Tommy interceded. “We need to leave now.”
“But I’d like to continue to talk long-term business plans with Mr. Yeong. We’re just getting started. I think this relationship might evolve into substantial profits for all of us,” said Jake.
“It’s not wise while we’re all together with what you’re holding in those two packages,” said Tommy, just a hint of irritation in his voice. “We can meet again tomorrow or the next day to discuss long-term plans.”
With that Yeong clapped his hands twice. “Very wise, Tommy. You are learning.” With the back of his hand Yeong gestured for everyone to leave.
Jake threw the two kilos into a nondescript brown paper bag Yeong provided.
“We’ll talk more next time. I’d like to explore a long-term business proposition. We might be able to make it work if you make it worth my while,” said Jake as he was leaving.
“We will talk again soon,” said Yeong.
Tommy hustled Jake out of the office and back down the stairs.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
As they began the long walk down a now-dark alley toward the Range Rover, Tommy fumed, “You made Mr. Yeong angry.”
“What do you mean?” asked Jake, knowing exactly what he meant.
“You know Mr. Yeong doesn’t like being called Oriental.”
Jake smiled but said nothing.
“Why do you do that?” asked Tommy.
“Because I can get away with it,” said Jake with a smirk, celebrating the fact he had just added one more nail to the coffin of several gangster entrepreneurs.
Tommy shook his head. “If you want to keep taking your fee in Mr. Yeong’s yaba, I suggest you show the man a lot more respect.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t give me that respect crap. This is all about the money. I’ve got what he needs. If he can’t handle my insensitivities, I’ll just move on to someone else. A lot of people will pay for my services. If this is going to work, he doesn’t have to like me. All he has to do is trust me — and pay me.”
“Why should he trust you? I don’t know that I do,” said Tommy.
“Well, apparently he doesn’t trust you. He wouldn’t even front you two kilos of ice to pay for the container we smuggled into the United States. I’d watch my back around him. From now on, you ought to insist on half payment up front.”
Jake knew he had three solid counts against Yeong: two containers of counterfeit goods smuggled across the U.S. border and now the crystal methamphetamine. He needed to move quickly to Park, whom he had not met but who had brokered the Rolex watch deal through Tommy. The investigation might be short-lived because of the lawyer’s solicitation to commit murder. The undercover agent wanted to get Tommy off Yeong and on to Park. This was an opportunity to plant seeds of doubt and fear, maybe even a little paranoia.
Jake continued. “I’d drop this guy like used dental floss. From everything you’ve said Park is more honorable.”
“You don’t question the integrity of a man like Mr. Yeong.”
Jake wasn’t about to back down. “When I get back to my place I’m weighing this. If it’s light your next container’s gonna be light.”
Tommy raised his voice slightly. “You never challenge a man like Mr. Yeong in his office in front of others.”
“You call that a challenge? I never even put a gun to his head.”
“You must always leave a man with his dignity. To do otherwise is to make an enemy.”
“That must be more Confucius because I can’t think of a country song with that line in it,” said Jake.
Tommy looked over his shoulder.
“They aren’t coming,” said Jake.
“You think you know our ways but you’re wrong.”
“I’m still trying to catch up on all these Asian customs.”
“You better hope you live long enough to learn them.”
Jake needed to drop Tommy at his car, which was parked in a strip mall two miles from the restaurant. The undercover agent knew Tommy was agitated by the performance in Yeong’s office, so he decided to lighten up the conversation as they were driving.
“Candy’s beautiful,” said Jake.
After a prolonged moment Tommy said, “You really think so?”
“Absolutely. Better keep a close eye on that one. Somebody with money will grab her in a heartbeat.”
“That’s why I’m working so hard to please her.”
“Whatever generates our revenue stream pleases me, my friend,” said Jake.
With the tension eased, Jake decided to press the investigation.
“What’s the deal with a black bartender in a Korean bar serving only domestic beer?” asked Jake, trying to sound as if he were only making conversation and not all that interested.
Tommy seemed forgiving in his response. “His name’s Kareem. He did time with Candy’s brother at Folsom. They were in the same unit for a year or so and Kareem got to know the family. After Kareem got off parole and needed a job, Candy convinced Yeong’s manager to hire him to tend bar.”
“The bartender’s name is Kareem?” said Jake, glancing over at Tommy.
“Yeah.”
“Is he Muslim?”
“I’m not sure. He doesn’t worship at my mosque,” replied the Korean sarcastically.
“Funny, Tommy. Is Candy’s brother still in?”
“Yeah, and he’s not getting out anytime soon.” Tommy paused briefly before asking, “Why are you so interested in all this? Are you writing a book?”
“No, just seemed odd, a black guy with a Muslim name working in a Korean bar.”
“Submit it to Ripley’s,” came Tommy’s quick response.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Jake dropped Tommy at his car and headed south on Vermont Avenue toward the freeway, hoping to get out of Koreatown quickly. He raced in and out of traffic, constantly checking his mirrors, looking for a tail. He doubted Tommy and the crew would try to follow him, but he was carrying more than four pounds of a controlled substance under the front seat. Like every good dope dealer he wanted to get it to the next stage in the distribution process without interference. For Jake, it meant Trey Bennett, his case agent.
Using the speed-dial function on his phone, he punched in the code for Trey.
“I’m out of there,” said Jake over the speaker.
“How’d it go?”
“It went. I’m heading over to the Santa Monica Freeway and will eventually get up to the Westside. Meet me in the parking lot across the street from this morning’s tryst, Cupcake,” said Jake, smacking his lips, making kissing sounds.
“You’re sick.”
“You’re cute.”
When Jake pulled off the 405 Freeway at Sunset Boulevard, he called Trey. “Everything look good?”
“Yeah, the parking lot’s clean.”
“I’ll be there in two. Is junior with you?”
“Yeah.”
“With drugs in the car, I don’t want to stop at some minimart. Have him run across the street and grab me a Dr Pepper at the liquor store.”
“Got it. He’ll be waiting with drink in hand when you get here.”
As soon as Jake pulled onto the side street leading to the Brentwood public parking lot he spotted Trey Bennett’s Ford Fusion. Jake checked his mirrors one last time before pulling into the lot. Trey and Brian Carter were waiting outside the car.
“At least you took off the ties,” said Jake as he exited his car, handing the paper bag to Trey, who was wearing clear latex gloves.
Brian handed Jake the soda and Jake fished out change from his pocket to repay the newest member of the team.
“Thanks. I was getting thirsty but always hate using a drive-thru or stopping at 7-Eleven. Need to get straight home to papa when you’re holding product.”