Temple: A New Journey Begins
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Jameson grew silent. If he told this guy about Xia's offer, he might have to reveal about the mine. He could not help but notice how Griffin took an interest in the piece of pure platinum ore that sat on top of his roll top desk. He wasn't certain but Jameson thought Kermit also had spied the map that had been sitting out on his desk. It was difficult to tell while Griffin wore those outlandish sunglasses.
'I've gotten sloppy over the years. Taken for granted that no one would find out. There must be a way I can get rid of this guy.'
Then Jameson thought better of it. If he could implicate someone else, that was so much the better. Carson was getting greedier every day. They had agreed not to do any more mining for at least six months, but he learned from his son that he had been up at the mine every day for the passed three weeks.
"Xia Tan did come and see me. She wanted to know if I'd be interested in getting rid of a problem. I told her no."
"And what problem was that?" Kermit Griffin coaxed.
"First of all, you've got to understand," Jameson began. "People of this town are very conservative. They don't like weirdos hanging around."
"You mean the Shaolin. Do you know Jake Carson?"
"Yeah, I know him. His father and I used to be best friends. We were kids and we were young and stupid."
"You were among those who persecuted the monks," Kermit perceived.
"I gave up on that a long time ago. Seems pointless since they're going to stay anyway. Rachel built that shrine and still more come every day. It's like a cancer. Why can't they leave decent folk alone?"
Kermit remained silent through Jameson's oration. There was something about the man, something that Kermit could not quite pinpoint. He knew the man had to be hiding something, not just hatred for the Shaolin. There always had to be a reason. Some of it was just plane ignorance, but this smelled of something else. Kermit could not help but think about the unusual rock that sat on Jameson's desk and the map.
"Mr. Jameson, let's get back to Jake Carson. I'm trying to figure out why Jake Carson would send Xia to you. You've got to know something about the man."
"Jake Carson has no love for the Shaolin. And neither do I, but I would not go as far as murder. His son might. There was a Shaolin that came to town about 10 years ago. I believe his name was Peter Caine. He disappeared after several days. I just assumed he left. I remember Bobby Carson, Jake's son, was acting very strange for about two weeks after that."
"How, in what way was he acting strange?"
"He seemed nervous, as if he was hiding something. After that, he seemed to settle down, but he was never really the same. It was as if his innocence had been lost."
"Really," Kermit became thoughtful. "And this happened ten years ago?"
"Yes."
'Sounds like it confirms with what Peter said.' Kermit cleared his throat. "Would Jake Carson's son be capable of murdering again?"
"I would not put it past him. Though if you're asking my opinion, I think Jake put him up to it. Bobby was just a kid when that Shaolin Priest went missing. But today, I certainly wouldn't rule it out."
"The question is, why? There's got to be a motive."
"They didn't want those priests around here."
"Perhaps, but I think there's more to it." Before Kermit could give away what he was thinking, he reigned in his own thoughts. He had to remember that this guy was involved, and he saw the real reason sitting right up on top of Jameson's desk.
"Well, I better get back to the Sheriff's office. Looks like I have some more investigating to do. Thank Mr. Jameson for your cooperation."
Jameson shook hands with Kermit Griffin then watched him leave. He gave a satisfactory smile, thinking that he had given the guy enough bait to look elsewhere. Mr Jameson then turned toward the files on his desk and shook his head. It was time that he did something with that. There's been too many people interested in his business. Maybe it was time he took that long awaited vacation.
Continues with Part 47
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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