“Hey, listen, I can’t really talk right now.” I shot a dirty look at the mother of the little boy.
“That’s fine. Can we meet later tonight for a drink? I need to talk to you about something.”
I sighed quietly; she was a good friend and I couldn’t say no. “Sure. Text me where.”
Later that night, after the kids had been fed and bathed, I excused myself. I felt bad saddling Po Po with babysitting duties. This was also her vacation.
“Don’t worry. Everything fine,” she said, not looking away from the Chinese soap opera on TV.
I arrived at a bar called the Bullet a little before nine. I hadn’t set foot in that place for ages, not since I worked for HKP. The Bullet didn’t look like much from the outside. A small neon sign with a single bullet highlighted in yellow against black signaled its presence. There was one unremarkable door as the entrance, and there were no windows. The place wasn’t trying too hard to attract customers, and for good reason. It was a known hangout for the Wo Shing Wo, and they were pretty much the only ones allowed inside. I, however, had earned carte blanche access over the many years at HKP. Before I’d left the department, Leslie and I would have drinks there.
While on the force, I quickly learned that I would never rid Hong Kong of the Triads. No matter how many I locked up, more would spring up in their place. Even cutting the head off the beast, the leadership, would have the opposite effect. They were the ones who kept the soldiers in line. Without them, the violence would increase twofold. The best I could hope to do was manage them.
It was certainly not what I wanted, but I was smart enough to realize that until the average Hong Kong citizen said no to doing drugs, shed their gambling habits, stopped purchasing counterfeit products, and basically gave a up a whole slew of other vices, the businesses that the Triads operated would continue to exist.
To help keep the peace, I set about developing a relationship with influential individuals inside their organization. The Triads were allowed to operate, but it was in a controlled arena, one that I had set the parameters for. My superiors weren’t thrilled about my tactics, but the number of violent crimes in the city dropped. And that kept them in their cushy jobs. Positive statistics–that was what policing had come to be about.
I pushed the front door to the bar open and grinned involuntarily. Nothing changes. Small speakers on the walls pumped out euro-trash. Three red upholstered booths populated the rear of the bar, while a number of small wooden tables were scattered across the floor leading to the front. Small spotlights in the ceilings lit the tables, allowing me to see what my nose had already detected: thick cigarette smoke slowly wafting upward. The rest of the bar was dim.
There were small groups of men, maybe ten or twelve individuals in total, sitting around tables covered with beer bottles, whiskey glasses, and overflowing ashtrays. I didn’t recognize anyone immediately with the heavy shadows and smoky haze, but I wasn’t worried about getting thrown out.
I took a step forward and a young man, dressed in fashionable blue jeans and a designer dress shirt, stood up quickly and blocked my way. A beat later, a voice from the booth in the rear of the bar shouted in Cantonese. The young man looked me over once before stepping aside.
The eyes of the other men followed my every step as I walked toward the voice. A lone figure sat inside the booth, but his face was not lit. An open liquor bottle stood on the table. He tapped his cigarette into an ashtray before taking a long pull. The end burned bright red.
I was five feet away when the man spoke. “Do my eyes deceive me or is that really you, Inspector Kane?”
I recognized the voice. “Hello, Jo.”
Jo Woo had been an up-and-coming Triad member when I worked for HKP. I had come to know him because he was a close confidant of a prominent enforcer at the time, one I’d had many run-ins with.
“Welcome back, Inspector,” Jo said, taking another draw on his cigarette. “Last I heard you had run off to America.”
“It’s Agent Kane now.”
Jo perked up. “FBI? CIA?”
“FBI.” Since he was sitting in the back booth, I assumed he was now a top enforcer for the gang. “I see you’ve also acquired a new position.”
Jo leaned slightly forward, allowing the light to better highlight his face. He looked exactly as I remembered: gelled hair, fashionable clothing, and gold chains and rings. He still kept his baby face clean-shaven. “I’ve been rewarded, and rightfully so. To what do we owe the honor of your presence? I hope it’s not work related.”
“I’m here on holiday.”
“It’s nice of you to take the time to stop by and say hello. Allow me to buy you a drink. Jameson straight up, right?”
I smiled. “You always did have a keen memory. I won’t take up any more of your time. I’m meeting a friend here.”
“I hope this friend is also a friend of ours as well.”
Just then the front door of the bar opened, and in walked Leslie. “Hello, Jo!” she called, waving.
“I think you have your answer,” I said, winking at him. I turned around and joined Leslie at an empty table against the wall near the door.
Chapter 26
“I see you’re playing catch up with Jo,” Leslie said as she took a seat at the small table, the only one that didn’t have a spotlight shining down upon it.
“Seeing as I’m not HKP, I thought the least I could do was be respectful. No need to stir the pot unnecessarily with my return visit.”
“How was Disneyland?” Leslie asked as she tucked her purse between the small of her back and the chair.
“When we weren’t stuck in a line, it was wonderful. Seriously though, the kids had a blast, and so did Po Po.”
