Bodie and Brand 2

by Neil Hunter

  When Jasmine turned she found herself looking at a tall, lean Chinese. His black hair was brushed straight back from his face. He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at her with quiet interest. His eyes moved from her to Dugan and his partner. He was standing just inside the half-open doors of the warehouse. He was dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. A black tunic and trousers. Soft-soled black shoes on his feet.

  He was Kwai Fu Tung – a San Francisco Tong Master.

  ‘Escort the young lady inside, Mr. Dugan. I have things to discuss with her. Business matters of importance.’

  Jasmine for some inexplicable reason felt she had nothing to fear from this man – for the moment at least.

  ‘I doubt there is anything to discuss between us,’ she said.

  Dugan nudged her and she walked inside the warehouse, following the Chinese. Behind her the big doors closed with a solid thud. The interior was packed with crates and bales. Stacks of wooden casks. It held a hot, musty smell.

  Tung paused, turned, smiling benignly. ‘On the contrary, Miss Soong, there is definitely much to discuss. In the main the negotiations that will determine when – or if – you are returned to your father.’

  With that declaration Jasmine was forced to revise her earlier thought – that she was safe in this man’s hands. She realized he wanted something from her. At that moment she had no idea what he wanted. She also realized she would soon find out. Whatever is was there would be nothing pleasant about it. Jasmine did not have to think too hard to understand the reasons would involved her father. He was wealthy. Had many important connections. Knew extremely influential people both here in San Francisco and New York.

  And there was something in the way Tung looked at her – as if she was little more than a piece of merchandise. The smile on his face was a shadow to cover the thoughts in his mind. Jasmine decided those thoughts would be directed towards her. At that moment she fervently wished she was back home in New York and in that same moment she wondered if she would ever see it again…

  Chapter Two

  SAN FRANCISCO – CALIFORNIA

  Bodie found he was not overly fond of the city. It was too busy. Too noisy. He had never seen so many people in one place at the same time. He stood on the sidewalk, outside the hotel Lawyer Bainbridge had booked for him and watched the constant flow of people. He counted at least a half dozen nationalities in as many seconds. The same with the speech he picked up. Bodie thought of the wide, empty spaces of the western landscape. There a man could go for days and not see a soul. The streets of Tombstone, or Laramie, were practically deserted compared to the jostling crowds here.

  Over the rooftops of the buildings opposite he could see the masts of the tall ships anchored in the bay. Since his arrival the evening before Bodie had not had a chance to look the city over. The long, seemingly endless rail trip had left him weary, and he had gone directly to the hotel, and gone to bed. When he woke he took a long soak – the room had its own bathroom, with water on tap – and admitted he felt better after that. A shave, then down to eat a cooked breakfast and drink a number of cups of rich coffee.

  He checked the oak-cased clock on the dining room wall. A half-hour before his arranged meeting with Henry Lee. Lee had been retained to assist Bodie in his search for the missing girl. From the information provided Lee was employed by Chin Yi Soong in the West Coast division of his business. One of many employees. The young man, Bodie had been informed, was smart and to be fully trusted. He figured he would make up his own mind on that score.

  Bodie took a seat in one of the upholstered chairs spread around the lobby. He sat facing the door, studying the flow of guests. They all suggested money to him. The men were dressed in expensive suits and the women wore dresses he decided were in fashion, whatever that implied.

  It reminded him of his own attire…

  ~*~

  …before he had left Laramie, Ruby had insisted he attend a tailor in the town. She took no prisoners, having him outfitted in a dark two-piece suit and a white shirt and string tie.

  ‘After all,’ she said, ‘you can’t stroll around San Francisco like an out of work trail hand.’

  ‘Never had problems before.’

  ‘You have never been to San Francisco and stayed in one of the most expensive hotels before. Now stop grumbling and let the nice man measure you up.’

  When he was finally dressed in his new duds, standing in front of a full-length mirror, Bodie had to admit she had not been wrong. He caught a glimpse of her reflection, a pleased smile on her face, nodding her approval.

