the wheel didn't have a chance. As you can tell, there
wasn't much left. The license plate was almost completely destroyed
and we only found pieces of the vehicle identification number. The
body had a badge and gun but the heat of the fire pretty much
rendered them useless. It took us several hours to put together
what we had of partial numbers and determine this was Peter
Caine. As you can see, the body is just now able to be removed."
Kermit's voice was ice cold, "You mean, the car was Peter's.
There's no proof that the, the body is Peter's."
"True, but all indications are..."
Strenlich interrupted just as Kermit was about to lose all
semblance of control, "Thank you Captain. Peter Caine is our
coworker and friend. We'd prefer to wait on the autopsy before
we bury him."
"My apologies, Chief. A.and I hope my condolences won't
be necessary." Wells turned and walked away.
Kermit and Strenlich watched as Dr. Nicky Elder finished
up his preliminary examination.
"Well?", Kermit limited his inquiry to the one word hoping
that no one would notice his shaking voice.
"I...I don't know yet. It may be Peter. Same height and
general build. But h...he's burned too badly to be sure without
the autopsy and dental records.", Nicky ignored the tears that
threatened to overwhelm him. Peter Caine was a good friend,
one of the few Nicky Elder really had.
"What!", Strenlich's voice was hoarse with unreleased
emotion.
"I...I told you Chief, I just don't know. Now if you'll excuse
me, I have an autopsy to perform." Nicky removed his gloves
and nodded to the attendants who sealed the body bag in preparation
for transport.
A disturbance near the crime scene perimeter caught everyone's
attention.
"I'm sorry, sirs, this is a crime scene and has been sealed off."
The officer at the tape was having difficulty restraining two
onlookers.
"This is my son's car, I must get closer." Caine's voice
caught in his throat as he caught sight of the body bag. Matthew
Caine place a steadying hand on his son's arm.
"It's all right, Officer Bradley, let him through." Frank
Strenlich called to the patrolman guarding the crime scene as
Kermit moved to intercept Caine, and the older gentleman who
could be none other than Matthew Caine.
"Caine?" Kermit quickly moved to the priest, in hopes of
reassurance.
"Kermit, I cannot feel my son! What has happened?"
The anguish in priest's voice tore at Kermit's heart.
"Peter's car exploded, a...and a body was found. We don't
know if it was Peter or not, i...it's too badly burned." Kermit
closed his eyes against the pain in Caine's.
"Kermit, please tell me it was not Peter." The anguish in
Caine's voice threatened to tear down Kermit's carefully erected
shields.
"I..I c..can't. We, I don't know, Caine, I just don't know."
Caine froze as the body bag moved toward the waiting
hearse. Stumbling forward, he stopped the attendants. "Please,
I must see."
At a reluctant nod from Nicky, the bag was unzipped.
Caine could not contain his gasp of horror as the sight unfolded.
Running his hands along the length of the corpse but without
touching it, he desperately sought confirmation, one way or
another. Almost always in an unexpected death, there remained
a remnant of the departed spirit. Often Caine had been able to
comfort the families of the departed with visual or auditory
images surrounding the moment of death. He would gain no
such comfort himself. There were no visual images this time.
Only sounds, confused and inconclusive. The last sounds he
received were Peter screaming in great pain and fear. Crying
out, he fell backwards towards his father, who wrapped strong,
comforting arms around his son.
"Father, I cannot tell. I do not know. Please, please
do not let this be Peter."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 09 ↑
Kermit placed a guiding hand on Matthew Caine's
elbow and steered the father and son pair toward Strenlich's
Lincoln. The ex-mercenary found himself badly shaken by
the strength of Caine's reaction. His only thought was to
isolate the older men as much as possible from the prying
eyes of the onlookers, and the media.
Matthew Caine gratefully pulled his son into the shelter
of the car. The door had barely shut behind them when tears
began to stream down Kwai Chang Caine's face. Ignoring
his own sorrow, Matthew Caine concentrated on helping his
son. Matthew pulled Kwai Chang's head into his shoulder and
gently stroked his oldest son's graying hair. An eternity later,
Caine shuddered and tried to regain control.
Pulling back from his father's embrace, Caine said.
"Thank you, Father."
"Kwai Chang, this is one of the functions of a father.
To discourage you from showing your fear and sorrow would
be wrong."
"I must return to Peter's apartment. Perhaps there I
can find a connection to him."
Needing but hating to ask, Matthew replied quietly,
"You are sure that was not Peter?"
The whisper went almost unheard, "No, I..I cannot tell."
His voice strengthened as he looked into his father's eyes,
"This is so much like, like the temple. The emptiness, I mean.
When the temple was destroyed, and I was told Peter had been
killed, time seemed to stop. When I was taken to his grave,
everything inside me died. There was a great, gaping hole that
threatened to take my soul. It is like that now. I cannot tell if
Peter is alive or ...." His words faded away.
Matthew continued to stroke his son's hair throughout
his speech. He took a breath and attempted to center himself
before responding to Kwai Chang.
"Kwai Chang, you are certain you cannot sense Peter?"
The distraught Shambala Master sadly shook his head.
"But you did not feel his death?"
"No, but the connection I had with him was very odd.
It was very weak, then there was a burst of energy, then nothing.
I can only pray that it was not his d...death that I perceived. I
believe that I would have recognized that. Another thing, Peter
is not easily frightened but the last sensation in the energy burst
was one of absolute terror."
"My son, is the Shaolin you call the Ancient still living
in Chinatown?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then we must find him. Together the three of us will
return to Peter's home. His essence will be strongest there. If
Peter is alive and there is something blocking my grandson from
our senses, then perhaps three Shaolin can break the spell. Pardon
me. I meant one Shaolin and two Shambala Masters."
Kermit opened the door to the Lincoln, "Excuse me, but
the chief will drive...." The car was empty. Kermit glanced quickly
around the streets. Nothing. The Caines were gone. "Damn.
How do they do that?"
********************************************
Protocol hinted that Captain Karen Simms be the one
to inform the embassy staff of the explosion and Peter's assumed
demise. She took the hint, hoping to glean information about
her number one detective's last hours. She shook her head
forcefully. "No, dammit. He's not dead. Until Nicky proves
that body in the car was Peter, I will not let myself think of
Peter as gone."
She hated to admit it but life in the 101 st without
Detective Caine would be rather dull, in spite of the workload
that always seemed to be one step ahead of her staff. Peter Caine
was such a mixture of energy, compassion, determination,
curiosity, and insolence that his mere entrance into a room
could not help but be noticed. Then there was his father. The
man was so enigmatic and remote, unless he was watching Peter
and thought he remained unseen. The single time Simms had
managed to see Caine like this had been a revelation. The
love he had for his son oozed from every pore. She'd secretly
watched him watch Peter and had been amazed by the depth
of emotion she'd been privy to. Then Peter had turned and
all that was left visible was a small smile. Muttering under
her breath as she drove, she cursed the Shaolin, "Damn you,
Caine, does your son even know how much you love him?"
Karen pulled up at the gate and showed her identification
to the guards. Much sooner than she had hoped for, she was
allowed to drive on to the mansion. The Chinese butler showed
her to Jangh Ho's office.
General Jangh Ho looked up as the Captain entered the
room, "Captain Simms, is it?"
She nodded and was about to speak when the General
began again.
"I sincerely hope, Captain, that you have an explanation
for Detective Caine's gross dereliction of duty this morning. He
should have arrived here almost two hours ago. I assure you, I
have already filed protests with your local government as well
as with the main embassy in Washington."
Karen Simms struggled to control her temper, "General,
I apologize that no one has gotten with you sooner. I regret to
inform you that Detective Peter Caine's automobile exploded
last night."
General Jangh Ho looked shocked, "and the young man
was killed?"
"A body was found, but until the autopsy is complete,
I, we refuse to believe it was Peter, uh, Detective Caine."
"Captain, you have my sincere apology. Your detective
performed his job admirably during the last two days. I will, of
course, withdraw my formal protests with explanations to the
embassy in Washington."
"Thank you, General. May I ask you and your staff some
questions about Peter's assignment with you?"
"Certainly Captain. We would be more than happy to
cooperate." Shaking his head sadly, he went on, "It's a shame.
He seemed like such a nice young man."
"Yes, he is. Now, General, could you tell me about the
past two days."
Simms listened closely to the General's statement,
searching for any clues to Peter's possible murder. Jangh Ho
held her undivided attention, while four floors away, Peter
Caine lay bound and gagged, trapped in a drug enhanced
nightmare that would not end.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 10 ↑
"What do you mean you can't find his dental records?"
Skalany winced at the tone, "Just what I said, Kermit,
it's not that I can't find them, no one seems to know who his
dentist is. I've spoken to Caine, Annie, Caroline and Kelly.
I even tried the Ancient."
"What about his appointment calendar? Surely with
teeth like his, he goes for checkups?" Kermit was visibly upset.
"Jody's going through it now but I doubt it will help. If
Peter's like the rest of us, it will just say, 'dentist' and have a
time marked. After all he knew, knows, who his dentist is."
Mary Margaret paled at the slip.
"Great, just great."
"Yeah, I know. TJ's started calling every dentist office
in town. He's starting with the ones closest to Chinatown and
working his way out."
Kermit nodded his thanks and returned to his den. His
thoughts turned to the blond woman closeted in another office.
He was more grateful to Karen Simms that she would ever know.
So far she had managed, somehow, to keep a lid on the case.
One day, when this was over and Peter was safe, Kermit intended
to find out exactly how Simms had prevented Sandra Mason
from picking up the scent.
His eyes looked toward his desk and he stared in dismay
at the latest folder on top of his ever increasing pile. The tag
labeled '98-128-1701 - Caine, Peter Matthew' was red, indicating
a homicide. It lay on Kermit's desk, a grim reminder that the
young detective, whom he loved like a brother, might never
annoy him again. A timid knock drew his attention to his door.
Reaching out, he dragged Nicky Elder into his domain.
"Tell Me!" Kermit pinned Nicky to the wall with an icy
glare. Nicky took a nervous breath as the ex-mercenary watched
him.
"I..I c..can't tell for s..sure yet." Nicky's voice shook as he
spoke. Fearing bodily injury, Nicky quickly continued, "I really
need Peter's dental records or the DNA results if I'm going to be
sure, but for right now I have to think the..the body is Peter's."
********************************************
Matthew Caine opened the door to Peter's apartment and
watched his son carefully as he crossed the threshold. Kwai
Chang Caine was very pale but the tears and trembling had
stopped, for the time being. What worried Matthew the most
was how much his son had aged in the past few hours. Kwai
Chang appeared to be fading away before him. Fear clutched
at Matthew's heart. Kwai Chang had survived Peter's death
once. Matthew knew his son would not survive it again.
Long ago Matthew had been given the news that both
his son and his young grandson were dead. The devastation
he felt then was tripled now. Back then his son was a distant
memory, and his grandson no more than a thought. Now, now
he knew them both and had opened a part of himself to them
that had been sealed since his wife had died. Matthew knew
he loved them more than he had ever thought possible and
he'd be damned if he'd lose either one without a fight.
