Eddie reminded everyone what they were doing, then Nana locked up the boat and they went shopping. Kaede had the guide to where the stores were.
Instead of the golf cart sized taxi cabs that were everywhere, they walked to take in the town. Eddie had his camera around his neck. He knew Nana was going to want pictures.
Everywhere in town was bright and clean. There were police around, and wanting to get a picture of all four of them by a fountain, one policeman happily agreed to take Eddie's camera and get a shot of the four of them together. They stopped in a tourist clothing store. Kaede and Nana got colorful light dresses and fancier hats, Eddie and Bill got the wildly colorful loose shirts. Nana loved the look of the sandals they had in bright colors. Kaede paid with her government card.
At the ice cream stand by the beach, Nana paid with cash so they could all have ice cream cones.
Sitting down at a wrought iron table with an umbrella over it, Eddie took in the scenery. "I can see why they don't want the tourist industry disturbed. From what I can see, that is their industry. This is damn near like Disneyland."
"It is very nice," Bill agreed. "Though a bit expensive, I'm sure."
Kaede chuckled, "I doubt anyone comes here who doesn't have money."
"It beats Coney Island," Eddie said in English.
From the next table over, a woman with curly blonde hair, big sunglasses and a colorful dress turned to him. "Sir, you've been to Coney Island in New York?"
Eddie cast her a grin. "Many times. I'm from New York."
She leaned closer and tipped her glasses down. "My God! You're Eddie Brock!"
The other four women with her all looked at him. Kaede and Bill laughed.
Eddie patted himself and said, "Yeah, last time I looked."
They giggled at him.
Eddie pointed to his friends and said, "This is Bill, my cameraman, Kaede Kikumura, and Nana. We heard about this island, so we had to come visit."
"It's great, isn't it? The woman asked in a swoon. "The natives are all so friendly and there's tons of things to do! I bet you're doing a story here?"
Eddie tipped his head. "I do think there is a story here to be had now that I see this place. Not every one of the stories I do are hard hitting or controversial."
The woman pointed a manicured finger at him. "Yes! I remember the one you did on bodies being in the dump in New York, and dug one up to prove it! Many politicians were not happy with you for that."
"Hazards of the business," Eddie said with a shrug. "I get the truth out, whatever it is."
A dark haired woman with them, also in sunglasses, said, "That one you did on over worked people in Tokyo who ended up killing themselves was also very controversial. You got many businessmen angry at you for exposing that. I heard they wanted to kill you."
Bill laughed. "Some did try," he said with a grin.
"Did you come by plane too?" the blond asked.
"We came in Nana's boat," Eddie replied. "The Nana's Joy. Nana really loves her boat."
"Oh, can we see Nana's boat?" a brown haired woman in her fancy hat and big sunglasses asked in Japanese.
Nana gave a happy nod. "Sure! Nana is proud Eddie got Nana her boat!"
After they finished their snacks and ice cream, the gaggle of women went down with Nana and Eddie to see her boat. Kaede and Bill went off seeing sights and scouting.
On the dock, then on the boat, Nana showed them around, speaking to three of the women in Japanese as she gave them a tour. The brown haired woman and the blonde stayed closer to Eddie as he showed them around.
With their sunglasses off, Eddie saw the blonde had bright blue eyes and the brown haired woman has light brown eyes as they studied Nana's boat.
"We have all the modern navigation and conveniences," Eddie told them. "Sailing this thing is easy, it all but drives itself. The rooms down on the second deck are pretty comfortable too."
The blonde grinned. "You keep calling this a boat. It's a yacht. This must have been very expensive. I didn't think reporters got paid this well."
Eddie chuckled. "Well, how we got it is another story. Let's just say the ones we worked for were very grateful."
"This is a lot of gratitude. Dare I ask what you did for such appreciation?" she asked.
Eddie winced "Sorry," he said with a shrug.
The blonde glanced over to see Nana and the others had gone out on the foredeck where Nana was explaining it was a great place to sun bathe. "I heard rumors there is a big drug operation on this island."
"Really?" Eddie asked. "What did you hear?"
In a more serious tone, the woman said, "Can you keep a secret?"
"I'm paid to expose secrets, especially bad ones," Eddie replied.
The woman reached into her dress and pulled out a badge. "I'm Catherine Benning, CIA. The woman with me is Carla Smith, my associate. Mr. Brock, I highly doubt you came here just for fun and sun. We believe there is a large drug ring on this island, but we have found nothing substantial. We have intel China is using this island to transport drugs to Mexico, where border crossers take it into the US. Is there anything you can tell us about it?"
Eddie frowned. "Well, that makes sense. Catherine, right? Do me and yourself a big favor. Just keep playing tourist. If anything goes down, get your butts back here on board. That's the best I can tell you."
