Critical Incidents: The ROK - Land of HAN (A Jack Gunn Mystery Thriller Book 1) (11 page)

According to the file, he was born in the United States, graduated with honors from Florida State, and enlisted in the Marines. After boot camp he was promoted to a Second Lieutenant. He attended special opps training programs and volunteered for Middle East duty. His father is Japanese and his mother is Hispanic. He can speak four languages besides his native tongue, which is English.

I got off my butt and walked to his office. Tim was pushing some papers as I walked in. He stood up and said, “Please, have a seat, Sir. What can I do for you?”

Tim was a good looking guy with short black hair, standing as tall as me. You could tell he worked out and seemed to be in great shape. He clearly had oriental features to his thin face. We shook hands and he had a powerful grip and energy about him. I liked his friendly appearance and cheerful attitude.        

“Just call me Jack.”

“Ok, Jack.”

“I have a question. Can you speak and read Japanese fluently?”

Tim leaned back and said, “Sir, I am fluent in Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish.”

“That’s good to know. I read your file and was impressed, to say the least. I may have use for your talent when it comes to Japanese.”

“Why, did something coming up that’s not on my schedule?” as he held up a piece of paper.

“No, not yet. But I know where to find you when something does.” I noticed it was lunchtime. “Tim, let’s get some lunch. You can show me the cafeteria.”

“Yes sir, let’s go.” As we walked up the steps to the top floor, Tim commented, “Usually most of us, including the Marines, sit at the same table. We don’t mingle much with the workers here.”

During lunch I gave Tim an assignment to visit the Pusan Office and do an inspection for me, because it would be a while until I could get down there. I knew he could be trusted to give me an honest report. Tim advised me his schedule was open and he could go tomorrow.

After lunch, I did a walk around of the entire building with Tim and Gunny Smith. We went to each floor and I was introduced to some new people. We covered the grounds outside looking for weak areas around the perimeter. The last thing we did was go to the roof. The roof is important because it contains the helipad, which is the emergency escape route.

I was very satisfied with the overall security and complimented Gunny Smith on the attention he paid to details. I was sure the embassy was secure and safe.

Returning to my office, I reviewed the schedules assigned to my men by the previous RSO. Regardless of what our job description says, the primary function of a Diplomatic Security Agent is to provide protective security for the following: Secretary of State, Ambassador, U.S. government officials, visiting foreign dignitaries, embassy personal, and the embassy building.

Important people are always coming to South Korea for some reason. Most of these people have meetings with the Ambassador. They either stay at the Chosun Hotel or the Intercontinental Hotel. It takes a lot of planning and time on our part because we have to arrange transportation, shadow them when they go to meetings, and be prepared for just about anything. It requires close coordination and detailed scheduling. Depending who is visiting, there can be anywhere from one to five men assigned to a detail. Of course when the Secretary of State or the President comes to Korea, all hands are on deck.

After reviewing the schedule for the next month, there was only one large event in South Korea. That was Korea Independence Day, which is like our Fourth of July. It’s the day that Korea declared independence from the Japanese after thirty five years of repressive control, at the end of World War II.

On the schedule it showed the United States dignitaries who would attend the celebration were: Ambassador Stevens, Assistant Secretary of State, Four Star General Riley the U.S. Commander of the USFK (United States Forces Korea), and his aid, Colonel Daley. All were invited to a dinner party to be held at the Blue House with President Roh, and other Korean heads of state, along with most of the Korean military bigwigs.

Having never been to such an event, I wanted to ask Agent Noda if he had been to one. I also needed to discuss this with my buddy, Lee. KY has been to many of these events, so he can fill me in on how security it is normally handled. He can advise me what security protocols are used.

It occurred to me that security would have to be coordinated and discussed with Mr. Kwon, the new NIS Assistant Director, and personal bodyguard for President Roh. I would be able to meet Kwon again, face to face. I couldn’t wait because I had a lot of questions to ask him.

