by Easton, Don
“That’s what he threatened me with.”
“Bastard deserves to have his nuts cut off.”
“That would be cruel,” said Laura seriously. She thought about it for a moment and added, “I could see him being euthanized, but not tortured.”
“Euthanize him!” exclaimed Jack with a laugh. “You mean, whack the son of a bitch!”
Laura frowned and replied, “Well, yes, but euthanasia sounds nicer.”
Goldie and Wang weren’t the only persons to hear Laura’s yell and see her response. Kang Lee looked out the open window of his car and gestured for Goldie and Wang to join him. His thoughts were on Laura. He would never forget her face. Beautiful, but dangerous. Like a Western version of Sayomi … Where did she learn to fight like that?
14
“What was that all about?” asked Lee through the window as Goldie and Wang walked up.
Wang gestured with his thumb and said, “The guy lying curled up on the sidewalk tried to rob that couple who just walked away. Or at least, he tried to rob the lady.”
“Interesting lady,” noted Lee.
“They’re customers in my club,” replied Goldie.
“Better hope they don’t say much,” offered Wang. “Not good for business.”
“They didn’t seem all that concerned,” mused Goldie.
“Enough of that,” said Lee, sounding irritated at the chatter. “I feel like sushi. There’s a place I want to try called Azuma. On Denman near Comox. Meet me there. I have other business to attend to after.”
Moments later, Jack received a call from Sammy who said, “Sounds like Wang is back in his car. Got somebody with him. No idea where they are or where they’re going … hang on … they’re both laughing about something. Want to stay on the line and see if we can hear where they’re going?”
“I think he’s with Goldie,” said Jack. “Sure, I’ll hold.”
A few minutes later Sammy reported that the car was shut off and he heard Goldie and Wang leave. “Want me to hold the phone close to the speaker and play back what they were laughing about?” asked Sammy.
“Go ahead.”
Jack heard the recorded sound of a car and Goldie saying, “You see how that chick dropped that guy? Man, he hit the ground like a rotten tomato!”
“It’s where she nailed him that makes me cringe,” replied Wang. “I almost feel sorry for him.”
“I didn’t feel sorry for him until her boyfriend was going to cut his nuts off. Then I would have felt sorry for him!”
Laughter was heard and Goldie continued, “Did you hear what that woman yelled?”
“Sounded like karate.”
“She moved so fast I wasn’t sure what she did, but I think she kneed him in the nuts or something.”
“You say they’re customers of yours?”
“Just lately. Haven’t seen them before this week.”
“Better not screw up her order. Especially if the boyfriend finds a jackknife.”
Sammy then came back on the phone and said, “Don’t know what that was all about, but that was basically it. I’ll call if anything else crops up.”
Norimaki sushi rolls did not appeal to Goldie, but he ordered them, anyway. He did not like any sushi for that matter, but had decided that these were the least unpleasant. At the moment, any complaints from his taste buds had taken a back seat as he watched Lee’s face for a response to the suggestions that he and Wang had made. When the response was not immediate, Goldie added, “The two of us have talked about it. We would not be in competition with each other. Both products would have different distributors.”
Lee slowly chewed a mouthful of eel while he thought of a response. Eventually he swallowed and turned to Goldie. “So,” replied Lee quietly, pointing the ends of his chopsticks at Goldie’s face, “You think it would be easy to add cocaine to your portfolio?”
Goldie nodded and said, “I’m often approached by my people. It is a highly enriching commodity.”
“A commodity for which we cannot offer protection,” said Lee. “Has it been that many years ago that you forget what that is like? Do you not remember how you felt, sitting in a hot and steamy customs office in Burma? Your clothes soaked with the sweat of someone who believed his life to be over?”
Goldie was silent as he recalled that fateful day.
“Operate within the confines of protection,” continued Lee. “We have been over this before. Our organization cannot guarantee your protection in South or Central America.”
“I know, I know,” replied Goldie. “It’s just that it is so damned lucrative.”
“Are you not making lots of money? And much more so, if the doors to eastern Canada open, allowing easy access to places across the border like New York. Why take the risk of investing money in a climate that is not secure?”
Goldie sighed. “Perhaps you’re right,” he added, begrudgingly.
“Of course I’m right,” replied Lee. “Besides, it is my understanding that Satans Wrath controls most of the Canadian market for cocaine. They would demand you deal through them. With that would come more risk.”
“That is precisely why my idea is more logical,” said Wang, catching the sudden glare he received from Goldie. “What I proposed does not require import. Quite the opposite.”
Lee shook his head and said, “What you propose is farming.”
“It is not farming,” protested Wang. “Hydroponics. B.C. is providing the best marijuana in the world. Why shouldn’t I get a cut of it?”
“It is still farming, is it not?” replied Lee. “Indoors, perhaps, but still farming. With that comes land for the buildings and an army of people to manage the crops. Deliveries are both bulky and smelly. Such operations last only a matter of time before gaining police attention. With your army of farmers, how do you ensure obedience or loyalty? How long before one of the hoodlums you employ turns on you?”
