“Thank you, Robert, for coming quickly. You must be exhausted, but I need you here. I hope you understand.”
“Of course,” he replied with a slight bow of his head.
She faced Peter. “My name is Lim Eu-meh. But please, call me Eu-meh. Formalities should be reserved for state functions. And this must be Diesel. Jade spoke at length about how your dog saved you from a vicious bear.” She lowered her hand and patted the dog on the head.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Eu-meh. Your daughter has told me much about you.” She looked deeply into Peter’s eyes, and at that moment he felt as if she might read his thoughts. “I’m very sorry about what happened.”
“My daughter told me you are a nice man, a good man. She calls you her guardian. You saved her from harm in Oregon, is that right?”
Peter nodded.
“And Robert tells me you fought the kidnappers in London, placing yourself at great risk.”
Eu-meh turned her head to Robert, noticing the bruise on his forehead. She added, “You both did.”
She motioned to a grouping of plush chairs arranged around a small table. As Robert and Peter were seated, Eu-meh opened her office door and issued quick instructions in Malay, then sat opposite her guests.
“I’ve read the preliminary report from the London police.” She read the confusion in Peter’s face. “The government of Brunei shares a close cooperation with the United Kingdom—one of the advantages, I suppose, of being a former British colony.” Eu-meh paused while a woman dressed conservatively and wearing a Hijab placed a silver tray on the table. She poured coffee from a silver carafe into porcelain cups decorated with gold filigree, and then silently departed the office.
“Of course, the report included both your statements. Those men had guns—they could have killed both of you.”
“We’ll find Miss Jade,” Robert said, “and bring her home.”
Eu-meh’s eyes glistened with moisture, but she refused to allow tears to fall. “Robert, you have been a loyal employee for so many years. You have watched over my daughter since she was a young girl. I have no doubt you speak with sincerity. But you do not fully understand who we are dealing with.”
“Excuse me,” Peter cleared his throat. “You sound as if you know who kidnapped your daughter. If you’ll forgive me, why not just go to the police with your information?”
She looked hard at Peter, worry shadowing her features. “Do you know what it feels like to lose someone you love more than life itself?”
Peter felt his emotions stirring, old and painful memories resurrected again by her directness. Memories of a shootout with Janjaweed rebels in Darfur to rescue his son, Ethan. Memories of his wife dying on a hospital bed following a winter automobile accident. Vivid images, sounds, scents—all still real and far from forgotten. He quelled his feelings before replying. “I’ve suffered the loss of a loved one.” He worked his jaw, choosing his words carefully. “And I know that sometimes the best we can do is not sufficient. I didn’t always think that way. At one time, I believed that anything was possible; that I could protect those I held most dear, shield them from harm.” He shook his head, and held Eu-meh’s eyes. “But it’s not true.”
“Your wife.”
Peter’s eyes widened and his lips moved to voice the question, but she cut him off. “Jade told me,” she explained. “My daughter is a good judge of character. She told me much about you. Many men would have tried to take advantage of a young, rich woman, but you didn’t.”
“My daughter is about the same age as Jade.”
Eu-meh nodded. “Then I know you understand. Your paternal instinct is strong, and I’m asking for your help.”
“And I will do all I can, but I still think this is best handled by the police. If you know who abducted—”
“What I know to be true, and what I can prove, are two entirely different matters.”
“I see.”
“But to be clear Mr. Savage—”
“Please, call me Peter.”
Eu-meh smiled politely. “Peter. The night my daughter was kidnapped, I spoke over the phone to Robert. I told him that I know why Jade was taken.”
“That’s a good start. If we know why, then maybe we can figure out who is behind it.”
“Please, go on,” Robert said.
She rubbed the pearls between her fingers and leaned back in her chair. “Do you understand, Mr. Savage—Peter—what my job is with Hua Ho Holdings?”
“Jade mentioned you’re in charge of logistics for the company. Beyond that, I really don’t know.”
“That is partly true. You see, I am the chairperson of the company. Rather unusual for a woman, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“One of the benefits of being the sister to the Sultan.” She lifted the porcelain cup by the handle to her lips.
“In any case,” Eu-meh continued, “I oversee the activities of Hua Ho Holdings. One of my responsibilities is to see that the company’s long-term strategy is executed. I have many executives who report to me, including logistics. Naturally, I receive regular reports of where our ships are deployed, what maintenance and upgrades are being carried out, and so on. I’m sure you understand.”
“The company is engaged in off-shore oil exploration,” Robert added.
“That’s right. Revenue from oil and gas production has made my country quite wealthy, allowing the citizens of Brunei to enjoy a very comfortable standard of living. In fact, per capita income is relatively high by any measure, and combined with free health care and subsidized food and housing, Bruneians have long life expectancy and are well educated.”
“Not to mention many have excellent taste in automobiles,” Peter quipped.
“We have a fleet of seventeen ships. Nine are purposed for exploration, including drilling test wells. The other eight are supply ships.”
“You mean they transport cargo?”
“Yes. Not only to support the exploration vessels, but they also ferry equipment and other materials and supplies to off-shore wells. It is a lucrative business, although not as glamorous as exploration.
