A Lotus For Miss Quon Part 8

He found a clump of shrubs behind which he could hide and yet have an uninterrupted view of the main road and the road to the temple.

Punctually at one oaclock, he saw the headlights of a car coming. Blackie Leeas big American car jolted and bounced slowly up the narrow road.

Jaffe could see he was alone and he relaxed, suddenly aware that as the car had been approaching, his hand had been gripping the b.u.t.t of his gun.

He watched the car drive through the gateway into the courtyard, then he got to his feet and walked across the gra.s.s and joined Blackie as he was getting out of the car.

aWeall talk in the car,a Jaffe said and walking around to the far side, he got into the pa.s.sengeras seat while Blackie, after a momentas hesitation, got back under the driving wheel.

Blackie had decided to listen and not talk too much. He wouldnat let the American know he already had some knowledge of this affair. It would be more interesting and possibly more profitable to hear what the American had to say and to find out if he was going to lie or not.

He said, aMr. Jaffe I donat understand what is happening. Nhan came to me this evening and said you wanted to talk to me here. Why could we not have met at the club or at your villa? This is all very mysterious and puzzling. I would be glad if you would explain.a aThatas what Iam here for,a Jaffe returned. aIam in trouble. Iam the guy who wants a false pa.s.sport. I have to get out of the country, and fast.a aI hope I am not a stupid man,a Blackie said smoothly. aI guessed the pa.s.sport was for you. I think I can help you. It will cost money, but providing you havenat committed a capital or a political crime, the matter wonat be difficult to range.a Jaffe took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes. He offered a cigarette to Blackie who shook his head. He lit one for himself and Blackie who was watching him saw his hand was steady as he held the match flame to his cigarette.

aI have accidentally killed my houseboy,a Jaffe said.

This came as a shock to Blackie. It was the last thing he had expected to hear.

He remembered what Tung Whu had told him. Both the Vietnam and the American police believed the houseboy had been murdered by bandits. Now here was the American saying he had killed the boy.

He managed to say calmly, aI donat understand, Mr. Jaffe. What you are telling me is very serious. How does anyone accidentally kill a man?a aI caught him stealing from my wallet. He tried to get away. He was in panic. I guess I donat know my own strength. While he was struggling, I somehow broke his d.a.m.n neck.a Blackie looked directly at Jaffe, his eyes running over his muscular frame.

aYou are a very powerful man,a he said, a note of respect in his voice. aYes, it could easily have happened.a aWell, there I was with a body on my hands,a Jaffe said, relaxing slightly as Blackie seemed to be accepting his story. aA tricky set-up. I decided to clear out. You know what the police here are like. I could get a jail sentence. Iam relying on you to get me to Hong Kong.a Blackie couldnat accept such a story. It didnat make sense.

aYou considered going to the police and explaining the situation, Mr. Jaffe? Houseboys are notorious thieves. If you had told them . . .a aI thought of all that,a Jaffe said curtly. aThese Vietnamese donat like Americans. They might have shoved me in jail. I wasnat taking the risk.a This still didnat make sense to Blackie, but he decided to go along with the American.

aAnd the body?a he asked: aWhat happened to it?a aI left it in a closet in my villa,a Jaffe said. aThe police have been to see you, havenat they?a Blackie nodded. He was intrigued and puzzled. If Jaffe had left the body in the villa, how had it turned up in the ditch with the dead bandits? Who had moved it from the villa to the ditch? The police? Why had they given out to the newspapers that Haum had been killed by the bandits?

aThey called on me,a he said. aThey told me you had been kidnapped by Viet Minh bandits. They wanted to know if you had any particular girl. Naturally I said I knew of no girl.a aNhan had nothing to do with this. It happened before we met last night. She has nothing whatsoever to do with it.a Blackie didnat say anything. This was an acceptable lie. He was sure Nhan knew a great deal about this business. He couldnat understand why the police had moved Haumas body. There was no point in keeping this secret from Jaffe. He would read about it in the morningas paper. He decided to tell him.

aI spoke to a newspaper reporter this afternoon,a he said. aHe tells me the police are saying Haum was killed by the bandits. His body was found near the wrecked car you were driving.a For a long moment Jaffe sat motionless, not quite sure if he had heard correctly. Then he suddenly realized that if this were true he had put himself into Blackieas hands by prematurely admitting he had killed Haum. He cursed himself for not waiting to read the papers before seeing Blackie. He realized at once why the police had moved Haumas body. Someone in authority wanted the diamonds!

