Spider's Bite
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The announcement was put out through certain channels. All those who knew came. The funeral would be a closed casket affair. Everyone was expected to attend.
"I am so sorry for your loss," a woman approached, tears streaming down her face.
"I did not know him well, but he seemed such a nice young man," another stated.
"Please, let us know what we can do for you. You have aided us, now it is time that we aid you," a gentleman with his family said.
"Well, at least the bastard can't harm anyone else," said an angry young man. "He deserved to die after what he tried to do to my sister."
An argument ensued. "You do not know what you are talking about. He was like his father. He protected us. He was his father's son."
"He was an outsider and should have remained so."
"ENOUGH! Can you not see that he is grieving for a son? Do you not realize what this means?"
Those among the crowd listened to the voice of reason in the community. Their faces were blank, not knowing what the old man was talking about.
"Because of this tragedy, he will not remain among us."
"What are you saying?"
The grieving man lifted his bowed head to face the crowd. Tears streamed down his face, the only evidence of his shattered heart. "My son is gone. I have failed in my duty. I must pay my debt."
The crowd murmured and questions flew among them. What did he mean? What debt needed paying?
"I know there are those among you who did not accept him. I also know my son did not commit the crimes that he was accused of doing. My son's life ended tragically, his honor destroyed by those who would see him destroyed . . ."
"You don't know what you are talking about. I saw what he did. Where were you when it happened? Why did you not come and stop it?" An older woman cried out her anger. "My husband is dead because of your son. Leave Shaolin and never return."
More shouting ensued, but only one remained calm. Kai Mow stood among the crowd and smiled. When he heard the rumor, he had to investigate it for himself. Despite his fears, all had gone according to plan. Now Chinatown was his for the taking.
The Shaolin and his father stood and listened as the crowd once again argued amongst themselves. Their eyes fell on the one person who seemed content, as if he was the eye in the middle of the storm.
Kwai Chang Caine nodded as an elderly man in a large brimmed hat came up behind him said something to Caine privately.
"Yes, I know him. You know what must be done."
The man in the hat slipped away from the crowd, placing a hand over his face as if grief was overwhelming him. It was time to play their ace in the hole.
Matthew removed the large hat from his head as he exited the Buddhist temple from the back door. A van waited in the alleyway. He knocked on the side and a door slid back revealing for a moment its interior. Matthew was assisted inside and the door closed behind him.
"What have you got?" Kermit asked the elderly priest.
"The leader of the Order is here."
"Where?"
"I'll bring up the monitors so we can check the crowd," Blake stated, finally relieved that he was asked to do something for this little party.
Three monitors were switched on. Like old black and white televisions, the images came into focus. The crowd of people could be seen talking among themselves, some showing apparent anger, others showing deep despair. Only one face remained silent and continued to stair toward the front of the crowd.
"That is the man. His name is Kai Mow." Matthew pointed.
"Let me zoom in on him."
"Get a good picture Blake," Kermit stated. "We don't want any doubts here."
As Blake adjusted his monitor, someone approached the man.
"What have we here?" Blake stated, drawing the attention of the priest and the ex-mercenary.
"Something's going down," Kermit stated. "Looks like we're about to leave this little party."
"If he leaves, we're going to need a way to follow him. Here, take this." Blake handed Kermit a small device no larger than a tie tack.
Matthew took the device from Kermit's hand.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"Remember the lesson of Sherlock Holmes?"
Matthew smiled at their blank faces as he left the van and headed back into the Buddhist temple. He replaced the large hat on his head. With his cane, he exaggerated his already stooped and bent body. He silently slipped through the crowd and headed straight for Kai Mow.
Kermit and Blake continued to watch from the safety of the van.
"He's going to blow our cover," Blake stated.
"I don't think so," Kermit replied.
Both men watched the monitor closely and saw the man in the large hat stumble against the man speaking to Kai Mow.
"Watch where you're going old man," the man barked, not giving Matthew a second look.
"Please, forgive an old man," Matthew croaked out, just changing the tone of his voice ever so slightly so it would not be recognized. "My legs are not as steady as they used to be."
Kermit and Blake watched with amazement as Matthew planted the device where it was certain not to be noticed then ambled away into the crowd unmolested and unnoticed.
"Why doesn't he plant that device on Kai Mow?" Blake questioned.
Within seconds Blake got his answer as the man speaking to Kai Mow left.
"Looks like it's my turn. Call Captain Simms to stand by with back up. Looks like this party just got more interesting."
Continues with Part 34
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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