by Taylor Lee
Bai hesitated for a moment. He exchanged a look with Wan, who nodded, confirming he agreed that Bai could tell Wyatt some of their personal plans.
Bai continued. “You will recognize another element of my strategy, Wyatt. Frankly speaking, at this point, most of the Tong ‘resources,’ including the Sing Leon’s, come from illegal activities. Your Caballeros were once a violent gang with the sole purpose of protecting you and your holdings. Now they are a formidable force to protect and expand your financial empire. With Wan’s blessing, I am taking the Sing Leon in a similar direction. Our goal is to branch out into legitimate activities, such as import and export businesses, financial instruments, land acquisition, etc. Our wineries are a good example. Hell, last month we even bought a bank in England and two in France, didn’t we, Wan? All of our entities were purchased by shadow corporations, of course. That is another way I am following your model, Wyatt. All of our enterprises, except for our California wineries, which Wan and I own personally, are owned by holding companies, none of which can be traced to the Sing Leon. I trust you of all people understand our need for anonymity.”
“That is interesting, Bai. I do indeed understand. You are correct. Only 1 % of my acquisitions are done under the auspices of my investment company, San Francisco Land Partners. I would rather my competition not know who they are bidding against, which ensures that I maintain my strategic advantage.”
“Precisely, Wyatt. That is the model I am using.”
Wyatt nodded and added with a slight frown, “Perhaps we should share our acquisition strategies, Bai. I hate like hell to think that the entity bidding me up on my next purchase is you and Wan.
Bai laughed. “Yes, perhaps it does call for cooperation, not unintentional confrontation. We do need to talk further.” His eyes twinkled and he added with a grin, “But do understand, Wyatt, I like to win.”
Wyatt nodded and said with as wide a grin, “Another way we are similar, Bai.” He chuckled, “Come to think of it, I don’t know when I have ever lost.”
Both Bai and Wan laughed appreciatively.
Wyatt returned to the political discussion. “I’m curious. How are you working with Governor Sampson, Bai?”
“Carefully, Wyatt, carefully,” Bai said with a knowing smile. “I believe a working relationship with the white government and financial power structure is essential to our success. But in order to maintain my credibility with the Chinese, I must not be seen as a ‘sell-out,’ willing to trade their interests to get in the good graces of the white community. At this point, my work with the governor is strictly a partnership to see what we both can do to prevent Tong wars in California. I have intimated in the barest terms my strategic goals and, of course, I know you will keep what I have told you about Wan’s and my financial goals in confidence.”
“That goes without saying, Bai. I will observe your conversation with the governor this evening with great interest. I have watched you since you saved Nicolas Deshi’s life and, as if that was not enough, you have now saved Elena. In addition, you know the role this man plays in my life,” Wyatt said, nodding to Wan. “I am grateful that he is being well served by his second in command. His trust in you is deserved, as is mine. In addition to being grateful to you on my son’s and daughter’s behalf, and their grandfather’s, I am impressed by you, Bai -- as a leader, as a strategic thinker, and as a man.”
Wyatt stood and bowed respectfully. Bai rose to his feet, graciously returning the bow.
~~
Chapter 9
Elena stared in the mirror, ignoring the excited oohs and aahs from Angel and Francine. She tried to decide if she was as beautiful as they were exclaiming or if they were just pretending not to see the strain written on her face. How was it possible, she wondered, that she could feel such intense conflicting emotions while the two women beside her were oblivious to her obvious distress?
How could she face Bai tonight after what had happened in the garden? She was angry with him. But he frightened her…and he confused her. She didn’t understand him. Or herself. He was arrogant, commanding, and egotistical. He was also handsome. And, dear God, he was…so male.
She walked across the courtyard to the formal gathering room, every step forced, deliberate. Hearing the gay chatter and laughter echoing over the cobblestones, she hesitated. For a brief moment, she almost ran back to her chambers. Steeling herself, she went to the arched entrance, took a deep breath, pasted a smile on her face and prepared to enter. Tonight, for the sake of her father and grandfather, she hoped that she could hide behind false smiles and pretend gaiety and somehow not betray her true feelings.
