Critical Incidents: The ROK - Land of HAN (A Jack Gunn Mystery Thriller Book 1)

by Thomas H. Ward

  “What would you like to drink?”

  “Ted, I’m on duty, so I’ll just have a Coke.”

  “You’re not on duty here. You like JD, right?” He poured me a double shot on the rocks anyway.

  In almost a whisper, I said, “Ted, I am on duty because of the terrorist situation.” I took the drink from his hand and jugged it down in one big gulp, to cut the tension.

  “Oh yeah, I forgot about that. How’s that going?”

  It seemed like he was almost disconnected from what was going on, or he was drunk. I closely observed him. Yeah, he was drunk.

  “It’s going ok, so far. But I’ll have to leave here early because something is going down tonight.”

  “Oh, what’s going on?”

  “Ted, you really don’t want to know right now. I’ll tell you later.”

  Ted smiled and nodded that he understood. “Ok, fine. What do you think of the security here?”

  “Based on what I’ve seen, it’s first class. Are those windows bulletproof?”

  “Yes, and if you push that red button, steel shutters open up covering the windows,” as he pointed to it on the wall near the bar.

  “Is there another exit?”

  “Yes, he pointed to a door on the far wall, near the kitchen.”

  I checked it out. It was a steel door that opened out to a stairway. It seemed very secure with double dead-bolts. There was also a camera showing the staircase. “Everything looks great,” I told him.

  “I’m glad you approve. Now, we have a surprise for you.”

  “I don’t like surprises, Ted.” I had no idea what he had planned.

  “You’ll like this surprise.” Ted yelled, “Keiko, bring out the surprise!”

  The door to the kitchen opened, and out walked Keiko. Behind her was Midori, the little Japanese woman who was Keiko’s trusted friend, from Tokyo. I was surprised and speechless at first.

  Keiko came over and gave me a peck on the cheek. “Jack-san, it’s nice to see you.”

  “Keiko, it’s great to see you also.” Keiko stepped aside to let Midori move in close to me.

  I was staring at Midori the whole time, who looked absolutely gorgeous. She was wearing a short sparkling black dress with red spiked high heels, the kind with straps around the ankles. The dress fit tightly around her small but great figure. Her dyed blond hair was longer than last time I saw her, and hung straight down.

  Without saying a word, while just smiling, Midori approached me and stood on her tip toes for me to kiss her. I bent over, she pulled me in, and planted a hard one on my lips.

  “Jack-san, I missed you so much,” she told me.

  I didn’t know what to say. “Midori, it’s so great to see you. I missed you also.” She grabbed onto my arm, holding it tight, like a vice.

  Keiko said, “One more surprise, Jack-san.” She looked at me and then at the kitchen door. “Papa-san come here and meet secret agent, Jack.”

  The kitchen door slowly swung open and out walked Keiko’s father. He was a large man, for a Japanese, standing as tall as me. His hair was almost white in color. On his face he wore a short extended goatee, which was laced with black and white hair, making him distinguished looking, with a typical gangster appearance. He seemed to be physically in great shape. I guessed him to be in his late fifties or early sixties.

  He wore a dark blue suit with a red tie. His shoes looked shiny, like patent leather. You could tell he was a man of authority and power.

  He stepped up to me and stopped about two feet away, and bowed. I likewise bowed. He said, “Domo Arigatō gozaimashita (Thank you, Sir.)”

  “Dōitashimashite. (You are welcome.)”

  With both hands, he held out his name card. I took it using both hands and then handed my card to him. We both bowed again, showing respect. I took a quick glance at the card, it was in gold-leaf. His name, printed in black ink, simply read “KAMATA,” with a phone number at the bottom. There was no title, company name, or address. We did not shake hands, which is customary for older Japanese who just use the bow as a greeting.

  The conversation turned to English. “Jack-san, I wanted to meet you. Thank you for protecting my daughter and Midori. I’ll never forget that.” Kamata’s English was perfect.

  “Kamata-san, you don’t owe me anything. It was my honor and duty to protect Keiko and Midori.”

