Critical Incidents: The ROK - Land of HAN (A Jack Gunn Mystery Thriller Book 1) (14 page)

Kamata slid open the balcony glass door and we stepped out into the hot muggy August night. The moon was full and the sky was clear. You couldn’t see any stars, however, because of the millions of lights glowing in Seoul. He offered me a Japanese smoke and we lit up.

After taking a puff, he asked, “How well do you speak Japanese?”

“Not well enough. I know enough to get around but can’t really carry on a complicated conversation.”

“Do you like Japan?”

“Yes, I do. I’ve studied Japanese history. I like the customs and culture.”

We both took off our suit jackets because it was so muggy. I was sweating my ass off. Kamata saw my guns and Black Bear fighting knife on my hip. Changing the subject, he asked, “Do you always carry those weapons?”

“Yes, always.”

“May I see your knife?”

Pulling it out of the sheath, I passed it to him, handle first. “Be careful, it’s sharp as a razor.”

Kamata studied it very closely, like he was an expert. “Who makes this knife?”

“It’s made by Cold Steel in the United States.”

“I see it is double edged. Very nice, but there is no hamon.”

“That’s right, there is no heat treat temper line in the metal. These blades are made differently than Japanese knifes or swords. They’re made from one piece of metal, out of a special alloy. Cold Steel guarantees it will never break or crack. Some of the Special Forces use this knife.”

“So, do you know about Japanese Samurai Swords?”

“I studied them a little. I know that Masamune-san was Japan’s greatest swordsmith in 1300 AD and perhaps of all time.”

“Sore wa hontō desu ( That is true). I collect Samurai swords and own one Masamune sword.”

“I have never seen one in person, but would like to.”

While making small talk, I was trying to figure out what he was up to. He was typical Japanese, approaching a subject indirectly. Feeling you out, testing your knowledge, and reaction to his questions. 

“Jack-san, have you ever used this blade in battle?” He held the knife in the air and peered at the shiny six-inch blade.

As he handed it back to me, I said, “Yes, I have. Several times this knife has drawn the blood of my enemies.”

“May I ask, have you ever killed anyone?”

“You mean with this knife?”

“With a knife or gun, it doesn’t matter. How many people have you killed?”

“I have no idea. But, I can tell you everyone I killed deserved it.”     

“Jack-san, I like that answer. I believe you can help me.”

“Yes, you said that before. Please explain how I can help you?”   

After hesitating for a minute, like he was thinking what to say, or how to say it, Kamata said, “I have security problems. I need a good bodyguard and better security. My bodyguards are not professionally trained. I have many enemies and some of them would like to kill me. That’s how you can help me.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. You want me to be your bodyguard?”

“Yes, but I need you for more than that. I would like you to help me select men for security and then train them. Set up a security system at my home and other places. Do for me, the same things you do for the embassy.”

“Kamata-san, if I work for the Yakuza, I’d never be able to work for the U.S. government again.”

“Jack-san, you are not working for the Yakuza. You are working for me. You will be working for Kamata Enterprises. All my businesses are legal and legitimate these days. I own bars, night clubs, grocery stores, pachinko stores, trucking companies, taxi cabs, and banks, to name a few. All of these are legal and not related to the Yakuza.”

I thought, Kamata must be a billionaire to own all those types of businesses. “What about the prostitution, gambling, and drugs?”

“Those activities are controlled by the Bosozoku gangs. Actually, that is why I need improved protection. Some of these gangs are always gunning to take out a Yakuza Boss. However, things are changing in Japan. You may not know this but the Yakuza are now well-respected in Japan. The police leave us alone as along as laws are not violated.”

“But, you take a cut from the Bosozoku.”

“Yes, of course, the Inagawa Clan does. It has nothing to do with my personal business. The Bosozoku are operating in the clan territory. But we have nothing to do with their operations. However, we will not tolerate violence on the local people in our territory. Most people are glad that the Yakuza are there to protect them.”

“I think I understand. You want me to work for Kamata Enterprises. Train your bodyguards, set up your security, and be your personal bodyguard. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that is correct. You would do nothing illegal. Please excuse me for inquiring, but I asked Ted how much your salary was. Jack-san, you are greatly underpaid for your skills and knowledge.”

“Yes, I know that, but I have a good retirement pension and excellent benefits.”

“I can offer much better.”

“What do you think is much better?”

“I will pay you one million U.S. dollars, in advance, and a one million dollar bonus at the end of the first full year, assuming you keep me alive. You can leave Kamata Enterprises any time you like.”

I didn’t know what to say about that offer.  “Thank you, Kamata-san, for the generous offer.” I needed a few minutes to think about it.

I pulled out my pack of Winston Lights and offered him one. I lit it for him. 

