“Tens of thousands,” Lee corrected.
Both Carlson and Beth stared at him. “Tens of thousands of tigers?” It sounded impossible. Beth’s research had informed Carlson that only two thousand tigers remained in the wild, with maybe a few thousand more scattered around the world in zoos and private collections.
The silence persisted, and Lee cast his eyes across Carlson and his team, projecting power.
“Gentlemen, there are plenty of pharmaceutical companies that want to tap into the Chinese health tonic market. But only we can provide the ingredients at scale. We need a partner, but that partner does not need to be you.”
Carlson glanced at Beth, intrigued but not sold. “We could set it up as a new company, with a new board, to wall it off from the KR Pharmaceutical brand,” Beth offered. “On paper, KR could just be an investor and strategic partner. There’d be some exposure, but it would be limited.”
Carlson nodded, considering, then returned his attention to Lee. “There’s just one other issue.”
Lee had to know the question that was coming, though he betrayed no hint of discomfort. “My father . . .”
Lee’s father had fled China fifteen years earlier, during the crackdown on organized crime, and he was still listed near the top of their most-wanted list. Heroin trafficking. Racketeering. Human smuggling. Trading in endangered-animal parts. The allegations painted a picture of a vast underworld empire, with Lee senior running the show.
Carlson nodded grimly. “His background is concerning, to say the least. You have to understand that KR Pharmaceutical is wary of any ventures that could tarnish our brand. We simply cannot be linked to anyone engaging in criminal activities. And I suspect that none of your other suitors would want that either.”
“No one has heard from my father in fifteen years. He will not be a problem.”
Carlson patted his knees and turned to his colleagues. “I’m willing to continue the conversation. If everything you say checks out, we’ll launch in the spring.”
He rose and gave Lee a forceful handshake. “In the meantime, you better find yourself some tigers.”
A grin crept up the corner of Lee’s mouth. “I already have.”
CHAPTER 13
NIMPINI
mozambique
“What is the reason for your visit to Mozambique?” the immigration official had asked him at the chaotic border crossing just east of Komatipoort.
“I’m going on safari,” Cobus replied.
The official gave him a disapproving look, then stamped his passport. Moments later, Cobus was back in his matte-black Mitsubishi Triton pickup, heading east into Moz.
It was late morning on a desolate section of road between Moamba and Magude when a police vehicle shot past, heading in the opposite direction. Cobus saw the officer’s eyes lock on to him as he sped by.
Don’t turn around. Don’t turn around. Cobus tracked the police car receding in his rearview mirror, continuing to glance back every few seconds.
A minute later, the cop appeared in his rearview mirror.
The officer flashed his lights, and Cobus pulled over, annoyed but not surprised. It happened nearly every time he came to Mozambique. His white face was a billboard advertising free cash.