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"The Roacherian Effect" A novel by John C. Delavan
Chapter Seventeen
Skipper was squatting behind the door with his back against the corner. He did it because it afforded him a little privacy from the guards who couldn't see this corner well through the tiny window in the door of his solitary confinement cell. The scars he bore gave silent witness to his experience with captivity at the hands of a drug lord near Bogota, Columbia. Skipper still shuddered at the thought of electric shock. The hatred he felt toward his captors was now re-focused on survival. Skipper channeled his fear and hatred to his own benefit rather than allowing it to run free and defeat him.
The cell door opened and three policemen came in. One was the officer who arrested him, Sasaki -- the one who always seemed to be on duty at the parking entrance. Skipper stared coldly into his eyes and Sasaki looked away quickly. The other two grabbed his arms and pinned him against the wall.
Sasaki couldn't return Skipper's stare and stumbled with his words until finally he fired a brief order for one of the guards to translate for Skipper.
"Mr. Mason. I am Officer Sasaki and I inform you that you will stand trial. You are guilty of murder. Also you have been interfering with events that do not concern you. You..."
Skipper spat into the face of the guard who'd been translating then kicked Sasaki in the groin. Skipper instantly felt pain soar up both arms as he was forced harder up against the wall; the pain in his fingers, wrists and elbows searing and throbbing into his head. When he felt Sasaki's riot baton strike his damaged left arm the pain was so intense Skipper lost control of his bladder. His head was jerked back by the hair and Sasaki put his face close to Skipper's.
"You will not be so foolish again," he whispered ominously.
Skipper felt his groin explode as Sasaki kicked him savagely between the legs. The two guards released their hold on him and he crumpled to the floor unable to make his legs hold him up. The three men left and Sasaki's laughter echoed in the empty hall for a few minutes longer. Skipper vomited from the pain.
Sasaki had little trouble accepting Kubota's request for Skipper's "suicide." He was a sadist at heart and a coward most everywhere else. He would enjoy getting the better of this American. Sasaki had always felt Americans were ill-mannered, pompous and ostentatious. His sister had married an American soldier just two years ago and already they had been divorced. She was doing well with her own business in the United States and had quickly married another round eyed American but Sasaki would never forgive her.
He remembered seeing Skipper driving the expensive Toyota into the Special Branch compound. The sight of the American had made his skin crawl and he'd been livid with jealousy. Imagine! An American getting to live in luxury here at the Special Branch compound while he, Sasaki, was only considered good enough to guard the gate! Now he'd show the American who was the better man.
Bert got his call through to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and was put in contact with Niko who'd been handling his calls and Skipper's.
"Hello, Niko. This is Bert Johnson in the United States. I've got to speak to Skipper Mason right away. Can you connect me with him, please?"
Niko heard the urgency in Bert's voice but there was little she could do. "I'm sorry, Mr. Johnson, but it is impossible. Mr. Mason has been arrested for the murder of several police officers and for seriously wounding Officer Nakagawa."
Bert's mouth hung open and he couldn't answer for a moment. "Is this some sort of joke?"
"There is no joke, Mr. Johnson. Excuse me please." Niko terminated the call and tried to control the tears streaming down her face.
Niko Yamaguchi had been with the police force almost three years since her graduation from the University of California at Long Beach. She had taken her degree in English; but, at the insistence of her father had returned home to Japan. He'd arranged a marriage for her with the son of an old friend. Niko couldn't believe her father had done this but agreed to meet the young man to end what seemed a never-ending battle with her family. As it turned out this proved advantageous for all concerned because the young bridegroom to be was Yoshi Nakagawa who was as adverse to the arrangement as she. After their second meeting they'd fallen deeply in love.
Yoshi was influential in helping Niko get a job with the Police Department where her English skills were much needed. Both families were wealthy and either of them could have both position and money for the asking but the couple wanted to pursue their own careers a little longer before marrying. Their parents pressured them to marry soon and have children but in this matter Yoshi and Niko remained adamant. They would marry, but they would decide when -- not their families.
When she'd heard about Skipper's attack on Yoshi, Niko hadn't believed it. Now she was becoming confused and uncertain what to believe. She hadn't been allowed to speak with Yoshi due to his condition, but hoped to do so soon.
It had become apparent to Bert he could do nothing for Skipper from California and time was too critical for him to go to Japan personally. It'd take too long to get there and Skipper needed help now. He dropped the phone back in his pocket as he flipped through his address book, then flipped it open again and dialed Grandmaster Lee's number. Skipper thought highly of the man's ability and contacts, perhaps he could help here.
Grandmaster Lee listened patiently as he allowed Bert to explain how Skipper had gone to Japan on business for Bert's company. Even when Bert spoke of Skipper's arrest and Patti's kidnaping, he didn't interrupt, but continued to listen quietly.
Finally Bert paused and heard only silence. "Hello? Master Lee? Are you still there?"
"Yes Mr. Johnson, I am here. I might be of assistance to Skipper but only time and effort will tell us if this is so. If I can obtain help, you will know. If not, it will not matter." With that enigmatic remark Master Lee hung up the phone without waiting for a reply. Bert slowly pushed the cellular phone's antenna back down and folded the mouthpiece while thinking how strangely the oriental mind worked. He felt a little more at ease with the situation although he wasn't sure he knew why.
He shook his head and watched the police car roll to a stop in Skipper's driveway.
Grandmaster Lee was greatly worried about Skipper. He knew in his heart Skipper didn't like killing and would only do so under extreme circumstances. He sensed that something was seriously amiss. Picking up the phone again he began dialing the long series of numbers which would connect him with Sensei Mashuta.