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Part 3, Scene 11
Kermit climbed out of the Corvair and made his way to the entrance of The Shot Glass bar. His anger had pushed him into mercenary mode. The target of his anger was unclear at the moment. He was mad at Peter for the bullheaded, stubborn attack; he was mad at himself for having fallen for it. He was mad at Caine for not being here to help the old man and most of all he was enraged at the evil behind it all. . . Bon Bon Hai.
Coming to the bar was the only way Kermit could think of to find a lead to Bon Bon Hai. Jack Wong had never been able to break his habit of frequenting the establishment. No matter who employed his services, he always seemed to find relief in the seedy environment. Kermit could only hope that the man had not changed.
Entering the bar, Kermit glanced around the smoke-filled room and immediately spotted the object of his search in the corner, a scantily clad woman dancing in front of him. Kermit was repulsed by the leer on the man's face.
He pushed his way past the woman and slid into the booth beside Wong. "Thought you were married now, Wong. Is this how you've decided to treat your new wife?"
Jack started to get up, startled by the ex-mercenary's presence, but a firm hand on his shoulder held him in place. "Griffin. What the hell are you doing here?"
"We need to talk."
"I don't talk to cops."
Kermit caught the movement of Wong's left hand under the table and quickly drew the Desert Eagle, pushing the muzzle of the gun into the smaller man's ribs. "I wouldn't try it, Wong. This gun can make a real mess of that nice suit."
Wong's hand came out from under the table, the fingers spread. "Chill. We've got no problems."
"Yes we do, Jack. I need information."
"Do I look like 4-1-1 to you?"
"No. But you look like an employee of Bon Bon Hai. . .still."
"Don't know what you're talking about." The man turned his eyes away from Kermit in a failed attempt to watch the dancer and ignore the threat.
"That's funny. Word has it that you're still working for that SOB. You helped his people pull off the attempted casino heist."
"You've got no proof of that."
"Oh, Jack, come on. I saw you there. Just because you weren't taken in with the rest of the slime doesn't make you innocent."
The Asian man said nothing. Kermit pressed the gun into the man's ribs again, instantly regaining his attention. "I need to know where Bon Bon Hai is."
"You're a detective. Go detect."
"I've also been a killer. Want me to practice that, too?" Kermit's words were filled with malice.
Jack swallowed and shifted in his seat, trying to keep up a brave front. "Why do you want to know?"
"You see, Jack, I have reason to believe that he's responsible for the poisoning of a friend of mine. You might have heard of him. The Ancient?"
Jack's gaze dropped to the table as he fiddled with the cocktail napkin. "So he's dead. Too bad, I kinda liked the old guy."
"You know, you don't do innocent very well. I'm thinkin' that you know a lot more about what happened today than what you're admitting." Kermit leaned forward, keeping his gun trained. "I might just forget about what I suspect if you tell me where I can find your boss."
A fear-filled laugh escaped the smaller man's lips. "You've gotta be joking. I'd be a walking dead man."
"You don't tell me and you won't have to worry about walking." Kermit cocked the gun. "You see, Jack, I'm a cop. . .you're a no-good-scum-sucking criminal. The way I look at it I take you out here and I'm doing the world a favor. No one will ask any questions. In fact, I'll probably get a commendation."
Beads of sweat were gathering on the man's brow. He looked into the sunglasses of his persecutor and debated his options. He saw the look of death in the man's face. There was no doubt in his mind that the man would carry through on his threat. He took another breath. "I. . .I can't tell you," he stuttered.
Kermit gave him a thin smile. "Didn't think so. But you can show me." The sunglass-wearing man pulled a small bug from his pocket and attached it to the underside of the man's shirt collar. "You have a nice day, Jack." He slid from the booth and turned back to the scared man. "Word of warning: don't try to take the bug off and don't screw with me. I'll be watching you. It'll be no trouble for me to pop you when you're least expecting it."
Kermit turned on his heel and left the bar. The Asian man slid down into the booth. Closing his eyes, he brought a shaking hand to his face and wiped away the perspiration.
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Part 3, Scene 12
Peter sat cross-legged on the bank of the lake. His mind was in turmoil. He had attacked his friend for no reason. He knew that his reasoning at the time had been because he had to act quickly. However, after having left the precinct it dawned on him that action was impossible. He had no idea where Bon Bon Hai was located, nor how to battle the evil man. He only knew that the Sing Wah leader held the key to the Ancient's life.
