Part 15 - Better off Dead
After we returned to our hotel that night, Aya let us know he had to contact Jia to let him know of the given situation. Aoki had let Aya know that So Ming was taken care of and now all Jia had to do was come in. I laid in my hotel room for a few hours, catching up on the sleep I missed before as we waited for Jia. I was exhausted, too beyond gone to care and I was so worried my phone might not wake me that I set it under my pillow and left the vibrate and the ringer on. I slept soundly until my phone went off in my ear. I answered quickly as I said,
"Hai?"
"Jia's here."
"Sou ka."
I hung up, getting up from my bed as I put my tie back on, grabbed my coat as I slipped my feet into my shoes. I grabbed the things I had taken out from the pockets of my coat as I then left, locking the door behind me as I took the elevator down to the lobby. When I got there, I saw Jia, Akio and Gabriel were being greeted by Jo, Aoki and Aya. I went to meet them, yawning slightly as I bowed my head slightly towards Jia and said,
"Gomen...didn't mean to be late."
"It's not an appointed meeting Mikkie. Relax." Said Jia.
I nodded as Jia yawned and said,
"I wanna get this done and over with as quickly as possible. So let's hurry up and do this."
"Also, we might wanna do this quick. Monsoon session is approaching." Added Gabriel.
Jia sighed, holding his face as he said,
"Wonderful. Just what I need, doing everything in the middle of rain."
"Could be worse Jia." Said Akio.
"I can't possibly see how."
Jo smirked slightly as Jia then said,
"I have to get in contact with the 24K. First I'm going to check in though."
As Jia and everyone else went to check in, I saw Jo was looking outside. Aya beside him. I looked outside as well as I joined them and Aya said,
"Monsoon session.....I can't believe we forgot about that."
"What's monsoon session?" Said Jo.
"It's when it rains like hell." I said,
"Oh...sou ka."
Aya sighed as he said,
"Hope we finish soon then."
I nodded as we returned our attention to Jia.
After Jia had the chance to settle in, he quickly went to work with Gabriel and got in contact with the 24K. With Soryo dead, the 24K were hiding so it was a lot harder to find them. Only through certain contacts was communication open towards the 24K, even by Jia's word. Even though it took a few hours, one of the messengers from the 24K came to meet Jia. He bowed his head as he said,
"I'm sorry for all the secrecy Jia-sama...but I would hope you understand."
Jia nodded as he said,
"Hai, I know, with Soryo and all. I'd like to speak to Nago whenever possible."
Nago was Soryo's second in command and he was the one communicating with Jia when he could. The messenger nodded as he said,
"Hai, I'll let him know Jia-sama."
"Were can I communicate with him again?"
"I'll return within the hour with his answer."
Jia nodded as the messenger excused himself and left after bowing his head. Once he was gone, Jia returned to his room to wait. For the hour, I occupied myself by sitting in the lobby, watching tourists and local business men walk in and out, crossing the lobby, others stopping to talk. Most people didn't notice me, but when they did, they turned away quickly, my icy glare making them feel fear. I would go back to minding my own business, watching the staircase leading up to other floors, the elevators and the main entrance. I could see the entrance to the restaurant and a few waiters walking back and forth as I drank some tea. I waited for the entire hour until I saw the 24K's messenger again. I met up with him and called Jia back downstairs as the messenger and I stood face to face. He didn't look me in the eye, but rather at my feet, his hands clasped loosely in front of him. He was a bad looking kid, someone who was probably in his teens but aged as if he was forty. His eyes were tired as if he saw too much and couldn't handle it yet. Once Jia arrived downstairs, the messenger let Jia know that Nago would meet with him.
"In Lumpini Park. Around eight tonight."
"Hai. I'll see him there."
The messenger nodded and left. Jia then went to get ready.
Around eight that night, we all left for Lumpini Park. The park itself was an amazing collection of gardens and at night, caught hold of night bloomers and petals folding against themselves. We saw Nago as Jia approached him. They spoke for a few minutes, passing minor conversation until Jia said,
"I wanted to speak with you about the Teo Chiu."
"So I heard. So Ming is now down. The Teo Chiu is on the verge of collapsing."
"Yes. It's why I'm here."
Nago nodded as he said,
"I did need to speak with you Jia. And I'm glad you're here."
