Jake bent down near an antique table and picked up a small sticky object the size of an almond.
Park looked puzzled as he entered the room.
“CSI: Hong Kong,” said Jake, holding up the object and smiling uncomfortably. “Could this have come from one of the attackers?”
Park shrugged and said nothing.
Jake was serious about the clue and thought it might hold an answer. But he also feared his performance could arouse Park’s suspicions about this overly intuitive criminal co-conspirator. Jake stood straight and walked toward the Asian crime boss, allowing a closer examination of the object in his hand. Putting the evidence to his nose, Jake said, “I think this is candy. It smells like peppermint.”
He held the object out for Park. “It makes no difference,” Park said.
“Maybe it will help the cops identify who did this.”
Park shook his head slowly and with thoughtful deliberation said, “I am not interested in helping the police. First we get the return of Jenny and the child. Then we kill those who did this.”
Park crossed the expansive living room and opened the sliding glass doors leading to a large patio. He stepped out and looked toward heaven as if seeking comfort.
Jake followed. Staying in character, he wasn’t about to lecture Park on the merits of the U.S. criminal justice system. Anyone with Park’s background would administer his own brand of street justice, never seeking satisfaction from the courts. Park, the hunter, had become the prey, for a few very violent moments.
Standing silently beside the crime lord on the darkened patio, Jake thought to himself, Those behind this abduction may be able to run but they’ll never hide from a man with Park’s power. Whoever did this is already dead; they just don’t know it yet.
After the two men stood in silence for nearly a minute, Jake asked quietly, “Do you have the money? It may be key to getting Jenny and Gracie back safely.”
Park pulled out his gold cigarette case and after opening it offered one to Jake, who shook his head. Park removed a cigarette and tapped it on the case before putting it in his mouth. After lighting and taking a long draw, he slowly blew the smoke into the still night.
“I will when the container arrives on Friday.”
Jake was genuinely surprised. “You can make three million off one container?”
Park shook his head. “I can make three million off the next container. You must ensure that it arrives on time. Jenny and the child cannot afford any delays.”
“I’ve cleared the container through Customs and paid off my guy at the port of entry. There shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll check with him tonight just to make sure.”
Park took another slow draw on the cigarette and said, “Thank you,” as he blew out the smoke.
“Will you be okay tonight?”
Park tamped out his cigarette. “I am fine, Jake. I must call some people. Just deliver my container.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
As soon as he reached the Range Rover and pulled away from the curb, Jake was on the phone to Rachel Chang. “We need to meet, ASAP!”
“I’m with the ASAC at the San Marino Police Department headquarters, mending fences,” she replied.
“Good, I’m heading that direction,” he said, making a turn at the next intersection that tested the advertised traction of the SUV’s high-performance tires.
“Jake, cool down before you get here. Come around to the parking lot in the back. I’ll have Lieutenant Osborne, your new best friend, clear in your vehicle.”
“Not a good idea,” the undercover agent replied. “I don’t know how big Park’s network is. He may well have spotters watching the station or someone on the inside. I can’t take the chance one of his goons could put me or this vehicle up on YouTube as I pull in there.”
“How about the pharmacy parking lot at the end of the block?” she replied.
It took him less than ten minutes to negotiate the traffic. By the time he pulled into the parking lot and spied Rachel on her cell phone, he had dialed back his visible anger. But when he saw Hafner sitting in the government Ford, he slammed the door anyway — just for emphasis.
The ASAC jumped out of the car as Jake approached.
“What the hell was that all about?”
“What?” said Hafner, not quite sure whether to adopt a more forceful demeanor.
“Don’t give me that crap!” Jake yelled. “Nobody told me you and your buddy Wilson were going to show up at Park’s. You almost blew my cover. No one knew about the kidnapping but Park, me, and the kidnappers. Then you start running your mouth about the daughter and granddaughter and calling me Jake when no one addressed me by name.”
If the leadership skills he learned in the Marine Corps taught him anything, it was to praise in public and criticize in private. While on active duty he employed the principle daily when dealing with those he commanded. But when it came to FBI administrators, Jake’s leadership traits had gone the way of the Oldsmobile. Maybe if he burned fewer bridges he’d find more support from the Bureau’s command structure, but tonight his volatile nature was on full display.
Rachel quickly stepped in, attempting to head off a career-ending confrontation between Jake and Hafner.
“Jake, relax. It’s okay. Park’s not suspicious at all,” said Rachel.
“How would you know?” snapped Jake.
“I just talked to Bill Holodnak in the wire room. Park and his security chief were on the phones as soon as you left calling some people we have yet to identify,” said Rachel with a calming professional confidence. “Park has called up additional security personnel and they are on their way to the house.”
“Good,” said Jake, still hot.
Rachel inched away from Hafner, trying to direct Jake’s attention on her rather than the ASAC. The ploy worked as Jake focused on her next statement. “Bill said Park was very appreciative of you being at the residence while the cops were there. He said, ‘The round-eye is a strong ally,’ so he’s not suspicious at all. In fact your little two-step with the ASAC enhanced your credibility.”
Hafner flashed a self-congratulatory grin as if it were all part of his investigatory scheme.
Jake settled down momentarily after hearing the reassurances from his supervisor. She had been a street agent and had done UC work on a nasty sex-trafficking ring and had what her peers and subordinates considered to be street smarts.
“What happened after the police left?” asked Rachel, still trying to divert attention from Hafner.
“He showed me the ransom note for three million dollars.”
Hafner nodded and said a little too enthusiastically, “That’s good.”
Jake barked, “What’s good?”
Rachel answered, “That he showed you the note.”
Exhausted by the events of the day, Jake replied simply, “Yeah, well, why wouldn’t he? He needs to trust someone. He doesn’t suspect me of being behind the home invasion.”
“Does he have the money?” asked Hafner.
“No.”
Hafner nodded again. “Good.”
Jake’s suspicions grew. “Whattaya mean, ‘good’? What’s going on here?”
Rachel remained cool. “Nothing, Jake. We’re trying to figure out what Park’s next move is.”
“His next move is to get his daughter and granddaughter back.”
Hafner smirked. “And how does he do that without money?”
“He’ll have to get it. He said he was going to make some calls this evening.”
“Any idea where he’ll get the money?” asked Hafner.
“Maybe he’s taking up a collection. Calling in a few markers. I don’t know, maybe a garage sale.”