Undercover 10


By Katzmarek



Part 10


Jess got home about 6 PM to find her friend Chris busy making dinner.


Hi hon, Chris greeted her, Ooo, youre walking funny, a bit bandy legged are we?


Shut up, replied Jess, blushing.


Good to see a bit of colour in your cheeks.


You sound like my mother.


What? She says THAT to you after a couple of days of solid SEX? Chris asked in mock surprise.


Hmm Solid is a good description, Jess told her, grinning.


I wish Jerry would give me a workout like that! Go on, tell me, how many times?


Umm said Jess, counting to herself,  seven, perhaps eight depends on what youre counting.


Alright start with orgasms then


Umm, would that be individual ones or those continuous sort that seem to last and last?


Continuous? God Jess, what have you got there, a sex Olympic athlete?


Hes remarkable Jess told her.


You want to share him?


No hes all mine Im having a bath.


Meanwhile, Warren Hastings was on the phone to his boss.


Warren? Ted Sperle said, what have you got?


Well sir, Im beginning to get a picture here, but I need to do some more digging.


Dig away only lay off the Royal household, ok? I got the word from upstairs. Apparently they dont 
like detectives from New Zealand prying into their business.


Well sir I think we may have a problem then.


Concentrate on our end, Warren. Let the Tongans deal with theirs.


I dont think they will, sir. Technically the Royalty is above the law theres a few constitutional things 
but


Get me Treadwell, detective! I dont care about their bloody Kings and Queens


Sir I need to interview a Princess, name of Vai can you pull some strings? Hastings interrupted.


Is it important?


Very I believe one or other of the companies she owns provided the conduit to the Asian end.


Is that so? said Ted, I dont know, Warren its all political, see? Ill do my best. 


Theres some shenanigans going on, all right. Theres a guy up in Foreign Affairs that seems interested 
reckons theyre all a bunch of crooks but he has a boss, too. 


So what if you find evidence of complicity where does it go?


If they hold themselves above the law, the only thing is an Act of Attainer, a sort of demand from the 
Council of Nobles to explain themselves


God, sounds medieval!


Thats not the half of itthen theres an Act of Compliance, an Act of Impeachment, thats the last 
step


Ok, I get the picture. So all those Acts require this Council of Nobles to agree among themselves?


Basically but it will never happen. Most of the Nobles are ill educated its all hereditary, see? Even 
the Police Chief owes his job to his dad. When it comes to high finance, well, they dont know their arse 
from their elbow.


I see! So what DO they do?


Pass on the tributes and genuflect, oh and advise the King on the proper traditions.


Sperle sighed,


Ill speak to my man up on the hill Ill get back to you.


Can I come in? Chris asked through the bathroom door, I need to tinkle.


Come right in Chris, Jess replied.


Chris opened the door and sat on the toilet.


So, she smiled at her friend, he was nice, eh?


The best, Jess smiled back.


Good hon here, let me do your back.


Sure.


Chris got up and began to wash Jesss back with a sponge.


Youve such nice skin Im jealous. Shall I tie your hair back?


Thanks.


Yknow I need to say this but please be careful. Sperles still got Gray in his sights he told me 
that he expected to arrest him soon.


What? What for?


Not sure, Jess. Its just that well you could lose your career. Even if they dont take your warrant, 
youll never get any promotions itd go on your file. You could end up being an accessory after the fact. 
I dont want to lose you as a friend


Why would you? Look, despite what Sperle says, Gray hasnt done anything save invest in a Tongan 
Newspaper. Hes co-owner in the Tongan Weekly Revue, run by an old friend of his from University.


Calm down, Jess I didnt mean


I know its sweet of you to look out for me but Chris, Gray doesnt know anything about that drug 
shipment or how his name became linked to it. He thinks his friend might have used the newspapers 
account to finance the deal. Either that or someone set all of them up to discredit the friend and silence 
criticism of the Tongan Royal family. 