After a deep drag, I said, “Your offer … is very intriguing to me.”

We sat there in silence while he waited for my comments. I thought for a few minutes, and then said, “I appreciate your kind offer. But let me be blunt. I would need two million up front because, after taxes, I’ll only receive one million. I also need all expenses paid while I’m living in Japan or traveling. I need a ten million dollar life insurance policy and require you to pay all medical expenses, for any reason. Would you agree to that?”

Kamata smiled, and replied, “Yes, of course. Those items are no problem. Jack-san, please make a list of what you need. I will agree to the items you just mentioned. Two million up front, and two million at the end of the first year. I will draw up an agreement between us and email it to you.”

“Thank you very much, Kamata-san. In that case, I accept your offer. However, I can’t start until the end of September. I have to provide a one month notice and make sure Ted gets a good replacement.”

Keiko and Midori cracked open the balcony sliding door, advising that dinner was ready.

“If you agree to that, then it’s a deal,” I said.

“It’s a deal,” Kamata replied. “I am very pleased you will be my bodyguard and run my security.” We stood up, bowed to each other, and this time we briskly shook hands. “By the way, you get one more excellent benefit when you come to work for me in Japan.”

“Oh, what’s that?”

As we walked inside, he smiled and whispered, “Midori-san. She loves you.”

I thought, that’s all I need another woman in my life. God is going to punish me for sure.

We had just sat down to enjoy a beautiful steak teriyaki dinner, when my phone rang. I stood up and excused myself to answer it. Just as I thought, it was Mi-young advising that Kim and Watanabe had just arrived. I phoned Lee right away and told him.

Everyone was watching me as I walked back to the table. “I’m very sorry, but I have to leave. There’s a critical incident I need to take care of right away.”

Ted said, “Ok, I understand.”

“Jack-san, I will send you the agreement within a week. Call me with any questions,” Kamata said. “And thank you again for accepting my offer.”

“Agreement?” Ted asked.

“Yes, Jack is coming to work for Kamata Enterprises. I’ll tell you all about it.”

I commented, “Yes, please advise everyone the good news. Thank you, Kamata-san, I look forward to working for you. I have to hurry. Ted, I’ll call you tomorrow.”

I bowed and rushed towards the door. I heard Midori shout, “Good-bye. See you later, Jack-san.”

I didn’t reply as the elevator door shut.

Arriving at the Tiger House, I scanned the street looking for an NIS car. Satisfied one wasn’t round, I removed my necktie before going in the bar, so I appeared to be a normal western businessman out for a good time. Mi-young greeted me and found me a seat at the bar counter. She whispered, “I think they already drunk.”

I glanced at them sitting in room number one with four of Mi-young’s hostess ladies. There was only Kim and Watanabe, meaning Ellington didn’t show up. Looking around the bar, I spotted Lee sitting at the other end. We nodded to each other. It was eleven o’clock and the place was packed. The band was blasting music from the Eagles.

I ordered a soda water on the side with a double shot of JD on the rocks. These shots are small, about half the size of an American double. I could drink six of them before getting a buzz.

I was getting edgy sitting there. I wanted to get this shit over with. I wanted to kill these assholes and get things back to normal. I saw Mi-young go in the room, sit down, and bullshit with the jerks. She spent the better part of an hour talking to these guys. I observed the drinks were flowing, and the two dorks were having a good time. I surmised that Mi-young was in the process of getting them really drunk.

It was almost one in the morning when Watanabe stood up with one lady. I thought they were going to dance. Mi-young left the private room, and strolled over to me. She whispered, “They leaving now.”

I told her, “After they leave, get all the bugs, and take them to my hotel room. Did you get their room numbers?”

“Just Kim. He in Hamilton, room 810.”

“After closing, I’ll meet you at the Chosun.”

It was too late to put our plan in action, as I watched Watanabe stagger out of the bar with a lady on his arm.
Shit, he got the jump on us.
I looked at Lee and saw he was leaving the bar to follow him.

I had told Mi-young not to let any of her girls leave with these guys. This complicated matters because we couldn’t have any witnesses.

Kim was still in the room counting out his money to pay the tab and tipping the ladies for their service.

I phoned Lee and he answered on the first ring. “Hello, Jack. What should we do now? We can’t kill this guy in front of the girl.”

“Where are you?” I asked.

“Just outside, following them down the street. I guess they’re going to the Hamilton.”

“Yeah, Mi-young told me that’s where they are staying. Follow him to his room. Then wait for me in the lobby, while I take care of Kim.”

I left the Tiger House and hurried down the street to the dark alley we selected for the ambush, before Kim could leave the bar. As I stood in the muggy dark stinking alley, I planned how to kill this guy.

