Book Five - Part Ten - Ending Evil: Chapter Nine

Kyoto, Japan – 1:15 p.m.

Lee walked into an expansive waiting area. Behind a modest desk sat a thin, but attractive secretary he suspected to be in her early twenties.

“Nanika otetsudai shimashou ka?” (Can I help you?)

Lee handed her a business card he had received at the airport in Albany from a man named John Steele.

"Yes. I believe I have an appointment to see Mr. Taniko."

Lee and John struck up a conversation as he was waiting for his jet to fuel up. John learned that Lee was a recently discharged veteran and wanted to do a human-interest story. Lee said he would let him know and since he found out John Steele would also be in Japan for a cover story about foreign industrialists, and that he had a good eye for detail, Lee altered his features enough to resemble Steele while flying across the country. Without him realizing it, he was doing what Freddy did.

“Hai, sutīru-san. Chotto matte kudasai.” (Yes, Mr. Steele. Just a moment.)

Lee took a seat to the left of her desk as he watched her pick up her phone.

“Taniko-san, a John Steele from the New York Times is here to see you. Yes sir, I will tell him.” She set the phone down.

“Mr. Steele-san, he will see you in a moment.”

“Thank you. I’m impressed. Your English is exceptionally good.”

“It is because of the number of various businessmen, Taniko-san comes into contact with, my position requires me to be fluent in several languages; as also is Taniko-san.”

Her phone buzzed once. She picked it up, then set it back down again.

“You may go in, Mr. Steele-san.”

Lee stood, then opened a door she4 pointed out, and he stepped through an open archway into a brightly lit room with several glass cases surrounding the walls in Taniko's office, some of which held Japanese artifacts such as Katan swords, Toso Masuku's (painted masks), and many different cuts and styles of glass and pottery designs.

Behind his desk w2as a large painting which appeared to be an original of two feudal nations at ward hundreds of years ago. Two walls were covered with a silken coverlet with Japanese lettering inscribed. Another wall was filled with a six-foot, six-shelfed bookcase with a variety of books on mining, manufacturing, and mine construction. The remaining wall was mostly a large picture window with an excellent view of Kyoto.

Lee already knew there would be no paperwork to exclaim the hundreds of millions of dollars Taniko makes exporting drugs worldwide. That was only part of the reason he was in his office.

“Sutīru-san, yōkoso (welcome).  What is it your New York Times wish from me?  If you seek an interview, I can have Taimashi, my secretary, schedule you an appointment.  To be quite forward, I do not have time to talk with you today.”

"Actually. what I want, I don't think you want her to know about, and you will make time for me."

"I am afraid I do not understand Steele-san."

Lee reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper and slid it across Taniko's desk. Taniko opened the sheet and read a portion of names listed, many whom he .recognized.

Taniko licked his lips nervously, then raised his head slowly, until his eyes were level with Lee's

"Where did you get these names?"

"Where I got them from isn't important."

"What do you want from me?"

"I want what they and others like them want. Some fine music, good drugs, and exceptionally great sex."

"You do not, as it is said, beat around a tree. Do you prefer young boys, or young girl?"

"Girls."

“When and where?”

“Tonight. I want them where you do all your filming and editing. I want what I do, on film.”

"It is expensive." "Trust me. Money isn't a problem."

Lee reached inside his coat and pulled out a thick envelope and threw it on Taniko’s desk. I'm sure you can convert that easily enough. It adds up to a hundred thousand."

Taniko relaxed and for the first time, smiled. Reaching for his pen, he grabbed a sheet of paper and wrote down his address and time. He pushed it across the desk.

"Steele-san, please, I will have dinner prepared for us at seven this evening. I would be most honored to have you as my guest."

"And the rest."

"I will have it all arranged. All you ask for is below my home."

"Then I'll see you at seven."

"Nihon wa anata o kengei suru." (Japan welcomes you.)

"Domo arigatogozaimashita." (Thank you very much.)

"Koeidesu." (It is my pleasure.)

As to Mitsu Taniko, he would have the American’s money looked over to make certain it wasn’t marked.  If all checked out, he would proceed with Steele-san’s request.

Meanwhile, he would have Taimashi call the New York Times to confirm they do have a John Steel who works for them. If any problem arose, Taniko has four men, he pays very well to dispose of his body.