They found the hole in the wall, he thought, and they knew the villa once belonged to the generalas woman. They have guessed I found the diamonds and I killed Haum to shut his mouth. They are setting the stage so when they catch me, they can shut my mouth and grab the diamonds.

Blackie was saying, aThis is a puzzling business, Mr. Jaffe. How do you explain that Haumas body was found in a ditch?a aMaybe they donat want to make an international incident out of it. After all I am an American,a Jaffe said cautiously.

aI donat think that explanation is likely,a Blackie said. aA few months ago an American sailor murdered a prost.i.tute in Cholon. The police didnat hesitate to arrest him. Why should they hesitate to arrest you? Why should they arrange matters to look like a Viet Minh outrage?a aMaybe they didnat move the body. Maybe the girl and my cook moved it.a aIf you mean My-Lang-To,a Blackie said, athat suggestion is quite out of the question. How could they take the body so far? It may interest you to know your cook and the girl were taken to headquarters for questioning. As she was leaving headquarters she was knocked down and killed by a hit-and-run driver. This has happened before from time to time to people arrested for questioning. It is an efficient method of getting rid of people who could be embarra.s.sing.a Jaffe felt a drop of sweat fall onto his hand. He realized he was suddenly scared.

aNothing has been seen of Dong Ham,a Blackie went on. aIt would not surprise me if he too was dead by now.a And if they catch me, Jaffe thought, theyall kill me too.

aI donat understand anything of this,a he said. aThe thing is as much a mystery to me as it is to you.a That, my friend, is a lie, Blackie thought. Is this thing political? Could this American be working with an opposition group to overthrow the regime? Did Haum find this out and the American killed him to silence him. No, it couldnat be that. He wouldnat be asking me for help if he had been working for a group. They would get him out of the country. Then what was the explanation?

aI donat like mysteries,a he said. aI like to know all the facts before committing myself. When you took your friendas car, Mr. Jaffe, you were planning to escape?a aThatas right. I thought I might bluff my way into Cambodia with C.D. plates. As I arrived at the police post, the attack started and the car was put out of action.a aWas Nhan with you?a aNo.a Jaffe paused, then went on, his voice hardening, aWeare wasting time. Can you or canat you get me out?a aAs much as it would please me to help you,a Blackie said, awhat you ask is an impossibility. There is no way to get you out of the country: every exit by now has been sealed off. Security police are extremely efficient. Apart from the impossibility, Mr. Jaffe, I have myself to consider. I have a wife and a very good business. If it were discovered that I have even talked to you, they would close down my club. If it were found out I had helped you escape, I would go to jail.a Jaffe knew the Chinese character well enough to know this wasnat the final word.

aThat I understand,a he said, abut nothing is ever impossible providing there is a big enough incentive. I have got to get out. Iam willing to pay.a Blackie shook his head.

aEven if I could think of some method of getting you out, Mr. Jaffe, the cost would be prohibitive.a aThatas for me to decide. Suppose you had unlimited funds, could you fix it?a aUnlimited funds? I suppose something could be arranged, but we are wasting time. Who has unlimited funds these days?a aI put a pretty high price on my life,a Jaffe went on. aI admit Iam not wealthy, but I have funds in America. I could stretch to ten thousand American dollars.a Blackie remained slumped behind the steering wheel, but his mind alerted. This was the kind of money he was hoping to lay his hands on.