A voice from the living room broke Matthew's reverie.
"It is about time you got here. There is much to be done."
Lo Si's impudent grin brought a new determination to both
Kwai Chang and Matthew. Moving rapidly toward Peter's
living room, they joined Lo Si for the ritual that would either
make or break their lives.
************************************
There was nothing beneath him. He was balanced on a
wire and the slightest movement would send him tumbling
into oblivion. The wire twisted - his balance was lost, he could
not hold on - he was falling. Oh GOD, NO! An eternal abyss
rushed upward to meet him. No, wait. There's the wire again.
General Jangh Ho smiled down on the tormented form
of Peter Caine. The young man was completely trapped in some
nightmare that left him pale, sweating, and struggling to scream.
Faint cries could be heard even through the gag.
"How long since his last dosage of the drug?"
Que Shue glanced at his watch, "About four hours."
"When will the plane arrive from home?"
"In another eight hours."
"The drug lasts for six hours?"
"Yes, General."
"Administer another injection."
"It is not time. He will not need another dose for two
more hours.'
"I did not ask if he needed it now. Give him another
injection."
"Master, A full dose could kill him."
Jangh Ho turned to face Que Shue, "Then give him a
partial dose but make sure he survives."
"But Master."
"Enough, must I always explain myself? I wish to
administer the last of the drug just before he is loaded into
the plane. This will ensure that he will be hidden from his
father until the plane is safely out of U.S. air space."
"I am sorry General, I did not think of this." Que Shue
partially filled a hypodermic and injected the solution into
Peter's abdomen.
"That is why I am in command, my friend. I wish that
I could watch when Peter Caine comes completely out from
under the influence of the drug. To awaken to total darkness,
bound and helpless. He should be terrified. But with his Shaolin
training, he will probably be able to loose his bonds in a relatively
short period of time. I wonder how long it will take the boy to
realize he is sealed inside a coffin. Will he wonder when his
air will run out? Will he wonder if his father will be able to
save him? As he lies trapped for hours, I wonder how long
it will take him to feel abandoned and betrayed?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 11 ↑
There was nothing beneath him. He was balanced on a
wire and the slightest movement would send him tumbling
into oblivion. The wire twisted - his balance was lost, he could
not hold on - he was falling. Oh GOD, NO! An eternal abyss
rushed upward to meet him. No, wait. Something's changed.
Peter's thoughts struggled to arrange themselves in a logical
sequence. "OK, no wire. No abyss. This is a good thing. Now,
if I can get free and get this damned piece of cloth out of my
mouth." Peter Caine lay motionless for a few moments and
worked to center himself. He then concentrated on releasing
himself from the handcuffs. He focused his chi and the locks
unsnapped with an echo. "Fantastic, why didn't you do that
sooner? Oh, yeah, don't think about all that glass." Forcing
his mind away from the tower nightmare, he lifted his hands
towards his face to remove the gag. All movement stopped
when he hit the padded ceiling. "PADDED CEILING! SHIT."
Following through on his previous motion, he ripped the cloth
out of his mouth and took several deep, steadying breaths.
The darkness, and silence, were almost overwhelming.
Thankfully, he'd never been afraid of the dark. His hands
reached out and he surveyed his current prison. The satin that
surrounded him confirmed his fear that he was in a coffin, but
was he buried? He once again focused his chi and listened to
the stillness. A few minutes passed before the noise became
apparent to him. A droning sound, that could belong to an
engine of some sort. "OK, I'm not buried, yet. Let's see if I
can get this thing open." He struggled mentally with the
latch on the coffin and was relieved to hear it click. He shoved
eagerly against the lid, only to find it would not move. "Shit,
what now?" Once again focusing his chi, he found that the
coffin had been encircled with a chain. The links were welded
together. "Special, looks like these guys know what a Shaolin
can do. Well, since I can't get out I might as well try to get
hold of Pop." Centering himself, he had just begun to visualize
the beloved face of Kwai Chang Caine, when a wave of pain
the size of a small tsunami swept over him. He bit down hard
on his lower lip to keep from screaming. Tasting his own blood,
he moaned quietly as the pain subsided. "That was fun. Guess
I was drugged and this is the road down. Wonder how long it'll
take. OK, Peter, plan to embrace the pain. These bastards are
not going to win."
********************************************
Lo Si lit the last of the candles. Matthew and Kwai
Chang Caine were already seated on the floor. It irked
Matthew that he now needed assistance to do something he
had done unaided for so many years. Kwai Chang had helped
his father to the floor, then lowered himself gracefully into
a lotus position. Lo Si joined the two worried parents on the
floor.
"Let us begin." Leaning forward, he lit the candle in
the center of the triangle made by the three men. "My dear
friend, you have the strongest ties to young Peter. You must be
the one to search. Your father and I will focus our chi on you.
YOU must, in turn, focus on your son. Are you ready?"
"My son, we will find Peter alive." Matthew's spoken
words caused Caine to smile.
"Yes, Father, I believe we will."
The three Shaolin joined hands and collectively centered
themselves. As a unit, Lo Si and Matthew fed Kwai Chang their
chi.
Kwai Chang Caine's spirit moved backwards in time
until he heard Peter's voice say , "OK, Pop, I'm in real trouble
here." He then followed the thin psychic trail left by Peter's
voice until he found his son. Using the strength of Lo Si's and
Matthew's chi, he followed Peter through the mansion. He
watched in horror as his son was forced into the glass tower.
Caine's fury over this treatment of his only child almost cost
him his connection with the past. Forcing himself to be calm,
he watched as time sped up and flashed the events imprisoning
Peter. He watched, dispassionately this time, the drugged
nightmares of his son. He saw Karen Simms enter the mansion
and converse with Jangh Ho while Peter lay in a tortured dream
not very far away. He followed Peter's bound form as it was
sealed into a coffin. The coffin was wrapped with a heavy
chain that was then welded together. Next, it was loaded into
a crate bearing an address in Zhengzhou, China.
Caine's time ran out. His spirit was hurled forcefully
back into the present. He collapsed backwards onto the floor,
breathing heavily. Lo Si assisted Matthew to his feet. The
two older men then carefully pulled Kwai Chang onto the
sofa. Matthew sat on the sofa and cradled Kwai Chang's
head in his lap. Lo Si quickly brewed a restorative tea and
watched as Matthew forced the evil tasting liquid between
his son's lips.
Caine grimaced, "Now I understand how Peter feels."
"Peter?" Matthew asked the question.
Caine's face became grin as he struggled into a sitting
position. "He lives. He has been drugged and tortured but he
lives."
Matthew closed his eyes in a silent prayer of thanks.
Caine continued, "We will need assistance. Peter has
been taken to Zhengzhou."
The voice from the door startled all three men, "Then
what are we waiting for?"
"Kermit?" The name was spoken in unison.
"Oh, yeah!"
***********************************************
Peter Caine embraced the pain, and conquered it. He
was weak but triumphant when the noise outside the coffin
suddenly increased. Listening closely, he tried to determine
what was happening. A heavy thud rocked his prison. A
plane? He was on a plane? Then he heard the voices outside,
speaking what? Chinese? "Oh, shit!" was the only thought
that crossed his mind.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 12 ↑
Jangh Ho stood in front of the bay window in his office.
Staring into space, he thought, "Soon, my son, soon. Justice
will be served."
"General?"
"Yes?"
"You asked to be interrupted when the shipment arrived
in Beijing. Word is just in that the plane landed a short time
ago and the cargo is being unloaded."
"Remind the cargo handlers that the dragon crate is
to be moved to my home in Zhengzhou, not the museum. Also,
remind them that if it is damaged in any way, they will pay with
their lives."
"Yes, General." The young soldier saluted, turned and
left the office.
Jangh Ho waited until the door closed then turned to Que
Shue, "He's there. Are you certain Wo Pak understands his
instructions?"
"Yes, Master. My lieutenant knows that he is to remove
Peter Caine from the coffin and take him to the room you have
prepared for him. Wo Pak knows that Caine is to be kept under
close guard. He will be allowed an hour to contemplate his
situation before the videos start. The recorders are set so that
all four walls of his prison will have an image on them. One
video recorder will play and replay your son's state funeral. The
second will play Colonel Aunh's interrogation and confession.
The third will repeat the Colonel's execution and the fourth,
well, it will show images of Kwai Chang Caine in Chinatown.
Peter Caine will know that we are hounding his father and can
execute him whenever we desire. I have also taken the liberty
of asking Wo Pak to videotape Caine's reaction. It should prove
quite interesting to watch young Caine's response to the images
on the walls around him. Especially considering he will be
exhausted from the withdrawal from the drug."
"Withdrawal?"
"I am sorry, Master. I thought you realized. It will take
several hours for the drug to completely leave his system. The
injections every six hours keep it working at peak efficiency.
After six hours, the terrorizing effects fade rapidly, allowing
the recipient room for free thought. Then the withdrawals
begin. Detective Caine will suffer his withdrawals alone in
the coffin. I'm told the withdrawals, while not fatal, are quite
intense."
"Thank you, my friend. I am sorry that I must attend the
dinner tonight before I leave, but you say everything is being
taped?"
"Yes, Master, those were my instructions to Wo Pak."
"Excellent. The thought will alleviate the boredom that I
anticipate tonight." Waving Que Shue a dismissal, Jangh Ho
leaned back in his chair, smiling.
"Excuse me, General, but what about the father?"
"He will endure the agony that I have known. He has
thought for many hours that his son might be dead. By now
he knows that Peter yet lives, but Kwai Chang Caine also knows
his son is a prisoner, in some unknown location. By the time he
discovers his son's whereabouts it will be too late. His son will be
under sentence of death. Caine will be unable to prevent it through
diplomatic channels. The American politicians will be unwilling
to start an international incident since we can show both Caines
were in China illegally."
"What about other means of rescue?"
"Oh, I do hope Kwai Chang Caine returns to China. It
would be such a pleasure to arrest him for espionage."
********************************************
It seemed an eternity to Peter Caine before he felt his
prison jostled, then lifted into the air. Another jar, and he could
tell he was being moved outside. The jostling continued as the
forklift moved down the ramp of the plane.
"Ouch!" Peter's head rapped against the padded ceiling
as the crate he was packed in hit the ground hard. "That hurt.
Wonder where I'm going." Loud voices arguing nearby caused
him to strain to hear what was going on. It became suddenly
easier as the voices came closer to his location.
"The dragon crate goes to the General's home!"
"I know that but that's not it."
"It has the General's address on it."
"Yes, but it has got to be marked wrong."
"Why?"
"The other crate has the dragon in it. That's what
the label says."
"Yeah, but this one's got a dragon stamped on the
address label."
"So?"
"Our instructions are to take the dragon crate to General
Jangh Ho's home."
"I know that, stupid, but this crate," Peter jumped as a
hand slammed hard on a surface above him, "with the address
on it doesn't have the dragon in it. According to the inventory,
it's got the sarcophagus of some dead Egyptian mummy in it.
