ridiculous! Why would these people come to you guys and pay a high commission? You think Kenichi’s team can generate that much profit to entice rich clients?”
“No. I think he will probably lose most of their money.”
Jennifer was speechless. “What? Wait, hold on a second. Are you serious? I really – I mean REALLY – don’t get it.”
Bruce sighed and seemed reluctant to tell Jennifer what it was really about. “Kenichi is going to use this company to launder money. And he’s going to attract clients by helping them.”
“Helping them… do what?”
“Tax evasion.”
“Oh my God, Bruce this is CRAZY! Money laundering? Tax evasion? What are you guys talking about… my God, Bruce, look at me. He’s a nice guy, but seriously; he’s a bad influence on you. Don’t do it. Are you really going to do business with him?”
Bruce looked straight in her eyes . With total confidence and an evil smile that frightened Jennifer, he said, “Absolutely.”
Chapter Three
On the way back to the hotel, Jennifer kept silent. Her first day in Thailand wasn’t as perfect as she had expected.
Bruce had been very cold since their meeting with Kenichi, and he seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Consequently, she didn’t feel very comfortable being involved in his business anymore. He looked different, as if he were another man. She didn’t know if she simply lacked self-confidence due to her inexperience, or if it was Bruce that made her feel that way.
“ Bruce, can I ask you something?”
“ Sure. Is it about tonight?” Bruce said, turning to look at her.
“Yes, I…” Jennifer started to say when Bruce took her hand and put his finger on her lips, telling her to stop talking. Surprised, she saw him making a move with his head and his eyes in the direction of June, Kenichi’s driver.
“Not now. Wai t a minute, we’re almost there.” He whispered in her ear.
Ah yes, June can speak good English…
The car parked in front of the hotel , and they walked straight to their room. Jennifer continued.
“I don’t understand, Bruce. I’m trying to imagine why a man like you would ever risk everything to be involved in such a venture. To me, you have nothing to gain and everything to lose. Why are you even considering doing it? Don’t you have enough money, seriously?”
Bruce had his back turned, getting undressed and walking towards the bathroom. “It’s not about the money.”
“So what is it?” Jennifer said, following him and removing her ear -rings in front of the mirror.
Bruce got in the shower. “ It’s a bit complicated. Let’s say that… it’s personal.”
“So what does it mean? You’re not going to tell me? You can share it with your Yakuza fri end, but not with me, your wife?”
Bruce turned off the tap and looked at her. “What did you say?”
Jennifer’s face became hot. Bruce noticed I called myself his wife . “I said your wife . I know we’re not married, but…”
Bruce shook his head and interrupted her. “ No, no. Not that part. Before that.”
Disappointed, Jennifer thought for a second. “Oh… Err… Yakuza friend?”
Bruce looked incredulous. “You think Kenichi is a Yakuza? You really think he belongs to the mafia?”
“He looks like it to me. Plus, look at his plans. Excuse me, but he’s not exactly planning to start up a charity!”
Bruce laughed at her. “You watch too much fiction! It’s time for you to get back to reality, Jen. He’s just a businessman , and he’s keen on acting on new opportunities. That’s how it works.”
Je nnifer didn’t reply immediately – it’s not what she expected to hear, and she was a bit upset. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue the conversation and discover Bruce’s true motivations. Yet, she said almost automatically - “Anyway, I think you’re making a mistake. I’ve got a bad feeling about it.”
“Based on what? Your feminine intuition?”
“Very funny…” Jennifer felt more and more
Charles G. McGraw, Mark Garland