She froze at the doorway, questioning her sanity. Across the room, Bai stood surrounded by women. Clearly entranced by the tall man with the knowing eyes and casual air of authority, the four women looked as though they would eat him up if they could. And why wouldn’t they? He was splendid. His lean muscular body was made for the slimmer silhouette now fashionable in men's clothing. His suit followed his body, the cuffed trouser legs were narrow and his jacket and waistcoat emphasized his lithe, powerful physique. His dark hair was tousled and hung loose at chin length. He was strikingly handsome with the languid grace of a predatory animal, with gleaming amber eyes to match.
Looking at this elegant, distinguished man, easily the star attraction in a room of sophisticated, important people, Elena was wracked with her inadequacy. She couldn’t, simply could not, subject herself to an evening with them.
Too late--the governor saw her and called out to her, effectively cutting off her escape. She stood trapped in the doorway, looking at the group gathered inside. If she could have one wish and one wish only, it would be that either she or Bai – it didn’t matter which—would drop off the face of the earth and never be seen again.
~~~
Governor Sampson and his family had eagerly accepted Nianzu’s offer to tour Los Vistas while they waited for their hosts. Like all well connected political and financial leaders in California, the governor knew the gracious Spanish hacienda was in reality home to one of the wealthiest men in the country, not to mention over a hundred members of the fiercest Tong this side of China. Tales of the magnificence of the villa were widespread, though few outsiders were given more than the most cursory glimpse of the spectacular complex.
The governor and his family returned to the formal gathering room, marveling at the lavish yet practical beauty of the home.
At that moment, Bai entered. Moving across the opulently tiled room with insouciant grace, he greeted the governor and his wife. “Good evening, Governor, Ginny,” he said bowing respectfully. “It is a pleasure to see you both. Welcome to Los Vistas.”
“My pleasure, Bai. Nianzu was kind enough to show us some of this impressive compound. I have one question. How the hell do you make several million dollars of real estate look understated and elegant as hell? Damn, there isn’t an ostentatious bone in the whole place.”
Bai smiled graciously. “Thank you, Governor. Yes, we are pleased that in addition to being functional, Los Vistas is comfortable and beautiful. Our goal is that it blend in to the extraordinary countryside rather than stand out in garish dissonance, as too many large scale complexes tend to do.”
“Well, you sure as hell accomplished that. Goddamn, Bai, I know Nianzu only showed us the public parts of the villa, but how the hell many bathrooms do you have? Do they all look like the ones we saw? Christ, a small family could live in a couple of those.”
“And don’t forget the kitchen,” Ginny Sampson, the governor’s wife, added, “I have never seen anything like it, including at the governor’s mansion.”
“Ah, you both hit a soft spot with me. I appreciate your interest. A couple of years ago, I oversaw the renovation of the villa -- particularly the bathrooms and the main kitchen on the complex. I worked with the architects who renovated the Palace Hotel. While their taste is a trifle too opulent for me, they did introduce us to many of the state of the art facilities that we added. In answer to yo
ur question, Governor, we have a total of twelve bathrooms on the complex. And, yes, all of them are quite remarkable, although, I confess the family and guest wing house the most sumptuous bathrooms with the most amenities. They all have large baths, showers, various specialized toilets, and the like. As always, I strive for comfort, utility and, of course, beauty.”
Ginny said with a bit of a sniff, “I must say I am surprised to see that the overall décor is Spanish or even…a little…Mexican. I had expected something more, well, more foreign.”
Bai smiled to himself at her disingenuous remark. Apparently, she assumed that Chinese people can’t think outside of their race. Did she think they would build a goddamn Chinese pagoda in the California high country? Although he was annoyed, he was accustomed to the prejudice of the white community and said pleasantly, “Perhaps you expected our compound to reflect our Chinese heritage. Wan has a traditional home in China and I have a chateau in France that is appropriately French. But here in America, both Wan and I wanted our hacienda to have a strong sense of place. We wanted to reflect where we live, particularly the richness of California and the history it shares with Mexico.”