“But the risks are low,” said Wang. “British Columbia does not send marijuana dealers to jail … at least rarely and then not for long.”
Lee smiled and admitted, “The penalty for any crime in B.C. is low, which is why we have opened up operations in Vancouver. But it is not the risk of incarceration that I am warning you about. The risk is having the police seize all your assets once the criminal offence has been proven. Are you willing to see the undoubtedly large nest egg you have made suddenly taken from you because of greed?”
Wang glanced at Goldie for a sign of support, but did not see any. If anything, he felt that Goldie was anything but supportive. Now he nods his head as if to say “I told you so”?
“It is not only your life you are risking,” continued Lee. “That market is largely controlled by the Vietnamese. You may be inviting conflict with —”
“Cannot the organization influence the Vietnamese?” asked Wang.
Lee paused, irritated at being interrupted. He took a deep breath before continuing in a conciliatory manner. “With the Vietnamese in Canada, there are many … undisciplined … individual enterprises. It would be too labour-intensive to extend our influence to so many independent small groups. The effort of locating their families in Vietnam to ensure compliance would not be worthwhile. There is also a more important consideration. You know how the police work. They usually go up the corporate ladder. Should you be arrested, even for what in B.C. is taken as the trivial offence of trafficking in marijuana, our organization would never accept you into our fold again. There would be no starting over with us.”
“I would never tell the police about you,” said Wang. “You know that! We are very careful. Arthur and I don’t even use your real name in conversation. We only refer to you as ‘The Enabler.’ I would never divulge your identity. Ever.”
“My boss is also very careful,” replied Lee. “You refer to me as ‘The Enabler?’ Well, I refer to him as ‘The Shaman.’ He is brilliant in such matters and I also would never make the mortal mistake of divulging his name. That said, I have already discussed with
him the idea of expanding into the areas you have both suggested. He declined for the same reasons I gave you. If you wish to go out on your own into that market, then do so with the realization that you will be entirely cut off from our organization.”
Wang let out a deep breath and said, “No, I do not wish to do that.” He glanced at Goldie and added, “It was an idea we both had. Something both of us thought we should discuss with you.”
Lee caught the edge in Wang’s voice. Is there petty jealousy over my decision to have Goldie fulfill my position? I assured The Shaman that there wasn’t …
“It is good that we exchange ideas,” said Lee. “For example, your suggestion about that person you trust who is moving to Montreal.”
“Woo,” replied Wang.
“His name to me is not important. What matters is your desire to help our organization. The Shaman would prefer that Arthur take on my current role as he was born in Canada and is more familiar with the culture. However, you have shown that you are not only above petty jealousy, but that you were willing to offer Woo’s services to Arthur. A fact I have brought to the attention of The Shaman himself.”
“Thank you,” replied Wang, his smile revealing his delight at being praised.
“Kingdoms are built by the strengths, work, and ideas of many,” continued Lee. “The closer you get to the king, the more protection is needed. You have both done well and have earned the right to stand within the castle walls. At this point I would suggest that it would not be wise for you to go out and cross the moat into unsafe territory.” Lee pinched another piece of eel between his chopsticks and raised it toward his lips before pausing and asking, “Agreed, gentlemen?”
Goldie raised a cup of sake to show his compliance. He was quickly joined by Wang. Lee nodded and did likewise to make a silent toast.
Lee smiled when they resumed eating. Naturally, he did not mention the most important reason he did not want Goldie and Wang investing elsewhere. Spreading the money around would have an adverse affect on the amount of commission received from the products that The Shaman did control.
Jack awakened late Saturday morning and was glad that both he and Natasha had the day off. They were into the third week of July and the weather could not have been more beautiful.
Breakfast consisted of sitting in their housecoats eating croissants and drinking black coffee on their apartment balcony, which overlooked the city. Neither talked of work. For many couples, such a Saturday morning breakfast may have been normal, but neither Jack nor Natasha led normal lives. Love and intimacy too often took a back seat to the pressures of their careers.
“Come on,” said Jack, when they finished. “Get dressed. I’m taking you someplace special.”
“Someplace special?” asked Natasha, raising an eyebrow.
“You’ll see,” Jack replied. “This is our day. I want it to be special. Today the world can wait. It’ll be just you and me.”
At one o’clock Natasha found herself holding Jack’s hand as they strolled across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The location had a special meaning. It was not only that the view of the Capilano River, 230 feet below, was spectacular. It was because this was where Jack had given Natasha her engagement ring almost two years earlier.
At the centre of the bridge, Jack turned and hugged Natasha as his lips softly caressed hers, kissing her long and tenderly.
“I love you so much,” he whispered. “For me, my life really began on this spot the day you accepted the ring.”
“And if I had said no, would you have jumped?”
Jack stepped back and looked at her for a moment before saying, “Hell, no. I’d have pushed you off!”
Natasha laughed and said, “You’re so damned romantic. You certainly know how to sweet-talk a girl.” She looked intently into his eyes and her smile faded.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Remember when we agreed to be married for two years before starting a family?”