I was still reviewing the files that Stevens provided me when my desk phone rang. It was Ambassador Stevens. He just wanted to know if I was getting along alright on my first day, before he left to go home. I glanced at the wall clock and it was already 7 pm.

I advised him that the embassy was very secure and that his men were doing a great job. Stevens reminded me that I now had a car and driver at my disposal. I forgot all about that little benefit. The embassy has a total of eight cars to use. Three of these are big Caddy limos and the remaining cars are Hyundai Presidential models. The Caddies are the only bullet proof vehicles. I had a Hyundai, car number seven, assigned to me. After I finished my conversation with Ted, I packed up my briefcase and went to my car, located on sublevel three, under the embassy.

Arriving at the Chosun at 8 pm, I advised the driver to pick me up tomorrow at seven o’clock. I went directly to my room and there was a message from Lee on my phone to call him tonight. I lit a smoke, poured a double Jack Daniels, and jugged it down before calling Lee back.

Before I could call, the phone rang. It was my buddy Lee. “I was just gonna call you.” I said.

“Jack, I found out from the Mossad, a few hours ago, that the third man in the picture is actually a Japanese-Filipino named Watanabe. This guy is a known radical Muslim. He was convicted of terrorist activities in the Philippines, and spent five years in prison. He’s probably a member of ISIS.”

“If he’s a radical, then that makes Kim, Ellington, and Wright radical terrorists also.”

“Yes, it seems that way. Why else would they meet with Watanabe?”

“Lee, something stinks.”

“Yes, something stinks for sure. Their meeting each other isn’t a coincidence.”

“Yep, you’re right about that. There’s Kim, Ellington, Wright, and now Watanabe. I think they’re all radical Islamists or terrorists,” I commented. “We have to find out what the hell they’re up to.”

“How are we gonna do that?” Lee asked.

“I picked up some bugs from the embassy. I’ll plant them at the Tiger House, in the private rooms. Maybe they’ll go back there for another meeting.”

“That’s a good idea. But if they’re planning a terrorist attack, we’ll have to report it.”

“Who are we going to report it to? We can’t trust the NIS. Let’s see what we find out before we make any moves. There might be more people involved.”

Lee replied, “I agree we have don’t have any concrete evidence right now. The only agency we could report this to would be the Army Intelligence Group (AIG). Let me think about it and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

We hung up and I called room service for dinner. I had another drink while waiting for Mi-young to return from work. I needed to discuss using the bugs at the Tiger House with her, before talking to the owner, Lady Lim.

After discussing the bugs with Mi-young last night, she thought that Lady Lim would agree to let me place them in the rooms, if it was a matter of national security.

Mi-young suggested we go to Tiger House at ten in the morning because that’s when the owner is counting the receipts from the day before. Also, the bar doesn’t open up until 2 pm, so no one else is there.

I spent an hour teaching Mi-young how to operate the MELD 110s. I gave her the activation button, which is a small remote control device. She picked it up fast and was happy to be involved. I wasn’t happy about using her, but I had no other choice.

My driver phoned me at 7 am, advising he was waiting for me out front. I forgot he was coming and told him I would be late and he should return to the embassy.

At eight o’clock, I called my secretary, telling her I wouldn’t be in until around noon and to advise the Ambassador.

Taking a taxi, Mi-young and I arrived at the Tiger House exactly at ten. I checked to see if we were followed, but I didn’t see anyone on our tail. The door was unlocked so we walked inside. Lady Lim was already there counting her take from last night. When she saw me, Mama-san came over and gave me a hug. We go back a long way. Back to the days when she was struggling, to make ends meet. “Jack! Good see you. Mi-young is happy you back Korea,” speaking in clear, but broken English.

I noticed right away her hair was a mess and she had on a wrinkled dirty   dress. Mi-young pulled a hair brush from of her purse and started to bush Mama-san’s hair while standing there. I could tell Lady Lim appreciated the attention.

Mama-san is a ruff crude out spoken woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s about sixty years old. I felt sorry for her, but also have great respect for her. Owning the Tiger House, in a male dominated society, was no easy task. It has made her very rich. Money is the love of her life and so is booze.