"You do know something about it," Catherine stated.
Firmly, Eddie told her, "The only thing I can tell you is if you get caught snooping around, you'll probably get disappeared. Let me and my friends handle the bad guys."
Catherine grew a grin. "So, who you working for?"
"Can't say."
"Mr. Brock," Carla said, "Isn't it better if we work together?"
"No. It's too dangerous for you. Please believe me on this. The area you're interested in is very well protected and closely watched. Myself and Kaede are prepared to deal with it. You're not."
"And here I thought you were just a reporter," Catherine said with a crooked grin.
Eddie shrugged. "That's what I want people to think."
"Would you like us to keep an eye on you? Just in case something goes bad?" Catherine asked. "We're excited to see you have a yacht. We could be port buddies."
Eddie laughed and shook his head. "Listen, if anyone takes notice and we do get caught, you'll be next to be selected to answer some painful questions. It's best we're not seen together on a regular basis."
"But we could become vacation lovers," Catherine said with lusty grin.
Eddie cringed. "Ah, Catherine, Nana would kick your ass up one side and down the other. She's very jealous."
"Little Nana? That's hard to believe, we are schooled in martial arts."
"Wouldn't do you any good, trust me," Eddie replied.
Seeing Nana coming back through with their three friends, Catherine decided to test that. She plowed into Eddie with a hug. "Thank you for showing us your …" She didn't get to finish and was pulled away hard from Eddie to hang in the air. Gaping at seeing nothing holding her, she saw Nana stride up to her, looking angry. Nana pointed to the dock. Catherine drifted in the air over to the dock. Whatever had her let go. She stumbled open landing, but kept her feet.
Holy hell! All she could do was stare at the little purple haired girl. Carla was staring at Nana too.
Nana proclaimed something in Japanese.
Carla translated. "Catherine, Nana said if you touch Eddie again, she will rip you apart."
Catherine swallowed. "We better go. Tell Nana I'm sorry, I was just happy seeing her boat."
Carla bowed and explained to Nana, then led the procession off the boat. Catherine wasn't the only one a little dazed at that Nana did as they walked back down the dock. Eddie telling her to let him handle the bad guys was now making a bit more sense. That had to be some very powerful telekinesis Nana had.
Still she had a job to do.
.
Walking around and looking to see what was here, Kaede got a look at the cliffs near the water where the fence was. She did note where a couple cameras and a motion detector was. By the looks, they were all aimed at where someone would try to get though the fence of climb the vertical cliff.
"Can I help you, Ma'am?" a voice sounded right behind her and Bill.
Kaede turned to him. She pointed at the cliff. "I can understand that cliff is dangerous. I'd think people would want to stay away from it. Wouldn't warning signs be enough?"
The policeman chuckled. "You would think so. Fact is now and then we get people who like to cliff dive."
"Cliff dive?"
"Yes. It's a sport in some places to get atop of a cliff and dive into the water," He explained. "Before we put the protection up, we had a couple of them try to climb up and dive off the rocks. Both died. The rocks aren't that solid, and although it looks to be, the water isn't that deep. To keep people from killing themselves, we had to shave the rock perfectly flat and put up that fence. It's very bad publicity for people to come commit suicide here."
"It looks suicidal," Kaede agreed. "Then again, some people do crazy things."
"Unfortunately, that's true," the Policeman agreed. "You were just curious why this was here?"
"We just got here, so we were walking around checking everything out. I do think it's much better at the beach, and you do have some wonderful stores here," Kaede offered with a smile.
"And much safer for you," he prodded.
"For sure," Kaede agreed. "I'm sorry if we worried you."
"No problem, Ma'am. We just want to keep out guests out of trouble."
Kaede walked away with the Policeman and Bill. She asked the man if they had a restaurant that served beef steaks. He said they did and gave her directions. She thanked him and went on her way and noticed the small hut he went into.
Yes, this area was carefully watched.
By the end of the day, Kaede and Eddie confirmed what their entry point to the mountainous area of the island was going to be. The other coastal area was near the airport with many fences and cameras around it. Eddie was sure the waters near that inlet were also very closely watched.
.
Catherine was curious who Eddie Brock was working for. Part of her group, Kawa here was with the Japanese police. She had Kawa ask her superiors why Brock was here as she sent a satellite message to her bosses asking what they knew of Eddie Brock. Although she got no reply, during their dinner, Kawa had gotten a stern reply.
Eddie Brock was here by order of the Emperor for a vacation. They were to stay away from him and any with him.
Going back to their rooms, Catherine and Carla went into find two men with pistols. Catherine just had time to see them and the men shot. They were hit with darts. Catherine tried to run but passed out and fell. Carla tried to draw her gun, but passed out before she could aim it.