  ‘Mr. Bodie, you look positively handsome. Now all we need is to something about those boots,’ she said.

  ‘Hell, no. The boots stay. I can’t wear anything else.’

  A compromise was reached when the tailor suggested he take Bodie’s boots and have them cleaned and polished.

  ‘You won’t recognize them when my man has finished with them.’

  Bodie slipped his boots off and handed them over.

  ‘No tricks,’ he warned. ‘Better be the same boots when they come back.’

  They were but looking better than they had on the day he’d bought them. Cleaned, buffed and polished.

  ‘You see,’ Ruby said. ‘Trust me, Bodie, I won’t let you down. Now we need to go and arrange your tickets for San Francisco.’

  ‘One question. Why hasn’t Soong hired professional help?’

  ‘Like Pinkerton detectives?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘Some years back he did hire them to investigate a problem within his company. There had been thefts from the accounting department. Unfortunately the detectives made errors and the thief got away. Soong took them to court and won his case, but it left him with a mistrust for private detectives.’

  ‘Hell, Ruby, I’m not even a detective – private or otherwise.’

  ‘If Lawyer Bainbridge vouches for you, which he has, and Mr. Soong does, then I believe we’re all happy.’

  ‘I’m beginning to believe Lawyer Bainbridge pulls a lot of strings.’

  ‘Believe it, Bodie. He is a man of great influence. He said to tell you if you have any problems in San Francisco to telegraph him and he’ll help. Make sure you do not forget that.’

  The next day Bodie boarded the train, after a pleasant goodbye to Ruby.

  ‘I just know you’ll find Jasmine.’ Ruby said.

  ‘That’s a lot of faith you’re carrying,’ Bodie said.

  ‘You saved me and brought me down off that mountain,’ she said. ‘I trusted you then. I trust you now.’

  She stayed on the platform until the train was out sight, offering Bodie a final wave...

  ~*~

  …Bodie was in a private Pullman suite that had everything he needed for the long trip. In the leather valise Ruby had made sure he had extra clothing and had reluctantly packed his rolled gun rig and the .45 Peacemaker. As the train picked up speed out of Laramie Bodie sat down and stripped the pistol, cleaned and oiled it before thumbing in fresh cartridges, leaving an empty chamber under the hammer.

  A gentle tap on the paneled door drew his attention. It was the attendant asking if he wanted any refreshments. Bodie ordered fresh coffee.

  ‘We serve lunch at midday, sir.’

  ‘Can you get me a table?’

  The attendant smiled. ‘Already arranged, sir. All your meals have been arranged.’

  That, Bodie figured, would be Ruby. Nothing left to chance. He was missing her already.

  He sat a while later after the coffee had been delivered and stared out the window, watching the landscape speed by.

  He found himself hoping all this wasn’t going to turn out to be a waste of time. If Jasmine Soong had been kidnapped it warranted the question why.

  For ransom?

  Her father was extremely wealthy and would be ready to pay for her return.

  Yet there had not been any demands.

  The other possibility crossed his mind. Kidnapped by a grou
p who wanted her to sell to the highest bidder. Not a pleasant prospect but Bodie had to look at that. If that was the case she might already be out of the country. A captive on a ship taking her…?

  The thought was not one Bodie wanted to consider. But he had to.

  Through the trip Bodie’s mind ran through the permutations. He ate. He slept, and he tried to stay positive…

  ~*~

  Henry Lee showed up on time. He walked into the hotel, picked out Bodie and crossed to greet him.

  Lee was smartly dressed in a light gray suit, cream shirt and a black string tie. A good-looking Chinese in his late twenties, lean and fit looking.

  ‘I hope I have not kept you waiting, Mr. Bodie,’ he said. His English was perfect.

  ‘Right on time. And let’s forget the Mr.. The name’s Bodie.’

  ‘Then I am Henry.’