  “Ted-san tells me you are the Chief of Embassy Security. He advised me you are a very excellent warrior with many years of experience and training.”

  Keiko said, “Why don’t we sit down and talk?”

  We all took seats on a big black leather couch. Midori sat next to me and again grabbed hold of my arm. Kamata sat in a big plush leather chair facing me.

  I glanced at Ted, and then looked at Kamata. “Yes, Ted is correct. I have a lot of experience in security.”

  “I see, Jack-san. That is very interesting to me.”

  “Why is that interesting, Kamata-san?” I really didn’t like the idea that Ted had told him anything about me.

  Ted interrupted and asked everyone what they would like to drink. I told Ted to make mine a coke.

  Kamata asked, “You don’t drink?”

  “I drink, but not when I’m on duty.”

  “Are you on duty now?”

  “I am always on duty.”

  Kamata scratched his bearded chin. “You asked, why I am interested in your background.”

  “Yes, why is that? I’d just like to know.” My voice must have had a defensive tone to it.

  Smiling, Kamata commented, “Don’t be so serious, Jack-san. We are friends here.”

  “Yes Jack-san, please relax,” Keiko said. “Father likes you.”

  “You seem to be a loyal honorable man who knows his duty,” Kamata said.

  “Thank you, Kamata-san. I didn’t mean to be rude. Sometimes, I am to blunt.”

  Kamata replied, “I like being blunt, when necessary. Let me be blunt now.”

  “Ok, please do so, Kamata-san.”

  “I know you are good friends with Ted, so he probably told you what I do.”

  I didn’t want to lie to him. “Yes, he told me you’re the Boss for the Inagawa Yakuza Clan.”

  He leaned forward in his chair and glared into my eyes. “What do you think about that?”

  The room became very quiet, everyone stopped talking and stared at me. Peering back into Kamata’s eyes, I said, “What you do is none of my business.”

  “That is a good answer,” Kamata replied, with a smile. “Perhaps you can help me and I can help to you.”

  “How can I help you?”

  Kamata pulled out a pack of smokes. “Do you smoke?”

  “Yes, I smoke too much.”

  “Please indulge me. Let’s go outside, on the balcony, for a cigarette and we can talk in private,” Kamata said, as he glanced at Ted as if to say, do not follow us.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  AN OFFER I COULD NOT REFUSE

  Kamata slid open the balcony glass door and we stepped out into the hot muggy August night. The moon was full and the sky was clear. You couldn’t see any stars, however, because of the millions of lights glowing in Seoul. He offered me a Japanese smoke and we lit up.

  After taking a puff, he asked, “How well do you speak Japanese?”

  “Not well enough. I know enough to get around but can’t really carry on a complicated conversation.”

  “Do you like Japan?”

  “Yes, I do. I’ve studied Japanese history. I like the customs and culture.”

  We both took off our suit jackets because it was so muggy. I was sweating my ass off. Kamata saw my guns and Black Bear fighting knife on my hip. Changing the subject, he asked, “Do you always carry those weapons?”

  “Yes, always.”

  “May I see your knife?”

  Pulling it out of the sheath, I passed it to him, handle first. “Be careful, it’s sharp as a razor.”

  Kamata studied it very closely, like he was
an expert. “Who makes this knife?”

  “It’s made by Cold Steel in the United States.”

  “I see it is double edged. Very nice, but there is no hamon.”

  “That’s right, there is no heat treat temper line in the metal. These blades are made differently than Japanese knifes or swords. They’re made from one piece of metal, out of a special alloy. Cold Steel guarantees it will never break or crack. Some of the Special Forces use this knife.”

  “So, do you know about Japanese Samurai Swords?”

  “I studied them a little. I know that Masamune-san was Japan’s greatest swordsmith in 1300 AD and perhaps of all time.”

  “Sore wa hontō desu ( That is true). I collect Samurai swords and own one Masamune sword.”

  “I have never seen one in person, but would like to.”

  While making small talk, I was trying to figure out what he was up to. He was typical Japanese, approaching a subject indirectly. Feeling you out, testing your knowledge, and reaction to his questions.