Why the hell would the General want that?"
"I don't know, but I don't think..."
"Obviously. Look, I'll take full responsibility. Just send
this one," He slapped Peter's crate one more time, "to the museum."
"Fine. Just remember that I had nothing to do with this."
"No problem."
The forklift once again lifted Peter's prison, positioned it
none too carefully and backed away. A truck engine cranked
and the jostling began again.
"Grrreattt. Tthhisss iss fuunnn!" Every bone in his
body jarred as the truck moved rapidly over the rough roads.
The squeal of bad brakes and a sudden end to the jarring gave
Peter hopes that he was at his final destination. The noise of
the forklift once again assaulted his ears. His crate shook once
more. Another thud and Peter knew he just landed somewhere
else.
He moaned softly, "Is there anything that isn't bruised?
This damn padding isn't worth shit." He had to laugh at himself.
"Peter, you're losing it. You're in a coffin. Why should the
padding work?"
Peter lay quietly, listening for more voices. He was not
disappointed. He soon heard the sounds of a crowbar prying
nails loose.
"Huh? I was expecting an Egyptian sarcophagus."
"I've seen this before. The museum just bought the
mummy so it gets shipped in a regular coffin."
"What the hell is a chain doing around it?"
"Damned if I know. Oh wait, the latch isn't sealed.
Guess it doesn't work so they chained it to keep the mummy
in place."
"I'd think all these packing peanuts would've been
enough to do the job."
"Guess not. Thanks, guess it will take bolt cutters
to get through this chain."
"Wonder why it's welded together?"
"Who knows. Maybe the Americans packed it."
A loud clanging indicated the chain had been severed
and had fallen away from the coffin.
"SHIT! Look at the time. My parents are coming to
dinner. I've got to leave."
"Guess the old boy will be OK here tonight. Let's
call it a day."
Peter Caine held his breath as the voices disappeared
into the distance.
"All right!" Peter thought with glee, "Score one for the
good guys. Now to get the hell out of here."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 13 ↑
Kermit moved to join the Shaolin in Peter's living
room. "We finally got the autopsy results. It was not Peter's
body, but I see you already know that."
"Yes, Kermit. My son has been sealed in a..a coffin
inside a crate. The delivery address is Zhengzhou. Kermit,
Peter has been tortured and drugged but I sense his chi is still
strong."
"Damn, that kid could get into trouble standing still,
couldn't he?" Noticing the confused looks, Kermit sighed,
"Never mind, bad joke. Caine, can you tell if Peter is still in
this country."
Kwai Chang Caine concentrated for a few moments
before responding, "It appears that the drugs are wearing off.
Peter's chi is becoming more clear to me but at the same time
it appears to be getting more distant. I would say that he is
already on his way to China." Caine gasped and turned pale.
"My son, what is wrong?" Matthew took a strong
hold of Kwai Chang's arm to steady him.
"Peter was trying to contact me but was cut off."
"By someone?" Kermit's voice was concerned.
"No, I believe he is having withdrawals from the drug
he was given." Caine looked sadly at the other men in the room.
"And he is alone, so alone."
"Come now, we all know that Shaolin are never truly
alone, but then Peter hasn't taken the brands yet, has he?"
Kermit's Desert Eagle was drawn and the trigger
partially squeezed when Caine's "No, Kermit!" stopped the
ex-mercenary from following through on his actions. Instead
Kermit glared at the latest surprise guest and asked pointedly,
"You sorry son-of-a-bitch. What the fuck do you want, Chan?"
"My one feeling is hurt, Griffin. I've come to help."
"HELP! HELP! There's no money in this from this
end, Chan. The only thing I've going to help you with is an
early grave if Peter dies." Kermit had advanced on the young
man as he spoke. "As a matter of fact, hurting you right now
would HELP me a lot." Ignoring Caine's cry this time, Kermit
lunged at Chan.
Chan skillfully dodged the irate cop's attack. "Damn,
I'd hoped we could avoid this."
The altercation stopped as quickly as it had begun when
Matthew Caine's roar of "ENOUGH!" pierced the air. All eyes
turned toward elderly man.
"That will be quite enough. Kermit, for right now I
believe we need Mr. Chan's assistance. YOU may do as you
wish later. However, if the situation is as I believe it to be, Mr.
Chan will be of great use to us."
Four men stared at Matthew Caine. Chan broke the
silence by starting to laugh. "You're really, really good. How
did you know?"
"You look like your grandfather. Could be his double
in another era, of course."
"Grandfather spoke of you with great reverence, old
Master."
"He was an honorable man, as was his son. I do not
believe the grandson could be less than the father."
Kermit glared, "Master Caine, this man is a criminal.
Hell, he's already tried to kill Peter three times."
Amused, Matthew responded, "And, yet, Peter still
lives."
Kwai Chang Caine broke his silence, "Ah, this explains
the, 'mixed signals', that I have always received from you, Chan."
"What the hell do you mean, Caine. This jerk tried
to kill Peter."
"Did he? It's interesting when you think back on it.
The first confrontation with Tan, Chan didn't aim at Peter
until I was free to stop his shot."
"But..but Peter was hit."
"But not killed. In the next meeting with Tan, Chan,
I believe hired the men that missed in their attempt on Peter's
life. And he made sure Peter was with me when Lo Si's
location was delivered."
Lo Si's eyes had begun to sparkle. "It was obvious
to me that you despised Tan. Also, you took no pleasure in
Jack Wong's attack on me."
Kermit's voice had weakened, "But, but"
"Then there was the tournament. Chan was responsible
for my being reunited with Serena and Maia. He also saved
Maia's life." Caine looked at the young man standing before
them. "I bow to you, young master. Unless I am mistaken, you
are Shaolin trained?"
Chan gave Caine the Shaolin salute. "Yes, Master, trained
but I have not yet chosen to take the brands. In my line of work,
that would be a hindrance."
Kermit glared for a moment at Chan, then said, "CIA?"
"No, NSA."
"Terrific. That explains why your arrest record shows
someone else and it also explains why MY PC records of you
were overlaid when I accessed your records on the Internet.
What the hell have you gotten Peter into this time?"
Chan's face lost its insolent look. "I owe everyone an
apology for this. We knew Jangh Ho wanted Peter dead but we,
I never expected him to kidnap Peter and take him to China."
Kermit was still shaking his head in disbelief. "What
did you want with Jangh Ho?"
"As you've found out, Jangh Ho is Sing Wah. He heads
what you would called a branch of the Chinese Mafia. Until
his son was killed, Jangh Ho was planning a takeover of the
Japanese mob held areas of the US. This would have resulted
in a blood-bath. Many innocent people would have died. We
had hoped to use his obsession with Peter to get him to do
something that would cause his country to deny him diplomatic
immunity. Problem is, he's ferreted Peter into Beijing. We
still can't get to him here."
"Why the obsession with Peter?" Kermit was still
confused.
Chan grinned, "Well, it was Peter's escape from the
PRC Army in Zhengzhou that caused the young man's death.
Colonel Aunh, now deceased, mortally wounded Deng Tzu
in the process."
"Oh, don't be stupid. Peter's never been to China."
Kermit's voice trailed off as he saw Kwai Chang Caine's
face. "Peter has been to China? Legally? No, don't answer
that."
Caine said quietly, "We must leave for Zhengzhou
as soon as possible. Peter will need assistance in escaping."
"You won't find him there. He's in Beijing."
"But the crate was labeled..."
"Zhengzhou. Yes, I know." Chan's insolent smile
had returned, "But my man in Beijing is to make sure Peter
Caine escapes in Beijing, not Zhengzhou."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 14 ↑
Kermit sank slowly into Peter Caine's sofa. His head
whirled. "God, Kermit," he thought, "you are getting old.
Not only should you have expected this, it shouldn't have this
bad of an impact on you. Dammit, get it together." Aloud,
he resumed his standard air of nonchalance. "OK, let's get
this straight. Something doesn't quite work here. You're
with the NSA, National Security Agency, right?"
Chan nodded a puzzled affirmative.
Kermit hurled himself off the sofa and into Chan's
face in one movement. "Well, Mister, the NSA only operates
in the US. The CIA operates outside the US. How come you
have a 'man in Beijing'?"
Chan's insolent smirk returned to replace his puzzled
look. "Ah, well now, I never said my man in Beijing was NSA,
now did I." The smirk left his face as quickly as it had appeared,
"My friend in Beijing is not an agent, he is not even Shaolin, but
he is a very close friend. He risks much by helping Peter Caine.
If he is discovered he will lose his life. But more than that, his
wife and twin sons will probably be imprisoned for complicity."
"He honors my family with his compassion and bravery."
Kwai Chang Caine bowed to Chan as he spoke. Chan returned
the bow.
Ignoring Kermit's once again stunned expression, Chan
went on, "Master Caine, or should I say, Caines, Peter's current
predicament is my responsibility. I will defer to your lead if that
is your desire but I believe I may have a slight advantage under
these circumstances."
Matthew Caine smiled, "You, my boy, are very much
like your grandfather. We will defer to your judgment."
Kwai Chang frowned, "Father, I am not certain...."
Matthew shoved an aged finger into his son's chest,
"I am, Kwai Chang, and I am STILL your father."
Caine struggled with his emotions, thinking, "Is this
how Peter feels when I take control of a situation?" Aloud, he
said, "Yes, father."
Turning back to Chan, Matthew asked, "Well, what do
you suggest?"
"Well, sir, General Jangh Ho has not yet left the country.
It is imperative that we prevent this. He is attending a dinner
with the mayor tonight and plans to leave for China as soon as
it is over."
"How do we keep him from leaving - 'mercenary rules'?"
Kermit asked hopefully.
Chan grinned, "No, actually I was thinking something
more along the lines, and I use this word in the kindest sense,
of a certain blond detective in the 101 st. Jangh Ho is partial
to American blondes."
"Jody Powell?" Kermit grinned, "If it will get Peter
back, she'll strip-tease for the mayor's party."
"I hope that will not be necessary. I am told that the
good General has interesting tastes in amusements. I have
travel arrangements to make. Griffin, can I count on you to
arrange Detective Powell's attendance?"
"Oh, yeah!"
************************************************
Peter Caine carefully lifted the lid on the coffin. No
alarms went off. He slid out of the coffin and braced himself
against the crate. Muscles unused for hours screamed in protest.
Peter took one cautious step forward and collapsed to the floor,
leg cramps overwhelming his immediate desire to escape. He
lay gasping on the floor for a few minutes and massaged his
aching calf muscles. When the pain subsided to a dull throb,
he tried standing again, this time with success. A grin lit his
face like sunshine.
"This is much, much better. Now let's see if I can find
my way out of this building. Wonder how you spell 'EXIT'
in Mandarin? I knew I'd regret not paying more attention to
that in school. Damn. What a minute - aren't businesses and
stores using Pinyin? If so, maybe I've got a shot at finding my
way out of this city."
Moving cautiously away from his former prison, Peter
edged toward the only door he could see in the storage room.