One of the men spoke into his collar mike. From a cleaning room at the end of the hall, maids came out with a pair of large garbage totes. The men handcuffed Catherine and Carla, then dumped them into a tote. The maids closed the covers. Down the hall the three Japanese women were dumped into the other tote. They were wheeled to the elevator and taken away.
Catherine awoke with a headache and bound to a metal X-frame, leaned back. In front of her were her clothes, she'd been stripped naked and her badge, gun and satellite radio were on the shelf beside her clothes. Looking around she saw she was in a cavern. Rock walls, ceiling and floor. Beside her Carla was also bound naked to a frame. She also noted the frames were on wheels. Their bindings were thick leather. Carla's clothes, gun, radio and badge were also on a shelf across from her.
"Carla … Carla!" Catherine whispered as loud as she dared.
Carla groaned, then woke up and struggled. "Fuck!" she spat. Looking around, she said, We're caught, aren't we."
"We are it's not looking good." Catherine agreed.
A man came in, followed by two others pushing a frame. On it was a naked Japanese woman, her head was down. He eyed Catherine and Carla with a smile. He reached over and fondled one of Catherine's breasts. "These two may be keepers, if they talk."
Catherine ignored him.
"This one is refusing to talk," he said. "She's not dead yet, we're going to use her as an example. You get to watch. Bring them."
The woman she knew as Yuki was pushed past her. It looked like Yuki had been lashed, angry red streaks adorned her body. She also had a black eye and a split lip. More men came to push Catherine and Carla out to follow. Catherine noted behind them was Kawa on a frame, also naked.
The man leading them went into another cavern room, This one was open to the ocean. On the floor was what looked like guides, angled up at the outside end. Yuki's frame was put on the guides with Yuki facing them. Carla, Catherine, Kawa and Suki were placed side by side. Carla was fondled too and pinched to the grins of the men who had them.
The man in front of them scowled. "Enough of that! Play later. So ladies, who will save this woman's life and tell me what your people have planned?"
"We don't know what you're talking about! Catherine yelled. "We just came for vacation!"
The man pulled out a knife and stabbed Yuki in the stomach. She flailed a bit and screamed. "Who wants to say the truth!" he barked.
Yuki groaned out, "Say nothing."
The man stabbed her in the side, making her scream again. "Well? The truth, anyone?"
"I AM telling the truth!" Catherine snapped. "We had no idea anything was going on here until YOU kidnapped us!"
"Let us go and we won't say anything," Carla added.
The man smirked. "Really? We do have too many prisoners here. I can see American CIA as being clueless. So you may have a point. Eject this one." he said an waved at Yuki.
A long cylinder was attached to the frame. Air sounded and Yuji and her frame was pushed quickly up the rails, and flew out of the cavern.
"The water outside is deep. Once the sharks and other predators clean the frame off, we'll retrieve it. I think she has a good chance of drowning before anything starts to chew on her, but you never know." the man said with a shrug.
"So, you kill innocent helpless women?" Carla asked in a growl.
The man cast her a tight smile. "Not just women, but anyone we see as a threat. I take it you want to be next?"
"Fuck you, asshole!" Carla spat.
"I'm got going to fuck you, but I'm sure someone will be," the man told her. He motioned to the men behind Carla. "Take her to a private room, have your ways with her. Whatever you want to do with her is fine, so long as you don't kill her."
"Sadistic pig!" Carla snapped.
"Yes, we are as you will soon learn!" he agreed.
Carla was pulled away, spitting curses at the men.
'Ouch, bad move, Carla,' Catherine thought. "Look, I'm telling you the truth. We did come here for a vacation. We were headed to Hiroshima, and thought a nice island vacation on the government would be nice. We had no clue anything was going on here!"
The man eyed her. "You didn't know these other women were police?"
"Yes, I did, but I had thought they were here just for some fun and sun as we were!" Catherine said firmly. "Yuki, the one you just murdered, said nothing about any investigating or operation. Kawa and Suki here also have said nothing about any plans or investigating!"
"Why did they ask about this Eddie Brock they saw?" the man asked.
"He's a famous reporter from New York!" Catherine cried. "I wanted to know what the hell he was doing here. I found out he got a boat for his girlfriend and she wanted to go sight seeing. I talked to him, yes! And if anything he was planning to do a summer vacation piece on the news about how nice it is here."
The man smiled. "At least you are talking. You are convincing as well. Who's Brock's girlfriend?"
"Her name's Nana, and she's about the most innocent person I've even seen. If I didn't know better, I'd say she is a bit retarded."
The man laughed. "I see. Return this one to the holding area. Keep your hands off her for now."
"You'll let us go?" Catherine asked.
"No, but you won't be tortured, or have to watch what I do to these two."