Lady Lim is no spring chicken. She’s a tough old bird, slightly overweight, with an extended belly from too much drinking. The dark circles under her eyes told you she wasn’t taking good care of herself. In the old days, Mama-san was a fairly good looking woman, but the years had not been good to her. She had never been married, but had one child who was killed in a car accident, while she was driving drunk. She has never driven a car since. After that she drank even more trying to forget. The only friends she has are some employees and customers. Mi-young has become like a daughter to her.   

I replied, “Mama-san, it’s good to see you once again.” I looked at the pile of money on the bar counter. “You should lock the door when counting your money.” I walked over and locked the front door.

She laughed. “No one steal from Lady Lim. I kill them.” She pulled a gun from her purse and waved it around, putting me on edge. Mama-san doesn’t know shit about guns and having one in her hand was cause for concern. 

It is totally illegal for a common person to carry a gun in Korea. But many do, even if there is a severe punishment.

“Let me see that gun.” I took it from her hand and made sure the safety was on. The gun was a simple 38-caliber revolver. “Do you know how to use this?”

“Yes, just point and pull trigger.” I handed the gun back to her. She walked behind the bar leaving the gun on the counter. “We have drink now. Let me think … you like JD, right?”

“That’s right. You have a good memory.”

“No good anymore.”

Mama-san is a blazing alcoholic and has been for years. She gets totally drunk every day and it’s a wonder she is still alive.

After she poured us each a big double shot she said, “Cheers, Mr. Jack!” We jugged down the booze. She immediately poured another round for us. “Jack, what your job now? You big shot now?”

“I’m a Diplomatic Security Agent in charge of security for the United States Embassy here in Korea.”  

She nodded and picked up a smoke. While holding it to her wrinkled lips, Mi-young lit it for her. After taking a deep drag she asked, “Why you come visit Lady Lim?” She got right to the point.

“I need your help. The government needs your help.”

She peered at me with glazed bloodshot eyes. “How I help government?”

I proceeded to tell her the story about the terrorists, telling her they were North Korean spies. I didn’t want to tell her too much for fear she might slip when drunk, and let the cat out of the bag. She carefully listened, while nodding her head. Finally I said, “We need to put listening bugs in your rooms because these men have been meeting here.”

“Meeting here at Tiger House?” she asked.

Mi-young said, “Yes Mama-san, I see them here, couple times.”

Then Mi-young and Lady Lim started to speak in Korean. I listened as Mi-young explained the situation the same as I did, but this time Lim understood. Mama-san finally said, “Jack, put spy bug in rooms. It ok for me. Jack, give me gift five thousand dollar. I agree.”

“Ok. I’ll bring you the money this week.” We shook hands on the deal and drank another toast. I’d have to get the money from petty cash, and advise Ted what I was doing.

While Mama-san finished counting her receipts from last night, Mi-young and I placed the bugs in the rooms. We put them inside the lampshades near the seats, one each room. Then we tested them to make sure they worked as planned. The stage was set, so hopefully we’d find out more information.

I said my good-byes to Lady Lim, advising that I’d be back later with the money. I told Mi-young to be careful and to call me if the bad guys come back.

On the way to the embassy, I phoned Ambassador Stevens to see if he was free for a quick meeting. He advised me to stop by his office right after lunch.

It was one o’clock when I knocked on his door. “Come on in, Jack,” Stevens said. “You have thirty minutes to fill me in.”

“Ted, I have some new information. Now there’s a new man involved named Watanabe, which brings the total to four that we know of. He’s a Filipino-Japanese and spent five years in jail for terrorist acts in the Philippines. He might be linked to ISIS.”

“How do you know they are all terrorists?”

“My buddy, Lee, checked them out with the Mossad, because I couldn’t find any record on some of them. The Mossad advised they are all possible terrorists.”

“Damn terrorists. Who would think they’d come here,” Ted said. “But they haven’t committed any crimes in Korea, have they?”