There was an article his friend, Moses Aoka wrote, suggesting the Treasury was being mismanaged 
and that the Kings sister was doing business with some very unsavoury characters. Gray thinks that 
might have started the whole thing.


Are you sure, Jess? I hope for your sake its true I dont want to see you hurt.


Jess took her friend by the hand.


Absolutely sure, Chris. Gray wouldnt involve himself with drugs.


Looking into her friends face, Chris said,


Youve fallen in love with him havent you?


A little, maybe.


Chris laughed and flung her arms around Jess.


Isnt it wonderful? Chris whispered.


Its nice, Chris very nice.


The Royal Palace outside Nukualofa, Tonga was a single-story, collection of buildings combining the 
traditional Tongan and modern European architectural styles. 


At least, thought Warren Hastings,  thats what the tourist blurb would say. Actually its a labyrinth 
built over the course of many years to no particular plan at all.


Outside the gate stood two members of the palace guard in traditional warrior dress. As Warren alighted 
from the taxi and approached the gate, a uniformed officer appeared. With a polite smile he directed the 
detective to the Princesss compound.


The complex was dominated by a modern European style building in an L shape. In front of the foyer was 
an ornamental garden and fountain.


Vais secretary opened the double doors for the detective and greeted him warmly in perfect English. 
Warren was shown into a large office and was brought fresh fruit and pineapple juice by an aide.


After about 10 minutes, a large elegant woman strode purposefully into the room. She was dressed 
traditionally in bright tapa colours. When she beamed she revealed a row of perfect white teeth.


Mr. Hastings, isnt it? she said, extending her hand.


Warren had a crash course in court protocol but was unprepared for the easy informality of this woman.


Yes, your highness Warren started to say, but was hushed by her hand.


Please, save the formality, call me Vai, everyone does. What may I call you?


Warren Vai.


Warren it shall be how can I help you?


Im conducting an investigation of the activities of one of our nationals. There is some evidence he may 
have made investments in one of the Royal companies.


Thats possible, we welcome investment from overseas. May I have this persons name? I will ask my 
secretary if we have had any dealings with him.


Warren watched carefully for the womans reaction.


Gray Treadwell.


Of course! I understand your authorities have sent information to our Police about his activities I will 
forward anything we have to your hotel. Are there any other questions?


Warren had plenty, but he didnt want to push his luck. As he rose to go, he turned to Vai and asked,


Excuse me I forgot to pass on our thanks for the information supplied to us from the Office of the 
Palace Guard. Will you convey our appreciation


Warren sensed a fleeting shadow pass across the Princesss face. She smiled and thanked him, before 
passing the detective on to her aide.


She didnt know the Palace was passing information. Interesting! Warren thought.


After dinner, Chris announced she was going to spend the night at Jerrys.


I need a cuddle, she said with a wink.


Jesss description of the sex shed had with Gray had shaken Chris. Over dinner, Jess had related in fairly 
intimate detail the past two days with Gray and she was jealous.


Jess watched a bit of television, organised herself for work the next day, then went to bed.


Her body was tired and sleep came quickly. The emotion of the past two days finally caught up with her.


Some sense buried in Jesss subconscious alerted her to a presence in the room. Her eyes flicked open and, 
like a cat she was instantly on alert.


Whos there?


Me.


Gray? What are you doing here? How did you get in?


I missed you, Gray said.


Gray I. But the door was locked. Did Chris leave it on the latch?


Nope, You left the laundry window open, he told her.


Did I? Im usually so careful Well I


Jess, Gray said, can I stay tonight?


Jess thought his voice reminded her of a childs, asking mummy if he could jump in to her bed.


Sure Gray is anything the matter? Its a tight fit well have to squeeze up Ill have to get a double 
bed now wont I?


She heard the rustling sound of Gray shedding his clothes. Jess shifted over against the wall as Gray slipped 
in beside her. She nestled herself in his proffered arm and cuddled against his body.


Are you alright? she asked him.


Fine, he said, in that automatic fashion people use when theyre not.


Jess listened to his breathing for a while.