“The South China Sea is rich in oil and gas. My company generates steady revenue, and as long as expenses are managed, the profit margin is attractive and predictable.”
“Has a ransom demand been delivered yet?” Peter asked.
“No, and I am certain there will be no ransom demand. As I explained to Robert already, Jade was not kidnapped for money.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“Three months ago, I noticed an anomaly in our maintenance records. One of our exploration ships, the Royal Seeker, was in dry dock being fitted with new engines and props.”
“Go on,” Peter said.
“I did not recall authorization for such expensive upgrades. That should have come from the Board of Directors. So, I inquired with the engineering manager. He checked his records, and said that I must be mistaken; the Royal Seeker was scheduled for a routine overhaul of its engines, not replacement.”
Peter sipped the strong coffee and then placed the cup on the table. “Perhaps the engines were too old and damaged, and replacing them was the most cost-effective solution? Maybe the propellers were also worn and in need of replacement?”
“Yes, I had the same thought. But the engineering department would have had a record of that.”
“And no such record exists,” Peter said.
“No.”
“Have you spoken with the vessel’s captain?” Robert asked.
Eu-meh nodded. “He denies that these upgrades were done and claims that his ship was in port for routine maintenance only, before putting to sea again.”
“Are you certain this isn’t a simple case of fraud?” Peter said.
“I am not naïve. Naturally, that thought has occurred to me as well. I have instructed one of my trusted accountants to look into this—discretely, of course. So far, the question remains unresolved.”
“I don’t see the connection with your daughter’s kidnapping.”
“Hua Ho Holdings equips all of its ships with locating beacons. The device is similar to those on commercial aircraft. It sends a signal that is relayed by satellite, indicating the location of the ship. This way, we track our vessels all the time. You see, the South China Sea is still dangerous, and piracy is a very real threat.
“I requested the log record for the Royal Seeker from the date it left dry dock until a week ago. The log indicated everything was normal and showed the ship followed its scheduled route. Except it didn’t.”
“How can you be certain?” Peter asked.
“According to the tracking log, one week ago the Royal Seeker was within helicopter range. I had my pilot fly me to the location where the ship was supposed to be—”
“Only it wasn’t there.”
“You are perceptive, Peter. The Royal Seeker was not anywhere within sight of the location indicated by the tracking log.”
“Where is the ship?” Robert asked.
“I don’t know. But late that night, a message was delivered to my apartment.” Eu-meh walked to her desk and retrieved a slip of paper. She presented it to Robert. He read it and then passed it to Peter.
The note was printed on common paper and consisted of only two sentences. It was not dated or signed. There were no identifying markings at all—it could have been printed by anyone. Peter frowned, and handed it back to Eu-meh.
“Now, do you see? If I do not stop my investigation and remain silent, they will kill my daughter.”
Chapter 16
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
August 25
It was a short drive from Hua Ho Holdings headquarters to Istana Nurul Iman Palace, home to Sultan Omar Muhammad Shah. At over two million square feet and with 1,788 rooms, there was more than enough space for the Sultan’s extended family, celebrity visitors, and official state business.
While the driver slowed at the gatehouse, the government soldier stepped out and quickly recognized Eu-meh Lim. He snapped to attention and saluted as the driver eased the limousine forward.
“Park at the security office,” Eu-meh instructed the driver. A separate structure from the main palace, the security building housed a garrison of soldiers, all wearing distinctive black berets, whose job it was to ensure no harm came to the royal family. With meeting rooms and offices, barracks, commissary, medical facilities, and armory, the security operation was entirely self-contained. All of the soldiers were handpicked, and all were single with no significant family ties.
The driver held the rear door for Eu-meh, while Robert and Peter were content to let themselves out of the vehicle. Diesel waited in the car with the driver.
“I want to introduce you to my nephew, Pehin Anak Shah. He is the youngest of my brother’s three sons, and he’s in charge of security—here at the palace as well as for Hua Ho Holdings.”
The glass double doors slid open as Eu-meh approached. She strode in with a confident air as if she owned the property—which wasn’t far from the truth.
“I’d like to speak with my nephew,” she said to the receptionist from five paces away.
“Yes, ma’am.” The young woman spoke softly into a phone, and then said, “He’ll see you now.” She waved to the side but Eu-meh was already in motion.
A short hallway ended at two tall, polished mahogany doors. The brass plaque on the door read Director of Security.
Eu-meh knocked politely and then nudged the door open.
A young man dressed in military uniform and decorated with an abundance of ribbons and medals, stood from behind his desk. “Come in! Eu-meh, always a pleasure to see you. And these must be your friends?”
“I see word travels fast,” Peter mumbled.
Eu-meh stepped forward and embraced her nephew. Turning slightly, she said, “This is Peter Savage. And of course, you know Robert.”
Pehin Anak Shah extended his hand first to Peter and then to Robert. “Of course. Robert and I have met before.” He smiled, his teeth flashing brilliant white. “And you, Mr. Savage. It is a pleasure to meet you. I understand my family owes you a debt of gratitude for saving my cousin while she was touring America.”
