Wendy gasped a little as this was the first time she had seen Brad without a shirt on. His sleek white body was hairless. Scars could be seen here and there. Wendy noticed he didn't possess bulging muscles but there was no mistaking his body was muscular.
Brad looked at Rocky and told him to stay. Rocky sat on his butt and never moved. Mike went around to each member telling them under no circumstances to interfere or say anything. "Bite your tongue and don't scream," he demanded.
Brad moved slowly forward to meet his adversary in the middle of the wine warehouse. When they reached the point of no entry, Brad saw his Chinese opponent was around 40 years of age. Brad didn't clutter his mind with wondering why and so forth; he knew it was a fight to the death.
Both men bowed to each other and the fight was on. At first it was like slow motion as they circled each other. All of the team would say later that for the next few minutes all was a blur of black and white. The sounds were of grunts and flesh being slapped. At one point white could be seen running up the wine casks chasing the black dressed fighter. The stacked casks of wine were almost to the roof. Then they turned back down. No one could tell who was winning or losing. Then a loud thwack was heard and down to the floor went Brad.
He'd landed on his back. He groaned in pain. The Junior Master in black smiled down at his opponent. He took two steps, as later reported, and leaped high up in the air for the kill. He led with his right foot, but then Brad cocked his right leg and grabbed the right foot of the attacker. That's when he extended his foot for the kill. At the same time, Brad released his right cocked leg into the groin of the attacker. A scream was heard as his leg came loose from his hip.
The Junior Master cried in pain. Brad regained his upright position. He looked down at the young assassin knowing this was not the one who would be performing the assassination on the Chinese President. Brad walked over to Mike to retrieve his shirt.
Billy gave off a yell as the black clad assassin whipped out a Chinese throwing star and flung it towards Brad. Brad knew it was coming and so did Mike. Both ducked as the star sunk its deadly point into a wood cask. A trickle of red wine seeped out. Brad, in a flash, plucked the star out of the wood and sent it back where it came from. The star imbedded itself in the neck of the Chinese assassin. Blood poured out of his neck artery. Slowly he sunk his head to the red carpet.
Outside the crowd of tourists waited, for what, not any of them really knew except one man. That man was the new Number One. He stood in back so as not to be noticed. He fully expected his Junior Master to walk out in triumph. However, what he saw walking out were team members surrounding a man with cut off pants.
Number One quickly went to the parking lot to find his car and driver. In short order he was on his way back to San Francisco minus one Junior Master.
Brad made a call to the base commander using his cell phone. The general said a helicopter would be there shortly to transport the body out and a cleanup crew would follow.
After that Brad talked to Mrs. Vine and told her to put an 'out of order' sign on the warehouse door and to continue her tours as if nothing happened. He assured her that in a few hours time there would be no sign of any leftover results of a major martial arts fight.
The ride back to Travis was very quiet. The driver was very curious as to what happened. In time the rumors would flow.
What bothered Brad was what was this black clad, green dragon guy doing here? It made no sense. The Grand Master was contracted for the Chinese President and it sure looked to Brad like this guy was after him. Who hired him? This was getting most curious.
After they got back to the base, they found the two Masters watching TV. Both never turned their heads but held out an arm and hand each to give Brad a high five. Nancy, Wendy and Agent Jones looked at each other wondering how they knew what happened.
The room was very large and used for a rec room by airmen. Brad had everyone sit down making a circle. He turned to Mike and asked, "Do you remember anyone inside the Everground firm that was close to the principal owner?"
"Now that you mention it yes I do. Other called him Tu. I thought his name was spelled TU, but afterwards, I heard him say or refer to Won. I'd say TU would be TWO and WON would be ONE. Hence, Number One the big boss and the little boss Number Two."
Brad said, "Billy you and Mike see what you can find out about Number Two."
Agent Jones said, "I wonder what other surprises were going to face before this is all over."
"That's a good question Jones," said Brad. "Let's be ready for anything at anytime. There could be a spillover from the currency issue in Chinatown when he visits. If that happens maybe a riot will occur."
Nancy said, "I know this sounds farfetched and I've nothing to base my saying this, but what if another country or organization decides to capitalize on the rumor of an assassination attempt on the Chinese President?"
Brad mulled that over for a few seconds and then said, "The who or what and how enter into this scenario. It would be like looking for a needle in the haystack thing,"
"Let's hope we can end this mission soon. I'm just happy to be sitting here talking to you. My wife would be very nervous if she knew what had just transpired today. I give thanks to the Master for his training. Let me say this to all of you. The Grand Master as he calls himself is at least 130 years old. That makes him older than our Masters. That's why he assumes he's the Grand Master. From what I gather, contrary to our Masters, the Grand Master struts his stuff and makes other feel inferior to him. That goes against everything our Masters believe in.
Consequently, we return to the 'good versus evil' scenario. However, like the Bible and God versus the Devil, it's been going on now for thousands of years. We'd be foolish to think it will end tomorrow or the next day. Our job never ends team."