aI could get you out for half that sum, Mr. Jaffe,a he said, aif this wasnat a capital charge, but unfortunately it is. Iam afraid it would cost a lot more than that.a aHow much more?a Jaffe asked who expected to haggle with Blackie.

aTwenty thousand would be closer to the mark.a aI havenat got it, but maybe I could borrow a little more from a friend. Twelve thousand would be the best I could manage.a aFor me, twelve thousand would be satisfactory, but I would have to ask my brother to help and he would have to be considered.a aThatas up to you. You must make your own arrangements with him.a Blackie shook his head sadly.

aIam sorry, Mr. Jaffe. For twelve thousand I would be prepared to risk my business, but not for less. My brother would want five thousand. Without him, it would be impossible to get you out of the country.a aBut with him, you could?a Blackie hedged.

aIt is something I would have to think about and discuss with my brother.a Jaffe pretended to think for some moments, then he said, aI will pay your brother four thousand: a total of sixteen thousand and thatas final.a aSeventeen thousand,a Blackie said, sure now that he would get it and wondering how much Charlie, his brother, would take.

Jaffe was deliberately bargaining for the next move in the haggle.

aWell, okay,a He said, with a gesture of defeat. aSeventeen thousand, but Nhan comes with me for free.a This surprised Blackie.

aYou want the girl?a aYeah. Is it a deal?a Blackie hesitated.

aShe could complicate things, Mr. Jaffe.a aIs it a deal?a Blackie shrugged.

aItas a deal, but I canat promise anything. For seventeen thousand American dollars I will do my best for you, but I canat guarantee anything.a aYou wonat get the money until I reach Hong Kong,a Jaffe pointed out. aI havenat got it here. So if you donat get me out, you wonat get the money.a Blackie had expected that.

aThere will be some preliminary expenses. I shall need some money now. Frankly, I donat intend to advance any money myself for such a risky proposition. Unless you can supply me with a thousand American dollars immediately to take care of incidental expenses and my brotheras air pa.s.sage, then I very much regret I canat consider helping you.a aBut if I gave you this sum,a Jaffe pointed out, aAnd you canat find a way to get me out, I will be the loser.a aThat is to be regretted,a Blackie said, abut we should be realistic. If we canat get you out, you wonat need the money a"you wonat ever need any money. Have you thought of that?a Jaffe moved uneasily. He had thought of that.

aI havenat got a thousand American dollars, but I have got a couple of diamonds here. I bought them in Hong Kong some years ago. I was going to have them made up as a ring for a girl I once knew. They are worth at least a thousand.a Blackie looked surprised.

aI would prefer cash.a Jaffe took out the screw of paper and handed it to Blackie. aI havenat got cash. You can sell these anywhere.a Blackie turned on the dashboard light and leaning forward, he carefully undid the paper and examined the diamonds. He didnat know a great deal about precious stones, but he could see these were good diamonds: whether or not they would be worth a thousand American dollars, only Charlie could tell him.

This was a tense moment for Jaffe. He could tell nothing from Blackieas bland, fat face. Had he believed the story about the diamonds? He seemed to have. Was he going to accept them?

Blackie looked up.

aVery well, Mr. Jaffe. I will return now and I will send a cable to my brother. Nothing can be done until I have talked to him.a aHow long will that take?a aI suggest we meet here at this time on Wednesday. By then I shall know if we can help you or not.a aIall be here.a Jaffe got out of the car.

aIam relying on you,a he said and extended his hand through the open window.

aI will do my best,a Blackie said and shook hands.

He watched Jaffe disappear into the darkness, then he again leaned forward to the light to examine the diamonds, a thoughtful expression clouding his face.

II.

During the past twelve hours there had been ceaseless activity in the search for the missing Jaffe.