He placed one hand on the knob and the other flat against the
metal. He ignored the urge to throw open the door and run for
it. Instead, he centered himself and thrust his chi out into the
corridor in search of obstacles to his escape. Finding none, he
opened the door and made his way down the hallway.
A large well-lit sign hung at the end of the corridor.
Chinese symbols joined Pinyin spelling to produce 'CHUKOU'.
Peter stared for a moment then silently pronounced the letters
he could read.
"YES. 'EXIT'!" Saying a silent prayer to whatever gods
protect kidnapped detectives, he raced for the door leading to the
outside, and freedom.
************************************************
Kermit Griffin drew the additional task of briefing Karen
Simms on Peter's situation. Captain Simms remained surprisingly
calm while Kermit spoke. Her only questions were 'was he sure
Peter was still alive', and 'how long would he be gone'. She then
granted permission for Kermit to use any personnel he needed.
He left her office and shut the door, amazed once again by her
restraint. The sound of a fist impacting with a filing cabinet
caused him to wince, and turn quickly in search of Jody.
He was almost correct about the pretty blond. She had
jumped at the opportunity to assist in Peter's rescue. The possible
side-show amusements for the General did cause her some alarm.
Kermit gained her consent only after reassuring her that no one
would object to her using her own sense of fair play to restrain
the General, if necessary.
Kermit and Mary Margaret returned to Peter's apartment
where an argument had ensued on exactly who would go to China.
Kwai Chang Caine and Kermit used every persuasive technique
known to them to dissuade Matthew and Lo Si from accompanying
them to China. Mary Margaret saved the day by requesting
Shaolin backup for Jody at the mayor's dinner party.
Chan, meantime, had more than come through in the
transportation department. A Concorde SST was waiting on
the runway when Kwai Chang Caine and Kermit arrived at
the airport. An expansive bow, followed by "Gentlemen, your
chariot awaits" was all that it took to formally begin the rescue
flight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 15 ↑
"Well?"
Mary Margaret circled Jody slowly looking her over
very carefully. "I'm not sure."
"Damn it Skalany. I've tried on a red dress, a blue dress
and now this white dress in this store alone. That doesn't count
the dresses in the other six stores we've been to. We're running
out of time. Will you please settle on something?"
"Maybe I can be of assistance?" A tall blond young man
smiled in their direction.
"You work here?" Mary Margaret asked cautiously.
"No, but my mother and sister shop here. I unfortunately
get dragged along when they're having trouble deciding what to
wear. My sister's the red-head trying on the ugly green dress."
"You know, Jody, maybe we do need a man's perspective."
Jody glared for a moment at Mary Margaret, then said,
"Anything to stop shopping. My name's Jody Powell and this
is my p..friend Mary Margaret Skalany. OK, which is it, the
red, the blue or the white?"
"Delighted to make your acquaintance. I'm Jacob
Benjamin. Now as for the dresses, you look lovely in all three
but I need to know the occasion and what your goals are."
"I've been invited to a formal dinner party with the
mayor and it's tonight."
"Fine. That's the occasion, now what are your goals?"
"I don't understand."
"You're young, beautiful, single..."
"How do you know I'm single?"
"The dresses. The ones you've chosen are designed to
attract men. That means you're either single or very unhappily
married and I don't think it's the latter."
Jody blushed and Mary Margaret stifled a giggle. Jody
swallowed nervously then replied "OK, it's very important that
I get the attention of a certain older man with a taste for blondes."
Jacob frowned, "There's nothing illegal in this is there?"
Mary Margaret quickly showed him her badge, "No, we're
police officers and she needs to seduce a bad guy to save a life."
Jody stared open-mouthed at her, shocked into silence at
Skalany's confession. Gulping, all she could manage was a
stunned, "Skalany!"
"Stow it, Powell. Let's just say I may have been hanging
around Caine too long cause I've got really good vibes about this
dude."
A wide grin spread over Jacob's face. "Ladies, this is
fascinating. Ms. Powell, I shall help you on the condition that
you go to dinner with me the first available opportunity."
"I don't think...."
"She accepts. Now which dress?" Mary Margaret
ignored Jody's 'we are going to discuss this later' look.
Jacob studied Jody for a moment. "Olivia?"
A handsome older saleswoman approached, "Yes,
Mr. Benjamin?"
"The black silk in a size six for the young lady."
Ten minutes later Jody looked in the mirror, "Whoa."
Mary Margaret gasped then commented, "That should
do it."
Handing Jody a business card, Jacob smiled, "You're
welcome, ladies. Ms. Powell, I trust you will contact me as
soon as you're available. My office will always be able to
get in touch with me." Nodding to both women, Jacob
Benjamin walked away.
"Geez, Jody, look at the time. We've got three hours
to get your hair and makeup just right." She started for the
door, then turned, "Come on, Jody, this is no time to dawdle."
"Skalany, so help me, once Peter's safe, you're going
to die."
********************************************
Peter Caine had never felt so frightened and helpless.
The exhilaration he'd felt an hour before upon escaping the
museum had faded with the reality that he was trapped in
Communist China with no passport, no money, no friends.
It would soon be daylight and he knew his chances of going
undetected then would be decreased. He needed to find a
place to hide, and rest.
The sound of footsteps sent him scurrying once more
into the shadows. Peter threw himself into an unlit doorway
and shrank as far back into the darkness as he could. A young
Chinese couple passed by, holding hands. Strangely, their
laughter only caused him to become more fearful. The normalcy
of their relationship, and the ease with which they moved through
the streets, brought home the realization, once again, that he was
no longer at home. Jangh Ho might have kidnapped him for his
own purposes but the Chinese authorities would have a field day
if he was found. Forcing himself away from his temporary shelter,
he slunk along the wall toward a group of dilapidated buildings
he'd spied a few moments before.
The first sign he saw had nothing but Chinese characters
on it. Desperately moving toward the next sign, Peter sighed in
relief when he spotted the word 'Condemned' in pinyin. He
pushed open the main door and forced himself into the blackness.
Allowing a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkness,
he took small, tentative steps forward. He stopped when he
bumped into a staircase.. The stairs went up but were much too
rickety to climb. Another stairwell leading down was in better
shape. Peter moved slowly down those stairs into a large basement,
filled with boxes, and other assorted items. A tiny amount of
light from the street lamps came in through a small window nearby,
casting eerie shadows throughout the basement. Disconcerted
by the variety of images that assaulted his senses, Peter struggled
to center himself, and failed. Praying that he was alone, he walked
slowly to the farthest, and hopefully most concealed, corner of the
room.
Collapsing into the darkness of the basement, Peter Caine
finally allowed himself the luxury of sleep, drifting off with a
cry of "Father, I'm frightened, please, please help me" fading on
his lips.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 16 ↑
Jacob Benjamin had been correct. General Jangh Ho
glanced up as Jody Powell entered the banquet hall. Only his
Sing Wah training prevented his slight double take from being
noticed. Thomas Jefferson Kincaid rose from his seat near the
mayor and met Jody in the center of the room.
Kissing her gently on the check, TJ said, "Darling, what
kept you?"
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, I had trouble with the car and
had to call a taxi."
"Well, never mind, you're here now. Let's see, we'd
better find our seats." Giving her his arm, TJ escorted Jody
toward the table. Searching through the place cards, he
said, "Ah, here we are."
Jody glanced at the card next to her, "Oh, dear, I'm
sitting next to that stuffy Mr. Barrister again. TJ, we've
really got to find somewhere else to sit."
"Jody, the cards have all been laid out in the order our
hosts dictated. We can't just move anywhere." He pulled the
chair out from under the table, and motioned her to sit.
"I will not sit next to him again, TJ, I showed a little
leg last time and he kept trying to cover it with a napkin."
"Jody, I..."
"Excuse me, I could not help overhearing." General
Jangh Ho had on his party manners, "perhaps the young lady
would prefer to sit on this side of the table."
"Oh, that would be wonderful, but however shall you
manage it?" Jody carefully widened her eyes at the General.
"Like this." The General replied. Taking the set of place
cards next to him he passed them on to TJ. TJ smiled, nodded in
agreement and handed him their place cards. The General then
quickly put Jody's card next to him and TJ's next to her.
Jody Powell smiled her most winning smile and moved to
sit next to the General.
*************************************************
The flight over the Pacific was uneventful. Chan played
every game of solitaire known, Kermit snoozed, and Kwai Chang
Caine meditated, trying to contact Peter. Caine grew more
concerned as the jet drew closer to China. He'd picked up on
snatches of fear and exhaustion that he assumed were Peter's
but could not make actual contact with his son. It was early
morning when the pilot signaled that they were about to land.
Chan stood, stretched, and punched Kermit in the arm. Jumping
back quickly, he dodged a vicious strike by the ex-mercenary.
Kermit opened one eye and snarled, "What the hell do
you want, Chan?"
"Tray tables and chair backs in an upright and locked
position."
An icy stare was all Chan received. "OK, fine, we're
about to land in Tokyo."
Kermit came half-way out of his chair, "TOKYO, I
thought we were going to Beijing!"
"Easy, old man, don't raise your blood pressure. We
are going to China but not on this jet. Tourists don't arrive
on a Concord, at least not in Beijing." Chan reached into his
briefcase, "Here you'll need these when we get to Beijing."
Kermit gingerly took the object from Chan, half expecting
it to explode on contact. "This isn't my passport."
"No, YOURS had too many international trips on it.
Even though most of them are dated, the few that are recent
would rouse the suspicions of PRC authorities."
Caine looked closely at his passport, "I have never been
to any of these locations. "
"No, your passport didn't have enough travel on it. Most
people don't choose to tour China for their first real trip. They've
usually got some traveling under their belt before trying China."
The 'fasten seat belt' sign came on and the three men
buckled up. Soon after the jet was on the ground, and taxing to
a distant terminal. Chan rose as the vehicle slowed and said,
"Please wait here. I'll be right back." He quickly exited the
jet and vanished from sight.
Kermit turned to Caine, "I know it's a little late to ask,
but do you really trust that guy with your life?"
Caine sighed, "I am very reluctant to do so but I sense
nothing evil about the man. Arrogance, self-assurance, and
a dark humor seem to predominate his chi. And, I am trusting
him with that which means the most to me, Peter's life."
Kermit was about to respond when Chan re-entered
the Concord. Chan grinned at the two men before him,
"Gentlemen, may I introduce Harry Murphy, aka, Peter Caine."
A tall, handsome, dark haired man came into the cabin.
He had only a passing resemblance to Peter.
Kermit laughed, "Chan, you're almost forgiven. I may
just let you live."
"Mother will be pleased. To what do I owe this vote
of confidence?"
"I was wondering how we'd get Peter out when we
found him. But yon gentleman is CIA, unless I'm mistaken."
Chan said nothing.
"Yep, silence is agreement in these circles."
Caine was looking more puzzled by the minute, "I do
not understand."
Kermit took pity on the confused Shaolin, "It's like
this Caine, Mr. Murphy goes in as Peter, we find Peter, rescue
him, switch photos in the passport and Peter goes out as Peter.
