Voyage into Slavery. Chapter 12.
Jennings stood on the stern of the 'Eastern Princess'. He was looking for Louise, as he scanned the Customs building. However, he saw no sign of her. The ship was slowly leaving Hong Kong harbour, the decks were filled with the many passengers, who were waving to their families returning their own waves. Jennings did not join in. He had really wanted to see Louise, she was more than his youngest sister. She was his best friend, and both were incredibly loyal to each other. Somehow, he sensed something wasn't right. He'd gone down earlier to ask the Customs staff, if they'd seen her. All they could say to him, was that she had last been seen with Suzy, doing some paperwork last night. Jennings admitted to himself, that she may not have had the time to meet him. She may call later, he hoped she would. Finally, he watched the tugs guiding the 'Eastern Princess' head back to the harbour. The open sea lay ahead, and many of the passengers dispersed from the stern, to enjoy the cruise. Jennings knew he wouldn't. Get back to work, he angrily told himself.
He hadn't been idle. The ship was huge, and there were many off-limit areas. He'd carefully noted that, he just needed a little extra support. He knew where to get it, as he headed back to his cabin. Once there, he produced a laptop, and instantly began typing. There was a headset with it, and he put it on. After a moment, he spoke into the mike, 'Sarah, do you read? 'Her voice answered him immidiately,
'John? Are you okay? Never spoke to you for a while.' Sarah was Jennings' younger sister. Like him, she chose to serve in the military. Sarah was brilliant in the field of computers. There was not a single system she could operate, or if necessary, hack into. Jennings was very proud of her. She'd saved his skin more than once, when fighting the bad guys. Sarah was able to warn him, when something nasty was waiting around the corner. He dealt with them ruthlessly, thanks to his soldiering skills. Personally, Jennings hated technology. He preferred the old fashioned way of living outdoors. He'd tried to tell Sarah that was the best way, 'A machine will always break down, you can't beat your own hands.' His arguement fell on deaf ears though, but he did admit, that there were advantages.
'I'm on a cruise ship, the 'Eastern Princess'. We've just left Hong Kong. Can you send me the full layout of the ship? ' Sarah responded.
'Stand by.' There was only a few moments wait before the information downloaded onto the laptop. 'Got it.' Jennings confirmed. He realised this would take him some time, so he then asked, 'Can you see any signs of hidden compartments? That's what I'm really after.'
Sarah's answer was disappointing when she replied, 'Nothing is showing up here, but there's a hidden lift just back from the bridge.'
He nodded, even though Sarah couldn't see him.
'Got it, Thank you Sarah.'
She then asked him, 'Have you seen Louise? I'm worried about her. She was supposed to ring me last night, but she never did.'
The bad feelings inside him grew.
'No, I was hoping to meet her, but can't find her just yet.' He reassured Sarah though, 'Don't worry. I'll find her.'
There was relief in her voice, but she did say, 'John, please be careful.'
Jennings told her not to worry. If anything had happened to Louise, he would make sure that he would not be doing the worrying.
Grimly, he closed the laptop, and headed up to the bridge. As he did so, Jennings heard the whirring sound of a helicopter. When he reached topside, he saw a huge helicopter making its descent onto the helipad. After it had landed safely, Jennings watched several Oriental men hurry away from the aircraft. They were all met by Yee. No handshakes were offered, though there was the polite bowing. Then, they all headed up to the bridge. Jennings had a grim idea who these people were.
Yee led the new arrivals up to the bridge, and into Captain Liu's quarters. Liu was waiting for them, he stood behind the Japanese girl. Kieko was still sitting helplessly, bound and gagged, and she recognised some of the new people entering. They were among the most wanted top criminals she'd read about in her mission briefing. And she was now in their clutches!
Liu chuckled, as he ran a hand through the girl's long, silky jet black hair. She could only mumble through her gag, but Liu gently kissed her forehead, as he bent down to whisper in her ear, 'Enjoy the show, my dear.'
Liu then greeted his guests, 'Welcome aboard the 'Eastern Princess, gentlemen.'
He called in one of the bridge crew to open the drinks cabinet.
'I can promise you, that we have a full collection of fresh merchandise, and as you can see, ' Liu gestured at the stunning beauty bound and gagged behind him, 'you won't be disappointed.'
There were evil smiles as he said that, but he decided to make it sweeter.
'In fact, we've also got an unexpected bonus.' He paused, but still smiling. 'We have a very attractive English girl safely under lock and key.'
The smiles increased, much to Liu's delight.