  “Jack-san, have you ever used this blade in battle?” He held the knife in the air and peered at the shiny six-inch blade.

  As he handed it back to me, I said, “Yes, I have. Several times this knife has drawn the blood of my enemies.”

  “May I ask, have you ever killed anyone?”

  “You mean with this knife?”

  “With a knife or gun, it doesn’t matter. How many people have you killed?”

  “I have no idea. But, I can tell you everyone I killed deserved it.”

  “Jack-san, I like that answer. I believe you can help me.”

  “Yes, you said that before. Please explain how I can help you?”

  After hesitating for a minute, like he was thinking what to say, or how to say it, Kamata said, “I have security problems. I need a good bodyguard and better security. My bodyguards are not professionally trained. I have many enemies and some of them would like to kill me. That’s how you can help me.”

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. You want me to be your bodyguard?”

  “Yes, but I need you for more than that. I would like you to help me select men for security and then train them. Set up a security system at my home and other places. Do for me, the same things you do for the embassy.”

  “Kamata-san, if I work for the Yakuza, I’d never be able to work for the U.S. government again.”

  “Jack-san, you are not working for the Yakuza. You are working for me. You will be working for Kamata Enterprises. All my businesses are legal and legitimate these days. I own bars, night clubs, grocery stores, pachinko stores, trucking companies, taxi cabs, and banks, to name a few. All of these are legal and not related to the Yakuza.”

  I thought, Kamata must be a billionaire to own all those types of businesses. “What about the prostitution, gambling, and drugs?”

  “Those activities are controlled by the Bosozoku gangs. Actually, that is why I need improved protection. Some of these gangs are always gunning to take out a Yakuza Boss. However, things are changing in Japan. You may not know this but the Yakuza are now well-respected in Japan. The police leave us alone as along as laws are not violated.”

  “But, you take a cut from the Bosozoku.”

  “Yes, of course, the Inagawa Clan does. It has nothing to do with my personal business. The Bosozoku are operating in the clan territory. But we have nothing to do with their operations. However, we will not tolerate violence on the local people in our territory. Most people are glad that the Yakuza are there to protect them.”

  “I think I understand. You want me to work for Kamata Enterprises. Train your bodyguards, set up your security, and be your personal bodyguard. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, that is correct. You would do nothing illegal. Please excuse me for inquiring, but I asked Ted how much your salary was. Jack-san, you are greatly underpaid for your skills and knowledge.”

  “Yes, I know that, but I have a good retirement pension and excellent benefits.”

  “I can offer much better.”

  “What do you think is much better?”

  “I will pay you one million U.S. dollars, in advance, and a one million dollar bonus at the end of the first full year, assuming you keep me alive. You can leave Kamata Enterprises any time you like.”

  I didn’t know what to say about that offer. “Thank you, Kamata-san, for the generous offer.” I needed a few minutes to think about it.

  I pulled out my pack of Winston Lights and offered him one. I lit it for him.

  After a deep drag, I said, “Your offer … is very intriguing to me.”

  We sat there in silence while he waited for my comments. I thought for a few minutes, and then said, “I appreciate your kind offer. But let me be blunt. I would need two million up front because, after taxes, I’ll only receive one million. I also need all expenses paid while I’m living in Japan or traveling. I need a ten million dollar life insurance policy and require you to pay all medical expenses, for any reason. Would you agree to that?”

  Kamata smiled, and replied, “Yes, of course. Those items are no problem. Jack-san, please make a list of what you need. I will agree to the items you just mentioned. Two million up front, and two million at the end of the first year. I will draw up an agreement between us and email it to you.”

  “Thank you very much, Kamata-san. In that case, I accept your offer. However, I can’t start until the end of September. I have to provide a one month notice and make sure Ted gets a good replacement.”

  Keiko and Midori cracked open the balcony sliding door, advising that dinner was ready.

  “If you agree to that, then it’s a deal,” I said.