Meanwhile, Mr. Er, Murphy, disappears into Beijing on his way
somewhere we don't want to know about and becomes very,
very Chinese in the process. He'll never admit it, but I'm still
betting on CIA."
Caine was still confused, "But I thought Jangh Ho had
arrested Peter? That is what my vision showed."
Chan became grave, "Yes, he did but the general did
not have Beijing's blessing for the arrest. Jangh Ho planned to
get Peter back to Zhengzhou, and then call in some favors.
That's why it's so important he not return to China. As long
as he remains in the States, calling in old debts is difficult, if
not impossible. If Peter gets arrested by the PRC authorities,
then he's dead and nothing we can do will save him.
************************************
Peter Caine was dreaming of home, Pop, and French
fries, when a sharp pain poked a hole in his sleep. Opening one
eye, he paled as he looked up along the barrel of a Chinese
assault rifle. As he slowly rose, hands in the air, his only
thought was "Oh, God, Pop, I've run out of time. I'm sorry,
Father."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 17 ↑
"If Peter gets arrested by the PRC authorities, then he's
dead and nothing we can do will save him." Chan's words
caused Kwai Chang Caine's mind to go numb. His thoughts
became jumbled snatches of the past. Peter's infancy in Laura's
arms, a dark-haired toddler fighting to do everything himself,
a little boy with shaven head in temple robes attempting to imitate
his father's every move, the pre-teen arguing with every aspect
of temple life, then the flames of the temple destruction. He'd
been unable to reach his son through the flames. Caine struggled
to bring order to his thoughts but failed. The image of his twelve
year old son, pinned amid the inferno of the temple, just beyond
his father's reach rose to torment Caine once more. Much too
often during their separation, that nightmare had awakened
the father in the night.
Kermit watched concerned as Caine's breathing became
harsher, faster and more uneven. He reached over and placed a
firm hand on Caine's shoulder, "Caine?"
The touch threw him into the reality of the present, "I
am sorry. To lose Peter again, I, ..." The words faded away,
the explanation unneeded by Kermit, or Chan.
A soft voice interrupted, "Excuse me. Mr. Caine, if at
all possible, we will get your son to safety. I'm sure Chan has
not had an opportunity to tell you that we're joining a group
of tourists about your age or slightly older, sir. Mr. Griffin,
you will be the distracting factor. You're younger than all the
other tourists, and they truly are tourists so try not to get them
injured or arrested. At any rate, you're to draw attention to
yourself at every opportunity."
"Call me Kermit. What about you, I mean Peter?
You're, eh, he's even younger than I am. And what about
Chan?"
"Chan is the American tour-guide on this trip. As for
Peter, he is assisting his invalid father on a tour of the Orient."
"Invalid?" Kermit snorted, "Caine's about as invalid
as I am."
"Well, his color is very pale, which is good, and Chan
assures me that Mr. Caine can rely on a cane if necessary."
Turning to Caine, Murphy went on, "Sir, I know it will be
difficult but I must understand how your son behaves. His
demeanor upon leaving the country must be similar to his
behavior when he arrives. The secret police are very adept at
noticing behavior modifications."
Caine nodded in understanding and sighed, "I suppose
it will be necessary for you to call me 'Pop'."
Kermit watched the older Shaolin closely as he described
Peter in loving detail for Harry Murphy. Startled, he realized
that Murphy was right, Caine's color was bad, very bad. Caine
suddenly stopped speaking as his son's cry "Oh, God, Pop, I've
run out of time. I'm sorry, Father" overran his thoughts. He
swayed and let out an anguished moan, "Peter, no!"
Chan and Kermit reached to steady the priest. Kermit
asked quickly, "Caine, what's happened, what's wrong with
Peter?"
Tears streamed down the older man's face, "For a moment
I heard Peter and saw through his eyes. H..He is a prisoner once
more. Kermit, have I lost my son? Peter, my son, please be safe."
********************************************
As Peter slowly rose to his feet, hands in the air, he
gasped as he felt the strong chi of his father join his for too
short a moment, then vanish. Losing his balance he stumbled
into the man beside him. The guard facing him retaliated
swiftly, driving the butt of the rifle into Peter's abdomen. The
young detective cried out in pain and collapsed, clutching his
belly. The defenseless posture of their captive brought out the
worst in his captors. Blows rained from fists, guns, and clubs
onto Peter. Curling into a ball, Peter Caine attempted to protect
his head. As his consciousness faded, his father's tear-stained
face flashed in front of him and the heart-rending plea, "Peter,
my son, please be safe" engraved itself on his soul.
******************************************
For Jody Powell, concern for Peter outweighed the basic
boredom of the dinner party. Watching as TJ downed another
glass of wine, she thought 'Give me a good stake-out any day."
She winced slightly as she gingerly removed the general's hand
from her upper thigh, again. The more TJ drank, the friendlier
General Jangh Ho became. The elderly Chinese waiter seemed
determined to ensure that TJ's glass was never empty. Jody
barely managed to check a smile as she watched the general
slip another substantial tip into Lo Si's pocket. Realizing that
her quarry was well-baited, she decided it was time to reel him
in.
"TJ, you've had more than enough to drink. We need
to leave now."
"But, darling, the party's just getting going."
"The only thing going is us. Give me your car keys."
An extremely agitated TJ stood and loudly announced,
"Nope. I'm fine. Not the least bit drunk and no one, but no one
drives my car but me." He swaggered toward the door.
"TJ..."
"DAMN YOU, WOMAN, ARE YOU COMING?" The
entire room froze, watching the confrontation between the two.
"NO, I AM NOT!" Jody snapped and sank back into
her seat. Crossing her arms in anger, she watched as a very
drunk TJ stalked unsteadily out of the room.
"I am sorry that you and your husband..."
"Boyfriend, excuse me, ex-boyfriend."
General Jangh Ho smiled, "Ah, I see, perhaps I could
offer you a ride home?"
Nearly choking on her words, Jody responded, "That
would be lovely. It's so nice to meet a true gentleman."
********************************************
"Captain?" A tremulous young voice caught Que Shue's
attention.
"Yes?"
"Kwai Chang Caine cannot be located."
Que Shue whirled, and glared at the young man, "How
long?"
"Sir?"
"How long has he been 'missing'?"
"S..since this morning." The young PRC officer was
frightened by the strength of his superior's reaction.
"Find him, and you get to live."
Gulping the young officer saluted and fled from the room.
Que Shue glared for a moment at the door, then lifted the
phone and called Zhengzhou, "Wo Pak, Kwai Chang Caine has
not been seen since this morning here, assume he is either already
in China or on his way there. Take appropriate precautions with
the prisoner. Oh, and Wo Pak, if the elder Caine should die,
well he is after all, older and therefore, susceptible to a variety
of ailments."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 18 ↑
Wo Pak was livid. The delivery from Beijing had just
arrived in Zhengzhou. The elation Wo Pak felt upon viewing
the crate was quickly extinguished, to be replaced by fury when
the contents were removed. He regretted shooting the delivery
men so soon. Once again he'd let his temper gain the upper
hand. With the men dead, it would be much more difficult to
trace the real crate. Ordering his lieutenants to find the crate
or die, he returned to the main house. The sound of the door
slamming behind him did much to dissipate his anger. A
blinking light on the answering machine caught his attention.
Wo Pak's blood froze in his veins as he heard Que Shue's
words "Take appropriate precautions with the prisoner."
"Shit!" Wo Pak suddenly realized that the name Kwai
Chang Caine had been spoken toward the end of the recording.
Rewinding and replaying his instructions, he rubbed his hands
together in anticipation of entertaining both Caines. His mood
sobered as he remembered the job before him. Reluctantly, he
lifted the phone, instinctively dreading the task of telling Que
Shue that Peter Caine was not with him at present.
********************************************
The jet touched down at Beijing International Airport
on schedule. A representative of the China International Travel
Service met the tour group at customs. As the American tour
guide attached to the group, Chan moved forward to confer
briefly with his PRC counterpart. Turning back to his charges,
he called, "Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may have your attention,
please."
As the excited, and exhausted, group of senior travelers
looked expectantly toward Chan, he continued, "Everyone, this
is Miss Lu, my PRC associate. She will be responsible for making
sure your stay in China is as pleasant as possible."
A voice from the back of the crowd yelled out, "Whata
looker, do all Chinese spies look like you?"
"Please, Uncle Kermit, don't make a scene." 'Peter'
secured his hold on Kwai Chang Caine's arm. "Pop, please
sit over here, I'll see about the luggage."
Miss Lu frowned and Chan glared at Kermit. "Mr. Griffin,
please, we've had this discussion before. The PRC tour guides
are not spies."
"Humph, so you say. Well, if we've gotta be watched,
at least the watcher's worth watching. Right?" Kermit jabbed
one of the senior males in the side with his elbow. The only
response Kermit received was a disgusted glance as the man
hastily moved to stand near a more respectable group of older
women.
"Please, Kermit, you promised not to embarrass either
myself or my son." The strain so evident in Caine's voice did
not have to be feigned. Worry over the fate of his only child
enabled the father to portray an invalid much more successfully
than the plan had required.
"Fine, never could see what my sister saw in you. But,
there is the kid to consider. I bet he forgets my luggage." Kermit
hurried away to join 'Peter' at the baggage claim counter.
*******************************************
A very sober Thomas Jefferson Kincaid joined Lo Si
and Matthew Caine in the garden as they secretly watched Jody
enter Jangh Ho's limousine.
TJ examined a small electronic device in his hand.
"Blake's tracker is working perfectly."
Matthew looked at the instrument curiously, "Should
you not be following them?"
"No. That's Strenlich's job. He's got the larger version
of this thing. It'll track for miles. Besides, he didn't think I'd
be able drive with all the wine I had to drink."
Lo Si and Matthew exchanged looks. Matthew asked,
"Thomas Jefferson, you did not drink all the wine that Master
Lo Si poured, did you?"
"Sure, did. Dumped the last half of the wine outta the
first couple of glasses into the planter behind me, just like you
said. But Jangh Ho seemed to be watching me some so I figured
what the heck, you guys said I'd stay sober. Man, let tell you,
those herbs really worked. The wine had no affect on me at all.
You two could make a fortune if you marketed this stuff. All
the alcohol you can drink without any side effects."
Lo Si and Matthew sighed, and each took one of TJ's
arms, "Not exactly, young one." Matthew's voice had a note
of sympathy in it.
"W..what do you mean?" TJ was getting concerned.
Lo Si smiled slightly, "Well, Thomas Jefferson Kincaid,
the herbs do prevent the obvious signs of drunkenness."
"Yeah, I can tell that."
"But, my young friend, the hangover still occurs, based
on the amount of alcohol the person imbibes. That is why you
were told not to finish any glass of wine."
TJ went completely pale, "Oh, shit!"
"But do not worry, Thomas Jefferson, Matthew and I
have an excellent remedy for hangover."
"Great, just great. Thanks a lot fellas," was all TJ could
manage as the two elderly Shaolin led him away.
