Thai Horse

Then he led Lung’s men in here. I’m sure all this can be verified by your own records. But I’ll bet Varney didn’t report Hatcher’s arrival in Hong Kong, because he reported it to Lung, not to the police. Or that he planned to provide protection for Hatcher, because he had no such intention. Check your radio operators. You’ll find he made a call from his car to my unlisted number seconds before they attacked us.’

Holloway’s anger began to slowly change to doubt. ‘Very convenient conjecture,’ he said uncertainly.

‘Not on your life,’ said Cohen ‘Hatcher thought the cops were tailing him, but they were actually Lung’s White Palm mobsters, who were tipped off by Varney. Or worse, men on your own squad who were on the take, too.’

‘You’re making irresponsible accusations,’ Holloway said menacingly.

‘The killers were waiting out there for us to open the gates for Varney,’ Cohen said with a sigh. ‘He led them in here.’

‘Circumstantial. It will be interesting to see what happens when you take that story to court,’ said Holloway.

‘Nobody’s going to court,’ Cohen said flatly.

‘Oh?’

‘Colonel, don’t give me that stiff-upper-lip shit. Are you interested in the truth?’

‘Truth? Hah!’ Holloway snorted.

‘Listen to me,’ Cohen snapped. ‘Hatcher threw off his tails on Cat Street. But when he got here, Lung’s people were observing the house. That’s how Varney located Hatcher — Lung told him.’

‘And how would we handle that story?’ Holloway asked cautiously.

‘Simple. Report that Varney showed up in response to a help call,’ said Cohen. ‘He and his man died heroically trying to defend innocent citizens from being attacked by thieves. You give Varney a hero’s funeral and I forget the whole matter. Or — you can create the big stink. And we can back up our complaint with your own records. Which way do you like it?’

‘How dare you threaten me!’ Holloway snapped indignantly.

‘Threat, hell,’ replied Cohen. ‘It’s a solution to a very nasty situation.’

‘I’ll see you in hell first,’ Holloway said sternly.

‘Colonel, you’re bluffing,’ Cohen said with a bored air. ‘You have the perfect out, take it while you can.’

Holloway sucked his upper lip between his teeth. He didn’t say anything for several seconds.

‘Call your man in,’ Cohen said quietly. ‘I’ll give him the proper version of what happened.’

The mirrors had been replaced in the guest room and Ping had removed the needles and left when Tiana returned home and rushed to Cohen’s side. He put on a good act, wincing with pain, speaking in a trembling voice.

‘Ngo jungyi nei,’ she whispered, putting her arms gently around his neck and caressing his face.

‘I love you too, darlin’,’ he said, winking across her shoulder at Hatcher, who sat on the edge of the bed.

‘Why are you not in the hospital?’ she asked.

‘Too tough,’ he said and then started to laugh.

She sat up sharply. ‘You are making a joke at me!’ she said angrily.

‘No, just kidding around.’

‘This is not for kidding around!’ she said sternly.

‘Tell her, Christian. Was I tough? Did I show some stuff here last night or didn’t I.’

‘He is your friend, he would say anything for you,’ she said, staring impudently at Hatcher.

‘The Occhi di Sassi does not lie,’ said Cohen. ‘Didn’t think I had it in me, did you, Christian?’ he asked proudly.

‘I thought the way you handled the colonel was more impressive.’

‘Routine!’ cried Cohen with a wave of his hand. He pulled up his shirt, displaying his bandaged side. ‘And look at that. The Purple Heart, my dear. I’ve been wounded in action. Another inch, and Buddha would have been sitting on the bed instead of you two.

‘I must see to the rest of the house,’ Tiana said, excusing herself. After she left the room, Cohen scowled at Hatcher. ‘What’s the problem?’ he asked.

‘Five of your people died here last night,’ Hatcher said. ‘Just to protect me. I didn’t come on this job to get people killed. History’s beginning to repeat itself. I should never have come here.’

Cohen leaned toward his friend and laid his hand on Hatcher’s. ‘Listen to me, Christian,’ he said seriously. ‘You made a few enemies in your time. You can’t evade them. But before you get a bleeding heart, let me tell you, every man here last night had reason to hate the Chiu Chao triads. They all had old scores to settle. Every one of them was here voluntarily and grateful for the chance. And their families will be well taken care of for life. It really had nothing to do with you.’

‘Sure. Now you’ll be on Fong’s list, too,’ Hatcher said.

‘No,’ Cohen answered. To attack a man’s home is an act of cowardice. Even the triads will be dishonored. Lung hit me without Fong’s approval, I’m sure of it. And now Fong owes me an apology. Lung dishonored him — and botched the job in the bargain. Forg.et it, the old Tsu Fi can take care of himself. You’re the only one who still has to worry about Tollie Fong. Are you still determined to go up to Chin Chin land?’