"Well, I'm here. What is it?"
"Not here Jia. We'll need to go to more private quarters."
Jia looked at him strangely but we all went anyway.
Nago took us to a modest looking apartment complex, where teenagers hung out on the front porches, school girls giggled in flocks and windows from kitchens were open as housewives cooked. Nago took us inside as Jia said,
"Where are we?"
"You'll see."
Aoki, Aya and Akio stayed downstairs as Jo, myself and Gabriel followed Jia and Nago. After climbing a few flight of stairs, Nago reached a hallway and then took out a set of keys as he opened the door and allowed us in. Once we all came in, we saw a couple of the guards from the 24K sitting among what would be considered the living room area. Only there was no furniture and apart from a few chairs, there was nothing else in the apartment. Jia looked at Nago as he said,
"What's all this?"
Nago gestured him to follow him as they went down the hall. I went with Jia as Jo followed not too far behind. Nago opened a door to a room as a woman stood up from a chair and looked at Nago. She sighed as she said,
"I thought it was someone else."
It was then we realized she was taking care of someone. That someone was Soryo. Jia looked surprised as he said,
"Is that.."
The woman nodded as she smoothed back her black hair that fell to her waist, black dress pants on her slender frame as she wore a cotton, off pink tanktop. She then said,
"Yes. It is my husband, Ryutaro. I am his wife, Soryo Lila."
Jia shook her hand as he said,
"I'm an associate of your husbands."
"I know. Jia Li of the 36 Moons."
"Yes. Mrs. Soryo, I was told your husband was dead."
"Yes, the 24K let a lot of people know that. Please, come in, have a seat." Nago closed the door behind me since Jo had his back to it, obviously standing guard. Jia sat down where Mrs. Soryo once sat as I stood beside Jia. Mrs. Soryo then sat on the foot of her husbands bed as she said,
"I am not a typical wife Mr. Jia. My father owned the 24K before Ryutaro took over. Since my father had no male heirs living or worthy to carry on the 24K, when I married, he saw it fit to pass it to my husband. My husband is a good man and he has provided for me like my father has. In the time that I waited to marry him, I learned to run the 24K myself. As a woman, the right to truly have it's power is out of my reach. When the Teo Chiu discovered that it was the 24K that was giving you information, they sought my husband out. They made the attempt to kill him, shooting him in the stomach and leaving him to bleed to death. Had my husband been shot anywhere else but in front of our home, he would have died. I heard the shots. The Teo Chiu, believing I had long left my husband, did not look for me. So I was able to save him. I called Nago, the hospital, the police and lied, saying street thugs attacked my husband. Nago knew...and between the both of us, we decided it would best be known if everyone, even you Mr. Jia, thought my husband was dead. For fear the Teo Chiu might come back and try to finish the job, my husband is better off dead."
Jia nodded as he said,
"So...you and Nago have been running things while Soryo is recovering."
"Yes. My husband is in too much of a weakened state to do much of anything."
Jia nodded as he said,
"And the humble surroundings...to hide better?"
"Yes. It was not until recently that we heard the heads of the Teo Chiu have been severed. We thought it best to let you know of my husband's condition."
Jia nodded as he said,
"I appreciate that. I'm glad he's not dead. I feared what might have happened to this syndicate without him. This also explains all the secrecy."
"Yes. We didn't want to take chance of anyone knowing of my husband."
"He'll recover well. While I'm trying to establish myself here, I will make sure no one comes near Soryo."
Mrs. Soryo was thankful as she then looked over at her husband. He was sleeping, his wounds hidden and covered by bandages and covers. Jia got to his feet as he shook Mrs. Soryo's hand and then Nago's before we excused ourselves and went on our way.
As we returned to our hotel by way of subway since traffic was still horrible, Jia smirked and said,
"Soryo's wife is a yakuza."
We all looked at him as Akio said,
"How come?"
"She lied to the world. Even to her husband's associates...just to save his life. She didn't even come out and tell the truth until she was absolutely sure that no harm could come his way. Who else would be the calculating?"
We nodded in agreement as Jia continued to smirk, glad that at least one of his associates was alive.
