The Dragon Within His Shadow Read online

  The Dragon

  Within His Shadow

  by:

  Phyllis M. Rumore

  The Dragon: Within His Shadow, Copyright © 2011 by Phyllis M. Rumore

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher and author. For information, contact Phyllis M. Rumore.

  Visit the author’s website: www.phyllismrumore.com

  First e-book published 11 February 2011

  Book Cover Design: Patrick Welsh

  ISBN: 978-0-6154-4889-3

  Phyllis M. Rumore

  Chapter One

  Richard woke up feeling exhilarated, amazed in what he could obtain with a declaration of love and demand for sex. True, it was a dangerous game he played, but that was exactly what made it interesting. Without that element of danger, it wouldn't be as satisfying a victory, he thought. He dressed quickly. He had allowed himself to linger longer then was prudent this morning. It wasn't that she was more alluring or pleasing then in the past. It was because he knew today was the day. Today was when his years of planning with paper and pen, became actions and deeds.

  From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of his lover's leg as she slipped on her robe and disappeared through the servant's passageway door. A half-hearted smiled crossed his usually sullen face.

  “Tonight, my family's vengeance will be felt and my ancestors avenged. Tonight their special moment shall be mine.” He put on his navy blue jacket and smoothed away invisible wrinkles. The loud buzzer summoning him broke through the silence. The mirror before him reflected his tense shoulders and a coarse hard glare on his face. “Yes, tonight, August 18, 1974, shall see the end of the Choi’s,” said Richard.

  Chapter Two

  Catherine entered the dining room and was surprised to find the drapes had been pulled back from the windows, which spanned the full eighty-foot length of the room. Given they lived in the penthouse of one of Hong Kong Island’s premier condominium towers on the Peak, the view of Hong Kong harbor, the Kowloon peninsula and China beyond was magnificent. Light reflecting off other apartment and office towers filled the space with morning brightness. George, who never came down for breakfast, was standing by the windows in the center, draining the last bit of coffee as he stared outward. Catherine walked over to the buffet table and wondered what could have brought him down this early. She ignored the maid who set a tray of fruit on the table, before clearing away the dirty plates, just as she ignored the present wrapped in green foil sitting upon the gold charger. Instead, she focused her eyes on George who didn’t turn to acknowledge her presence.

  He was wearing the burgundy silk robe she had given him the previous Christmas and at once she experienced an emotional wave tugging at her heart. Memories from deep inside stirred feelings she had worked hard to suppress. It was his stance, relaxed yet strong that had attracted her when they first met. Why he always liked to stare out the window and into China bewildered her. Just as confusing was why she still loved him and in that moment, she decided to be considerate. She picked up the heavy Victorian silver coffeepot and walked towards him. After all, if he could buy her a present, the least she could do was refill his cup. She didn't hesitate and poured.

  George turned and wasn't too surprised to find it was Catherine. He had hoped he would see her this morning. He saw her with regretful eyes, thinking of the mistakes he had made. He smiled when he saw she was wearing the diamond and sapphire brooch. He had given it to her when John was born eighteen years ago. He watched her closely as she poured the coffee. When she finished, their eyes met. For the briefest instant, he felt something. “Thank you, Catherine,” said George.

  “You're welcome.” Catherine hesitated, wanting to hear more, but knew nothing else would come and so returned the coffeepot to the buffet table. It was all so civil she wanted to cry. What happened to the passion? Why was it all so business-like? She poured herself a cup of tea, knowing well the answers.

  Although she didn't want to admit the truth, Catherine knew it in her heart. It wasn’t always this way. When they were younger, it was as if her heart was on fire every time she saw him. We connected on the deepest level, she thought. Then it happened. She learned of the others, especially Rose in San Francisco.

  John and Lauren were her children with George, a product of love that had become her future's hope. They would be her triumph, and bring her the victory she craved; her lover had assured her.

  “Aren't you going to open your present?” George studied Catherine's every graceful move as she walked to her place at the table and stared at the package. He wished she were more understanding, but if she weren't as stubborn and strong as her father, she wouldn't be the woman he loved. After all the painful years, he hoped the deep love they had survived, for if it hadn't, his cause and the game were lost. “Open it, Catherine.”

  “What is this, George?”

  “A present of course.” George walked up and stood behind her. He breathed in deeply the scent of her perfume, Hermes 24 Faubourg.

  “A bribe?”

  “No, a present I hope you'll wear tonight. I bought it to match your new dress.”

  Catherine turned to look at him and saw something that was at once both strange and familiar at the same time. He looked different somehow but what it was she didn't know.

  “You've made a decision about John.”

  “Open your present. I don't want to discuss John right now. This is our time. This is about you, and how much I appreciate you.” George placed the cup on the table and was going to stroke her arm but hesitated. No, she would have to come to him first.

  “You want something George?” Catherine looked challengingly into George’s soft brown eyes.

  “No, Catherine. I just wanted you to know– – why must you place a wall between us?” George waited but she only turned and stared at the package. Frustrated, he sighed and left.