Jack nodded.
“Don’t you think it’s close enough to two years to start trying?”
Jack felt a sense of shock. Has it been two years already?
Natasha saw the look on Jack’s face. She stepped back and felt her eyes water. “What? You’ve changed your mind?”
Jack paused and said, “I have to admit, the idea really scares me.”
“A fine time to be telling me this now! Why didn’t you mention it last time we were on this bridge? I wouldn’t have accepted the ring.”
“I haven’t changed my mind. Just give me a moment.”
“If you really want children, why do you need a moment?”
“I’m afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“Afraid I won’t make a good father because of my own upbringing. I didn’t have much of a role model. Sometimes I feel like I don’t know how to act around children.”
“I would never allow you to treat our children badly.”
“I know … and I want children. I’m just a little afraid. You caught me off guard.”
Natasha stepped closer and gently kissed him before saying, “The fact that you worry about that makes me think you’ll make a great dad. I’d never allow you to be any other way.”
Jack smiled. “I know,” he replied. “I have complete faith in your ability to be a good mom … and a wife.”
“So, no more birth control?”
“No.”
“Good, we’ve done enough practising,” replied Natasha with a grin.
“Hey! We should always practise. Every chance we get.”
Natasha giggled and said, “Okay. I hear that practise makes perfect. I could go along with that.”
“Good. Let’s have lunch.”
A few minutes later, Jack found a secluded spot amongst some towering Douglas fir trees and spread out a blanket before opening a small cooler. Lunch consisted of spiced Dutch gouda cheese, French bread, strawberries, a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio, and dark chocolate squares for dessert.
Natasha felt Jack’s warm embrace again as they lay with their legs entwined upon the blanket. “You plan on seducing me now?” she asked, feeling his kiss and warm breath upon the nape of her neck.
“The thought crossed my mind, unless you want to see if we can get the bridge rocking.”
“Exhibitionism isn’t really my style. No, I think this —”
Jack groaned and picked up his cellphone to look at the number of who was calling. “I’m not available,” he muttered and let the call go to voice mail. “Now, you were saying?” asked Jack with a smile, pulling Natasha closer.
“I was suggesting we may have enough privacy —”
Jack swore softly and glanced at his phone again. This time a text message said URGENT!
“Sorry, hon, I better take this.” Jack sighed.
His call to Sammy was short. Sammy concluded the conversation by saying, “Sorry for the delay. The monitors didn’t get around to listening to it until now. CC is on her way in, too.”
Jack hung up and turned to Natasha and stared a moment without speaking. He could see the tears form in her eyes.
“You promised,” she said quietly. “You said it was going to be our day.”
“It’s about Melvin,” replied Jack. “We’ve got a lead.”
Natasha’s open mouth showed her surprise. Her sorrow gave way to anger. “Go get ’em,” she said angrily.
15
Jack, Laura, and CC crowded around Sammy as he replayed a second conversation held in Wang’s car between Wang and Goldie.
“So what do you think of the meeting tonight?” asked Wang.
“It went about how I expected,” replied Goldie.
“How you expected?” replied Wang, his voice sounding angry. “Wish you would have told me that up front. I thought you caved in too easy. You sure as hell didn’t try to back me up!”
“Trouble in paradise,” said Jack. Divide and conquer …
Laura caught his grim smile. Oh, man …
that means trouble …
“He raised some good points,” continued Goldie. “I agreed with him. Nothing wrong with admitting when you’re wrong.”
“Were we wrong? Or are you sucking up to him because he plans to promote you into his position? You want to become the new Enabler.”
“Fuck you,” replied Goldie. “I’m not sucking up to anybody. The Enabler was right about what he said. Why rock the boat? We’ve got a good thing going. Maximum gain with minimum risk. As he said, if you don’t like what you have, then branch out on your own. Just be prepared to accept that you’ll be operating in a theatre without protection.”
“Who the hell is this Enabler guy?” whispered CC.
“Don’t know,” replied Sammy.
“I still think The Enabler is looking after his own interests, as well,” grumbled Wang.
“Oh, definitely. I totally agree. But in reality, his interests become our interests.”
“Yours, maybe, once you’re in his position. You’ll be making the commission that he is getting now.”
“True, but you’ll still be making a good cut on your end. Besides, if your man Woo ever gets his ass moved to Montreal and can find someone to move product there, then I’ll make sure you get a percentage of everything distributed on that end. That’s if you could ever convince him to deal with us round-eyes.”
“I don’t know about that, but if he does, then you better be dividing the noodles my way.” The sound from inside the car was partially obliterated by the sound of squealing brakes. “Hey! You fucking moron! Signal next time!”
“You know I will,” continued Goldie. “That is what The Enabler would expect. He isn’t the sort of guy I would want to piss off. Him or his boss.”
“He calls him The Shaman,” replied Wang. “Did you know that most Shamans are actually women?”
“He referred to The Shaman as a he. Either way, in my book, I don’t want to ever put myself in a position to find out about their early retirement plan.”
