Previously on the continuing saga of the FBI and the Scuzzy Art Dealer (SAD), Alex has arranged for Sato Yasahiro of Tranquility Imports to obtain a rare artifact as a wedding gift for his fiancée. Based on a recorded conversation in the alley between Sato and SAD, it is believed that arrangements are being made. As the story continues, however, we find that this is how that conversation in the alley really went.
"It would appear so. I am John."
"Interesting," commented Sato, "You don't look like a John to me."
"Some things are best not known, so today I am John."
"I understand the object in question is in Hirosaki, and will be in the States within the week," responded Sato in confirmation. "The American will pay top dollar to make his woman happy. This is a good deal."
"This is where the deal changes, my friend," explained John. "I am thinking we kill the American and take the money, then we sell the artifact and split the profit fifty-fifty."
"Okay," says Sato, "But what are my chances of getting out of this alive with half of the money."
John laughed. "Oh, about fifty-fifty. Are you willing to take that risk for the money?
"Sure, why not. If I survive I have millions, and if I die, I won't know anything anyway. Seems fair enough," agreed Sato.
"Good morning Diane. Would you please let me know when the others get in," requested Charlie. "By the way, you look nice today. I mean you always look nice, you just look particularly nice today...Oy that didn't come out right," insert foot thought Charlie. "Excuse me, I'll be in my office," and a very flustered Charlie made his departure, leaving a puzzled Diane looking on.
"Hey Charlie, what's up?" asked Alex as he, Bobby and Kyle piled into Charlie's office.
Relieved to get back to the case, Charlie plunged in. "We got a hit off of the cigarette butt. The DNA belongs to a Japanese guy with the equivalent of a rap sheet in Tokyo. His name is Hayashi Akio. However, it seems he may not be our guy because he has an alibi for the murder currently under investigation, but he is a person of interest by virtue of being at the warehouse, but not a suspect."
"Since we have no idea who SAD is yet, I guess we are still swimming upstream," stated Bobby matter-of-factly.
"Yes and no," said Charlie, "It's true he has an alibi, but we will investigate all known associates and double check his alibi because Hayashi could still be involved. I'll assign some agents to make phone calls and conduct searches into all his business and social contacts, pull phone and credit card records."
"Alex, you and Bobby keep going around to high-end establishments, museums, and such and keep up your cover. You never know who is going to say what to whom when they think no one's paying attention."
"Kyle, you and I will do the same on our end, and hopefully we can gather enough information to put our plan into place before the package arrives.
To be continued...
Other Adventures of Charlie and Alex:
Aliens, Really?
The Colombians
The Key
Stranded
The Last Laugh
The Morning After
Aliens, Really?
The Colombians
The Key
Stranded
The Last Laugh
The Morning After
If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Now here's a couple familiar faces ;-) Even though "you don't look like a John to me," hahaha!
ReplyDeleteI always ask myself if criminals consider the risk of not getting away alive after a "project".
Really, you have to wonder at the intelligence levels of these folk.
Delete