Peter bowed his head. When his eyes met those of the Security Director, he said, “Unfortunately, we were not as lucky in London. I’m very sorry.”
“Yes, I understand,” Pehin said. He clasped his hands behind his back. “You are welcome to the palace, as guests of my aunt. I will make sure your presence is known to the security guards so there is no,” he tilted his head, “misunderstanding.” Although his eyes twinkled, the rest of his face hardened. There was no expression of sincerity.
“Thank you,” Peter said, wondering if there was a threat buried in this last statement.
“Of course,” Pehin continued, “as honored guests, you may enjoy freedoms while on the palace grounds that would not be afforded elsewhere in Brunei. I’m sure you understand.”
Peter studied the smiling face, again thinking there was more being communicated than the simple statement. “No, actually, I don’t understand.”
“What he is saying,” Robert explained, “is that Brunei is a predominantly Muslim country. Some Western indulgences, such as alcohol, are not allowed.”
“Thank you, Robert. Mr. Savage, I advise you to be cautious, and respectful. Strictly speaking, the actions of citizens and visitors alike may be judged by Sharia law.”
“There is no reason for concern,” Eu-meh said. “Robert understands our culture and our laws. I’ve no doubt he will teach Mr. Savage accordingly. Now, I would like to put my friends in the corner suite.”
Pehin bowed.
The brief meeting concluded, the trio left the Security Director’s office. A short drive in the limo, and they were at one end of the palace. From the backseat window, Peter saw a three-story structure with expansive terraces at each level. Rich and diverse plantings rose above and spilled over the waist-high railings.
“This is called the garden apartment,” Eu-meh said.
“It’s beautiful,” Peter said.
“Wait ‘till you see the inside,” Robert replied, earning a rare smile from Eu-meh.
They strode across a walkway of polished granite slabs—each at least a meter in dimension on each side—that traversed a lush lawn. Peter recognized the roundish, pea-sized leaves and low-growing ground cover as dichondra. The granite walkway continued into the garden where it merged with a large patio, also constructed of the same granite squares.
To lend privacy, the garden was surrounded with a trellis wall. Philodendron, jade vine, Indian clock vine, red trumpet vine, bougainvillea, and other varieties of flowering plants Peter did not recognize grew together in lush abundance. Pots placed at various locations on the patio held other gorgeous tropical specimens blooming in vibrant shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, blue, and violet. And the foliage itself offered a seemingly endless range of shades of green that seemed all the more vibrant in the bright tropical sunshine.
The entrance door was taller than Peter by at least two feet, and crafted of solid teak wood. The surface of the door was decorated with a deep, three-dimensional carving of a peacock in front of a domed mosque. Peter stood before the door, admiring the carving.
“That is the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque,” Eu-meh explained. “It’s named after the twenty-eighth Sultan of Brunei, and many consider it to be the most beautiful mosque in all of Asia.”
Awestruck, Peter said, “It’s absolutely gorgeous.” It didn’t escape his notice that all of the door hardware—from the hinges to the latch to the large cover plate—were plated with 24 karat gold, not brass.
Eu-meh opened the door. It appeared to move effortlessly and not a squeak was heard as the lubricated hinges swiveled. “Shall we?”
Peter and Robert followed her into a large parlor floored in squares of alternating black and white marble, like a checker board. From the parlor, a wide staircase
ascended, the treads covered in ruby-colored carpet. “Bedroom suites are on the second and third floors,” she said. “Each room has a buzzer, like this one,” she pointed to a button inset in a gold plate on the wall. “Press it and the wait staff will respond to serve your needs at any time. Since the apartment is not normally occupied, the butler and day staff will be here shortly.”
Eu-meh walked to the right and opened double teak doors that led into a large room. Like the parlor, the ceiling was nine feet high, and crown-molding lining the coffered ceiling exuded elegance, which was subdued slightly by the furnishings. In the center sat a full-sized billiard table, constructed of polished ebony and covered in cobalt-blue felt. To the right, facing the patio garden, were a pair of French doors framed in teak. The panel of each door was made of an intricate pattern of leaded beveled glass. Through the ornate glasswork, the garden appeared as a kaleidoscope image. Around the perimeter of the room were floor-to-ceiling bookcases, separated at the center of the room by a massive gas fireplace framed in carved white marble. On the wall opposite the fireplace was a full-length bar. It took Peter a full two minutes to take it all in. When he did, all he could say was, “Wow. This is unbelievable.”
His eyes floated over the selection of spirits along the mirrored wall behind the ebony bar. “I thought alcohol was not allowed?”
“My brother believes in tolerance of other cultures and religions. He does not wish to impose his beliefs upon our guests.”
“So it would seem. Tell him thank you.”
“While you are here, consider this your home. You should get some rest, and in the morning we must talk.”
Peter realized he’d been behaving like a tourist. There was a serious reason he was here. “Thank you… for your gracious hospitality,” he said. Diesel, who had remained close by Peter’s side, sighed and looked directly at Eu-meh, his amber-colored eyes locking on hers.
She forced a smile and then left Robert and Peter standing in the game room. A thought suddenly came to Peter. “She didn’t leave a key.”
Guarding Savage Page 11