*******************************************
Jody, meantime, was struggling to keep her virtue and
her clothes intact. General Jangh Ho was definitely interested
in getting her out of the black silk as fast as possible.
"General, please, your driver will..."
"Know nothing. The glass is one-way. He can neither
see nor here us in here."
Glancing helplessly around, Jody gulped, "well , in that
case ..." Her words were interrupted by the scream of tires on
pavement, followed by a loud crash, the force of which threw her
across Jangh Ho's lap. Blushing, Jody hastily pushed herself
upright, before the General could react. Angry words from outside
the limo stopped him from reaching for her. "Later, my dear."
Stepping outside the limousine, Jangh Ho confronted
the angry American berating his driver.
"What is the problem?"
"Problem, what are you, stupid? Your driver rams my
car and claims it's my fault. And he won't hand over his
insurance card. You foreigners do have insurance, don't you?"
Jangh Ho put on his best military air, "We do have
insurance but since YOU caused the accident, it is your card
we should be viewing at this moment."
"WHAT!" The large, stocky man with a military style
haircut started forward only to be interrupted by a young female
voice, "Sir, let's have none of that. I'm sure that we can resolve
the problem, if we all remain calm."
The large man forced himself into her face, "Who the
hell do you think you are?"
"Easy, sir, my name is Mary Margaret Skalany and I'm
a police officer, who just happened to witness YOU running
into the Oriental gentleman here. Now if everyone will just
relax, this shouldn't take long to iron out." Taking out her
pad, she smiled her most winning smile at Jangh Ho, and
said, "Name, please?"
Jangh Ho hesitated a moment, remembering Jody in
his back seat, and Peter in China. But the opportunity to
embarrass the Americans was too great to ignore. "I am
General Jangh Ho of the People's Republic of China and
this, this oaf has destroyed my diplomatic limousine."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 19 ↑
The tour group led by Chan and Miss Lu, climbed
aboard the tour bus for the trip to their hotel. Miss Lu did
an excellent job pointing out sites of historical interest to the
people in her charge. The running dialogue she maintained
brought oohs and aaahhs from the seniors. Heads snapped
from side to side as the bus passed the National Art Gallery,
the Palace Museum, the Museum of Chinese History, and
Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. Kermit took in the sites with
minimal interest. Peter was foremost in his thoughts. Caine
saw, and felt, nothing. His slight connection with Peter was
once again gone. Too many past experiences told him that
Peter was unconscious. Nightmare episodes played in his
head of previous occasions where he was forced to wait to see
if his only child would survive. Caine knew only too well that
one day Peter's luck, and his, would run out.
The announcement of Tiananmen Square brought
Caine out of his lethargy. His mind traced back to the tragic
events of June 4, 1989. He had watched the horror alone. At
the time, Peter was only a memory, a name on a grave so many
miles away. Kwai Chang Caine recalled thinking that the
young man facing down the tank, was about the same age that
Peter would have been, had he lived.
Kermit turned to face his friend as Caine started to
speak, "I was born here. Not in Beijing, or Peking as it was
known then, but in Zhengzhou near the Shaolin temple. My
father and I fled when the Communists overran the territory.
I had hoped to tour this country with Peter. It is so vast that
it would take either many trips or many months to see all that
it has to offer. T..There is so much of my life that I have not
shared with my son." Caine stopped speaking and looked out
the window again.
The ex-mercenary stared in disbelief at the Shaolin.
Caine rarely revealed anything about himself. Kermit wondered
where this monologue was headed. Caine turned once more and
looked through the ever-present sunglasses straight into Kermit's
soul. Speaking once again, he said, "I pray that I still have time
to share such things with Peter. You should do likewise with
your son, before there is no more time."
***************************************
The PRC officers that were loyal to Jangh Ho were
very worried. They knew Wo Pak had a well-deserved reputation
for violence, and they had witnessed the murder of the delivery
personnel. The search for the misdirected crate had led the group
back to the Beijing airport. Snatching the entrance papers from
a confused guard, the man in charge discovered that the rest of
the shipment had been sent to the Palace Museum storeroom
in Beijing. The ride from the airport to the museum was made
in uncomfortable silence as each man wondered if the crate
was still intact.
Arriving at the museum, the PRC officers were met
with little enthusiasm.
"We've already told the other group everything we know.
Now let us get back to work."
The lieutenant in charge barely managed to control his
surprise. He snapped, "Not until you tell us the full story."
Throwing down his broom, the worker said, "Fine, I
get paid no matter what I'm doing. Like I told the first group,
we got here this morning and the mummy was gone. There
wasn't any sign of a break-in but the stupid thing's still gone."
Glancing at his subordinates, the lieutenant demanded,
"Show us."
Grumbling under his breath the worker led Wo Pak's
men to the empty coffin, "We cut the damn chain last night
with the bolt cutters, then called it a day before opening the
coffin. I suppose it's possible that the mummy was never in
there."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because the other policemen found something that
they didn't show us."
Dismissing the worker, the lieutenant carefully checked
the coffin. "Shit. They found the oxygen tanks so the local
police now know someone was inside this crate. Damn! We'll
have to search the streets. The prisoner would not have stayed
in the museum. He may be American, but he's not stupid."
"And what are we looking for exactly?" The sneer in
the voice was obvious.
"An American male with no papers."
"You want us to stop and check papers on every
American man we see. Are you nuts? Do you have any idea
how many Occidental tourists are in Beijing right now?"
"Not male tourists traveling alone. Most American
males are dragged here by wives or girlfriends wanting to see
the romantic China. If the guy is smart, he'll head toward the
tourist centers because he'll blend in. We'll split up and make
this a routine check."
Moving quickly out of the museum, the lackeys began
a systematic search for their missing prisoner. They soon
found that the lieutenant was correct, lone American men were
few in number and the ones they checked were not truly alone.
Their papers showed that most had a traveling companion.
Grumbling that it would really be helpful if they knew
what their quarry looked like, the lieutenant's party stopped
yet another lone man.
The balding American man handed his papers to the
PRC officials then braved a comment, "Officers, I believe
that the man you're looking for has been picked up already."
"Indeed." Wo Pak's lieutenant studied the papers carefully,
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, some friends of mine were over near the People's
Monument and heard that an injured American man with no
papers had been picked up by the police."
****************************************
Kermit paced the length of the hotel room while Caine
meditated. They'd been like that for over two hours. Murphy
had received a phone call that had sent him flying out of the
room, Chan close on his heels. Emotionally Kermit wanted
nothing more than to leave in search of his friend. Mercenary
instincts kicked in to overrule his heart. Experience told him
that searching blindly for Peter would get them all killed, but
waiting had never been his strong suit.
Caine startled Kermit by rising suddenly to stand before
the door. Kermit's stomach dropped as Chan entered the room,
alone. "Where's Murphy?"
"Gone under. Peter's bad luck has held. He's been picked
up by the Beijing police."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 20 ↑
Peter Caine awakened with a moan. "Where the hell
am I now?" He couldn't focus just yet on his surroundings,
everything was a blur. Trying to sit up was a mistake, the
nausea and dizziness sent him retching over the side of his
bed. "Bed?" he thought. Even in his confused state, a bed
was not what he expected. Gentle hands took hold of his
head and supported him through the waves of dry heaves.
A pretty, young Chinese woman applied a cool compress to
his head as she eased him back onto the pillow. Turning
away from him, she called to an older man across the room,
"Yisheng!"
Peter's confusion worsened as he mumbled, "Doctor?"
"Welcome back, Mr. Caine. Your father and uncle have
been quite concerned. Do not try and speak, just yet."
Ignoring the injunction not to talk, all Peter could manage
out loud was a hoarse, "Where? How long? Pop? Uncle?"
"You are in Beijing's Capital Hospital. You've been
here since you were brought in by the PRC police thirty-six hours
ago. Your father and uncle are dining. It was most difficult to
persuade them to leave."
Peter's attempt to ask what had happened, and what uncle,
changed to a yelp as the nurse suddenly inserted a hypodermic
into his bare buttocks. "Damn," he thought, "Where are my
clothes this time?"
"As I said before, do not try and speak, just yet, Mr. Caine.
The injection will allow you another twelve to fourteen hours
of much needed rest before I allow the police to interview you."
The doctor turned and left.
The gentle hands of the nurse stroked Peter's hair as the
drugs pulled him slowly under. "Do not worry, Mr. Caine, I will
tell your relatives that you have finally regained consciousness."
Peter's last coherent thought was that pretty nurses must be some
sort of requirement for injured detectives.
***********************************************
Kwai Chang Caine felt his son's return to consciousness.
The instincts of the father overcame the training of the priest as
he raced out of the restaurant. Kermit Griffin managed to find the
only English speaking waiter on duty, quickly paid the bill and
returned to the hospital.
The young nurse was speaking earnestly to the distraught
Shaolin, "I'm sorry, sir, until the police have spoken to your son,
no one, other than medical staff, is allowed into his room." The
guard on Peter Caine's door bore silent witness to the truth of
her claim. "But he did wake up for a few moments. The Doctor
sedated him to allow him time to build his strength. He will
sleep for twelve to fourteen more hours. You should go back to
your hotel and rest, sir." With that she took her charts and walked
away.
Kermit place a supportive hand on the older man's drooping
shoulder, "Caine?"
The sound the Shaolin choked back could well have been
a sob, "Kermit, my son awakened and I was not here."
***********************************************
Someone was watching him. Peter was not certain who,
or why, but the gaze was steady, intense, and aware that he was
now feigning sleep. He opened his eyes slowly, and carefully
moved his head, remembering the nausea and dizziness that
had overwhelmed him the last time.
"Good evening, Mr. Caine. My name is Colonel Wei.
I am with what you would call the local police. We must talk."
Peter tried to control, or at least conceal, his fear, "About
what?"
"Let us start with when you entered China?"
"I don't know." Peter grinned inwardly as he realized
he'd told the officer the truth.
Colonel Wei frowned, "You do not know?"
"No, sir, I'm sorry. I have no recollection of entering
China."
Another male voice spoke, "As I told you Colonel Wei.
With a concussion some memory loss is to be expected."
"Mr. Caine, what is the last thing you can recall?"
"Oh, oh," Peter thought, "Now what do I say?"
"Mr. Caine?"
"I apologize, Colonel, the last clear memory I have is
when I left the States."
"You remember nothing of the attack?"
Peter looked genuinely puzzled, "Attack?"
Colonel Wei rose to leave, "It appears that I will get
no more information at this time. I am very sorry, Mr. Caine,
that your visit to my country has started so badly. It is a rare
thing for tourists to be mugged, but to be attacked on your
first day in China, this is the ultimate insult. We will do
everything we can to capture the perpetrators." Turning to
the doctor, he added, "His family may see him now."
******************************************
Wo Pak's lieutenant moved purposely through the
hospital corridors. Following Wo Pak's instructions, he'd
sent his subordinates back to Zhengzhou. Dressed as an
orderly, he blended in with the rest of the staff. The primary
mission had so far been a failure but there was always the
backup plan.
******************************************
Peter Caine's attempt to leap out of bed was a failure.