Bai was amused when Ginny flushed at the implied rebuke in his response. She seemed grateful when her husband stepped in.
“Well, you’ve impressed the hell out of me, Bai, and Nianzu didn’t even have time to show us your wine cellar. I’ve heard it is first-rate,” Governor Sampson said.
“Ah, perhaps next time. But tonight we will sample some of the wines that Wan and I are producing in our northern California vineyards. I trust you will enjoy them.”
“Knowing the extent of the enterprise you and Wan run, I hope that we can count on the Sing Leon for support come election time.” With a broad wink, the governor added in an undertone, “Not that we want to make that support a matter of public record.”
Bai smiled, although his voice was cool.
“Certainly, Governor. Like you, we appreciate discretion. We also appreciate politicians who are wise enough to understand that morality can’t be legislated, much less taxed – something the prohibitionists, among others, don’t understand.”
In a casual reference to the fact that much of the wealth from the Sing Leon enterprise comes from illegal activities and with the merest suggestion of a threat, he added, “And, of course, we value political colleagues who look at the broad picture, ones who are willing to overlook the absence of the niceties we all would prefer.”
The governor nodded, then flushed, as if not wanting to admit he had conceded that legality was a ‘nicety.’ He seemed relieved when Bai moved closer to the young women standing next to him.
“Enough politics, Governor, at least until after dinner. I have not had the privilege of meeting these two lovely young women you appear to be hiding.”
“My apologies, Bai. This is my daughter, Sarah, and my niece, Agatha.”
The governor nodded to the two young women beside him who perked up with obvious interest, jostling each other for a position next to Bai.
“Enchante, I am honored to meet you both.” Bai bowed to the young women, who both flushed with excitement at his greeting. Bai smiled, deciding that each of them was worth a second look.
Sarah Sampson had dark hair and brown eyes. She sported the slender waif like figure that was becoming fashionable--a little too straight and lacking in curves for Bai’s taste, but attractive all the same. Agatha Peters was a contrast in color and size. Blond and blue eyed she was taller than her cousin. In comparison to Sarah, ‘plump’ was a gracious way of describing Agatha’s exuberant well fleshed body. Bai thought to himself that either one of them had potential for an after hours tussle or even a ménage if the chemistry worked.
At that moment, Wan Chang and Wyatt entered. Within minutes, the room was filled with lively chatter. In his customary role of gracious host, Bai managed the overall conversation, making appropriate introductions and ensuring the servants were attentive. It was unusual to have the current governor of California, a past governor of Wyoming, and the leader of the most powerful Chinese Tong, in the same room in a supposedly casual setting. The energy was palpable. Wan engaged the young women, who spent most of the conversation ogling Bai, while Bai talked with Ginny Sampson, the governor’s wife, and her sister, Meg Peters.
The two older women latched on to him, not hiding their interest. Bai grinned to himself, thinking there is nothing quite as obvious as mothers of eligible young women. They circled him like sharks smelling blood in the water, apparently deciding that he was the catch of the evening.
~~~
Bai realized that he had been watching for her when the conversation came to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned to the doorway when Elena entered. To say she was dazzling, he thought with an appreciative grin, delegitimized the word. Bai knew Wan’s legendary admiration of beautiful women. But his usual appreciation reached astronomical heights when it came to his daughter and granddaughter. In addition to their beauty, both Lei and Elena had gorgeous bodies. Wan gladly used his extraordinary wealth and superbly honed taste to dress them accordingly.
Elena’s gown was an astonishing sapphire blue, made all the more remarkable because it matched and intensified the color of her eyes. In contrast to the fussiness and slightly outmoded dresses of the other women, Elena’s daring gown hovered at the forward most edge of current fashion. It was a slip of a dress. Hugging every curve of her luscious body, it shimmered with a silky whisper when she moved. The gown was cut low to reveal the promise of full firm breasts and styled in a way that her lush hips and toned ass were breathtakingly apparent. As always, her fiery hair was glorious. Her wild curls were partially tamed with jeweled combs, but unruly tendrils broke free, shadowing her face and neck enticingly.