  Catherine carefully unwrapped the present, and opened the forest green leather box to reveal a diamond and jade necklace of the finest quality with matching earrings. The necklace held eighteen pieces of jade, each surrounded by diamonds. One jade for each year of John's life.

  “Wow!” An exuberant Lauren entered the room and walked over. “From Dad?”

  “Yes.” Catherine kissed her on the cheek. “What time did you get in last night?”

  “Oh, the usual. Why?”

  “It's not important.” Catherine watched her daughter bounce around the room and smiled. She was pleased with the way Lauren was turning out. At twenty-two, she looked beautiful in her new shoulder length hairstyle and although the short skirts did show Lauren’s slim figure to the best advantage, she still wished they were longer. She hoped that with John turning eighteen, he wouldn't let her down either, but John's arrogance always caused her concern.

  “Dad's been generous this year.” Lauren saw her mother's pensive look and knew she was thinking about John but had no desire to talk about her brother.

  “Yes, he most certainly has. How are things going with the hotel?”

  “Not bad, I should see improvements within the next three months. Don't even say it.” She grabbed her cup of coffee before heading for the door. “I know it already. This is my chance and I don't intend to disappoint you, or Dad. See you tonight.”

  Tang, a rather tall man with an athletic build, had received his summons and was on his way to George's office. As he turned the corner, he walked right into Lauren. As usual, she was on the run. He barely avoided her arm and the coffee cup. “Lauren!” The brightn
ess of her face, along with her charming manner, always made him smile.

  “Not now, I'm late. Here.” Lauren drained her cup and handed it to him. “Take care of this. Thanks,” she said with a wink before disappearing down the hallway.

  Tang looked up and saw Catherine staring at him with cold eyes that made him shiver.

  “Good morning, Tang. Don't you have something to do?” Catherine watched Tang bow slightly towards her. She kept her eyes on him as he walked quickly down the hall. He placed the empty cup on a side table before knocking on George’s office door. She heard George say enter and saw Tang disappear into the office. She didn't particularly like, nor dislike Tang. It wasn't that he was a bad person. It was because he was the only man she couldn't control, or manipulate. She often pondered exactly how far George trusted him and wondered how he would interfere with her plans.

  Richard opened the door from the servant passageway and stepped into the hallway of the Choi penthouse. He was surprised to find Catherine standing there and greeted her formally as was expected of a good servant. “Good morning, Mrs. Choi.”

  The maid, Daisy, picked up the abandoned coffee cup while sneaking a sideways glance. She watched Richard give his formal short bow to Mrs. Choi and thought how it seemed artificial. She wanted to giggle but knew she would be punished if she did. Keeping her eyes cast downward, she slid pass them on her way to the kitchen. Besides, she thought, Richard wasn’t a bad lover for a forty-one year old man. She stopped by the kitchen door and looked back at Richard.

  “Richard, I will not need you until later. Make sure all the arrangements are in place for John's party this evening,” said Catherine.

  “Yes, Mrs. Choi.” Richard watched Catherine walk proudly down the corridor. He saw the box in her hand and wondered if she would wear the necklace and honor her husband.

  Yes, Catherine, he thought, all is definitely prepared for tonight. He grinned.

  Daisy took the smirk as a private smile for her and smiled back, but when Richard saw her, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Daisy left as quickly as her smile had vanished.

  Chapter Three

  Simon Kwan, the owner of the Golden Dragon restaurant, wiped the nervous perspiration from his brow with his pristine white handkerchief. He was pleased with the kitchen and as he made his way between the tables of the main banquet room, he checked his watch. It was nearly three-thirty in the afternoon and although he knew all would fall into place, he couldn't help the feeling of impending doom in the pit of his stomach. Still, he was pleased. His staff had finished setting the tables with the finest linen, china, and crystal, and so he moved on to the reception area.

  Walking by the bar he saw that Alex, the bartender, had properly stocked the bar shelves and was wiping clean all the glasses before putting them on the overhead rack.

  Alex saw Simon's frazzled state and poured him a large brandy. Simon looked at the glass set before him and thought, yes, he did need something to quiet his nerves. As he raised the glass and swallowed the smooth liquid, he noticed the arrival of eight dangerous men in the cold reflection of the mirrors set behind the bar. He stood frozen save for the shiver that ran through him. It was the way that they carried themselves. They terrified him with their stern gazes. The fact they were all dressed in black suits made him think of death.

  Alex also saw the eight men but continued cleaning glasses as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. Simon drained his brandy in one gulp, returned his glass to the counter and closed his eyes in a meager effort to summon strength. He wondered if they would just go away. When he opened his eyes they were still there, and another was reaching the top of the stairs.

  Another man dressed entirely in black and wearing dark black sunglasses had arrived. Color drained from Simon's face as he watched the man cross the room with bold, confident strides.

  “Simon?” Tang removed his glasses. “Are you all right?”

  Simon turned. “Tang! It's you! Why you trying to scare me with those things?”