Yknow? Gray said, finally, Ive never been so close to anyone in my life.


Oh Gray, she said, stroking his chest, it feels like Ive always known you.


Thats a good line, he whispered, may I have it?


Jess sensed him grinning at her.


No, she said,  its mine and Im keeping it.


Gray nuzzled Jesss neck. She felt rather than heard him whisper,


I love you.


Jess touched his face with her hand and whispered back,


Me too.


Then she fell asleep.


Jerry and Chris were sitting in bed together. A half-empty bottle of Bourbon sat on the nightstand, Jerry 
occasionally took a swig.


Jerry, are you going to drink the whole bottle? Chris asked him.


Maybe, I havent decided yet.


I really hate it when youre in this mood.


Youre sounding like a wife already.


Listen, Jerry, she said.


Listen Jerry, he mimicked.


Jerry didnt see the fist coming. It cracked him fair and square on the jaw, sending his upper body 
sprawling sideways.


FUCK! WOMAN! he yelled, rubbing his jaw.


Chris was on top of him in a second, pinning his arms to the bed.


Dont you fuck with me, Hanlon, she spat, Im not getting shackled to a drunk, you hear me? I came 
here for love, not to watch you boozing and hear you dissing me out! Im not playing the little passive 
wifey for no man, got it?


Ok, ok Shit! Where did you learn to hit so hard?


Ive got brothers


Jesus Jerry whined, straightening his jaw.


A few minutes later they were cuddling again, the Bourbon forgotten.


Jerry? Can you make love to me like Gray does with Jess? asked Chris.


How is that? In a spa pool?


No, hon, she chuckled at the recollection, he he told her it was all about concentrating the mind 
worshipping the spirit or something like that.


Eh?


He wrote a book, she continued,  called Tantric Love and the Gift of Sex, I think she said.


Tantric what?


Tantric love by Ramesh Gupta, that was his pseudonym Jess said hed kept her on the edge for ages 
and ages that shed have these really powerful orgasms that last and last He had this little sideways 
movement with his hips. He was really slow at first and shed be gagging for it because she knew what was 
coming and


Ramesh what?


Gupta, I think


Should have been Humpta,


You always do that, Jerry. Push me away with your little smartarse comments Im serious. Look, youre 
not as dumb as you make out Gray said you have a Masters in Pharmacology he said you were the 
cleverest


Gray said Gray said Gray told you all that? Ask him the rest of the fucking story? Jerry burst out.


What story He made a success of his life and you threw it all away Why are you fixing cars for a 
living, what happened?


Gray happened, if you must know Mr. Fucking perfect You ask him where he fucking was when I 
was sitting in fucking jail You ask him why he suddenly turns up with dollars coming out his arse


He wrote books he told us.


Some, sure and other Authors on the payroll easy to do when you own the publishing company.


He owns the company?


Marigold International. He owns it in partnership with some Tongan Princess it makes millions 
theres even a Television side to it. 


You ask him where he got the capital for that? Before hed written a word youre talking major 
dollaros.


And Pacific Island Communications?


They own that too that Tongan Princess and Gray Maloe Red Ray Investment Proprietary limited. 
You ask him about that and see if you get a straight answer.


Jerry I I think youd better tell me the whole story.


Ive said too much already just ask Mr. fucking Perfect.


Jerry subsided.


No Jerry, you havent told me anything. My best friend is in love with him and if my future husband is 
involved in something I want to know, NOW Jerry!


Jerry had a far away look in his eyes. He lay quiet for a moment then sighed deeply.


Chris Hes my best friend We go way back and I swore to him Id never shit on him ever.


I know Jerry, Chris told him softly, but there is more than the two of you now Im here and Jess?


Yeah good sort that Jess I never should have hooked the two of them up. I never thought shed go for 
him like that. I just thought theyd fuck each other a few times and


Well she went for him hook and line, so spill, Jerry.


Are you sure you want to know? Jerry asked.


Put it this way, Hanlon. If you dont tell me the truth, all of it, then Im walking out that door and straight 
to Sperle in the morning and it will be the last youll see of my tits, understand?


