Bruce and Jennifer took their places in front of Kenichi, and ordered two mojitos. “Yes. Actually, it’s our first time in Thailand. We’re really thrilled to be here. Bruce insisted that I come with him to learn business from the two of you. I hope you don’t mind?”

Kenichi took a sip of vodka and raised his hand. “It’s my pleasure, really. You can ask anything you want. I’m glad to help.”

Jennifer smiled and hesitated for a second. She was a bit nervous, and her hands were slightly shaking. Before coming, she and Bruce had agreed that Jennifer should try to lead the conversation that night in order to know Kenichi’s intentions. There was no doubt that he wanted to talk business as soon as possible, and Bruce had promised not to interfere unless she was really in trouble. “I’d like to know why you do business in Thailand. I thought most of your activities were in Japan.”

“Actually, I’m half Japanese, half Thai. When my parents divorced, my mom came back here to Bangkok. I have connections in both countries.”

“Oh, really? Very interesting...” There was a moment of silence. Jennifer didn’t know what to say to keep the conversation going, and she started to sweat a little. Bruce saw that she was struggling and asked, “So Kenichi-san, what do you want to do here in Bangkok?”

Kenichi put his glass on the table and leaned back. “Finance – Or should I say, trading and investment, to be more accurate.”

Jennifer was impressed when she heard his answer – she didn’t feel very comfortable; the topic was clearly intimidating, but she tried to be involved in the conversation anyway. “Why not do it in Japan? What’s better about Thailand?” She looked at Bruce, not sure whether she’d asked a good question or not.

Bruce, who was leaning back in his seat, looked at her and nodded, giving her his silent approbation.

Kenichi nodded as well. “Good question, Jennifer. Well, I’ve studied the Thai market, and I happen to know a few people who own trading and investment companies. The financial market here is not as regulated as it is over there in Japan, and it makes business much easier.”

Jennifer thought that it made perfect sense, but didn’t know what to say next. She simply said the first thing that came to her mind. “It means more opportunities for you?”

“Exactly. Here’s how it works.” Jennifer felt relieved – she didn’t have to come up with more questions for now. “The instruments traded are called futures contracts. They are contracts that say you promised to buy or sell something at a future date. We will focus on commodities such as gold and crude oil, but also currencies – also known as foreign exchange. You follow me?”

Bruce nodded and looked perfectly calm, obviously more confident than Jennifer. Kenichi continued. “I know the right people: analysts, quants, Ph.Ds and traders from Japan ready to move here. They will trade and invest clients’ money, and we’ll get a nice commission per trade. The standard of the market is USD80 per transaction, and we’ll scalp – meaning we’ll make several transactions per day on the same account to make profits. We do have a lot of competition though, especially from savvy European businessmen who start to take over a lot of the market share. British people are good, but the worst are the Italians...”

Jennifer’s head was spinning – she was completely lost and didn’t even understand half of what Kenichi was saying. Bruce leaned forward and seemed more interested. “The commission seems high in my opinion. Why would anyone pay that much?”

Kenichi winked at Bruce. “This is where I need you, Bruce. You know people who have the profile I’m looking for, and I’m asking for your help to attract them to me. Plus, I think it might serve your own interests, right? It’s perfect for your personal plans.”

What personal plans? Another secret?

Bruce kept silent for a moment and nodded. “I see...”

Kenichi suddenly stood up. “You don’t have to give me your answer tonight, Bruce. Think about it and call me whenever you’re ready. Sorry, but I have to fly to Pattaya tomorrow so I better go to bed early. It was a pleasure meeting you again, Jennifer.”

Kenichi left, and Jennifer was more confused than ever. “So what does he want from you? I don’t get it?”

“Wealthy clients. People who can afford to lose huge amounts of money.”

“Who can afford to lose huge amounts of money on this planet? Look at the economy. That’s 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 Four

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. Wait 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 friend, 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.”