  Tang fingered the glasses as he let out a laugh, as did his men. “I got these from a cousin in San Francisco. I didn't think they would have that kind of an effect.” Tang liked Simon, who in his estimation was a decent man, and one who just wanted to mind his own business.

  “Well, they - - How have you been Tang? Can I offer you something to eat, or drink perhaps?” Simon shook Tang's hand with both of his and tried to relax.

  “No, thank you, Simon, but something later perhaps for the men.”

  “Yes, yes of course, it's all been arranged just as you requested. The men can take turns eating during the banquet. We've set up a separate room just for them. Do you want to see it?”

  “That won’t be necessary, Simon. I'm sure all is in order, but in the meantime, I must make sure the building’s secure. I've begun stationing my men throughout the restaurant and - -”

  “You're not expecting trouble; are you?” Simon was more apprehensive than ever.

  “No, no of course not, it's just a precaution. Between the governor and the others--” Tang alluded to the leaders of other Triad societies before he looked at the bartender who pretended not to listen. “I don't think anyone would be foolish. It’s just a precaution. Do you mind?”

  “No, no. But. What of the police? They were here and and- -”

  “Simon, just worry about dinner, I'll take care of the rest.”

  “Yes, Tang.” Simon tired to find comfort in Tang's reassurance but lacked conviction.

  “Where are the back stairs?”

  “Through the kitchen, I'll show you.” Simon moved towards the banquet room but stopped when Tang's hand rested gently on his shoulder.

  “Simon, you've enough to do, I'm sure we'll find our way.” Tang gave discreet hand signals to move out, and the men proceeded to their pre-appointed stations. He thanked Simon, shook his hands firmly before following his men, but not before staring hard at the bartender. Alex stared back a bit too much before he lowered his eyes. Something about the bartender bothered Tang, but he couldn't figure what it was. He would have to deal with it later.

  Chapter Four

  Denny was one of Harry’s street soldiers. He was young, barely thirteen yet smart enough to know how to change his demeanor, to get past the cops at the south entrance. After all, why should they stop him? He looked like every other busboy making his way to work, in his cheap black cotton pants, and a tired old white shirt that was more grey than white. The fact that he was an enforcer, a scout for the Eagles needed to remain a mystery. If his clothing was enough to fool them, then good, he thought. Besides, he didn't lie when they asked, and truthfully said he was going to work. So what if it wasn't the kind of work they thought. And so he took his time strolling down the length of the alleyway behind the buildings.

  Casually, Denny walked down the alley to just beyond the Golden Dragon's open back door. He stopped to light a cigarette while straining his eyes to see down the narrow lane. Knowing intuitively there were men somewhere, he waited, hoping they would show themselves. Releasing a long breath of smoke, he scanned up and down the alley noting the few and sparsely spaced street lamps. He tried to see if there was any movement on the roof, but couldn't. Well that was his brother's job. His was the alleyway and as this was his first assignment, he was determined to make Harry, his dai low (big brother) proud. A man emerged, followed by another who remained in the doorway. They shouted, but he didn't care. He saw them and the glint of one man's gun, which was enough. Panic set in. Quickly, Denny dashed down the lane turning sharply when he reached the corner, to run down yet another alleyway, his pounding heart urging his legs onward. Finally, he stopped to catch his breath. Turning around he looked back to see if anyone had followed. When he was confident he was alone, he walked up to a faded red door and looked up into the hidden camera. A door guard opened the door allowing him to walk casually into the room full of men hardened by time. All eyes focused on him and the information he had to offer.

&nbs
p; Chapter Five

  Richard, dressed in a tuxedo, got out of the company black sedan along with two of Tang's men who took up positions on either side of the Golden Dragon entrance. While the men began setting up the velvet ropes, Richard stood for a moment in front of the heavy round doors. He looked up and down the street. His lips formed a thin smile when he recognized the van which had been painted a matted black and its occupants parked directly across from him. He felt reassured that things were in their proper place, and confidently entered the restaurant as he recalled his conversations with his partner, Harry. They had met about a month earlier; to review the restaurant’s layout and design tonight’s plans. They disliked the fact that the banquet hall was not on street level, but one flight up. The rear entrance presented another problem; it was on the second floor with two kitchens between it and the banquet room. The very reason he hated the place was probably the reason Tang liked it, he thought. It was easy to defend, hard to attack but Harry had assured him there were weaknesses to be exploited. He trusted Harry's judgment as he had proven himself on many occasions. Besides, thought Richard, no matter how much Tang had prepared for an external attack, he would never expect an internal one. That’s my advantage.

  Richard entered the restaurant knowing there was no turning back. He looked up the circular staircase only to be annoyed by the crystal chandelier that blocked his view. It prevented him from seeing who was at the top of the stairs until he was nearly there. When he reached the top, he wasn't too surprising to find it was Tang talking quietly to Simon Kwan. Musicians ascending the stairs just behind him approached and had the audacity to ask him where they were to set up. He gave the men a grim look and was about to say something when Simon and Tang walked over.