Gasping, he sank back into the pillow. Kwai Chang Caine
rushed to his side as the doctor said, "Let that be a lesson
to you. Don't over do it."
"You never did say what was wrong with me," Peter
managed through the waves of pain.
"You have a concussion, three broken ribs, and assorted
other contusions and bruises from the mugging. Your father
will be allowed to stay for a short time, then you must rest."
The doctor left, smiling as Caine reached out to grasp his son's
hand.
Peter quickly pulled his father into a tight embrace.
"Oh, Pop, I..I thought I'd never see you again."
Kwai Chang Caine buried his face in his son's dark
hair. When he finally pulled back, Peter was stunned to see
tear stains lining his father's cheeks. "Pop?"
"I, too, feared I would never see you again, my son."
Stroking Peter's hair, Caine continued, "Returning to China,
has made me realize that there is much of my life that I have
not shared with you. When we are safely home, we will talk."
"OK, Pop. That sounds like a plan." Peter paused for
a moment, "Uh, Pop, what 'uncle'?"
Grinning Caine replied, "You do not remember? Your
Uncle Kermit accompanied us on this tour."
Choking back a laugh, Peter said, "Oh! Where is dear
old Uncle Kermit?"
******************************************
Kermit had been stopped at the door by Colonel Wei.
"Mr. Griffin, may I have a moment of your time?"
"Yes, Colonel?" Kermit nodded as Caine disappeared
into his son's room.
"Mr. Griffin, May I suggest that you get your 'nephew'
out of China as soon as possible? Jangh Ho will return in the
next twenty four hours, and I cannot guarantee the boy's safety."
Kermit removed his glasses, "And what of Jangh Ho?"
"He will have much explaining to do concerning a
certain dragon statue that went to his private estate rather than
the museum. However, the presence of your 'nephew' in Beijing
could prove detrimental to the case."
"Thank you, Colonel. We'll take the kid home on the
first available flight."
"Excellent, but do not thank me yet. You are still in
China."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 21 ↑
Most of the 101 st watched dejected as Jangh Ho's
private jet taxied down the runway. They'd used every tactic
they could think of to detain the man but in the end the General's
diplomatic status had been too much to overcome.
Karen Simms broke the silence, "You held him here
longer than I thought you'd be able to."
Watching the jet disappear into the clouds, Jody looked
at her commander, "Thanks, Captain, but was it long enough?"
Blake wandered up. "Oh, they've already gone?"
Simms eyed him suspiciously, "Yes... Where have you
been?"
"Me, Captain? I, uh, got a little lost. This airport's
bigger than I remembered."
**********************************************
Caine stood silently with crossed arms looking at his
protesting son. Kermit simply leaned on the back of a high-back
wheelchair and grinned.
"Look, nurse, I do not, repeat not, need a wheelchair.
I'll be riding in a car on the way to the airport. The walk to
the lobby will do me...." Peter's voice trailed off as he saw his
father's face. "Eh, Pop?"
"Get in the chair, Peter."
"But..."
"We can always remain here."
Glaring at his father, Peter snapped "I thought we had
a plane to catch."
Regarding his son with hidden amusement at the display
of bad temper, the Shaolin replied "There are other planes."
Seeing no support coming from Kermit, Peter gave up
the struggle and carefully positioned himself in the chair, ignoring
the waves of dizziness. The nurse leaned forward and snapped the
safety strap into position.
"What the hell! I do not need a,a,a seat belt!" Peter
fumed in indignation as he realized the strap connected just
out of his reach.
"Sorry, sir, regulations. You are recovering from a
bad concussion. The hospital does not want to take a chance
that you will get dizzy and fall out."
"Dammit, I am not four years old!"
Caine sighed, "Peter, my son, perhaps if you were to
stop acting as if you were four?"
From his position behind Peter, Kermit did not even
try to control his grin as he watched the younger man's face
go crimson.
"I'm sorry, Father."
Caine acknowledged the apology with a slight bow
and held the door open. Kermit laughed and proceeded to
wheel a moderately subdued Peter Caine toward the elevator.
***********************************************
The private jet streaked westward. Jangh Ho reared
back in his seat and nursed his drink. The clowns that were
called police in the United States had bumbled their way
through the investigation of his accident. The morons had
not realized that diplomatic immunity as well as privilege
extended to all diplomats, not just the Ambassador. It had
taken a phone call to the Washington Embassy to convince
the locals that he could not be detained. His irritation over
the departure delay faded as the jet pursued its homeward path.
Chiang Sun approached the General with a wide variety
of paperwork.
"What is this?"
"I am sorry, General, but you have been very difficult
to find of late. As your secretary, I try to keep the paperwork
to a minimum but there are a few items that need your signature
before we reach home."
Scowling, Jangh Ho began signing what was placed in
front of him. He, therefore, did not immediately notice when
Que Shue moved to reluctantly stand before him.
"Sir?"
"What!?"
Gulping, Que Shue hesitated briefly before replying,
"Sir, the satellite phone is dead. This means we do not have a
secure line to Zhengzhou."
Jangh Ho glared at his chief of security, "Can it be
repaired?"
"It does not appear so."
"Then you have been unable to reach Wo Pak?"
"That is correct. Wo Pak left an urgent message for
me to contact him but I have been unable to get a secure line
anywhere."
Jangh Ho returned to signing the papers, "For his sake,
Peter Caine had better be a prisoner at my home."
************************************************
"Whoa! Is it me or is this elevator moving really fast?"
Peter joked to avoid admitting that the dizziness was growing
steadily worse.
Caine placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder,
"Peter?"
Forcing a smile, Peter replied, "Guess I need to be
grateful for the seat belt after all. I think I'm tilting a little."
Upon exiting the elevator, the trio heard the loudspeaker
paging Kermit to the white courtesy phone.
"Caine, will you two be ok?"
"We will be fine."
Kermit disappeared into the bowels of the hospital
in search of a white phone.
Kwai Chang Caine studied Peter carefully, taking note
of his son's pale, sweating features. He automatically reached
for his pouch, only to remember that it had been confiscated
at customs. Peter's reappearance so soon after their arrival in
Beijing, had prevented him from stockpiling another. Concern
for his son written on his features, Caine gently touched Peter's
cheek, "My son, I must get the doctor. If only Kermit ...."
Looking around, he spotted an orderly. "Orderly?"
The thin man approached the foreign pair, "Sir?"
"Will you please find Dr. Wang for me?"
"I'm sorry, sir, I'm new here. I do not know Dr. Wang."
"Could you have him paged?"
"Sir?"
Choking back his irritation, Caine said, "Would you
please stay with my son, while I have the doctor paged?"
"Of course, sir."
Caine knelt beside Peter, "My son, I am going to find
the doctor. I will only be gone a moment." Peter did not respond.
Another orderly watched with increasing interest as Caine
disappeared around the corner. Approaching the first man, he said,
"This guy looks really bad. You'd better take him to emergency."
"Where's that?"
"Never mind, I'll take him." The newcomer deftly took
control of the wheelchair and quickly moved Peter back into the
elevator.
Peter roused enough to protest, "Hey, wait a minute."
Caine and Kermit met in the hallway, and exchanged
looks of horror as the elevator doors closed.
The two men took quick note of the direction that the
elevator was going as they sprinted for the stairwell. Kermit
was dismayed to discover that the hospital had multiple parking
levels. He chose to follow the Shaolin, trusting that the older
man's instincts would take them to Peter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 22 ↑
The dizziness was growing worse and to Peter's dismay
the nausea had returned. He struggled to reach the buckle to
the safety strap but to no avail. His consciousness began to fade
as the chair was rushed across the cement floor. Closing his eyes
in a desperate bid not to pass out, Peter took a firm grip on the
arms of the chair and waited for the ride to end.
The lieutenant raced toward his car. If he managed to
get Peter Caine into the car and out of Beijing, Wo Pak would be
pleased. The original mission would have been salvaged and
he was sure to be promoted. His confidence level increased as
he got closer to his vehicle. The man in the chair was limp and
loading him into the car would be simple enough. He positioned
the chair near the passenger door and stooped to undo the buckle.
Peter managed to keep himself from tensing as the chair
came to a stop. The relaxing of the safety strap was his cue to
make a break for it. Slamming the wheelchair as hard as he
could into his would-be kidnapper, Peter pushed himself upright
and attempted to run.
Leaping to his feet, the furious lieutenant lunged after
Peter. His flying tackle brought the young man down just as
Caine and Kermit exited the stairwell.
"Don't move, asshole!"
"Release my son!"
Instead of complying with either command, Wo Pak's
flunky fell back to Plan B and put a very large knife to Peter
Caine's throat. Kwai Chang Caine placed a firm hand on
Kermit's arm and successfully stopped the ex-mercenary's
forward motion. He had seen what Kermit had not, the
knife at Peter's throat was drawing blood.
"Watch him die now!"
Caine and Kermit watched in helpless horror as Peter's
head was jerked backwards. A muffled cough echoed through the
garage, then the man's hand twitched once and the knife clanged
to the floor. Peter collapsed in one direction. The lieutenant fell
in the other.
Chan returned his sidearm to its holster as Caine raced
to his son's side. Kneeling beside Peter, he closed his eyes in
thanksgiving for the life of his child, and in sorrow for the loss
of a soul.
Kermit just shook his head, "Chan, I might have known.
I thought the echo was in the damn courtesy phone."
"Well, I did tell you I'd meet you down here. I just
didn't think you'd bring company."
Caine steadied Peter as he got to his feet, a silken
handkerchief halting the bleeding from a small wound on Peter's
throat. He leaned heavily into his father. Kermit moved forward
and pulled Peter's free arm over his shoulder. Chan opened the
door to his car, reached in and pulled out Caine's pouch. Walking
swiftly over to the three men, he handed the pouch to Caine,
saying, "Rescued this in Customs. Thought you might need it."
The familiar voice caused Peter to try and focus on the
speaker, "Chan?"
"That's right, bro."
"You sorry ..."
"Whoa, kid, this is gonna be hard to swallow, but Chan
over there is one of the good guys."
Peter looked dazedly at Kermit, then moaned, "Great,
next you'll be telling me Xia has been voted Miss Congeniality.
YUCK! POP!"
Kermit laughed loudly as Caine took the opportunity
to shove an herb mixture into Peter's mouth.
Chan's face lost its grin as he said, "We'll have to leave
the body. Please, everyone get in. Your jet must leave as soon
as possible.
***********************************************
The jet landed slightly early in Beijing. Jangh Ho and
party exited quickly. Wo Pak waited nervously at the gate.
"Well?" The single word question from Jangh Ho
sent a chill down Wo Pak's spine.
"I..I am sorry, Master. I have failed you. Peter Caine
is not our prisoner any longer."
Wo Pak never saw the blow that knocked him to the
ground. Jangh Ho snarled, "Feel fortunate that I choose not
to take your life, just yet. What happened?"
Rising, but keeping his eyes cast downwards, Wo Pak
replied, "The wrong crate was delivered to Zhengzhou. My
men traced the correct one to the Palace Museum. The man
had escaped. No one can say how. "
"I assume you are still searching for him."