He closed his eyes and reached out to his father. Perhaps contact with the elder Caine would help him put his thoughts in order. . .allow him to discover a way to help Lo Si. "Father, are you here?"
The thoughts were immediately answered with the soothing voice of the elder Caine. "My son. Where are you?"
"I need your help, Pop. Lo Si needs your help."
"I know what has happened. You must return to Lo Si. He needs you to be with him."
"No. . .I can't help him. I don't know how. Dr. Sabourin needs answers and my sitting by Lo Si's bed isn't going to give her those answers."
"No, Peter. The answers that are needed to help Lo Si can be found in what you have already learned. He has taught you much about our work over the past few months. Practice what you have been shown."
Peter's frustration grew. His father didn't understand the desperation of the situation. "Lo Si doesn't have time for me to stumble around your loft and chop up herbs. . .not when I don't have a snowball's chance in hell of coming up with the right mix. I know how to help him, but I need your assistance."
"No Peter!" His father repeated the words more emphatically. "What you are planning will not help."
A second voice entered Peter's mind. "Shaolin." It was a voice which was familiar, but could not be immediately placed.
Peter tried to push it out of his head, doubling his concentration on speaking with his father, but the voice returned. "Shaolin, I must speak with you."
"What?. . .Who?" Peter frowned.
Caine's voice grew louder. "Peter, listen to me. Do not attempt to confront. . ."
"Peter Caine. I have what you are looking for." The voice interrupted his father's words. Peter tried desperately to ignore the intrusion, again.
His father's words were now mixed with the stranger's. "Peter. . . I am coming to you. . .Please wait for me," spoke his father. "Peter, I. . ."
"We must speak, Caine. If you want to save the old man's life, we must meet. Come to me."
With the clarity of the words, Peter had no choice but to sever the contact with his father. The voice of his enemy prevented any further communication. "Where are you?" Peter asked the murderous man.
"I am where you first found me. I am not hiding from you. It is time for the youngest Crane to meet the Tiger." The words halted as suddenly as they started. Peter's eyes flew open in shock. He had to concentrate as to whether he had imagined the voice of his enemy. Instinctively, however, he realized that Bon Bon Hai had been in his mind. . .heard his thoughts.
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Part 3, Scene 13
"Peter?" Kwai Chang Caine's mind screamed. "My son, you cannot do this!" There was no response to the desperate plea. The Shaolin's eyes flew open. Fear overwhelmed him. His father was right. He had been blinded to the truth. His son was walking into a trap, a trap which would cost him not only his life, but, ultimately, his very soul.
He pulled the photo of his beloved wife from his pocket and stared into her eyes. He allowed his index finger to trace the outline of her face. "Oh, Laura, I am so sorry. I have made a horrible mistake."
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Part 3, Scene 14
Kermit sat outside of The Shot Glass Bar waiting for Jack Wong to make his move. He knew that the man was debating whether to betray his boss by leading the cop to his location.
Kermit knew he could spend the next few hours on the computer locating the leader of the Sing Wah, but the detective also knew that if Peter was going after Bon Bon Hai, hours would be too long. He needed to know where Hai was now. . .not later. . .not if he wanted to help his friend.
He removed his sunglasses and looked up into the star-filled sky. The city lights only allowed the brightest of stars in the night sky to shine through. It was hard to believe how the peace of the night had been shattered.
The ex-mercenary thought back to his final confrontation with his friend outside the precinct. He had seen the anger in Peter's face before. It had been similar to the rage felt by Kermit when he sought revenge upon the man who had orchestrated David's death. Peter had stopped him from making a terrible mistake. As Kermit slid the sunglasses back up on his nose, he made a silent promise that he would return the favor.
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Part 3, Scene 15
Peter pulled the Stealth in front of the large building. This was the place where his father had first confronted Bon Bon Hai. It was at that time that Peter discovered the new enemy. . .the enemy who was a threat not just to the community, as he had told Captain Simms, but to mankind as well.
Now, he was going to confront that threat. He would take on the man who had brought pain, fear and death to so many.
A lump of fear had gathered in his throat. He fought to swallow it away, but it wouldn't leave.