"They weren't doing anything!" Catherine said firmly.
"I'm sure you believe so." the man whisked his hand at her. She was pulled back out of the room. She saw Kawa was being set up on the guides.
Shit shit shit!
.
In the morning Eddie and Nana had some shower fun, then grabbed some breakfast in the lounge. Bill came in with a man in a bright yellow and green suit.
Bill motioned to him. "Sir this is Eddie Brock and Nana."
The man bore a bright smile. "Greetings Mr. Brock. I heard you'd like to do a news piece on our island resort? I'm Komatsu Akira, Mayor of our island."
Eddie got up and bowed. "Pleased to meet you. Yes, I would love to do a piece on your island. It's a very pretty and friendly place. I've noticed the prices of things aren't too bad either. I'd planned on coming to see someone about it, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Does this mean we are free to capture your resort on video?"
"We welcome the free advertising!" the Mayor beamed. "By all means, please come show everyone what a nice place we have here!"
"Great!" Eddie announced. "After we finish breakfast, can I show you what I've taken an interest in? Oh, can we get you something, food or drink?"
The mayor waved a hand and said, "Thank you, but no. Shall I meet you on the back deck of your lovely yacht?"
"Of course, we'll be right out," Eddie assured him. He told Bill, "Grab your camera."
"Can Nana be in it too?" Nana asked.
"Sorry Nana, just me and the Mayor. We'll get some shots of you later." Eddie said and swallowed the rest of his breakfast. He also got one of his bright tourist shirts on.
Eddie went out on deck and motioned the Mayor to follow him up near the bow. As Bill set up, he explained, "This is great, first I'd like to do a short interview with you, right here with the town in the background. Is there a basis on why you chose this island for a resort?"
"There is. Before we built this island up, the people were fishermen and poor. Now everyone has good homes and jobs."
'That's the type of thing people need to know," Eddie said with a nod. "So people can get educations now and schooling?"
"They can. We also have a very liberal loan policy for all residents. Zero interest to help our population prosper. Zero taxes also, Tourists coming in more than cover our expenses."
"Wonderful, talk about that," Eddie prodded. "If you don't mind, after we're done here, I'd like to take a walk around town with you so you can tell people about specific things you're proud of."
"Ready," Bill called.
"OK, Mr, Mayor, I'll introduce you, then talk with me and try not to look at the camera. We want to make this look as natural as possible."
.
Eddie spent half the day with the Mayor who was more than happy to show Eddie their town. Nana came along just to watch and stay near Eddie. They stopped to talk to a restaurant owner and the man renting small watercraft, then stopped by a police station to talk with a couple police. Coming to the place they thought was the best way to get up on the cliffs, a police sargent explained the area up there was much too dangerous and the closed off to make sure no one else got hurt trying to jump from the cliffs. They did everything possible to ensure everyone's safety.
After filming Eddie, Nana and the Mayor sitting down for a light lunch at a sidewalk café, Bill had filled his memory chips he brought with them.
"That's it," Bill told them.
"Darn," Eddie grumbled. "Well, we can pick it up tomorrow if that's OK with you, Mayor. We need to go do some editing. If it's fine with you, tomorrow we'll get some shots at the airport, and if possible, I'd like to get an overhead view of the town, beaches and marina."
"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Brock," The Mayor said. "Where would you like to meet, and at what time?"
Eddie paused, then said, "Say, the airport at noon? There's some workers here at the docks I'd like to interview also. You know, when we came in, they were fantastic in their service. Had us tied up with service connections in no time. That brow is one they brought down for us. They were very efficient."
"You praise of their efforts is much appreciated," The Mayor said with a bow. "Noon tomorrow then?"
Eddie nodded with his bow. "And Sir, I know it's not your custom but I would love to shake your hand."
The mayor smiled and shook Eddie hand. "Your custom to show respect?"
"Yes and to show gratitude. Thank you for your help, Mr. Mayor," Eddie agreed.
The Mayor left beaming a smile. Apparently that blonde woman was right. Brock was just here for a summer fun story.
.
They got back to Nana's Joy to find Kaede in the lounge. On the table in front of her were some women's clothes and passports. Eddie walked in and frowned. "Where'd that stuff come from?"
"From a bin outside the incinerator, waiting to go in. Looks like someone got disappeared. I didn't find any bodies or blood."
Eddie looked at the passports. Catherine Benning. The other was Carla Smith. "They got caught," he said with a sigh.
"Apparently. Since there were no bodies, they are probably under interrogation now." Kaede stated.
"Yup," Eddie agree heavily.
"Can we save them?" Nana asked.
"We need to save or silence them. They know about us," Kaede said flatly.
"We do. Bill, bring up that footage at the edge of the cliff. We need to scrutinize it. We're going tonight."