"Not exactly, Master, he was mugged and...."
"Mugged?!"
"Yes, Master, and the local authorities took him to
the hospital. One more thing, sir, his father and uncle have
joined him at the hospital."
"Is he being watched?"
"Sir, my lieutenant has orders to grab him if possible.
If it looks like he will escape, then my orders were to kill him."
Jangh Ho eyed his nervous subordinate closely. "If
all goes well, I may, just may, allow you to live." The general
then turned and walked toward the airport terminal.
Wo Pak followed behind the remainder of the general's
party, wondering what constituted 'going well'.
******************************************
The Caines, Kermit and Chan arrived at Beijing airport
without further incident. Kermit steadied Peter as he climbed
from the car. Chan did not get out.
Surprised, Kermit said, "You're not coming with us?"
"Can't. Your paperwork's been handled and a private
jet is waiting. Uncle Kermit summoned it in case you need to
know. I have a group of real tourists to protect. Your rapid
departure will cast a cloud over their tour and I must make sure
that no harm befalls them. Good Luck." Chan motioned the
driver to leave.
Kermit stared after the car for a moment, then said to
no one in particular, "I'm really starting to like that little shit."
Entering the terminal building, Caine skillfully maneuvered
Peter into a chair while Kermit took the passports to the counter.
"Pop?"
"Yes, my son?"
"Just once I'd like to come to China the right way and
actually get to see something while I'm here. I mean, I've been
here twice and still haven't seen the Great Wall."
Caine laughed, "Perhaps we can arrange that at some
future date."
Kermit returned with the paperwork. "Chan was right.
Everything's been taken care of. The private planes are through
gate A. I'd suggest getting a move on. Peter's track record with
bad guys seems to be holding its own, even in China."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 23 ↑
Giving Kermit a dirty look as he struggled up from his
seat, Peter groaned, "Come on, Pop. Some people seem to be
in a hurry."
Caine placed a steadying hand under his son's elbow,
saving Peter from a fall. He surveyed the boy's condition as
they walked slowly down the corridor, following the 'private
terminal' arrows. If possible, Peter was even more pale than he
had been in the hospital. The sweating had stopped but Caine
did not believe this to be a good sign. He mentally reviewed the
amount of fluids his son had consumed in the last twelve hours.
"Kermit, I need hot water. I must make tea for Peter."
"Pop, I really don't think ...."
"Peter, please. You are feverish, dizzy and becoming
dehydrated. If we did not need to leave China, I would not have
let you leave the hospital."
"Pop, all kidding aside, Kermit's right. If that man,..."
Peter could not bring himself to say the general's name, "returns
before we take off, we may all be arrested."
"Peter ..."
"Caine, I'm sorry, but I have to vote with Peter. We've
got a long flight, and according to the paperwork, the jet's been
serviced fully. That means there will be water, and food, on board."
The Shaolin reluctantly nodded his acquiescence, and
tightened his grip on Peter's arm.
Peter placed his hand on top of Caine's and gave it a
gentle squeeze. "It's OK, Pop. I'll be fine once we take off."
He did not speak of his very real fear that something would
go wrong. He did not have to. That fear was predominate in
the thoughts of all three men.
Fate, destiny, and the gods did not appear to be smiling
on the American trio. They entered the private terminal through
the northern door. Simultaneously, Jangh Ho and party entered
through the southern door. Time stopped for both groups.
"Oh, shit." Kermit reached automatically for a non-existent
Desert Eagle.
"I'm thinking running is not an option." Peter was pleased
to note that the fear he felt did not betray itself in his voice.
Kwai Chang Caine moved defensively in front of his
injured son.
"Pop, I'm sorry. Maybe if you and Kermit move away
from me, the asshole over there will ignore you."
"Peter, you can be such a dumb little self-sacrificing ...",
Kermit paused to organize his thoughts, "Your father and I did
not come all the way to China just to watch you die. At least,
not alone. "
"Kermit, I can't let you ...."
"Can't stop me, kid. Just think of us as a modern version
of the Three Musketeers."
"From where I'm leaning," Peter replied grimly, "we're
looking more like the Three Stooges." A sharp glance from his
father brought out, "Uh, sorry, Pop."
Caine sighed, "Peter, you are very ill, otherwise you would
not be so defeatist. There is always hope. After all, we are not,
as you would say, dead yet."
"OK, Pop. You and Kermit win. What's the plan?"
"I do not have a plan, but ..." Caine nodded toward
Jangh Ho.
Kermit allowed his vision to move in the direction Caine
indicated. "Well, well, well, I hope this is a good thing."
Peter struggled to focus his blurred eyesight. "What?"
Kermit patted his arm, "Just hang loose, kid. This could
go either way."
General Jangh Ho stalked straight through the private
terminal, completely ignoring the security personnel, his only
objective to get to Peter Caine. His feral grin widened the closer
he came to the young American as he realized that Kwai Chang
Caine was also within his reach. He did not know who the third
man was but as far as he was concerned, any friend of the Caines
might just as well die with them.
"Sir, Sir!"
Turning abruptly, Jangh Ho snapped, "What!"
"I'm sorry, sir. You and your party will have to step
over here."
"I am General Jangh Ho of the Diplomatic Corp. I do
not go through security or customs checks."
A voice came from behind him, "You do today."
Whirling, Jangh Ho saw that his group was surrounded
by armed PRC guards. Furious, he turned toward the speaker,
and froze, "Colonel Wei! What is the meaning of this?"
"You and your staff are under arrest, General."
Anger swept over Jangh Ho's face. "On what charge?"
"Let us start with the theft of museum artifacts and
possibly treason."
Too outraged to think straight, the General pointed a
shaky finger at Peter Caine. "This, this man is in this country
illegally. He does not have papers."
"General, you must be mistaken. I have seen the record
of his entrance into Beijing. These men are simply tourists forced
to cut short their tour due to an unfortunate incident."
"What incident?" asked the General, weakly.
"Ah, the youngest member was tragically mugged his
first day in Beijing and is physically unable now to continue
with an extended stay in China." Colonel Wei inclined his head
toward the departure gate as he spoke. "Now, General, I require
your presence down at headquarters."
Kermit grabbed Peter's left arm while Caine took a
firm hold of his right. Propelling Peter forward as rapidly as
possible, Kermit said "Gentlemen, I strongly suggest we get
the heck outta here." The ex-mercenary made sure that Caine
had Peter moving toward the gate, and slid in, protectively,
behind the two men.
To Caine's dismay, Peter pulled him to a halt directly
in front of the still protesting General. Kermit shook his head
in a combination of amusement and annoyance as Peter met
Jangh Ho's eyes and said, "I feel I must tell you ...."
Caine interrupted, "Peter!"
Peter Caine grinned mischievously at his father for a
moment then turned his attention toward Colonel Wei, "As I
was saying, Colonel, I cannot tell you how sorry I am to be
leaving your beautiful country so soon."
Colonel Wei nodded, "I do hope, Mr. Caine, that your
next visit with us is not, shall we say, as eventful. I believe there
is a saying in your country, 'Third times the charm'." Bowing to
the three men, he added, "Master Caine, Detectives, Have a safe
and pleasant flight."
Peter stared stunned as the Colonel led his prisoners
away, "Do you suppose .. Naw, he couldn't possibly... but it sure
sounded like ..."
Caine interrupted Peter's monologue, "My son, all is
not as it seems. Now will you walk to our jet or must I carry
you?"
"I'm walking, I'm walking." Peter swayed slightly and
Caine tightened his hold on his son once more. Kermit took
hold of Peter's free arm as he climbed the steps into the jet,
releasing his grip only when Peter was safely in a seat. Ten
minutes later the jet taxied down the runway. Twenty minutes
later, they were safely out of Chinese airspace and Peter Caine
was asleep.
Kwai Chang Caine watched his son sleep. Kermit leaned
back and contemplated Peter's luck. He started to laugh quietly.
"Kermit?" Caine turned his eyes toward the ex-mercenary.
"I'm sorry, Caine. I was just thinking that Captain Simms
gave Peter the liaison assignment to give him a break. Only Peter
could turn it into a life or death situation."
Kwai Chang Caine stared at his friend for a moment before
he too started to laugh. Peter merely snored peacefully as the
jet made its way eastward.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
part - 24 ↑
Over Peter Caine's vocal protest, he was whisked away
by ambulance to the hospital upon arrival home. A week's stay
was all he, or the hospital staff could endure.
Matthew and Kwai Chang Caine alternating hospital-sitting
Peter. It was a draw at the end of the week as to who was more
tired, Matthew or Kwai Chang. Caine's only thought was that
Peter was still a bad patient. Matthew, on the other hand, was
amazed at how much Peter was like his father.
Kermit Griffin entered Peter's room, "You still here?"
"Not for long," came the reply. Peter was packing the
last of his belongings into a sports bag, "Thanks for volunteering
to drive me, I mean, us home.
"Anyone interested in a certain Chinese General's fate
or should I say, destiny?"
Three sets of eyes turned toward the man. "I take it
that's a yes. Well, our General Jangh Ho was sentenced to
fifty years hard labor in some sort of mine. Odd, I'm not even
sure what he was convicted of. Que Shue and Wo Pak got
thirty year sentences at hard labor camps. The rest of Jangh
Ho's flunkies got between ten and twenty years at hard labor.
Looks like you'll be old and gray, kid, before they bother you
again."
Peter grinned with satisfaction, "Good. I vote we go
home."
As the older men followed the younger out the door,
Kermit took Caine by the arm. "I've been meaning to ask you
something, Caine."
"Yes?"
"Back in Beijing, you told Peter that 'all was not as
it seemed". What did you mean?"
"Ah, my son was too ill or he would have noticed, I am
sure. Colonel Wei had on long sleeves but I managed to catch
sight of brands. I find that very interesting."
"Oh, Yeah!"
*******************************************
Entering his apartment, Peter said, "God, I hope there's
beer in the refrigerator."
Climbing the steps into his kitchen, Peter heard his
Grandfather behind him, "Uh, Peter, we must talk."
"About what, Gr...." Peter's voice trailed off as he
caught sight of the wall above his phone. Names and numbers
were scattered in a random pattern covering at least two square
feet. "What the ....?"
Kwai Chang Caine watched in amusement as his
elderly father rapidly explained the circumstances surrounding
the writing. "Odd," Caine thought, "Father speaks as quickly
as Peter when he's nervous."
Peter stared in disbelief at Matthew Caine. He would
have stopped the flow of words but couldn't figure out how to
interrupt without being disrespectful. His opening came, only
to be thwarted by his ringing telephone.
Answering it, Peter said, "Yes? Oh, great, I've been
looking for that! Wait just a minute." He reached into his
drawer and removed his electronic phone book. The batteries
were dead. He glared at it for a moment, glanced briefly at his
father and grandfather, and tossed the small device into the
trash. Grabbing a pencil, he positioned it in an open spot on
the wall, and said, "OK, go ahead, give me the number."
The End