While Jaffe was cycling to his rendezvous with Blackie Lee, a meeting was breaking up at Security Police Headquarters. Colonel On-dinh-Khuc and Inspector NgocLinh sat on one side of the table and Lieutenant Harry Hambley of the U.S. Military Police on the other.

The meeting had lasted an hour and the three men were no nearer to finding Jaffe than they had been when they had sat down.

In a long, wordy speech, the Colonel had explained what steps had been taken to find the missing American. Over five hundred troops were still combing the countryside. Six suspected Viet Minh sympathizers had been arrested and questioned, but without results. Notices had been printed offering a substantial reward for the return of the American. These had been nailed to trees at the known places where bandits often entered Vietnam. An offer of a large reward to anyone who had any kind of information concerning the kidnapping would appear in the press tomorrow.

Lieutenant Hambley had listened with undisguised impatience. This young man caused the Colonel slight uneasiness. He was a little disconcerted that the Lieutenant returned his stare with one as hard and as unflinching as his own.

Finally, the Colonel paused and Hambley took the opportunity to make a speech which disconcerted the Colonel still further.

aWe donat know for certain,a Hambley said, athat Jaffe has been kidnapped. It seems to me there is something mysterious and sinister going on. Iall tell you why. We know Jaffe told Sam Wade he wanted to borrow his car to go to the airport with a girl, but the car was found miles from the airport and there was no girl, instead there was Jaffeas houseboy, and he was dead. Jaffe had a .45 revolver. Itas missing; so is his pa.s.sport. Before he disappeared, he drew all his money from the bank. Why did he do that? I wanted to talk to Haumas girlfriend, but as soon as your people had talked to her, she gets killed by a mysterious. .h.i.t-and-run driver. I wanted to talk to Dong Ham, the cook, but heas completely disappeared. See what I mean? Itas all mysterious and sinister.a The Colonel pushed back his chair. He said all these points raised by the Lieutenant would have his attention. Further inquiries would be made. A report would be submitted. The American Amba.s.sador could rest a.s.sured that no stone would be left unturned to find Jaffe.

The Colonel then got to his feet, indicating the meeting was ended. After hesitating, Hambley shook hands. Ile said he hoped to hear from the Colonel by tomorrow and left.

Colonel Khuc looked at Inspector NgocLinh with cold, angry eyes.

aYou still have no idea whether the American has been kidnapped or is in hiding?a he asked.

aNo, sir,a the Inspector admitted. aI am still trying to trace this girl who used to visit the American. She may be able to help us.a aThis Lieutenant is a troublemaker,a the Colonel said. aBe careful how you deal with him. Now go and find this woman.a When the Inspector had gone, the Colonel rang for Lam-Than.

aLieutenant Hambley will probably ask to visit Jaffeas villa tomorrow for another look around. He is suspicious,a the Colonel said. aIt is essential of course that he doesnat come across the hole in the wall.a Lam-Than permitted himself a smile.

aThree hours ago, sir,a he said, athe wall was repaired. It was done by my brother who is skilled in such matters, and can be trusted.a The Colonel grunted.

aNgocLinh hasnat found the woman yet,a he said. aHave you any ideas how we can trace her?a aIf there is anyone who knows who she is it is the owner of the Paradise Club. He knows all the women who consort with Americans,a Lam-Than said. aWe could arrest and question him.a aThe Inspector has already questioned him.a Lam-Thanas eyes lit up viciously.

aIf we had him here, no doubt we could persuade him to talk.a The Colonel hesitated, then reluctantly shook his head.

aThis man is well known to the Americans. It would be dangerous to arrest him a" yet. We must be careful. If we have to, then we will do so, but weall see if NgocLinh can find her first.a He stroked his flat nose. aAre you sure the American canat slip out of the country?a aEvery exit is being watched,a Lam-Than said.

The Colonel rubbed his bald head.

aHe is armed.a aOur men have been warned. He will be shot at sight.a aBut if the diamonds are found on him?a Lam-Than smiled.

aI will recover them,a he said.

chapter nine.