“Good to hear, but I’m a bit surprised that you would travel all the way to Hong Kong to visit Disneyland. Isn’t it pretty much the same as the park in Los Angeles?”
“We haven’t been to the one in LA, and it was only for one day. We’ve spent most of our time so far exploring different neighborhoods and attractions.” I told her about visiting Peng’s and my apartment and where he grew up with Po Po. “I thought it would be good for the kids, especially Lucy, to hear and see firsthand a bit of the past.”
“Did it have a desirable effect?”
“I think it was a positive experience. The kids enjoyed themselves, and they learned more about their father and mother; stuff even I didn’t know about.”
“Oh?”
I lowered my voice a bit and leaned forward over the table. “You won’t believe the big family secret that Po Po has been harboring for years.”
Just then the bartender arrived with a tray holding two drinks: Jameson for me, and a gin and tonic for Leslie. “Compliments of the boss.”
We raised our glasses to Jo in the back and then took a sip.
“So tell me,” Leslie said, lowering her glass. “What’s this secret? Don’t leave me hanging. Get to it.”
“Well, um, let’s see. Where to start.”
“Anywhere. Just talk.”
“Okay. You know how we thought Mei’s parents had died in a car crash?”
“Yeah…”
“Turns out they didn’t. They’re still alive and living in Hong Kong.”
“Get out of here. For real?” Leslie jerked her glass, sloshing a bit of the liquid onto the table.
“I wish I was kidding, but I’m not.” I told Leslie everything Po Po said to me.
“You mean to tell me they voluntarily chose to fake their deaths, avoid contact with Ryan, Lucy, and their own daughter just to save face? Sheesh, the length some people will go for their reputation. This saving-face crap really bugs the hell out of me. It’s a custom practiced by weak people who let the thoughts of others define them.”
I held my palms out and shrugged. “Hey, you’re preaching to the choir.”
“So, Po Po and Peng, they obviously went along with it.”
“Yup.” I explained Po Po’s rationale.
; “I can’t say I disagree,” Leslie said. “If those two idiots cared that much about their social standing, then good riddance. The kids are better off without those people in their lives. So now that you know, what are you going to do?”
“Screw those two,” I said leaning back in my chair and taking a swig of my drink.
“Aren’t you the least bit curious?”
“What? About them? Yes and no. Part of me wants to pretend I don’t even know they are alive and move on. The other part wants to confront them and introduce the back of their heads to my hand. But what good would that do? We’ve done fine without them all these years.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.”
I knew exactly what Leslie had meant, but I thought I could skirt the issue. Not with her. “You want the truth?”
“Uh, would I want anything but?”
“Yes, it’s been on my mind. In fact, it’s all I’ve thought about. They hated Peng enough to completely erase their daughter from their lives. I have to wonder if they knew something about his murder.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. I would wonder the same.” Leslie pursed her lips. “You’re thinking of reaching out to them, aren’t you?”
I let out a breath and leaned forward. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’m torn. I’m here on a family vacation, not to investigate my husband’s murder.”
“But it’s eating away at you.”
“Yes!” I slapped the table with my palm. “Am I crazy for even having these thoughts?”
“Nope.”
“You know I worked hard to put that case, that part of my life, behind me so I could move forward.”
“Of course.”
“Heck, I picked up the family and moved them clear across the Pacific Ocean.”
“Yeah, you did.” Leslie shifted in her seat.
“You think I’m crazy?” I asked. “It’s okay. You can tell me it’s wrong to have these thoughts.”
“It’s not that, Abby. It’s something else. Boy, I so don’t want to tell you this.”
“Tell me what? What are you talking about?”
I watched as she picked up her glass and gulped the rest of her drink in one swallow.
“Okay you’re acting really strange right now. Spit it out.”
She took a deep breath, as if she were getting ready to dive into a pool. “The reason why I brought you here, what I wanted to talk to you about…well, it won’t make your situation any better.”
I cocked my head slightly. “What?”
“I discovered who the developer is for that building we’re investigating.”
“Great. You got your prime suspect. What does that have to do with me?”
“The developer was your husband, Abby. Peng built that building.”
Chapter 27
I stared at her, unable to form words.
Leslie removed a piece of paper from her purse, unfolded it, and placed it on the table in front of me. She pointed at two signatures.
I couldn’t believe what I saw. Yes, I knew Peng was a developer. He had his own business when I met him—Peng Yee Development. The name of the company on the paper, though, was Lotus Development. Peng had never mentioned that he had another business. First the revelation about Mei’s parents and now this—my husband built a building that just so happened to have the remains of a human in one of the walls.
“That’s his signature, isn’t it?” Leslie asked.
I nodded, still staring at the paper.
“Did he ever mention this company to you?”
I shook my head. “Are you sure this document is real?” My eyes met hers.
Leslie gave me a look that answered my own question. She went ahead and filled me in on how she acquired the contract.
“Do the names Roger Song or Peter Song ring a bell?”
“No.”
“What about Gerry Chang?”
I shook my head.