  Lee had a buff folder in his hands. He handed it to Bodie. Inside were neatly documented details about Jasmine Soong. Even down to studio images of the young woman. Lee watched closely as Bodie read through the details. As well as Jasmine there was information about Chin Yi Soong’s business in San Francisco, his associates and friends.

  Soong ran a very wealthy organization, with numerous businesses in and around the city. From what he read Bodie saw he was respected, dealt fairly, and had no apparent enemies.

  Apparent being the word. With so much wealth it was entirely possible there was discontent somewhere along the line.

  Lee waited patiently while Bodie studied the documents, finally raising his head to look at the young man.

  ‘You put all this together?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Well done, Lee. It must have taken you some time.’

  ‘For Mr. Soong, nothing is too much trouble. I only hope it may be of help.’

  ‘Jasmine doesn’t strike me as the kind of girl to put herself at risk.’

  ‘She is not. Whatever happened to her was not caused because she did something foolish. The day it happened she was simply taking in the sights. Accompanied by a female chaperone. And a guide named Jiang Chi. He was only slightly hurt. But young woman with her is still recovering from being struck down when the kidnapping happened. She is unconscious.’

  ‘This Jiang Chi? He offer any useful information?’

  Lee shook his head and Bodie noticed the worry in his eyes.

  ‘Li claimed he saw nothing that would help.’

  ‘You don’t believe him?’

  ‘I have my doubts. Nothing more.’

  ‘We’ll keep that in mind,’ Bodie said. ‘Now you mentioned the Tong in your report. Any particular reason?’

  ‘How much do you know about them?’

  ‘Not much. Only that they’re a pretty hard bunch. Why don’t you tell me about them.’

  Henry Lee had enough detail to be able to explain how the Tongs had grown to become a powerful criminal organization that dealt in protection rackets. Drugs. Theft. Even murder. They used intimidation to get what they wanted. The Tong was a secretive and dangerous group. Not to be considered lightly. For Bodie the most interesting part was when Lee spoke about the Tong and their involvement in prostitution and human trafficking.

  ‘The Tongs also deal in the buying and selling of young woman. Unfortunately there is a market for such things.’

  ‘Doesn’t the law do anything?’

  ‘The law does what it can, but like all official agencies it is hampered by regulations and the need for public assistance. The police down here in Chinatown will receive no help from the people because of suspicion. Mistrust for the gweilo – foreigners – and there is also the fear of reprisals against them. The Tong can be extremely vindictive against anyone who speaks against them. They have their own lawyers and the contrivance of outsiders who work for the Tong. Mr. Bodie, you will find things difficult.’

  ‘Well I wasn’t expecting a flower parade.’

  ‘What do you need?’

  ‘Anything. A pointer. Somewhere for me to start, and if you’re up to it, a guide.’

  ‘Then we need to go to Chinatown. It is where Jasmine disappeared.’

  ‘Then I’m in your hands, Henry Lee.’

  Before they left the hotel Bodie made a visit to his room where he took his Colt Peacemaker and tucked it behind his belt where it would be covered by his coat. He dropped a handful of extra cartridges into his pocket. The feel of the pistol nestling against his backbone was a comforting sensation. Picking up his hat Bodie returned to the lobby where Henry Lee was waiting.

  ‘You armed?’ Bodie asked.

  ‘No. Should I be?’

  Bodie managed a smile. ‘Just curious. Is all.’

  ‘I have a feeling you will have adequate protection for us both.”

  ‘You got that right.

  Bodie’s precautions served them well. He never went into an unknown situation without being prepared. Finding out things were turning bad was not a time to wish he had anticipated the possibility.

  Chapter Three

  Chinatown bustled with activity. Colorful and noisy, it teemed with crowds of Chinese and a sprinkling of Occidentals. The sounds and the smells were overwhelming. Some pleasant. Others not so. There was no avoiding the feeling of being in totally different world. Street banners, colorful and adorned with Chinese symbols hung from the sides of the buildings and even across the street. Street vendors hawked all kinds if exotic food, the rich aromas drifting back and forth. Bodie’s experience of Chinese culture was limited to the people he had met out west, where they were primarily involved in menial occupations. He would have admitted to having little contact with them. Apart from that contact he saw them as hard working, reclusive people, who kept to their own kind, and appeared to have reserved, polite manners. Here among their own kind they were active and seemed to have a propensity for talking.