A group of people walked by laughing, and I slid back into the shadows, standing ankle deep in the garbage spewed around. I spotted a ball cap laying in the filth, so I picked it up, shook off what dirt I could, and put it on my head for a disguise. It felt wet and slimy as I pulled it down, low as possible, until it almost covered my eyes. The hat smelled like vomit.

A taxi drove by going up the hill. Another came back down. A few more people staggered by the alley. One drunk stopped to pee. He didn’t know I was standing right in front of him in the darkness. They moved on loudly talking, the way drunks do.

After thirty minutes, I wondered what was going on. Why was it taking Kim so long to leave the bar? Then I heard footsteps, so I peeked out around the corner of the building. Walking down the dimly lit street were a man and a woman. I couldn’t make out if it was Kim or not from this distance. Sliding back into the shadows, I drew my Glock, racked a round, and waited.

Shit, if this is Kim, and he has a woman with him, I would have to kill both of them. I didn’t want to whack an innocent woman, but I had no choice. She would squeal to the cops for sure. The problem was all the ladies at the Tiger House knew who I was. They knew I was Mi-young’s lover.

My plan was simple. Once they passed by the alley, I would step out behind them. When within a few feet, I would pop both in the back of the head; Kim first and then the chick. One shot to each head and it would be over, quick and painless.

I heard the footsteps getting closer and closer. Then I saw the dark figures pass by me. It was Kim alright. He was closest to me and the girl was on his left arm. She held him up as they staggered along. He had his arm around here shoulder. I couldn’t make out her face, but her silhouette looked familiar. I had second thoughts about killing the girl, but realized I had to or I could be in deep shit.

After they passed, I quietly stepped out of the shadows. I slipped in behind them, without making a sound to within five feet of my targets. It was noisy, with cars honking, and music echoing down the street from the nightclubs. I checked both directions, up and down the street. No one was around. I thought,
it’s now or never.

I pointed my gun at the back of Kim’s head. Carefully taking aim I squeezed the trigger, popping him. He fell limp to the ground with a thud. I knew the hollow point bullet would blow his brains out the front of his face, leaving a baseball size hole.

As he fell, he dragged the girl to the ground with him. She was on her hands and knees trying to get up. I took a step closer for a better shot. I hesitated as I took aim at the girl’s head. I put my finger on the trigger and started taking out the slack. Then I decided, since she hasn’t seen my face, I’ll just bash her in the head and knock her out. Instantly I removed my finger from the trigger and stood over her. As I raised my arm to deliver a knockout blow, she screamed. I knew that voice.

She suddenly turned her head around. I saw her face and she saw mine, as I almost whacked her in the head. I was shocked to see Mi-young.

Without saying a word to her, I shoved the gun in my waistband, and quickly dragged Kim’s body far back into the dark alley, among the heaps of garbage. It was a fitting place for a terrorist to be dumped. I quickly frisked the body, taking his cell phone, wallet, money, passport, and his hotel room key.

Mi-young stood there, somewhat in shock, staring at me. I angrily asked, “What the hell are you doing here?” I noticed her dress was torn and her right hand was bleeding.

She started to sob. “Kim demanded … girl help him to hotel. He too drunk, can no walk good. I decide take him hotel.”

We were standing in the street talking, and now people were walking by us.

I put my arm around her, took out a handkerchief, and wrapped it around her hand. Softly I told her, “Everything is ok now. Get the bugs and go to the Chosun. I will be there soon.”

She whispered, “But you kill … Kim.”

“Mi-young, you did not see anything. Do you understand? I’ll explain later. Go now, hurry back to the Chosun,” I ordered. “Do not tell anyone what you saw.”

She was afraid and confused and didn’t say a word. I watched her trot back to the Tiger Bar to obtain a taxi and hoped she’d follow my instructions. Now I had to explain to her why I killed Kim. She’s going to learn more than I wanted her to know.

I watched her get in the taxi and head towards the Chosun Hotel. I thought,
one down and two to go.
But I wondered where Ellington was at? Maybe he decided to stay at the Chosun Hotel tonight.

I reached the Hamilton Hotel and Lee was standing near the front door waiting for me. We huddled together, off to the side, as people strolled by us. “What room is Watanabe in?” I asked.

“Room 810.” Lee replied.

“That’s the same room as Kim. They must be staying together.”

“Is Kim dead?”

I nodded my head. “Yeah, he’s dead meat. The thing that bothers me is Ellington never showed up.”

“Maybe he stayed at the Chosun tonight or he left Korea already like his brother,” Lee said.

“Yeah, we’ll find out. Let’s go kill this bastard and get this over with.”

“Ok, but how are we going to get in the room?”