Knowing now that Soryo was alive gave Jia a whole new motive to start his business up even faster. Sending all of us armed into the city, we overturned Siam Center, Ratchadapiesk, the Riverside and even Sukhumvit. The underside of each center was easy to locate and members of the Teo Chiu put up one hell of a fight. At the Riverside where the warehouses were and were most of the drug trafficking happened since the warehouses were dummy fronts there, there was more of the Teo Chiu blocking the way, refusing to give up land. More then once I would return to my hotel room soaked in blood, having to shower right away because my clothes got soaked, my face was often stained with blood from the random gun fire that went off too close to me. But all empires start in blood shed. The foundation is often made of dried blood and human decay for any empire...it's happened all too often before. Jia, Aya and Gabriel worked the business ends, keeping contact with Tai in Tokyo since Tai was running things there. Akio, Aoki, Jo and myself often worked in that small group to get our late night work done. During the day, we slept while Jia, Aya and Gabriel worked. By night fall, we would work and Jia, Aya and Gabriel would get some sleep. We worked at it for about three weeks. It went quicker with Nago, Mrs. Soryo and the 24K backing us up. Any low life gangsters that got in the way were taken care of, those that offered help, were often told to just stay out of the way.
By the end of the month, Jia had set his fangs in the Teo Chiu. The once all powerful, all feared syndicate was overthrown. But Jia didn't let it appear to be that way to the underworld. Only a few people knew of the deaths of both top heads of the Teo Chiu and Jia intended to keep it that way. The loyalist of the Teo Chiu were killed right away, anyone else, Jia held a meeting with them. We stood beside him as Jia stood at the end of a table, a row of business men from the Teo Chiu, triad from their looks all sat down on each side of the table. They were unaware, or unclear of the current situation and Jia was playing that to his advantage,
"Gentlemen. I'm so glad you could come. My name is Jia Li, I'm sure you've all heard that name from one time to another. I'm holding this meeting for one reason and one reason only. You may be asking yourselves what that reason, so I will not keep you in suspense."
Jia picked up the briefcase he had Gabriel bring with him as he set it on the table, snapped it open and spun it around so it was facing the triad.
"I am in the business of making money."
He opened the case revealing thousands upon millions of dollars. The triads looked at him as if he was insane, or powerful...or both. Anything I learned about Jia through the years was that there was always a method to Jia's madness. Jia then smirked as he said,
"The Teo Chiu and I have come to an agreement and I will gladly cut all of you in on it, if you all wish. This money is what I like to consider a down payment. A payment for you all to not only accept me and my way of doing things, but the newest one to be in charge."
One of the triads leaned on the table as he said,
"What of Sung?"
"Sung is not well I'm afraid. And So Ming, Sung's next in command is gone."
"What do you mean, gone?"
"It's just what I mean. So...anyone not interested in my offer, please let me know and see your way out. Otherwise, please be advised that there is plenty more where this came from."
Jia paused, looking around at all of them as he said,
"So gentlemen....please make a choice."
We waited for a few moments before another triad said,
"I accept."
A few more began to follow and then, everyone else accepted Jia's terms. They got up gradually and then bowed to Jia. Jia then smirked and said,
"I appreciate the sign of respect. But save it for someone who's actually going to be in charge of you."
"Who will take over in Sung's stead?" One of them asked.
"Soryo Ryutaro."
"He's dead." One of them said,
"No, not true. He's in a serious condition, but not dead. His second in command will take over for the time being, his name is Nago. Now, I understand the Teo Chiu and the 24K have gone through bad water, but believe me, the 24K mean you no harm. This alliance between them and us, will further this countries power. Power brings money and this..."
Jia shoved the case to the middle of the table as the triad eyed it. Jia then continued.
"...Will be pocket change in a few months if you trust me. In a few years, this will be something you can all clean your shoes with. When I say I am here to make money, I don't lie."
One of the triad said,
"Jia...when you say someone who will be in charge of us, where will you be?"
"My own country needs to be watched over. And in coming weeks and months, so will this one. But I trust the Teo Chiu has had a long standing grip here in Bangkok so I doubt that war will be a problem for you people."
The triads laughed among themselves as Jia then got serious.