“No, not yet, but I think they’re planning something for sure. Once they commit a crime, it’s too late, so we have to stop them before they do.”

“I agree with that. But we don’t have any evidence that we can provide to President Roh, the NIS, or his Army Chief of Staff. All we know is four men, who happen to be radical Muslims or terrorists, are meeting here in Korea.”

“Well Ted, here in Korea that’s enough to get arrested for by the military. Speaking of the military, we have to contact the Korean Army when we have some evidence and not the NIS. I don’t know if we can trust the NIS.”

“You might be right about that. So, what’s your next step?” Ted asked.

“I’m going to obtain more evidence. I took five MELD 110s from the armory and planted them at the Tiger House where these men have been meeting.”

“What the heck is a MELD?”

“It stands for Micro Electronic Listening Device. The bar owner gave me permission to plant them. She’s an old friend of mine.”

“Does she know to keep her trap shut about this?”

“Yes, she does, but in typical Korean style she wants a gift. She asked for seven thousand U.S. dollars.” I fudged the number up from five to seven grand so I could give two grand to Mi-young for putting her ass on the line by helping me out.

“When do you need it?” Ted asked.

“I have to pay her by tomorrow.”

“Ok.” He called in his secretary and told her to give me seven thousand out of petty cash. “Is that all?”

“Yeah, that’s it for now. I’ll keep you posted.”

I left Ted’s office and I could tell he wasn’t happy about the problem. He wasn’t happy about coughing up seven grand. But the way I look at it, the seven grand is well spent. Besides, the government can afford it. They make payoffs all the time, only in larger amounts.

I went directly to the hotel after work and phoned Lee. He was on his way over to discuss some new ideas. Maybe I would spot Ellington or Wright in the lobby, so I went there for a cup of tea, while waiting for Lee.

Lee arrived, but I didn’t have any luck spotting my targets. We went to my room and I poured us a drink.

Lee said, “Jack, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. There are people we can trust.”

“Like who?” I asked.

“First of all we can call my old boss, Mr. Yoon, who Kwon fired. He has a lot of contacts and I’m sure he’d work with us.”

I nodded. “Ok. I think you’re right, he probably isn’t very happy about being fired.”

“I also have an old friend, K.S. Han, who is in the ROK Army. He’s a Colonel and aid to General T.S. Choi. Choi is the man in charge of the AIG (Army Intelligence Group). They don’t like the NIS.”

“The question is, can they be trusted?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m very sure these men are trustworthy. They are also very well respected and have a lot of power. By the way, Colonel Han is married to Mr. Yoon’s sister. So they are very close.”

“Alright, that sounds good to me. Can you contact them for a meeting after we collect more evidence?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Let’s assume we do meet with them and tell our story. What do you think they’ll do?”

Lee replied, “First of all, we are assuming that these men are going to commit some type of terrorist act in Korea. Carrying it one step further, we’re assuming that the NIS is involved. Right?”

“Yep, that sums it up. So what would your contacts do about it?”

“I believe that they would have the Army swoop in, arrest the terrorists, take over the NIS, protect President Roh, and declare martial law,” Lee said.

I commented, “We don’t know how long it will take before these commies actually commit a terrorist act.” I took a sip of my drink. “It could be tomorrow.”

“That’s an excellent point, Jack. So, why don’t we have a meeting now, with Han and Yoon? Even if we don’t have any tangible evidence, we’ll tell them what we’ve found out so far.”

I lit a smoke, while thinking about Lee’s suggestion. “I think you’re right. That’s the way to go. Just ask them to meet us because it’s an urgent national security matter. Then we tell them the situation and see what they think.”

Lee replied, “Yes, I think that’s better than waiting until we have more evidence. Who knows, we might not obtain any. I’ll set up a meeting ASAP. Should we meet here, in your room?”

“Yeah, we’ll meet here. I think this is the safest place.”

Lee and I ordered dinner from room service, and we finished our plans. He would try to set up a meeting later this week.