Enigma Jewels

“Crap!” Julian growled, tugging Ryu’s sleeve. He inclined his chin so his bodyguard would read the screen. “Let’s go. Now,” he hissed, looking around at the bored bartender smoking at the far end of the bar and the local drunk slumped over his latest drink. He placed a few bills on the table as Ryu powered down their laptop. They quietly exited and then rushed to the car.

“You drive,” Julian snarled, getting into the passenger seat. “What a mess. I’ve lost the girls. Head toward the hottest teens’ hangout.”

Ryu nodded and maneuvered the Tahoe to the side of the downtown area where kids hung out. “What are you thinking, Boss?”

“First, you’ll stop when I tell you to. Then you’ll find an old vehicle you can hotwire on the poor side of town. Switch its plates with another vehicle at least a block away. Tomorrow is Sunday, so folks will stay home to rest. Then come pick me up, and we’ll head to the other side of the island.”

“Yes. I can do that. I hate to leave you alone.” 

Ryu drove for a few minutes toward the newer side of town, where sounds from boom boxes permeated the vehicle. Turning right, he noted the lit porches with cushioned chairs, a couple of shiny bicycles, and people visible through open windows. He scanned the area, seeing exactly what he’d hoped to find. “There’s my target. Perfect. Make a right at the corner, then head a few blocks over. I think there are some older homes two blocks east.” They passed a convenience store. “Pull over. I’ll meet you outside this store within the hour. I’ll keep my briefcase. You take everything else.”

Ryu pulled over and got out, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “I’ll find us a ride.”