~+++~
The Batt Team and Masters were put up in spare officer quarters. Nancy spent the night with Wendy and Agent Jones. Mike, Billy and Brad shared another place. Billy was working hard to find what Brad was looking for with the connection of Number One and Number Two.
Finally with the help of the Chinese President the connection was made. Number Two was now the controlling stock holder in Everground Development Corporation. A frantic search of the air lines found Number Two and a co-worker had flown to Oakland International two days ago. From that point the trail was lost.
Brad thought what to do now? When will the Grand Master make his move or attempt on the Presidents life? Will he make his move before he takes on our Masters or will he waits until the fight is over? What about location? Where the attack would be made? Brad looked at the schedule again. The President was going to speak at an open forum. That speaking engagement would take place at Portsmouth Square Plaza in Chinatown.
Every day you could find young and old alike meeting and talking, mostly in Chinese, about everyday things in this multilevel plaza. Due to its design the plaza would be a hard place to ward off an assassination attempt. However, as Brad surmised, the Masters would be aware of the Grand Master from a long ways off.
The next morning the Chinese President and his daughter landed at Travis at ten am. They had no more landed when the United States President's Air Force One touched the runway thirty minutes later. Brad had decided to not speak of yesterday's events until later, much later.
Air Force One had all the hallmarks of a business office and so much more. The Chinese President and his daughter felt very comfortable in the plane.
Mi Ling was used for an interpreter and Billy could be seen almost drooling with love for her. Brad nudged him with his foot and Billy instantly had a serious look on his face. Mike saw it all and felt both happy and sorry for Billy. It was remote anything would come of his attraction, but who knows the mind of a woman regardless of country or culture.
Brad was asked about security at the winery and he said, "I think we're okay there Mr. President. If an attempt occurs it will be in Chinatown. Let me assure you we'll not let our guard down fo
r one minute. The Master and I will go with you both to the winery. After that we fly to the heliport at China Basin. Your security will be waiting for you there. My team will be scattered around the plaza. Please keep an eye on me at all times or as much as you can."
Both Presidents nodded their understanding. Brad continued and said, "We expect a confrontation between what is known as a Grand Master and our Master. Let me say this. When it happens all will be a blur. Both of you will be on the top level of the over pass. When it begins please lay down next to the cement wall until I give the all clear. It's doubtful the confrontation will last more than five minutes. Hopefully, we can go about our regular business soon thereafter."
The Grand Master was holed up in a room in Chinatown. On an old TV he watched a news clip about the Chinese President, American President and the California governor tour the winery. What he wanted to know was when they would all be in Chinatown.
At 130 years of age, he was no man's fool. He realized he was up against a formidable team of two Masters. To fight them both was foolish. He needed to find another way to complete the assignment. Simply put he needed a diversion of sorts. Also what was needed was patience. There were three more stops on the tour: Houston, Chicago and the White House dinner. He'd never been to the other places. If he didn't like what he saw in Chinatown, then why not Texas or Chicago? But now he needed to see what he could do among his own people here in Chinatown.
The Grand Master returned to the TV. He watched the two world leaders and the former actor turned governor sipping wine having a good time. The newscaster said the President's would be addressing the public in Chinatown at 7 pm.
Mike, Nancy, Wendy, Billy and Agent Jones stood in the middle of Portsmouth Plaza discussing positions to occupy. Mike said, "I've no idea what we should do or where we should be. This guy might be standing right next to you and you'd never see him; unless he wants to be seen. I guess the best thing to do is make sure no kids or old people get in the way."
Wendy said, "I feel kind of worthless. This scene we are about to witness is so far removed from my belief it's not funny. For me this is almost science fiction. When I was a kid I'd read about stuff like this. How can one see what is not there? To move faster than the eye can see defies friction. And to defy gravity is antithetical to physics."
Billy answered, "I've been to the compound. You wouldn't believe the age of the place. I saw skeletons over a half million years old. Think about that my team members. I had an uncle who was doing a family genealogy on his name. He was thrilled that it went back to the Middle of the 13th century. How about the Masters? They go back almost 750,000 years. It's staggering when you think about it."
"I can only hope that no one gets hurt," said Nancy. "Also, it's cooling down. I'm glad I brought a jacket. Let's grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat before we hit the trenches."
In the wine tasting room, all three political leaders were sipping the wineries special grape. The governor said, "Ben, you're very brave to face a killer. In the movies I made it was all make believe. Let's hope we can put an end to this mad man today."
"I thank you Arnie. All of us here at the table face death every day. Sam here really didn't need to put himself in harm's way, but he's here. By showing our solidarity to the world, makes our people feel more confident about life."
"Right you are," said the President of the United States Sam Bates. "We must present a strong front in the face of adversity. However, my friends, it seems like its one crisis after another. Let's drink up as I'm getting a nod from someone it's time to move on."
A string of helicopters flew to San Francisco to a heliport not far from Chinatown. Brad looked at his watch noting the time. His team should be in place and the Masters were flying with him. The two Masters just seemed to float along with the crowd. However, as they got closer to the heliport it seemed they came to a little more to attention.
