Spider's Bite
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"As you can see gentleman," Kai Mow began as those who sat around the boardroom looked on. "No one will be able to resist, and it is virtually untraceable. Each of you has a sample. You may try it if you wish. This is our finest product. I must warn you, it is highly addictive, far more than the usual cocaine or heroine. This goes directly to the brain. The difference is, only one ingredient makes this fatal. For our customers, whom we want to keep with us a long time, they will receive the drug pure. Those who try to take over or interfere in any way will receive our altered product and suffer the spider's bite. I know many of you have been anxious to receive your orders. After we agree on a price, distribution is ready to begin. Any questions?"
"You're saying that this new drug can't even be traced by the cops?" A man with white hair and very little color in his eyes questioned.
"Yes," Kai Mow replied. "It is odorless, and colorless. For the most part it looks like water. It does have a slight sweet taste, but nothing more. It will not react when placed on the tongue. It must be injected into the blood stream."
Murmurs from the table could be heard around the room. Several people nodded their heads.
"What is your asking price?" Another man asked.
"I thought we would begin with $25.00 per ounce."
"That seems awfully low. How can we make a profit if we're selling it that cheaply?"
"We want to get people interested. Once they are hooked, we can raise the price accordingly."
"Aren't you worried that someone will find a way to duplicate this?"
"Many have been able to duplicate drugs, but not this," Kai Mow stated with pride. "It is not made from just one single source."
"What about the Shaolin?" A Chinese man asked.
"They are no threat. My sources tell me that Peter Caine is dying. His honor has also been disgraced. With Peter Caine out of the way, his father and grandfather will not remain in Chinatown."
"What about the Ancient?" The same Chinese man questioned.
"He has disappeared. No one has heard from him for days. He is also old and no threat to us."
"I do not like it. I would have preferred to see their bodies to know that they are no longer a threat. I understand you let the grandfather escape and you let Peter Caine go."
"Yes, the grandfather escaped," Kai Mow conceded. "But he is no threat. No one will believe that he and his grandson were prisoners after I had Peter Caine's reputation as a Shaolin destroyed. Even if by some miracle Peter Caine survives, there will be some in Chinatown who will no longer trust him. His honor will have been tarnished."
Kai Mow, however, did not let it be known that his plans for ruining Peter Caine's honor had backfired. Hours after Matthew had escaped, Bi Kanghao was discovered tied up in a closet. He was still wearing part of the disguise that he wore as Peter Caine. He had been taken immediately to Kai Mow. The Black Widow leader had not been pleased that the old Shaolin had discovered the truth. Bi Kanghao paid with his life for allowing the old priest to discover his secret.
'Matthew Caine knows where we can be found,' Kai Mow thought as the members of his growing cartel argued. 'We will need to move the Order. We must not be caught.'
As the discussion died down, several members took out their palm pads and made notes.
"How soon can we receive this product?"
"Tomorrow. I have at my disposal 1,000 gallons. It will be up to you to decide just how much each customer will receive at one time."
"Only 1,000 gallons? My customers go through that amount of heroine in a month."
"I will be able to get you more at the end of the week. It takes time to extract the compounds that are needed to produce even one ounce."
"And yet you're going to sell this thing at a bargain basement price," someone else countered.
"Raise the price after a week, but give it time. You will see everyone will want this. And if there is a demand for so little, well you know the old adage of supply verses demand. By the end of the month, you will see your profits."
At that moment Kai Mow waved to one of his assistance and began handing out folders. "In the folder you will find an address. The address is different for each of you. That is where you can pick up your supply. Don't worry the product has been divided equally among you. You will also find a chart showing just how much profit you will be making and a breakdown of just how much each seller who works for you will receive. I am certain you will find it most equitable. Gentleman, I think that concludes our business."
As everyone filed out of the room, Kai Mow signaled for his second in command.
"We must be prepared to move the Order no later than tonight."
"Do you fear trouble Master?"
"We've concluded our business here. It is time we move on."
"What of the Shaolin, Master?"
"Let them come. All they will find is an empty office building with a few phones."
Continues with Part 33
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2002.
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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