Silversword by Charles Knief Read Free Book Online Page A

room, arms raised, welcoming me home. I felt like some prodigal, returned after depleting my stolen inheritance.
    â€œThe bullet’s gone to some evidence locker,” I said, accepting his unexpected embrace, “but thanks all the same. What about the price on my head?” I didn’t like the sound of that.
    â€œSit. You have had a long trip.”
    I sank down into a comfortable chair, lowering myself slowly and carefully, not wanting to dislodge what was inside of me, not comfortable with the thought of the stent, although I could not feel a thing other than the usual ache. Percodan and Tylenol had helped. But the pain was always there, lurking behind the chemicals like some caged animal, impatient to unsheathe its claws.
    â€œYou look tired, my friend,” I said. Chawlie looked as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He was a serious man with few light moments. But this time he seemed to have more on his mind than usual.
    â€œWish you were healthy, old friend,” he said. “Chawlie find himself fighting a battle he does not understand. Very few things make sense anymore.”
    â€œIs there anything I can do?”

    â€œYou can get healthy. Then we see what we can do.”
    â€œWhat’s happened?”
    â€œFires, bombings. Somebody wants to put Chawlie out of business.”
    â€œDo you know who?”
    He shook his head. “When I know who, I stop it. We are looking. We will find out, More worried about you right now, John Caine.”
    â€œMe?”
    â€œAccording to my understanding, the San Francisco authorities are considering charging you with first-degree murder. Mrs. Chang, the woman who died because she was at the wrong place at the wrong time, she is the murder victim.”
    â€œI didn’t shoot her.”
    â€œI know that. They know that. But the one who did shoot her is dead, and the authorities wish to punish someone for the crime. California law says that if you commit a felony, and as a result of your actions somebody dies, you are guilty of first-degree murder.”
    â€œThat’s insane.”
    â€œThat’s California. Land of crazy people. They make everything complicated. It has to do with balance, I think. Lotus Eaters’ yin and yang. But do not worry. Charges are to go to the grand jury some time soon. Your lawyer says the facts are such that they might not indict you.”
    I had heard that grand juries would indict a fish for swimming in posted waters if the prosecutor asked them to, but Chawlie was there smiling at me, telling me not to worry, so quite possibly the fix was in. Even in California. The man had some reach from his little island perch here on River Street. But of course the Triads in California had similar power, and they now owed Chawlie a big favor for his presence, and for his support. I wondered if their power went all the way into a grand jury room, and decided that it probably did.
    â€œDid you know that Mrs. Chang had grandchildren that she cared for? They had no mother or father, I guess.”

    The old man’s eyes crinkled. “Yes. But they have an uncle, Uncle Chawlie. They are now provided for. Not to worry, John Caine. Chawlie does not forget his responsibilities.”
    â€œAnd the police will know that?”
    â€œAnd who is responsible for the children’s sudden wealth and security, yes.”
    â€œMoney can buy just about anything, eh?”
    â€œIn this country, money can buy everything. But why should here be any different from the rest of the world?”
    Why, indeed? “I am in your debt, Uncle.”
    â€œNo. I am in yours. You saved me and you saved Daniel. There is no way I can repay you.”
    â€œI heard that the shooter was killed.”
    He nodded. “Young man, full of piss and vinegar, not thinking of consequences. Always consequences, no matter what you do.”
    Unless you had the money and the connections. That thought I left unsaid.