I.

Tint following morning Nhan caught the nine oaclock bus to Thudaumot. She had with her a basket containing a number of American magazines, three paperback novels and the morningas newspapers. These were carefully concealed under some groceries and vegetables she had bought before catching the bus.

She had pa.s.sed a worrying night. Carried away by Steveas plans, it was not until she was in bed and sufficiently relaxed to think seriously of her future with him that she began to realize the difficulties. The thing that worried her most was what would become of her mother, her uncle and her three brothers if she went to Hong Kong with Steve. They completely relied on her to provide the family income. She would have to talk to Steve about this. Unless he had some practical suggestion, she didnat see how she could leave them.

At least she had lost some of her terror. She had read the newspapers. The police seemed convinced that Steve had been kidnapped. There was no mention of the diamonds. She couldnat understand how Haum had been found in the ditch, but this she thought was very good for Steve. There was no question now of the police thinking he had killed Haum. She wondered about Steveas meeting with Blackie Lee. There were so many things to discuss with Steve. She was so impatient to be with him again!

Jaffe was also impatient to see her. He had been pacing the tiny room and continually looking at his watch. When he heard the bus coming, he went to the window and watched as it pulled up outside the lacquer factory.

There were very few people on the bus. He saw Nhan get off. She was wearing an electric-blue tunic over her white trousers, and no hat. The sight of her gave him a little jolt of sentiment.

When she came into the room, he held her close to him, gently touching her face with his lips while she relaxed against him, smiling, her eyes closed. She let him fondle her for some moments, then she reached up and kissed him. aI have brought the papers,a she said. They sat on the bed side by side, her head against his shoulder while he quickly scanned the badly set type.

It gave him an odd sinking feeling to see his name in print. The paper told him nothing he hadnat already learned from Blackie the previous night. As he expected, there was no mention of the diamonds. A quick look at the other paper confirmed this.

But unlike Nhan, he wasnat fooled by the police statement that he had been kidnapped by bandits and was probably dead. He was sure they were secretly searching for him, hoping to find him alive. They could not tell, of course, if he had been kidnapped or not, but he was quite sure that someone in authority knew about the diamonds and would continue to hunt for him until that someone had convincing proof he was dead and the diamonds out of reach.

aYou see,a Nhan said, ait is going to be all right. They donat know what happened to Haum. They donat know about the diamonds. They think you were kidnapped. Itas good, isnat it?a aYes, itas good,a he lied. There was no point in frightening her until he had to. He went on to tell her about his meeting with Blackie. aHe has agreed to let me take you with me,a he concluded. aIt could be fixed by the end of the week. Who knows? In ten days, possibly less, we could be in Hong Kong.a He saw her face cloud.

aWhatas the matter? You want to go to Hong Kong with me, donat you?a Yes, she wanted to go, she said, but she had others to think of beside herself. There were her mother, her uncle and her three brothers. There would be no real happiness for her if she deserted them and left them to look after themselves.

Jaffe put his arm around her.

aDonat worry about that,a he said. aIall fix it. Iall get a lawyer in Hong Kong to arrange an allowance for them. Once we get out of here, Iall be rich. You donat have to worry about them, kid. Iall fix it.a While they were talking, Lieutenant Hambley and Inspector NgocLinh were standing in the large sitting room of Jaffeas villa.