  ‘What do you think?’ Lee asked, a slight smile on his face.

  ‘Interesting. Is it always so busy?’

  ‘Well – it is Chinatown.’

  Bodie did notice he was drawing plenty of attention. His tall figure stood out against the smaller statured Chinese. It was hard to figure what they were considering. The indifference in their faces made it hard to read what they might be thinking.

  Lee kept up a steady narration, pointing out various places and keeping Bodie advised of local high spots.

  ‘We heading for anyplace in particular?’ Bodie said.

  ‘There is someone I know. This person has little love for the Tong. In the past he suffered at their hands and he has a need for a way to hit back at them. His name is Li Hung. A clever and resourceful man.’

  ~*~

  ‘You will take tea with me?’ Hung said.

  It was more a made decision rather than a request. Henry Lee had advised Bodie of the need to follow tradition before they arrived at the herb and spice store Li Hung owned. The interior of the cramped space was heavy with the overpowering scents. Bodie had no idea what they were.

  Lee had told Bodie that Hung was an old man who had defied the Tong when they had attempted to coerce him into paying protection money. More than once enforcers had come to his store and the old man had fought against them with a ferocity that drew respect from the Tong Masters. His total defiance of the younger Tong soldiers, allied with his skill using ancient Chinese martial arts that had not been witnessed for many years, had given the Tong cause to step back and leave him alone. The act was something very seldom practiced by the Tong. It was down to respect for Hung’s age and his unflinching defiance of the Tong.

  Bodie had been surprised when he met Li Hung. He had expected an old man, but seeing the small, stooped figure standing in the store he felt he had been misinformed there. Hung, lean and wiry, his brown face lined beneath his cap of still black hair didn’t seem capable of raising a hand to defend himself. From what Lee had told him that was not the case. The old man’s eyes flitted back and forth as he smiled at his guests, dwarfed by Bodie’s towering presence.
/>   ~*~

  At the rear of the store the old man’s living quarters were small but neat. Hung gestured for them to sit at the single table, then moved to a small stove where he prepared tea. It was served in fragile cups Bodie felt sure would break in his hand.

  ‘So, Henry Lee, you have come seek my assistance.’

  ‘Master Hung, I have brought my friend Bodie because he is looking for a young woman we believe has been abducted by…’

  ‘…the Tong,’ the old man finished. ‘I had heard of this. Mr. Bodie, you have a special interest in this person?’

  ‘Her family lives in New York. Her father has business interests there and here in San Francisco. He’s wealthy and has influence. I have been asked to search for the girl. I admit I’m not familiar with the Tongs so I would be grateful for any help you might be able to offer, sir.’

  ‘I find the Tong practice of dealing in the evil of trafficking a most distasteful crime. If that is what this is,’ Hung said. ‘I will try to find out who was involved.’

  ‘I am most grateful, Master Hung,’ Lee said.

  ‘Your help will be gratefully received,’ Bodie added.

  ‘My only connection to the criminal act is the man employed to show Miss Soong around Chinatown,’ Lee said. ‘He is called Jiang Chi.’

  ‘If you return this evening I will hopefully have some information for you. I know of this man.’

  The old man watched Bodie taste the tea, nodding his approval.

  ‘It is to your liking?’

  ‘Good, though not something I’m used to. Coffee would be my preference.’

  ‘Ah yes, your American beverage. Each to his own. And you, Henry Lee. How is your family?’

  ‘They are well, Master Hung.’

  Hung nodded to himself. ‘Then we should proceed with what we have to do,’ he said. ‘I will endeavor to find information for you. In the meantime you may well find a visit to the one called Jiang Chi. When I heard about what happened I asked questions. I have learned Chi has some connection to the Tong. I will seek to find out more.’