Counterfeit Lies

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

Jake called Park as he approached the residence. When the gate opened he drove up the long driveway. Park was standing in front when Jake arrived, the Green Hornet and Kato by his side. As Jake hopped out of the car he said, “I don’t have much time. I need to get back to the other side of town and I don’t trust the traffic.”

“I understand,” said Park.

Jake handed him the cell phone and Park gave an inquisitive look.

“Just follow the directions on the card,” said Jake, handing Park a three-by-five file card. “At the time specified on the card I need you to call this number and read exactly what I’ve written. Do you understand?”

Park nodded but asked, “Why the cotton?”

“I want your voice muffled.”

“You mean in case the police have voice-recognition software?”

Jake hesitated with a response. That wasn’t his reasoning but it sounded good. “Yes, exactly. You are a wise man, Mr. Park. Make sure you call exactly at seven forty-five tonight and read the message as I’ve written it.”

Park smiled, sincerely appreciative of all Jake was doing to recover his daughter and granddaughter. In a final logistical act for tonight’s drama, the North Korean intelligence agent handed him the two large burlap bags containing the three million in Supernotes. Jake recognized the grand gesture of trust it represented. Even if the counterfeit money cost Park nothing, the contents embodied the lives of Jenny and Gracie. Their safe return rested upon the shoulders of a man Park had met less than forty-eight hours earlier.

As Jake prepared to leave, Park grabbed him and gave him an uncharacteristic hug. “Thank you, Jake. You first approached me because you had been hired to kill my daughter. Now you are willing to risk your life to free my family. You are the only non-Korean I have ever allowed inside my organization. You know the most important thing tonight is to free Jenny and Gracie — after that we will worry about how to get the money back.”

Jake nodded and said, “Yes, sir, I understand.”

“Are you sure you do not want some of my men to follow you at a distance in case you need help?”

“The kidnappers said to come alone,” the FBI agent replied. “If they spot your men, they will kill your daughter and granddaughter.”

Park pondered that for a moment, nodded, and said, “You are right.” Grasping Jake’s hand, the North Korean intelligence officer whispered, “I will never forget you.”

As Jake pulled away from the residence, he spotted the candies he had taken from Yeong’s restaurant sitting in the cup holder. He unwrapped a piece and popped it in his mouth. As he let the confection rest on his tongue, the familiar smells of peppermint flooded the car. The memory took him back to the night of the kidnapping and the piece of candy he found on the floor following the melee. “Yeong’s gotta be involved somehow,” said Jake out loud.