Once on the ground, Mi Ling shivered from the drastic change in temperature. The Napa Valley was forty degrees difference than Fisherman's Wharf. An aid quickly gave her a warm coat. As a matter of fact, all the leaders put on warm coats or jackets.
It didn't take long to make the drive to Portsmouth Square. The streets were blocked off and some residents were none too happy about the inconvenience.
Brad and the Masters were perhaps five minutes or more ahead of the three VIPs. When they got out, the Masters stood back to back. Brad was sure that some people were watching and very curious as the two old Chinese men rotated in a slow circle. They were standing on the north side of the square. Brad waited patiently for the Masters to move, but they didn't move an inch.
One Master motioned to Brad. Brad leaned his ear down and heard, "He's here, but far away right now. He knows we are here. We have some time yet before he makes his move."
Both Masters walked into the Square. The place was packed and they were soon swallowed up in the crowd. Brad thought about his team. He knew they would be somewhere close by in case they were needed. It was then the three respective leaders drove up. Washington Street was soon packed with people wanting to see the Chinese President. Never in the long history of Chinatown has a political leader of their homeland visited North America.
Police and secret service men and women were forming a protective barrier around the three leaders. A pathway led to a raised area where they could view the Square from. It was next to a playground area for kids. This gave a view overlooking the Square. A standing microphone with a speaker system would give the audience an opportunity to hear the President of China speak in their own language. Even though they were expats, China was in their genes.
Brad was trying not to be obvious looking around for danger, but he also feared for Mi Ling. Billy was not much of a body guard, but they seemed attached to each other.
The crowd was poised and ready. The American President was first to speak. He told the crowd, "We are honored and proud today to have the Chinese President on American soil. We've come a long ways since the first time back in 1972 when Nixon visited China. Now, you didn't come here to listen to me, but to listen to the President of China." He clapped his hands as the crowd did likewise.
The Chinese President stepped up to the mike and said, "I've come a long ways to say hello to my fellow Chinese. With high technology and world trade, our world has shrunk to a size whereby we can look and communicate in an instant of time. This can only………………." Brad saw it coming and so did Arnie the governor. Arnie threw himself at the Chinese President knocking him down as a black blur went by. A moan escaped from Arnie as the Grand Master passed by.
Brad actually tried to trip the Black Master but he just leaped over him; as did the gray blur following hot on the backside of the Grand Master. Brad didn't see where they went as he was focusing on the American President tucked up tight against the short cement wall. In no time at all secret service and police were making a semi circle around the three dignitaries.
Brad knew the governor had taken a blow or something from the black clad Master. Brad said, "Get an ambulance and a doctor up here quick." A secret service guy was already on the hand held radio. Brad then leaned down and asked Arnie how he was feeling. He'd already rolled off the Chinese President and was staring up at the sky.
Arnie said, in his distinct accent, "My back is killing me. It feels like it's on fire. Are the President's okay?"
"Yes, they're fine. Lie still as a team of paramedics will be here shortly. I see a doctor coming now," said Brad.
Mike and the rest of the team ran up. Mike shrugged his shoulders. It was clear none of them saw or heard anything. Billy was still holding onto Mi Ling.
Brad was focused on the doctor who was bent over the governor. The medics were there with a gurney and a board to gently life him onto the wheeled gurney. It wasn't until later that day they found out that the governor has suffered a dislocated shoulder. Brad gave a sigh of relief knowing that the blow was intended to break the Chinese President's neck. The movie star go
vernor of California had saved the life of the Chinese President.
The two most powerful men on the planet were whisked away back to Edwards Air Base. Brad found the two Masters sitting in a limo as if nothing had happened. Later he would find out the story, but for now they must regroup. It appeared that a trip to Houston was on the agenda.
~++++~
Number One sat at a rickety old table as the Grand Master told him the brief story. He told Number One that a white man jumped on the back of the Chinese President saving his life. It was a fluke. Now it was time for either to go to Texas or back home. Number One said, "Go to Texas." The Grand Master blinked a yes he would go to Texas.
Back at Edwards, both Presidents were shaken up and needed a rest. The two leaders agreed that Air Force One would be fine for the night. Then the next day business as usual for the American President, but he would meet the Chinese President in Chicago.
Both retired early after a nice dinner put on by the base commander. Brad and team hung around talking after the two leaders left. Brad said, "The governor will be fine very soon. The Masters told me the Grand Master slipped away and that he was indeed very good at what he represents. I told our Masters we were going to Texas. They perked up at that notion; but why, who knows."
Nancy said, "Brad, I feel so helpless. Both Wendy and I discussed it and we have no idea how to help or what to do."
"I know it seems bleak and hopeless, but we need to maintain solidarity. Every one of you has two eyes and two ears. Look and listen. It's hard telling what you might see or hear. A slight mistake could swing the difference to our side. The Black Dragon is on unfamiliar ground and let's see if we can trip him up."
Peking Assassin Page 6