Hambley had gone all over the villa with a thoroughness that had made the Inspector uneasy.

aI knew there was more to it than kidnapping,a Hambley said, staring at the Inspector. aThis guy was running away. Iave checked with Pan Am. and Iave dug out the record of his luggage when he first arrived here. He had three suitcases. One is missing. His shaving kit is missing. When he left here he took all his money.a He pointed his finger at the Inspector. aJaffe was on the run. He never intended to come back here. Thatas why he borrowed Wadeas car. He hoped he could bluff his way out with C.D. plates.a This could be very awkward, the Inspector was thinking, if Hambley pursued this theory. He must convince this oversmart Lieutenant that his theory was wrong.

aI should like to speak frankly with you,a he said. aYou havenat been in Saigon very long, have you, Lieutenant?a Hambley stared at him.

aWhatas that got to do with it?a aIf I remember rightly, you came here two months ago. Two months is a very short time to get to understand the mentality and the methods of our enemy.a Hambley s.h.i.+fted. He had been aware ever since he had arrived in Saigon that he wasnat properly equipped for the job he had to do. It irritated him that he was unable to speak the language and had to work through interpreters all the time. He was continually finding the Vietnamese mentality utterly baffling.

aI donat get any of this,a he said aggressively. aWhat are you driving at?a aOn the other hand,a the Inspector went on, ignoring the interruption, awe have had years of experience with these bandits. We know the sole purpose of their activities against us is to create political trouble. Nothing could please them more than to upset the good relations between your country and mine or create an unsavoury incident that would have repercussions in the world press.

Hambley became aware it was very hot in the room and that he was sweating. He took out his handkerchief and mopped his puzzled face.

aAt the meeting last night,a the Inspector went on, ayou raised several interesting points that you said were both mysterious and sinister. You were right in saying they were mysterious, but wrong to say they were sinister.a aDonat you think itas sinister that the girl was killed as she left your headquarters and the cook has disappeared?a aThe cook hasnat disappeared,a the Inspector said gravely. aHe was found a few hours ago in the river.a Hambley started. aHeas dead?a aOh yes, heas dead.a aI suppose youare going to tell me he committed suicide?a Hambley said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. aWell, this makes it even more sinister. The houseboy, his girl and now the cook a" all dead. Each of them would have been able to have given me a lead. Itas d.a.m.n sinister!a The Inspector smiled patiently.

aIf I were in your place, Lieutenant, I would think the same thing, but with the information I have, it is not sinister at all. It would appear to be the most natural sequence of events imaginable.a Hambley drew in a deep breath. He felt his temper rising, but he controlled himself with an effort.

aLook, suppose we cut the cackle and get down to facts? If you know so much, letas hear what it is!a aThe key to this apparent mystery,a the Inspector said smoothly, ais that Haum, his girl and Dong Ham were agents of Viet Minh. Once you know that, the situation is neither mysterious nor sinister.a Hambley felt suddenly deflated and unsure of himself. To give himself time to think, he took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one.

aWhy didnat you say so at the meeting?a he demanded.

aMy dear Lieutenant, if I had known then I would naturally have said so, but it was only this morning that I learned of this.a aHow did you learn it?a aThere are many Viet Minh agents in Saigon. Every now and then some of them realize how much better life is here than in Hanoi. They become converts. It is through these converts we get some of our information. This particular informant was unwilling to give Haum, the girl and Dong Ham away while they were alive, but when he learned they were dead, he came to me and told me all had been active agents of the Viet Minh.a Hambley groaned to himself. He was sure he was getting tangled up in a web of lies, but all the same, he would now have to step warily. This fantastic story just could be true.

aBut what has all this to do with Jaffeas disappearance?a he asked. aYouare not going to tell me Jaffe was a Viet Minh agent too, are you? Because frankly, if you do, I wonat believe it.a The Inspector shook his head.

aOh no, Lieutenant, nothing as childish as that. Tell me, what do you know about Mr. Jaffe? He is a countryman of yours. He has lived in Saigon for three years. What sort of man would you say he is or perhaps it would be more correct to say what sort of man would you say he was?a Hambley had never met Jaffe to talk to. He had seen him a few times over a period of two months in various bars and nightclubs, but he had never taken enough interest in him to inquire about him. He realized with angry irritation that he knew absolutely nothing about ,Jaffe.

Watching him, the Inspector was pleased the way the conversation was going. This oversmart young man was being steadily pushed on the defensive. He wasnat nearly so sure of himself as he had been.