Bai was sure Governor Sampson spoke for every man in the room when he stopped in mid-sentence and hollered out in his boisterous voice. “My God, Elena. If I died tomorrow, I would go to my grave grinning like a Cheshire cat, knowing I had spent my last evening with you.”
The governor strode across the room. He grabbed hold of Elena’s hands, kissing each with a loud moist smack. Looking over his shoulder, he said to Wyatt, “Goddamn, Wyatt, I can’t believe you haven’t locked her up in a tower. By God, my dear child, you may be the most beautiful young woman I’ve ever seen.”
With a pointed glance at her body, he added, “Hell, Elena, you’re a grown woman now. You’re even more alluring than when I saw you last.”
Elena blushed shyly, gazing at the floor.
Everyone in the room laughed when Greg Forester and Peter Sampson bumped into each other as they jockeyed to get to her first. Wyatt beat them to her. Bai saw Elena flinch when Governor Sampson bellowed out his greeting. He was grateful when Wyatt moved protectively next to her.
With a grin, Wyatt put his hand firmly on her elbow and ushered Elena into the room.
“I have done the next best thing to locking her in a tower, Governor. That is to ensure that Elena, like my wife, Lei, is one of two women kung fu masters in the country.” He turned to Peter and Greg and said with a smile, “Gentlemen, forewarned is forearmed.”
Everyone laughed. Elena blushed and reached up to give her father a quick kiss.
“You’re a fighter, is that correct? How charming,” Sarah Sampson said with a slightly disdainful curl to her lips.
Wyatt’s eyes darkened when Elena flushed and moved closer to him, clutching his arm.
Bai was standing next to Sarah and said in a quiet, cool voice, “I doubt that is the word any of her opponents would use to describe Elena after they spar with her. ‘Formidable’ is the word that comes to my mind.”
Sarah looked appropriately embarrassed, then turned to speak to Nianzu, who was staring at Elena in awe. He recovered when he realized Sarah had asked him a question and dragged his gaze away from Elena to respond.
Bai walked over to Elena and met her eyes with a knowing half smile. He reached for her hand, then leaned down and kisse
d her on the cheek. A deep rosy pink stole across Elena’s face. She trembled slightly and looked down, avoiding his eyes. Holding her hand in his, Bai drew her closer to him, encouraging her to look at him. She tried to slip away, but he tightened his proprietary grip on her arm, eliciting an even brighter blush.
“You look beautiful tonight, Elena. This must be the infamous sapphire dress. It has lived up to its reputation.”
“You…you look nice, too, Bai,” she said shyly, glancing away when she spoke.
He smiled at her nervousness. “Thank you, Elena.”
Bai’s eyes twinkled when Wyatt said in an undertone, glaring at Sarah, “Thanks, Bai. You obviated the need for me to start the evening by knocking that catty bitch on her ass. Not a particularly good way to endear myself to the governor or his wife.”
Bai stepped back, realizing he and Wyatt were each protectively clasping one of Elena’s arms when Greg Forester came up and interrupted in a hearty voice, “Come now, Governor McManus and, you, too, Bai. For God’s sake, you get to see her every day. Let the rest of us have a chance.”
Wyatt smiled and looked inquiringly at Elena, who nodded her consent.
“You’re right, Greg. Bai and I do have the privilege of seeing Elena every day. I will step out of your way. And, Bai, it looks like you are about to be run over by Peter.”
As Wyatt and Bai stepped away, Greg and Peter crowded next to Elena, where they stayed until Wan invited everyone to the dining room for dinner.
~~
Chapter 10
While Elena had stopped the conversation with her entrance, Bai found himself at the center of the dinner discussion. Before dinner, he had responded politely to Meg’s and Ginny’s chatter in French. When they were finishing the first course, Meg turned to Bai and gushed,” Do you have any idea how nice it is to find a young man who speaks fluent French? So many of our young people have not been taught French, the universal language of culture and diplomacy. I shudder to think how uncouth we have become. Of course, Sarah and Agatha both speak fluent French, don’t you, girls?”