'Believe me, my friends, she really is worth taking. Perhaps you'd like to see her now? '
There was almost complete agreement, but before Liu could take them down, he was stopped by a Japanese man. He was staring intently at Kieko's trussed up form.
'One moment please, Captain.'
The man slowly approached the girl, she stared fearfully at him. He smiled thinly, as he gently held her chin.
'Well, if it isn't the pretty Yamamoto daughter.' Kieko mumbled faintly as she was held.
'You've done well, Captain, 'the man went on, 'I've wanted my hands on this girl for quite a while.'
Liu then recognised him.
'Of course, Mr Takachi. I understand her father has been quite a thorn in your area? '
Takachi nodded, 'Her father has been an excellent chief of police. I've had that much bad luck happen to me, its been driving me insane, but now, 'he tilted Kieko's chin up, and gripped more firmly, the girl whimpered through her gag, as her father's nemesis savoured his prize, 'now that I have his pretty daughter, he'll think twice about interfering in my affairs.'
Kieko was literally trembling with fear. She knew Takachi to be totally ruthless. He was a high profile Yakuza boss. Many people had dared to oppose him, but all had ended up dead. Her father had made a strong counter attack on his reign of terror, and it had worked very effectively. Now though, the tables had turned in Takachi's favour. Takachi could probably guess what she was thinking, and his smile suddenly became more menacing.
'That's right, Miss Yamamoto, you're coming with me.'
The girl's ashen face was relished by him.
'It should be very interesting to see how it develops.'
He released his grip on her chin, much to Kieko's relief.
Takachi turned to Liu, 'I'll take her now. Get her on the helicopter.'
Liu was disappointed. He'd hoped to ravish this beauty, once they'd all gone. As if reading his thoughts, Takachi showed him his case, 'I think this will compensate you.'
He opened it, and there was a much appreciated gasp, as it held a cache load of sparkling diamonds. Liu's disappointment vanished instantly.
'You can have the girl.'
He then ordered Yee to untie Kieko from the chair, but the girl's relief was only for an instant. Yee made sure her gag was still secure, and then after releasing her from the chair, roughly forced her on the floor. Her wide frightened eyes stared like a frozen deer in a predator's grasp. Yee yanked her wrists behind her back, and expertly tied them together. All the men in the room enjoyed watching the girl's struggles, and her inaudible protests through her gag. Yee then lashed her ankles together, and just as she'd been tied to the chair, more and more ropes were pulled tight over and under her breasts. Yee finally finished tying the girl up, and turned to Takachi.
'Satisfactory? '
There was a faint nod of approval. He was enjoying the girl's eyes, that seemed to grow wider.
'Bring her.' He almost hissed the words out. Kieko frantically struggled, as Yee easily placed her over his shoulder, with her long dark hair flowing down, and after making sure the coast was clear, followed Takachi out.
Liu put the diamonds into a safe, then smiled at the group, who'd just enjoyed watching the bound and gagged girl, being easily carried out.
'Well then, gentlemen, 'Liu activated the hidden switch under his desk, and the wall slid away, 'if you will please follow me.'
All of them entered the lift, and Liu closed the lift doors, then the lift headed down.
Kieko desperately tried to break free from Yee's powerful hold, but it was a waste of time. She tried screaming, but her gag kept her more or less silent. They were taking her to the helicopter, and despite her struggles, they easily reached it. Yee put her into the machine, Takachi smiled at his good fortune. He thanked Yee, who quickly had to get back to the bridge. Then. he ordered two of his men, 'Make sure we are not disturbed.' Then, he climbed into the helicopter, closing its sliding door behind him.
Kieko tried to back away from this monster that was slowly advancing on her. She was mumbling like mad through her gag, her eyes full of terror. Takachi relished her distress. Thanks to her father, he was going to make the girl suffer.
'You really are very pretty, my dear,' he complimented, 'so it's only fair that you should appreciate it, when I take you.'
The girl tried to scream again, as he grabbed her, and started on her. He roughly fondled and squeezed her breasts, drooling at her pathetic attempts to slither away from his touch. She clenched her eyes shut, when there was a banging on the helicopter door. Swearing, Takachi angrily opened the door.
'I told you not to dist--'
It was as far as he got, before a fist smashed into his face, knocking him senseless. His two guards lay prone, and unmoving on the ground. Jennings climbed into the helicopter, and for the second time, saw Kieko Yamamoto bound and gagged. He cut away her ropes, and released her gag. The girl clung to him, crying. Jennings comforted her, holding her gently in his arms, as he spirited her away. He swore these thugs would pay dearly for what they'd done. For now, he got Kieko away to safety.