Counterfeit Lies

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

When Jake and Park, accompanied by the crime boss’s security team, entered the living room, Park’s wife was waiting, dried tears caked on her face. Soo Min, her face badly bruised, was still bandaged from the wounds she received two nights earlier and was sitting nervously on the couch.

Park spotted the large bouquet of fresh-cut flowers sitting on the coffee table and offered an inquisitive glance.

“The flowers arrived about an hour ago. The card is addressed to you. I was afraid to open it,” said his wife, handing the card to Park.

Park tore open the envelope and removed the card. He read the card once, closed it, and opened it again, rereading the message. “It is from the kidnappers. I must make a call.”

“May I see it?” asked Jake.

Park nodded, handing the card to Jake, who grabbed it, not worrying about its evidentiary value, and read the contents. The note was in English, which the FBI agent thought strange if the kidnappers were Korean: We know you have the money. Call us immediately.

Jake noted the phone number — undoubtedly a throwaway cell phone.

As Park picked up the phone, preparing to call the number on the card, Jake shouted, “Wait!”

Both guards jumped, startled by the outburst and prepared to protect their boss.

“What?” asked Park, seemingly confused as he looked at Jake.

He shook his head purposefully. “You better not use your home phone.”

“Why?”

Jake handed Park his cell phone, activating the discreet consensual recording button. “The police know who you are and that you were robbed the other day. They may have tapped your phones hoping you’ll identify who killed Tommy.”

Park nodded. “You are wise. I do not want them to know about the kidnapping.”

“Exactly,” said Jake with a look of confident reassurance. “Call the number using my phone.”

Park smiled and said, “Thank you,” in a moment of genuine gratitude.

“Ask for proof,” said Jake.

“Proof of what?”

“Proof of life. Ask to speak to Jenny. Be strong. Refuse to give into their demands unless they can prove Jenny and Gracie are alive,” said Jake with conviction and authority.

“You sound as if you have handled such a situation before.” It was a statement, not an accusation.

Jake shrugged and offered a comforting smile, hoping he hadn’t overplayed his hand. “Some people think I watch too much television. In Hollywood they always ask for proof of life.”

Park walked toward the French doors leading to the garden and punched in the phone number listed in the message. Both guards followed him onto the patio as he made the call.

Jake sat on the couch next to Soo Min, comforting the older woman, knowing he could play back the call when he departed the residence. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll get Jenny and Gracie back.”

Park’s wife said nothing, realizing her husband’s chosen profession continued to destroy the only life she knew and the family she loved.

Jake could make out pieces of the conversation as both he and Soo Min focused on Park. The crime boss talked for several minutes, all in English, which again surprised Jake — reinforcing his conclusion the kidnappers were not a rival Korean gang. After a brief minute of cajoling, Jake heard Park say, “Are you okay?” There was a pause. “And Gracie?” Then Park responded, “It’s going to be okay. I will bring you both home.”

When the kidnappers came back to the phone Park said, “I will get you your money but if you harm either of them you will never live to spend the ransom.” Park paused, listening to their response, then said, “Laugh if you want but I have not succeeded in this country on kindness alone.”

With that the call ended. Park returned slowly from the patio, his guards following closely, and handed the phone to Jake.

Park thought for an extended moment before he asked, “Will you make the drop this evening?”

“Absolutely.”