Page 17 of No Time Off (Lexi Carmichael Mystery #15)

SEVENTEEN

Slash

I glanced at Lexi and saw the startled look on her face. I wasn’t overly surprised. I’d expected no less, although the prime minister’s candid admission indicated a certain level of concern.

“We didn’t get very far in our research on you.” She dipped her head at me, smiling ruefully. “Which probably means you’re just a bit more than just a computer guy. Finding you featured in the Global Enquirer , though, is certainly something I didn’t expect when we got started.”

My surprised expression must have shown, because she chuckled. “Taking down an armed thief solo in a petrol market is quite impressive, although I can’t say I’m surprised, since I personally watched you dispatch my potential assassin with minimal effort. There’s an Italian connection, however, which is quite intriguing given your high placement in the US government. Overall, what little we did find in our brief search suggests you are a federal employee, most likely with an intelligence agency. But where, and at what level, wasn’t readily available. Clearly, your skill at quickly identifying and then taking down the assassin suggests that you are, or have been, in military or intelligence operations at some point. And I’m certain there is much more to you.”

She then turned her attention to Lexi. “And you used to work at the National Security Agency, although it looks like you’re now with the private sector. More money, I presume. Good for you. Regardless, the fact that the president of the United States and the pope both attended your wedding…well, that speaks for itself.”

We said nothing, neither confirming nor denying her presumption.

She sighed. “Look. I apologize for my forwardness, especially after you saved my life, but I’m not going to let this opportunity go to waste. I can’t.”

“What opportunity?” Lexi finally asked.

The prime minister threaded her fingers together in her lap. “Aside from the fact that I’m unequivocally grateful you were in the right place at the right time for me yesterday, it’s not often we have such important American officials on the island.” She quickly held up a hand as if to stave off our protest. “Although I genuinely believe you’re on your honeymoon and not here in any official capacity. Still, I wouldn’t object to you sharing any parts of our conversation this evening with someone in the government you trust. If you felt comfortable doing that.”

Lexi glanced at me, letting me take the lead. I wasn’t exactly sure where the prime minister was going with this, but I could listen and pass on anything of value to my colleagues in the State Department or CIA.

“We’re legitimately here on our honeymoon,” I finally confirmed. “We just wanted to get away for a while. Far, far away. That being said, we can listen to whatever you need to say. But first, tell us how you’re really doing after yesterday evening’s attempt on your life.”

She exhaled a deep brief, pressing a hand against her chest. “As best as can be expected, I suppose. I could have died if not for you. My children would be motherless and my husband a widower. It affected me deeply, of course, although I pretend it doesn’t for the sake of my family and my people.”

“That’s completely understandable,” I said gently. “But you had no intelligence, no hint, that something like this might happen? Is there an opposition group that opposes you?”

“No opposition group that I know of, and no intelligence something like this was coming, which in itself is worrisome.” She closed her eyes for a moment as if recalling the scene. “As a political figure, I recognize citizen dissatisfaction and discontent is part of the job, although we on the Cook Islands are largely peaceful. We don’t have a military or internal defense structure, relying only on our local police force for protection and maintaining law and order. But things have been changing in our quiet part of the world for some time now. The government of the Cook Islands, headed by me, has some serious concerns about the Chinese presence on our island. The arrival of the Chinese police here to the Cook Islands a few years ago brought with it more than just training manuals and uniforms to help modernize our own island force, which was the initial agreement signed by my predecessor.”

“Isn’t New Zealand supposed to perform that role?” I asked.

“Yes, but quite frankly, we’re about their lowest funding priority. That means, unfortunately, we get very little of what we need. When we complain, they argue we don’t really have any actual external threats and don’t require the funding. They often commit to more, but deliver less, year after year. So, when the Chinese came offering to solve our problems, and not asking much, my predecessors jumped at the opportunity.”

“What kind of problems?” Lexi asked.

“The Chinese wanted the ability to establish a police station on our island to help protect their citizens who might be visiting the islands.”

I let that sink in for a moment. “Protect, in what way? Were they being threatened?”

Petra shook her head. “No, and that’s what’s strange. We get very few Chinese tourists here. Those we do get are largely businessmen setting up international bank accounts. They also wanted the ability to investigate Chinese citizens who they suspected were breaking the law. I was in Parliament at the time and wasn’t enthusiastic about the agreement, but it seemed so little for what they were willing to invest.”