  “It’s a deal,” Kamata replied. “I am very pleased you will be my bodyguard and run my security.” We stood up, bowed to each other, and this time we briskly shook hands. “By the way, you get one more excellent benefit when you come to work for me in Japan.”

  “Oh, what’s that?”

  As we walked inside, he smiled and whispered, “Midori-san. She loves you.”

  I thought, that’s all I need another woman in my life. God is going to punish me for sure.

  We had just sat down to enjoy a beautiful steak teriyaki dinner, when my phone rang. I stood up and excused myself to answer it. Just as I thought, it was Mi-young advising that Kim and Watanabe had just arrived. I phoned Lee right away and told him.

  Everyone was watching me as I walked back to the table. “I’m very sorry, but I have to leave. There’s a critical incident I need to take care of right away.”

  Ted said, “Ok, I understand.”

  “Jack-san, I will send you the agreement within a week. Call me with any questions,” Kamata said. “And thank you again for accepting my offer.”

  “Agreement?” Ted asked.

  “Yes, Jack is coming to work for Kamata Enterprises. I’ll tell you all about it.”

  I commented, “Yes, please advise everyone the good news. Thank you, Kamata-san, I look forward to working for you. I have to hurry. Ted, I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  I bowed and rushed towards the door. I heard Midori shout, “Good-bye. See you later, Jack-san.”

  I didn’t reply as the elevator door shut.

  CHAPTER NINE

  DEAD MEAT

  Arriving at the Tiger House, I scanned the street looking for an NIS car. Satisfied one wasn’t round, I removed my necktie before going in the bar, so I appeared to be a normal western businessman out for a good time. Mi-young greeted me and found me a seat at the bar counter. She whispered, “I think they already drunk.”

  I glanced at them sitting in room number one with four of Mi-young’s hostess ladies. There was only Kim and Watanabe, meaning Ellington didn’t show up. Looking around the bar, I spotted Lee sitting at the other end. We nodded to each other. It was eleven o’clock and the place was packed. The band was blasting music from the Eagles.

  I ordered a soda water on the side with a double shot of JD on the rocks. These shots are
small, about half the size of an American double. I could drink six of them before getting a buzz.

  I was getting edgy sitting there. I wanted to get this shit over with. I wanted to kill these assholes and get things back to normal. I saw Mi-young go in the room, sit down, and bullshit with the jerks. She spent the better part of an hour talking to these guys. I observed the drinks were flowing, and the two dorks were having a good time. I surmised that Mi-young was in the process of getting them really drunk.

  It was almost one in the morning when Watanabe stood up with one lady. I thought they were going to dance. Mi-young left the private room, and strolled over to me. She whispered, “They leaving now.”

  I told her, “After they leave, get all the bugs, and take them to my hotel room. Did you get their room numbers?”

  “Just Kim. He in Hamilton, room 810.”

  “After closing, I’ll meet you at the Chosun.”

  It was too late to put our plan in action, as I watched Watanabe stagger out of the bar with a lady on his arm. Shit, he got the jump on us. I looked at Lee and saw he was leaving the bar to follow him.

  I had told Mi-young not to let any of her girls leave with these guys. This complicated matters because we couldn’t have any witnesses.

  Kim was still in the room counting out his money to pay the tab and tipping the ladies for their service.

  I phoned Lee and he answered on the first ring. “Hello, Jack. What should we do now? We can’t kill this guy in front of the girl.”

  “Where are you?” I asked.

  “Just outside, following them down the street. I guess they’re going to the Hamilton.”

  “Yeah, Mi-young told me that’s where they are staying. Follow him to his room. Then wait for me in the lobby, while I take care of Kim.”

  I left the Tiger House and hurried down the street to the dark alley we selected for the ambush, before Kim could leave the bar. As I stood in the muggy dark stinking alley, I planned how to kill this guy.

  A group of people walked by laughing, and I slid back into the shadows, standing ankle deep in the garbage spewed around. I spotted a ball cap laying in the filth, so I picked it up, shook off what dirt I could, and put it on my head for a disguise. It felt wet and slimy as I pulled it down, low as possible, until it almost covered my eyes. The hat smelled like vomit.