"I do not believe in traitors. I do not believe in liars. I am not a yakuza from the old school that believes in forgiveness by having you people cut off your limbs to show forgiveness. You betray me, this syndicate, these people, anything connected to me and you will die. Don't think for a minute you could hide. Oh, you can run, but hiding is not happening. I have alliances all over the country, all over the world and while you can try to hide, sooner or later, I will find you and I will make an example of anyone who dares to cross me. So, don't be greedy. And more over, don't be stupid. If you don't trust me, or feel you ever could, say it now. Don't wait until I have to go through your family and friends first. And believe I do leave dead bodies in plain view."
The triad nodded, understanding Jia's serious threat as Jia then said,
"Good. So we understand each other."
Jia then turned to Gabriel as he whispered something to the gaijin. Gabriel then nodded, leaving the room as Jia turned his attention to the triad and said,
"I will be bringing in your newest head."
We waited for a few minutes as the triad spoke in their native tongue. Jia then turned and whispered to Akio,
"I have to pick this language up."
Akio nodded as he said,
"We'll get a translator soon."
"I heard this language couldn't be translated unless someone was actually from the Teo Chiu."
"We'll look into it."
Jia then turned his attention back to the triad when Gabriel came back in with Nago. Nago was watched by the triad as he entered the room. Once he stood beside Jia, Jia said,
"Nago, meet the Teo Chiu."
Nago bowed his head slightly as the one of the triad said,
"He will be in charge?"
"Yes and if I hear anything while I'm away....then we'll have some troubles. I don't want bloodshed to happen among my associates. I trust that we can all have some self control. Besides, Nago is innocent of doing anything then doing a favor for me."
The triad nodded as Jia then put his hands in his pockets, taking out his cigarettes as he opened his silver case, taking a single cigarette out as Jo then flicked open his lighter for him. As Jia had his cigarette lit, he moved his hair back as he inhaled then exhaled as he said,
"If there's any problems Nago, do not hesitate to call me. I'll be in Bangkok a few more days. After that, I'll be in Tokyo. The money is yours. Grow from it."
He then whispered to Nago,
"Let me know when Soryo is well."
Nago nodded as he shook hands with Jia before we all left and allowed the merger to take place.
We were ready to return to Japan. Before we left however, Jia let us all get some sleep and rest up for at least three days. I slept the first day dead asleep. I didn't see anyone and I had my phone turned off. Jia allowed me the luxury of being completely off duty and to sleep through the first day. The second day I woke up and went downstairs to get something to eat after a warm shower and a change of clothes. I saw everyone else was having an early dinner. Jia, Gabriel and Aya still had some business to do so they were about to leave for a meeting with Nago and Mrs. Soryo. The rest of us didn't have anything else to do, but Aoki, Jo and Akio decided to have dinner with them before they left. I joined them as Jia exhaled his smoke from his mouth as he said,
"Hey Mikkie. How'd you sleep?"
"Like the dead." I answered as I pulled up a chair and sat down.
I still felt a little groggy as Akio said,
"You slept all day yesterday and almost all of today and you're still tired?"
I nodded as I ordered a cup of tea and some soup. Jia then said,
"He works hard, he deserves the rest."
"We work hard too Jia." Said Aoki.
Jia laughed as he said,
"You know what I mean."
Jo smirked as he tapped his cigarette against the ashtray and said,
"We going back home tomorrow Jia?"
"Hai, first flight out. I can't stand it here anymore."
"The city never bothered you before Jia." I said,
"Yeah, but it's monsoon session."
I turned my head slightly as I glanced out one of the near by windows and saw the pouring rain.
"Oh....sou ka."
"Tomorrow is the lightest day they're predicated to have all session so I'm getting the hell out of here while I can."
We nodded in agreement as we continued back to our dinner, making small talk through it. As usual I kept to myself, having my dinner before returning to bed for another night of peaceful slumber.
The next morning, we were on the first plane out returning to Tokyo.
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References
Lumpini Park- A garden park in the heart of Bangkok near the Central Business Center
Siam Center- The main shopping center in Bangkok
Ratchadapiesk- A location in the center of the Thai Cultural Center, near the metropolitan area
The Riverside - Warehouses and many hotels are located here. It is also close to Bang Lum Phu, the political capital of Bangkrak, also Chinatown.
Sukhumvit - An area of Bangkok which could be compared to New York's Manhattan