“So, what’s changed?”

“A lot. They’ve built themselves a big compound on the south side of the island and have erected a police station of their own in Avarua. You’ve probably already seen it.”

“We have,” Lexi confirmed. “But why would they need their own police station?”

“Great question,” Petra responded. “They don’t. But now, we’ve discovered some Chinese police officers are arresting Chinese nationals directly within the Cook Islands, bypassing our local jurisdiction entirely. Trust me, that’s not part of the agreement. Also, their influence seems to be growing, especially over our police force, as they are training our officers, supplying them, and even rewarding them when they assist in their investigations. I feel like our police force now answers to them as much as to us.”

“A direct affront to the island’s autonomy,” I murmured.

“Indeed, it is,” Petra said, nodding. “Furthermore, the Chinese appear to be planning to significantly expand transiting goods through the Cook Islands to whitewash their products and get around international tariffs and sanctions. It has been going on for years, but at such a low level it wasn’t worth stopping, and it did provide a few extra dollars to the economy. However, the increase has been dramatic, and the money they are tossing around to ensure a permissive business environment here is starting to corrupt our government.”

“And such investigations are difficult if your police might be compromised,” Slash said.

“Not might be but are compromised. It’s just a matter of how much. And right now, given the opposition of my predecessors to my investigations, there are very few people in my government I trust fully.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “There are vocal supporters of the Chinese on your staff or in Parliament?”

“There are. Definitely in Parliament. I suspect the Chinese are providing campaign funds for some members under the table, and offering key government employees economic benefits, jobs, and bonuses. They do not see, or are paid not to see, what’s really happening.”

“Bribes,” Lexi said.

“In a word, yes. I have evidence of some of it. And it is not just the Chinese. I’m convinced our bankers have long used their money to shield their business practices. Perhaps access to those funds or the ability to move and hide international transactions is of interest to the Chinese as well. It’s hard to say right now. But I’m biding my time, being careful, and gathering as much information as possible. I understand the importance of building a case.”

She was smart and cautious, and I liked that. “So, in your opinion, what’s the Chinese long game?”

“My opinion?” Petra picked up her brandy and took a sip, taking a minute to formulate her answer. “Besides the obvious international trade shenanigans, I think the Chinese are buying support in the United Nations on the cheap. One country, one vote. Islands like ours would be important to them there, especially in the Indonesia/India region. If they got enough government proxies, they could block almost any action against them.”

The room fell silent until Lexi spoke up. “Excuse me for asking what may be considered an indelicate question, but since you are in a free association with New Zealand, have you expressed your concerns to them?”

“Of course we have. But we are fifteen very small islands with little influence on the world stage. As it is, I’m walking an exceedingly dangerous path, trying to keep in check a superpower that has already demonstrated its willingness to exert control far beyond its borders. But with a growing divide between those supporting the Chinese, especially among the wealthy, and an active and growing resistance against the Chinese on the rise among many of my poorest people, who see them buying up our land and our heritage, things are getting worrisome. And truthfully, the Chinese and their supporters are beginning to realize I’m not going to be as pliable as my predecessor.”

I could well imagine how things were going for her. China had long been trying to strengthen its foothold in the Pacific, and it wouldn’t easily abandon its hold on the Cook Islands. Growing local resistance, or a new prime minister sympathetic to the concerns of her people, could jeopardize the country’s broader strategic objectives.

“How are you managing it so far?” I asked, truly curious.

She took another sip of her brandy. “As I said, we’ve been gathering evidence, documenting instances where local law enforcement has been sidelined, and compiling testimonies from those who have experienced the heavy hand of the Chinese officers. My legal team and I are revisiting the agreement, and we are preparing a move to negate the Chinese presence on the island. We’ve been doing this as discreetly as possible, but I’m concerned the Chinese may be on to us…or particularly me.”

I considered a moment. “You think they may be responsible for the attack on you yesterday?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged. “It’s a hefty accusation, and one I can’t make public yet, for obvious reasons. We’ve been interrogating the gunman, but he hasn’t said a word. Literally, he’s not talking at all. He’s a resident of ours, and he’s been in trouble with the law before—disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, petty theft…mostly misdemeanors. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine he’d been paid or somehow convinced shooting me would be the right thing to do. That’s all I’ve been told…so far.”