He climbed the dark steps to the building and approached the large wooden door. He looked down at his hands, closed his eyes and summoned his energy. Rubbing his hands together, he prepared to unlock the barrier which blocked his entry. Before he could complete the action, the door opened, slowly revealing a dark interior.
"Neat trick," Peter whispered, attempting to quell the quiver in his words. He entered and was enveloped by the dark.
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Part 3, Scene 16
Jack Wong walked out of the Shot Glass bar and into the cold night. He had considered staying there until morning, but the owner had kicked him out when it closed. He glanced down the block and saw the green Corvair which was all too familiar.
"Damn," he muttered. He debated whether the immediate threat from the mercenary was worth betraying his boss. Rubbing his eyes, he came to a decision. He didn't owe his boss anything. He certainly didn't get paid enough to make an enemy of the deadly ex-mercenary. Shrugging, he climbed into his car and pointed it in the direction of Bon Bon Hai's location.
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Part 3 Scene 17
Peter was alone in the hallway, but could feel evil nearby. Walking slowly into the dark depths, he came to a doorway. As the front door had opened for him, this door, too, clicked and opened, revealing an equally black interior.
Peter took a deep breath and entered the room. "Good evening, young Caine," the familiar voice rumbled.
Peter's breath hitched in his throat. He spun around, looking for the source, but found nothing. Concentrating, he used his newly acquired Shaolin skills to allow his eyes to see in the dark. It was only then that he saw the figure of a man standing before him. "Bon Bon Hai."
"You came. I knew you would." Peter said nothing. The leader of the Sing Wah turned and walked to a large chair at the opposite end of the room. He sat and then swept an arm across his body and the chamber was suddenly filled with light from one hundred candles. "The old man is too important for you not to come."
"What did you do to him?" Peter pressed, unable to quiet his impatience.
Bon Bon Hai shrugged. "It is a very powerful poison which was designed especially for him."
Peter took a step forward and then found his progress halted by strong hands which gripped his arms and held him fast. He had not heard, nor had he felt the approach of the additional men. The shock of their appearance must have registered in his face. Bon Bon Hai let out a sinister laugh.
"Your weak Shaolin powers are useless here, Caine. You are in my domain. You will feel what I want you to feel. . .sense what I want you to sense."
Peter struggled against the grip on his arms, but found his actions to be fruitless. Deciding that if he couldn't fight, he could always talk, Peter tried a new approach. "You asked me to come. Why?"
"I have something you want," Bon Bon Hi answered simply. "You want a remedy for the poison which is killing the old master. I have it."
Anger surged through Peter. "And I suppose you're just going to hand it over to me?"
The Sing Wah leader sighed. "Oh, Caine, you know me better than that. You must earn it."
Peter's stomach lurched. He tried to keep his voice cocky. "Sorry, but I'm not one of your flunkies. I do have my standards."
"Oh, I don't think you are in a position to negotiate employment standards." The man rose from the chair. "I will give you the antidote if you give me something in return."
Peter narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What?"
"Your former associates at the 101st Precinct have something of mine. I would like it back," the man answered simply.
Peter thought about his earlier conversation with the Captain and Kermit. "The disk."
The Oriental man nodded. "Yes. It has information that I need." He stepped closer to Peter, sending a piercing glare at the ex-cop. "Bring the disk to me and the Ancient lives."
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Part 3, Scene 18
Kermit parked the Corvair a block away from where Jack Wong parked his sedan. The hood left the vehicle and entered the nearby brick building. Kermit, glancing around the area to make sure the coast was clear, exited his car and approached the building. As he drew nearer he caught sight of Peter's Stealth and his heart skipped a beat. "Damn it, Peter," he muttered.
Reaching into the holster strapped to his waist, he pulled out the Desert Eagle and checked the ammunition. Even though he already knew it was loaded, double-checking his weaponry always made him feel better.
Instead of approaching the building from the front entrance, he circled the perimeter until he found an alternate entrance near the back. Grabbing the handle, he pulled on the door, expecting to feel the resistance of a lock. The door opened. "That certainly doesn't make me feel better," he whispered to himself. He was walking into a trap. There was no doubt about it.
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Part 3, Scene 19
"You have to be joking." Peter scoffed at the offer. "You honestly think I'll betray my friends for you?"