“And same goes for Sheila Yang?”
“Yes. He never mentioned any of those people, and as far as I know, the only business he ever had was Peng Yee Development. Unless—”
“He had another business before you met,” Leslie finished my sentence. “It’s entirely possible he might have. Look, Abby, I’m not saying Peng is responsible for that body. I’m searching for answers right now. I’m just as much in shock as you, but you know what this means, right?”
I knew exactly what it meant. She would need to question Po Po.
“Who else knows about this right now?”
“You and me. I haven’t told Lee yet, but I’ll have to soon.”
“Okay, do me a favor. Keep it under wraps as much as you can. The last thing I want is to be the topic of conversation at HKP Headquarters.”
“Don’t worry about Lee. He’s not one to yak.”
“The other favor I have to ask of you is that you let me speak with Po Po first.”
“Abby—”
“Just let me prep her.” I glanced at my watch. “She’s probably already headed off to bed anyway. You can talk with her tomorrow morning. I promise.”
“I’m sorry about the news.” Leslie reached across the table and took both of my hands into hers. “We’ll figure this out. Everything will be fine.”
“I know.”
“Right now, all we have is a piece of paper listing Peng as the person selling the building. There could be other parties involved. Having his name on the contract doesn’t mean he was the owner of Lotus Development either. There could be another reasonable explanation as to why his name is there. That’s why I need to talk with Po Po”
“I know. I would be doing the same thing you’re doing.” I squeezed her hands. “I really appreciate you handling it this way, coming to me first.”
“I wouldn’t have done it any other way. You, Po Po, the kids—you’re family to me.”
“You weren’t kidding when you said you would figure out a way to involve me in your case,” I said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Leslie chuckled. “You know I’m not trying to involve you but since you offered…”
My eyes widened.
“I’m joking, my friend. I’m not involving you.”
“Well, you kind of sort of did by telling me. You know there’s no way I can sit back and not think about this. I mean, I want to know why my husband is attached to a building that had a skeleton in the wall.”
“I know. If you thought knowing Mei’s parents might have led to answers regarding your husband’s murder, surely discovering this only makes you want to double down.”
“You can’t blame me. He was murdered, Leslie, and now we’re finding out about this building he supposedly built. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to think there might be a connection. I know you saw it before talking to me.”
“Hey, let’s not jump to the worst possible conclusion. There is no concrete evidence connecting your husband’s murder with the skeleton in his building. And that’s the truth. So let’s reel it in a bit and remain positive.”
“You’re right. I just thought maybe this might be an opportunity to find Peng’s murderer and finally have closure”
“I understand, but I really don’t think it’s a good idea for you to get involved or even think about this.”
“I’m already involved, and I’d like for you to keep me in the loop. Please? I need to know. You have to understand that, right?”
“I do, I do. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Promise me you’ll let me do my job.”
I left Leslie that night with a promise to not interfere, but I knew I wouldn’t stop thinking.
Chapter 28
It wasn’t long after Abby and Leslie left the Bullet that one of Jo’s men, Yong Gao, returned, breathless with sweat dripping down the sides of his face. He hurried to the rear booth, ignoring the ribbing and laughter from the other men. His actions always came across like suck-up politics to the more established members, but Yong brushed off their t
easing and focused on the tasks given to him. The only thing he cared about was his boss’s approval.
He bowed when he reached Jo’s table and waited for permission to take a seat before sliding into the booth. He remained a foot away from Jo—close enough that their hushed tones wouldn’t reach other ears, far enough to show respect for Jo’s personal space.
Yong used a cocktail napkin to dab his forehead and face. “The agent speaks the truth. She is staying at the Shangri-La with her family. My contacts inside HKP have also confirmed that Inspector Choi is investigating the skeleton that was discovered in that old building near the promenade.”
Jo swished his lips from side to side. “I wonder if Inspector Choi is asking the FBI for help.”
“It’s not unlikely,” Yong agreed. “But I don’t know why the FBI would want to be involved, especially since it appears that Agent Kane is on holiday with her family.”
“Maybe it’s an unexpected favor between two old friends?” Jo was well aware of Abby’s relationship with Leslie, having dealt with both of them during his rise within the organization. Leslie, under Abby’s tutelage, had become a replica of her: feisty, quick-witted, and one of the few inside the HKP who commanded the respect of the Triads.
Yong remained quiet, but the wheels in his mind spun with fervor. He couldn’t quite understand his boss’s interest in the agent. Yong didn’t see an immediate connection with any of Jo’s current dealings, even with the inspector. She hadn’t bothered them in quite some time. Still, his boss’s concern was obvious. “I understand Agent Kane used to work for the HKP. Perhaps it is just one picking the brain of the other,” he offered.
Jo shifted his gaze to Yong. “That is exactly my concern. Why pick her brain? Why do it here? To underestimate them is to open oneself up to attack. You want to rise up in this organization, you must always think on the offensive. Better to be wrong than sorry.”
Kowloon Bay (Abby Kane FBI Thriller Book 3) Page 9