I pulled the room key out that I took from Kim’s body, and held it up in front of Lee’s face. “We’re going to walk right in and kill him.”

“What about the girl?”

I said, “Good point. Let’s have a cup of coffee here in the lobby, and wait until she leaves. Maybe she won’t’ be long because he was pretty drunk.”

“Yeah. I hope she leaves soon.”

This hotel is buzzing all the time, even at two or three in the morning. Mainly there are hookers and men, coming and going after room sex.

As we sat down Lee said, “Jack, you smell like vomit.”

“Yeah, it’s from the alley. I’ll be right back.” I hurried to the restroom, washed off my stinking head, and threw away the slimy hat.  

We had just received our coffee, when Lee said, “Look, there she goes.”

I asked, “Are you sure that’s her?”

“Yes, I’m positive. Let’s go.” We each took one sip of coffee before leaving.

Getting on the elevator I checked it for cameras. There were none so we rode up to the eight floor with no one else on the lift. Stepping out to the right, we passed nine doorways stopping at the tenth. The number read 810. I scanned the hallway for more cameras and didn’t see any. Satisfied we weren’t being watched or recorded, I whispered to Lee, “You stay here and watch the hallway, while I go in and finish the job. If anyone comes down the hallway, just act drunk. If someone tries to come in the room kill them.”

Lee replied, “Ok, got it.”

I pulled my out Glock and quietly unlocked the door, slowly pushing it open. The floor squeaked a little as I stepped inside. The room was dark, except for the glow of the TV. Passing through the alcove entrance, I heard a voice speak in Japanese. The voice asked if I was Kim-san. In Japanese, I replied, “Hai (Yes),” as I closed the door. I swiftly moved into the room, visually sweeping the area with my Glock in ready position, searching for the asshole. He was laying on one of the beds.

When he saw me his jaw dropped. He jumped out of bed, grabbed a knife, and threw it at me. I dodged it and heard it stick in the wall next to me. Raising his hands, he screamed, “No shoot! No shoot!”

My three rounds hit their target: one in the head, and two in the chest, killing bastard on the spot. There was no doubt he was dead, with a bullet in his forehead. His eyes were locked open and fixed on me. As I moved around the room, they seemed to follow me. It kind of spooked me, so I put a pillow over his face.  

I searched around for evidence and found a briefcase with notes and some kind of plans. I took his cell phone, wallet, money, and passport. Satisfied the room was clean I made sure to wipe off any fingerprints on the key I used and on the doorknob.

Walking out into the hall, I told Lee, “He’s dead meat. Let’s go.”

Lee asked, “What’s in the briefcase?”

“Evidence, I think we hit the jackpot.”

We made a hasty but orderly exit from the hotel with no problems.

Lee and I left the Hamilton and swiftly drove to the Chosun Hotel. On the way, we stopped so I could throw their ID’s down a street sewer. I kept the phones so the AIG could check out the numbers they were calling.

Lee asked, “What are we going to do about Ellington?”

“That’s a good question. We can’t go breaking into his room because there are security cameras in the hallways. The Chosun has cameras everywhere,” I said. “Security people monitor those cameras and as soon as they see something funny they’re on it, like flies on shit.”

As Lee drove us to the Chosun, I called our agency office. I asked them if a man named Ellington was still at the Chosun.

Fifteen minutes later they called me back. It seems Ellington had a fight leaving today at 8:50 am to Hong Kong, on Cathay Pacific. To make that flight, he would have to leave the Chosun at 6 am. The agency advised he would stay at the Royal Garden Hotel.

I glanced at my watch; it was almost 5 am. I advised Lee of the Ellington situation. We both agreed there was no way we could terminate him now. It was much too risky to bump him off at the Chosun.

Arriving at the hotel, KY and I went to my room. Walking in, Mi-young greeted us. She handed me the bugs. I took the bug that was used in the room where Kim and Watanabe had their meeting and placed it in the briefcase I found, along with the cell phones.

Lee and I quickly searched through the briefcase.

I said, “It looks like we did hit the jackpot.”

Lee replied, “Yeah, there’s a lot of evidence here. It’s time to phone Colonel Han.”

“Yep,” I said, as I called his number. It rang, the voicemail told me to leave a message. “We only have two bottles of Kimchi.” That was all I said, and hung up.

Mi-young ordered some coffee for us along with some breakfast rolls from room service. I took a look at her hand. It was a minor cut and I told her to put some alcohol on it and a band-aid.   

While eating, my cell rang. “Hello, Jack here.”

“Jack, this is Colonel Han. We’re on a secure line. What do you have to report?”

“Kim and Watanabe love Kimchi. Wright is in Hong Kong already and Ellington is on his way there today. They’re staying at the Royal Garden Hotel.”