"Oh, I'm sure of it." The cocky words caused Peter's anger to flare. "I think you want to see the old man live."
"Yeah, right. And what assurance do I have that you won't let him die anyway?"
Bon Bon Hai raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders. "Once I have what I want, there will be no reason to kill him."
"How do you know I won't make a copy of the diskette?"
The evil man smiled. "I don't care if you do. The code is unbreakable. No computer program will reveal the true message. You can make all the copies you want. They are no threat."
Peter shook his head. "No. . ."
Bon Bon Hai's face fell into a look of disappointment. "Oh young Caine, you are very ignorant aren't you? You think that you can defy me? You think that the Ancient is strong enough to fight the poison coursing through his veins? You are wrong. No Shaolin. . .no Shambhala master can fight the curse that I have placed."
"Curse?" Peter couldn't help the question which grew from his curiosity.
"Yes. The curse of the Dark Warrior."
"The Dark Warrior was destroyed. My father defeated him in Shambhala."
The Sing Wah leader smiled. "No, he was not destroyed. He was only exiled from physical form. . .forced to return to his previous state. He lives. . .in me."
Peter felt his breath catch in his throat. He shook his head in disbelief. "You're nuts," he whispered, trying to make his words sound more assured than he felt.
"Am I? You do not believe me." Bon Bon Hai turned away from Peter and walked to the far edge of the dark room. "Perhaps we should ask your friend about that."
His words sparked immediate fear in the Shaolin. A door was opened and a figure was pushed into the room, staggering and then losing its balance and falling to the floor. The dark clothing worn by the body immediately told Peter the identity of the new arrival. He rushed forward and kneeled next to the man. "Kermit, no."
Fearing his friend was dead, Peter turned the ex-mercenary onto his back. The face was slack, void of emotion. The sunglasses were slightly askew, but remained on the face. Peter reached out and felt for a pulse. It was strong and steady. He couldn't help but mutter a prayer of 'thanks.'
"Kermit?" Peter said, louder this time. The man must have heard his name. He started to move, hesitantly at first and then stronger.
"Damn it!" he exclaimed as he reached for the back of his head.
"Kermit, it's me," Peter whispered.
"Get me off the damn floor and tell me where I am!" the man grumbled.
Peter helped him to his feet. "You followed me. You know where we are."
"No, I followed Jack. We must be with Mr. Hai?" Kermit answered cockily.
"You are so right," Bon Bon Hai said from behind. "It is nice to see you again, Mr. Griffin. Our last visit was so. . .rushed."
"Visit?" Peter looked at his friend in confusion.
Kermit nodded his head. "At the precinct. When you were abducted and taken to. . .Shambhala."
Peter nodded, recalling the incident. Bon Bon Hai approached the ex-mercenary. "You were not a very gracious host, as I recall." The vindictive look on the evil man's face caused Peter to step between them. The Asian shrugged his shoulders and turned away. "I suppose it does not matter now." He walked back to his chair and sat down. He then focused his gaze on the two men. "Now, Peter. I do believe you will do as I ask."
Peter said nothing. He looked at Kermit with a hint of regret and then back at the Sing Wah leader. The man continued. "If the Ancient's life is not sufficient to motivate you to do as I have requested, then throwing your friend's life into the bargain may be what is needed."
Peter's temper flared again and he charged at the self-assured man. Before he could take two steps, hands grabbed him and, again, held him in place. He struggled for a moment and then he noticed Bon Bon Hai smiling. Only the man was not smiling at him, he was focused on Kermit, who was still in position behind Peter. The Shaolin turned around slowly and then inhaled quickly. Kermit was held fast in the dual arms of two Sing Wah assassins. A dagger had been placed against his throat. "You see, Shaolin, I have no qualms about killing this man. You will not only lose the Ancient, but your friend as well. Is the diskette really worth that?"
Peter didn't answer, horrified by the scene. His enemy laughed. "Go. Get what I want and return. You will then be given the antidote and allowed to take your friend from here."
Kermit, dagger still pressed against his throat, muttered, "Peter, don't."
Bon Bon Hai interrupted. "Take him away."
Peter watched his partner being dragged away in the arms of the Sing Wah. Kermit tried to struggle against their grip, but to no avail. Peter's fear grew as he realized he might never see his friend again.