You fucking breathe a word


Chris nodded. Jerry breathed in deeply and started to talk.


It was so much fun in those days just a big lark, we got high, everybody got high its what we all did 
in the early seventies. University students huh! Now theyre all boring as shit and


Stick to the story Jerry.


I began synthesising LSD just for my mates, yknow? At first, anyhow. Its as easy as shit really, you 
could buy the ingredients at the Chemists, true! Times have changed


Jerry!


Ok, ok. Gray was doing a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration


I thought he did Literature?


Thats bullshit, Chris Thats what he tells people, but nope! Our Gray was, and is, a businessman, 
through and through.


We hooked up, Jerry continued, he organised distribution and sales while I handled manufacturing and 
supply. Shit we had some times 


In those days, cops didnt know shit, man. Wed just tell them it was herbal tobacco and theyd believe 
us wed blow Buddha Gold up their noses and they wouldnt know.


Buddha what?


Marijuana.


Oh, sorry.


So everything was going along tickety boo and we were earning our tuition money and then some. Gray 
had grown the business, you see. Got other sources and moved into other drugs, Heroin, uppers, downers, 
whatever. Had a whole bunch of people selling for him, while he laid back and raked it in. Then in about 
1977, everything turned to shit.


What happened? Chris asked, quietly.


The heavy mob moved onto the scene. They called themselves Black Dot, a big syndicate with a lot of 
muscle. Did you read about that? Thai Harry? The guy that wound up brown bread in Australia The 
headless corpse, do you remember the case?


Yeah, I remember that they never found the killer.


Right never will either He was the big boss they had the gangs working for them, it was just Black 
Power then.


Gray saw the way it was going and cut a deal with the cops.  Turn over his distributors and suppliers and 
hed be allowed to walk, to a place of his choosing. 


All except me, of course. He left me out of the bust but turned in his entire organisation, huh! Thats 
loyalty! He knew it was all fucked anyhow that Black Dot were going to move onto his market, so he 
cut and ran.


What did you do?


Joined Black Dot, stupidest thing Ive ever done. Gray took off to the islands with all the stash. I never 
knew how much at the time but it sure set him up for life.


So he set up all those businesss with drug profits?


Yep! Disappears for 10 years then suddenly re-appears, retired and dripping in wealth.


So how did you find out about all those companies?


Gray could never hold his dope, or booze for that matter. Ask him all the right questions


The thing is I thought that when we bumped into each other again he just wanted to be friends again. But 
now, do you know what I think?


Chris shook her head.


I think he wants to stay close to me to keep an eye on me. Gray doesnt trust many people, anyone 
actually. How many real friends has he got besides me?


Chris shook her head, again.


Nil He doesnt let people in, see! At the end of the day, the only loyalty Gray owes is to himself.


That drug shipment, Jerry?


Thats all bullshit, Chris. Honestly, someones trying to take us down.


Why did Gray come back?


Statute of Limitations. Otherwise the authorities could seize his assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.


Yes, of course! After 7 years he can keep the money, cunning bastard! How come Sperle didnt know 
where Grays money came from?


Sperle doesnt know shit. He and Gray go way back. He cut a deal over Sperles head when he was just a 
young detective and Sperle holds a grudge. He never knew Gray took all the money, he thinks hes back in 
the game.


But hes wrong, isnt he Jerry?


About that drug shipment, yes. But Gray doesnt want anyone to start picking over his business activities, 
hes shitting himself. I think hes got a bit to hide there.


Oh Jerry


This house the garage the wheels all came from Gray. The bastard owed me anyway.


So he thought he could come back and retire happily on his profits. Then someone sets him up and it all 
starts again. Chris said.


Yes, said Jerry, and now your Warren Hastings is sniffing around Tonga and his mate is arrested. 
Grays a worried man.


How come I feel sorry for him?


Because, petal, Gray does that to people. He makes everyone feel sorry for him.


Part 11 follows


Katzmarek 