I heard something in her voice. “So, you suspect the police aren’t sharing everything with you?”

“It’s just a feeling,” she said. “I don’t have proof, but my gut is telling me there is more to this than is readily evident.”

This had gone farther and deeper than I had expected, and it wasn’t in my expertise nor purview, so I finished my brandy and stood, holding out a hand to Lexi to signal the end of the conversation. “Thank you for sharing your concerns with us, Prime Minister, and for a delicious dinner. I honestly don’t know if there’s anything we can do, and I don’t envy your situation, but Lexi and I certainly wish you the best of luck.”

Petra stood and held out a hand. “I understand. I’m not sure New Zealand has fully shared our situation and challenges with other countries that have a vested interest in limiting China’s influence in the Pacific. I feel it’s important for the US to know, especially since we’re expecting a consular official to be stationed here soon and things are…well, dynamic. But enough business. I appreciate you listening and understanding my concerns. Please enjoy the rest of your honeymoon, and congratulations on your wedding. I’ll have Rangi call your driver to take you back to the resort. If you need anything while you’re here, give Rangi a call. He’s my right-hand man, and you can trust him with anything.”

We shook hands cordially before Rangi appeared. We exchanged contact information at Petra’s request, and he led us back to the car.

Lexi glanced at me questioningly as we got into the vehicle, but I shook my head slightly at her, so we rode back to the resort in silence. After thanking our driver, we exited the vehicle at the front of the resort. Lexi headed to the entrance, but I took her hand, pulling her to my side.

“Let’s take a moonlit walk on the beach,” I said, squeezing her hand.

“Sure,” she said.

I didn’t speak again until we had removed our shoes and started our stroll down the beach.

“You want to tell me what that was all about?” Lexi said.

“The prime minister is in trouble.”

“No kidding. My question is, what exactly are the Chinese doing?”

I looked out over the moonlight reflecting on the dark water. “Expanding their sphere of influence, and not so subtly. The prime minister is right. By providing aid and investments to other small island nations and developing countries, they’re securing votes and alliances within the region and the country. The Cook Islands are not the first country in this area where this is happening. It’s a strategic move to bolster Chinese claims and presence in the Pacific region. The Cook Islands are just a part of a larger puzzle.”

“That’s comforting—not. Apparently, however, not everyone on the island is a fan of the Chinese strategic moves. From the protest we saw, the Chinese are facing at least some grassroots resistance from the local communities, as well as the prime minister herself.”

I nodded. “Clearly. But opinions seem mixed. Most likely there are some communities that see the immediate benefits of Chinese support. Better infrastructure, job opportunities, and safety. But others, including the prime minister, are rightfully wary of losing their autonomy and becoming too dependent on a foreign power.”

“It’s a delicate balance.”

“It is.”

“So, what are we supposed to do?” Lexi asked, stopping to admire the moonlight reflecting off the water. “I guess we’re out here talking about it because the Chinese are now most likely monitoring us and might have our hotel room bugged.”

I nodded. “Probably not yet, but I expect we will be soon. After I stopped the assassination, followed by our subsequent visit to the prime minister’s home, we should assume they’ll be quite curious about us. I doubt they are so efficient as to have already bugged our room, but better safe than sorry. I’ll do a sweep when we get back. I just wanted you to be careful with what you say.”

“Great.” She heaved a big sigh. “Do we ever get time off?”

I patted her shoulder. “Oh, I assure you, we’re going to enjoy our honeymoon, cara . There’s nothing else we can do here—this is a deeply complex and strategic issue that does not fall within our expertise. This kind of issue is left to State Department diplomats, CIA analysts, and long-term strategic planners. Obviously, I can, and will, report what the prime minister told us and, honestly, I think that’s all she wanted. But otherwise, this situation is not ours to worry about, for a change.”

She looked up at me. “Promise?”

“Promise.” I cupped her chin with my hand and kissed her softly on the mouth. “Now, let’s finish our moonlit walk and banish any thought of politics and the Chinese from our minds. From here on out, it’s all about us and relaxation.”

“That works for me,” she said, slipping her hand into mine.

In that moment, as we strolled down the beach with the warm water lapping our feet and the stars glistening in the sky, I truly believed what I’d said.

Unfortunately, the universe had other plans for us.