The Reinvention Of Rudd Carter. A Western Action Adventure Novel by R.L. Davis Page B

than sifting through countless documents day after day. Yet, when he considered the fringe benefits, namely his exquisite life with Ming Li and the high standard of living that employment with the bank provided for the two of them, he thought better of doing anything brash, at least for the present. Rudd’s martial arts tournaments were attracting a lot of attention, bringing him local notoriety and personal satisfaction, so he kept his mouth shut and maintained an outward appearance of contentment.
    After fighting in a tournament where he defeated three of the best fighters in the region with little effort, Sui Yen came to Rudd’s dressing room. “You threw those guys around like they were sacks of rice,” he said. “There isn’t anyone in the province that’s going to be able to stop you; you’re the best.”
    “If you’re right and I’m the best, you’d think I’d be able to pick up a little money fighting, wouldn’t you?” Rudd argued.
    Sui Yen thought for a moment. “Would you like me to look into some other career opportunities where you might be able to make good money using your skills? You’re very talented and can do many things. You can ride, shoot, fence, box, and fight like you did tonight. In general, it seems you aren’t afraid of anything or anyone. There are people out there who will pay good money for those qualities. If I arrange an introduction, would you be willing to talk to someone?”
    Rudd thought for a moment. “Yes, I would, but talk about what?”
    “Let me locate the people I have in mind, first… people who can provide you with an opportunity.”
    Several weeks went by before Sui Yen dropped by Rudd and Ming Li’s apartment one evening.
    “Rudd, I have some people I think you should meet. They run paramilitary operations against the pirates in Southeast China and Indochina. They are offering very good money for skilled fighting men. You don’t have to commit to anything, just hear them out.”
    “By ‘fighting men’, I suppose you mean professional soldiers who get shot at on a regular basis?”
    “I mean an elite professional soldier who gets to shoot back and is paid well for doing so. Would you like me to set up a meeting?”
    Pausing for a moment, Rudd scratched his ear and brought his forefinger to his chin. “I value your advice. If you think I might benefit from such a meeting, please arrange it as soon as possible.”
    In the middle of the following week, Sui Yen stopped by Rudd’s office. “Would you be available tonight for a meeting with the people I told you about?”
    “Tonight’s fine. Where will it be?”
    “There’s a saloon on the wharf in Macao where they would like to meet. I’ve got a friend who will take us over in his sampan. It’s probably not a good idea to take Ming Li along as it’s a pretty rough place.”
    “Are you all right if we skip class tonight and go right after work so we’re not out all night?”
    “That shouldn’t be a problem, but we’d better dress appropriately for the wharf. English business suits might be a bit conspicuous.”
    “I’ll leave work early today, go home, and tell Ming Li what we’re doing and change clothes. Come by at five-thirty.”
    Sui Yen nodded, turned, and walked out the door.
    At five-thirty, Sui Yen picked Rudd up. At the harbor, they met with Sui Yen’s friend, who was waiting with his sampan to take them across to Macao.
    Macao was at the opposite end of the economic scale from Hong Kong. Where the British had brought affluence to Hong Kong, the Portuguese had left Macao in squalor, like most of China at the time.
    Arriving at the China Sea Saloon at eight o’clock, Rudd and Sui Yen entered a large, noisy bar through two swinging doors. There were sailors of all nationalities, pimps, prostitutes of various price levels, and an assortment of low-life characters and opportunists, all congregated under one roof to display their wares and sell to any takers.
    Although it had not been